Jan 4, 2019, 9:09 am
Last edit by: jfkeze
Welcome to the thread. This is a continuation of the highly popular 2018 Tier Point thread (found here). We keep track of other prices, as well as useful reference information for those planning tier point runs.
Please read the first few posts in this thread first as it contains lots of information which may answer your question.
This is a community-maintained wiki post. Please add important information to it or correct outdated information by clicking the "Edit" button below.
A new guideline thread for TP meetups has been created on 31 March 2020. If you would like other members to join your TP, or if you want to organize a TP run with other members. Please visit there. From the first few posts over there you could see the active ( confirmed ) TP meetings and the links to their relevant discussion threads, connect with other members and learn the details about the run. Click here to access that thread.
Current Promotions of Interest
Sale Fares
Please read the first few posts in this thread first as it contains lots of information which may answer your question.
This is a community-maintained wiki post. Please add important information to it or correct outdated information by clicking the "Edit" button below.
A new guideline thread for TP meetups has been created on 31 March 2020. If you would like other members to join your TP, or if you want to organize a TP run with other members. Please visit there. From the first few posts over there you could see the active ( confirmed ) TP meetings and the links to their relevant discussion threads, connect with other members and learn the details about the run. Click here to access that thread.
Current Promotions of Interest
Sale Fares
See here in post 9 for a 2019 archive of exEU sale fare, and see this post in the 2018 thread for last years’ archive of exEU sale fares.
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This thread lists attractive tier point (TP) runs under £3 per TP grouped within different (departure) geographies
Please note that current availability is not guaranteed and all prices include taxes. Please use the following convention when adding tier point runs to this wiki post:
Date fare checked Price per Tier Point Total Price Total Tier Points Route Booking Classes Booking Channel Credit Notes (if applicable) Airlines
Please remember to:
- Convert currencies to GBP, rounding to the nearest pound.
- Post full routes and full booking classes.
- Note any restrictions on booking in the Notes section.
- List in order of price per tier point within the relevant departure area.
Please see the links at the bottom of the wiki for archives of runs from previous years.
From Europe
15 Oct £0.96/TP £154 160 TPs LHR-SOF (2021 dates)
24 Feb £1.90/TP £152 80TP MAD-FRA Z/Z LA (available Feb-Mar 2019, immediate turnarounds possible)
10 Aug £2.06/TP £329 160TP LHR-MAD-RAK RAK-MAD-LHR I/I/I/I IB (available August, Sat night stay) BA.com, note hotels on offer until 26 March
3 Jul £2.99/TP £2,758.45 920TP DUB-LHR-JFK-LAX-HNL-LAX-JFK-LHR-DUB J/I/I/I/I/I/I/J Fare basis INX4C3S4 and INN4C1S4. Booked on AA via ITA Matrix Powertools script
18 Dec £1.90/TP £1370 720TP DUB-LHR-JFK-LAX-LAS-LAX-JFK-LHR-DUB All I class Flights 25 December to 31 March 2020, transatlantic Mon to Thur. Offer to 18 Dec. ITA details booked by TA Propeller
27 Apr £2.29/TP £640TP BEG-DOH-KUL-PEN-KUL-DOH-BEG I / I / I / I / I / I Fare IJR2R1RE Bookable on QR.com
From North, Central and South America
10Jan £1.52/TP £668 440tp JFK-BOS/CLT-LAX-LAS-LAX-BOS/CLT-JFK I / I / I / I / I / I HPN-HRL AA (find with ITA; probably have to book via a TA)
12Apr £0.90/TP £215 240tp DCA-ORD-CLT-RDU-CLT-ORD-DCA I/I/I/I/I/I/I AA Found with ITA, booked on the AA site with BookWithMatrix
23Apr £ 0.76/TP £ 182 240TP DCA-PHL-CLT-RDU-CLT-ORD-DCA I / I / I / I / I / I AA Found with ITA Matrix, Book on AA.com via BookWithMatrix or PowerTools
24Apr £ 1.04/TP £ 459 440TP YVR-LAX-CLT-ATL-CLT-LAX-YVR I / I / I / I / I / I AA Found with ITA Matrix, Book on AA.com via BookWithMatrix or PowerTools
23May £ 0.70/TP £ 169 240TP EWR-ORD-CLT-RDU-CLT-DFW-EWR I / I / I / I / I / I AA Found with ITA Matrix, Book on AA.com via BookWithMatrix or PowerTools
24Jun £ 0.52/TP £ 128 240TP LAX-DFW-PHX-SJC-PHX-DFW-LAX I / I / I / I / I / I AA Found with ITA Matrix, Book on AA.com via BookWithMatrix or PowerTools
From Middle East, Asia and Australasia
04/01 £0.95/TP £479 560tp AUH-CMB-CGK-CMB-AUH I / I / I / I cgtechuk UL
1FEB £1.49/TP £1,673 1,120tp PER-SYD-SIN-TYO-BKK Return (All book in I Class) timcjp BA (Ticket sold by BA, flights are on QF, BA & JL and lie flat seats available for all sectors)
23/04 £2.07/TP £2,112 1020TP CAI-LHR-JFK-LAX-HNL-DFW-ORD-LHR-CAI I/R here (All flights must be BA numbered)
From Africa
04/01 £1.80/TP £721 400tp CPT-JNB-GRU-JNB-DUR-CPT I / Z / Z / I / I ubiest LA
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Need a year-end TP run (ex-LON) to make / retain status?
Some tips for searching for the year-end TP run for newcomers, the below is indicative only, but hopefully provides a bit of guidance for relatively straightforward runs ex-LON. Some information on how to use ITA matrix is in post 4 of this thread (or just click here) along with these ideas, might come in handy. Feel free to share results, problems or general questions in the thread as these may not always work and there might be better deals out there...
For overnight trips remember to check BA and Iberia for their flights and hotel option as well, can get hotel for almost no extra cost at times
Need 80 TPs or fewer
Club Europe return somewhere close by is best - DUB, AMS and JER usually cheapest along with UK domestic returns. Additionally you may find that trips in to mainland Europe require a one night stay whereas the cheapest domestic CE returns do not have any minimum stay so can be booked as a same day return. If doing a back to back AMS and JER can be easier than DUB for an immediate turnaround - more information can be found in the back to back thread listed in the forum dashboard. The BA.com low fare finder can be very useful.
If you need as few as 45 TPs you might consider booking economy flights and hoping for a proactive online upgrade offer - but they're not guaranteed to materialise (so not one if you have no more time left in your TP collection year). Alternatively, booking a return to one of the 40 tier point destinations with one way in CE and the return in ET (or vice versa if cheaper). UK domestic route, Bilbao, Jersey and Amsterdam seem the most cost effective for this.
Need 85-120 TPs
Iberia flights via MAD to regional Spanish airports will get you 120 TPs as the domestic Spanish flights are 20 TPs in business. Under £300 including hotel can be available. Check BIO, GRX, VLC, BCN, SVQ etc. Example here
Need 125-160 TPs
Take a look at the shorthaul plus routes earning 80 TPs each way in business listed in the first post of this thread (here), MLA, IST, HEL and RAK are usually available. If time sensitive take a look at BA flight and hotel option to HEL, where you can usually get the BA flight out on a Saturday, airport hotel and return on Sunday for well under £500.
Alternative options include positioning to JER and flying JER-LGW-XXX (AMS usually works well and avoids switching airports).
Need more than 160 TPs
You'll most likely be heading north then - OSL or VNO via HEL will get you 240 TPs, as will JER-LGW/LHR-HEL e.g. LHR-HEL-OSL for £520.
DUB-LHR-HEL return (or return to LHR) is currently a very efficient way of hitting 200-240 TPs
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Historic information
2018 Archive
2017 Archive
2016 Archive
2015 Archive (6 months Jul to Dec)
2015 Archive (6 months Jan to Jun)
2014 Archive
BA Tier Point Runs | 2019-20 edition
Apr 29, 2020, 8:52 am
#4726
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: South Glos, UK
Programs: BAEC Silver/OW Sapphire
Posts: 1,161
Ive already booked the HNL TP run but am tempted to do a separate trip to SFO as the prices are under £1000.
Is there any reason why when I do a dummy booking it books me in to Business rather than First on the JFK-SFO-JFK? I don’t want to travel in Business.
Do I need to adjust the filters in ITA?
Is there any reason why when I do a dummy booking it books me in to Business rather than First on the JFK-SFO-JFK? I don’t want to travel in Business.
Do I need to adjust the filters in ITA?
Apr 29, 2020, 8:59 am
#4727
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 7,464
Ive already booked the HNL TP run but am tempted to do a separate trip to SFO as the prices are under £1000.
Is there any reason why when I do a dummy booking it books me in to Business rather than First on the JFK-SFO-JFK? I don’t want to travel in Business.
Do I need to adjust the filters in ITA?
Is there any reason why when I do a dummy booking it books me in to Business rather than First on the JFK-SFO-JFK? I don’t want to travel in Business.
Do I need to adjust the filters in ITA?
Apr 29, 2020, 9:10 am
#4728
Join Date: Apr 2020
Location: LHR
Programs: Centurion BA GGL IHG Diamond
Posts: 134
It is because JFK-SFO is the AA Transcontinental product, which is 3-class (economy, business and first). If you are on an international business fare (which it appears you are trying to book) you will be booked in business on these segments. The same goes for the JFK-LAX-JFK services on AA. Business on these A321Ts is a very nice way to cross the States.
Apr 29, 2020, 9:10 am
#4729
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: BER
Programs: BA GGL, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,843
sometimes you do a TP run and it suggest you to do a single LEG in Y cause there is no Business class (or domestic first) on that route.
for the record: every WTP ticket with a Eco feeder also can do that.
Apr 29, 2020, 9:19 am
#4730
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 7,464
For AA in the States (domestic) they operate essentially two offerings:
- All services* have Economy and Domestic First cabins (recliner chairs, typically 2-2 across or 1-2 on a regional jet) - the first cabin books into business fare buckets
- For specifically** JFK-LAX-JFK and JFK-SFO-JFK have three classes (economy, business and first) - business is 2-2 lie flat and first is 1-1 lie flat - if you are on an international business ticket, you will be travelling in business and if you are on an international first ticket, you can travel in first on these A321Ts (old anomalies no longer exist
)
Note (for the pendants):
* not all services have Domestic First - usually those operated by E140/145 or CRJ200s but these are really on very specific routes only, certainly not East/West to West/East coasts
** there are the odd MIA-LAX or PHL-LAX (other variations possible) that have been sold as Y/J/F in the past using widebody equipment, but lets just say they are random at best
Apr 29, 2020, 9:20 am
#4731
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: BER
Programs: BA GGL, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,843
Sorry, I'm not exactly sure what you are asking.
For AA in the States (domestic) they operate essentially two offerings:
Note (for the pendants):
* not all services have Domestic First - usually those operated by E140/145 or CRJ200s but these are really on very specific routes only, certainly not East/West to West/East coasts
** there are the odd MIA-LAX or PHL-LAX (other variations possible) that have been sold as Y/J/F in the past, but lets just say they are random at best
For AA in the States (domestic) they operate essentially two offerings:
- All services* have Economy and Domestic First cabins (recliner chairs, typically 2-2 across or 1-2 on a regional jet) - the first cabin books into business fare buckets
- For specifically** JFK-LAX-JFK and JFK-SFO-JFK have three classes (economy, business and first) - business is 2-2 lie flat and first is 1-1 lie flat - if you are on an international business ticket, you will be travelling in business and if you are on an international first ticket, you can travel in first on these A321Ts (old anomalies no longer exist )
Note (for the pendants):
* not all services have Domestic First - usually those operated by E140/145 or CRJ200s but these are really on very specific routes only, certainly not East/West to West/East coasts
** there are the odd MIA-LAX or PHL-LAX (other variations possible) that have been sold as Y/J/F in the past, but lets just say they are random at best
there are several routes which are operated by widebody jets such as MIA-LAX, JFK-MIA, PHX-HNL, ORD-LAX .... but yes, you are absolutely right for ... like 97% of the non JFK-LAX/SFO routings.
Apr 29, 2020, 9:23 am
#4732
Join Date: Apr 2020
Location: LHR
Programs: Centurion BA GGL IHG Diamond
Posts: 134
if you can afford it, yes. it is always possible to combine different fare classes and travel classes on a ticket.
sometimes you do a TP run and it suggest you to do a single LEG in Y cause there is no Business class (or domestic first) on that route.
for the record: every WTP ticket with a Eco feeder also can do that.
sometimes you do a TP run and it suggest you to do a single LEG in Y cause there is no Business class (or domestic first) on that route.
for the record: every WTP ticket with a Eco feeder also can do that.
Apr 29, 2020, 9:24 am
#4733
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 7,464
In fact, you may wish to review this site if you want to see exact widebody movements domestically in the US: https://www.aacargo.com/ship/schedules.html
Apr 29, 2020, 9:25 am
#4734
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 7,464
Apr 29, 2020, 9:28 am
#4735
Join Date: Apr 2020
Location: LHR
Programs: Centurion BA GGL IHG Diamond
Posts: 134
Sorry, I'm not exactly sure what you are asking.
For AA in the States (domestic) they operate essentially two offerings:
Note (for the pendants):
* not all services have Domestic First - usually those operated by E140/145 or CRJ200s but these are really on very specific routes only, certainly not East/West to West/East coasts
** there are the odd MIA-LAX or PHL-LAX (other variations possible) that have been sold as Y/J/F in the past using widebody equipment, but lets just say they are random at best
For AA in the States (domestic) they operate essentially two offerings:
- All services* have Economy and Domestic First cabins (recliner chairs, typically 2-2 across or 1-2 on a regional jet) - the first cabin books into business fare buckets
- For specifically** JFK-LAX-JFK and JFK-SFO-JFK have three classes (economy, business and first) - business is 2-2 lie flat and first is 1-1 lie flat - if you are on an international business ticket, you will be travelling in business and if you are on an international first ticket, you can travel in first on these A321Ts (old anomalies no longer exist )
Note (for the pendants):
* not all services have Domestic First - usually those operated by E140/145 or CRJ200s but these are really on very specific routes only, certainly not East/West to West/East coasts
** there are the odd MIA-LAX or PHL-LAX (other variations possible) that have been sold as Y/J/F in the past using widebody equipment, but lets just say they are random at best
Apr 29, 2020, 9:29 am
#4736
Join Date: Apr 2020
Location: LHR
Programs: Centurion BA GGL IHG Diamond
Posts: 134
Let's see what damage is being done traveling that leg in F
Apr 29, 2020, 9:29 am
#4737
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: BER
Programs: BA GGL, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,843
a dummy bookin in november went from 1100 EUR to 3200 EUR
Apr 29, 2020, 9:31 am
#4738
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Istanbul, Turkey
Programs: TK Elite Plus,BAEC GGL,ITA Executive, AFKL Gold,QR Gold,HH Diamond,Bonvoy Gold,ALL Gold
Posts: 14,186
With the current SOF-West Coast fares it is impossible to integrate Flagship First into the ticket,
As others mentioned;
- Flagship First is American's signature First Class product which only operates on JFK-LAX-JFK, JFK-SFO-JFK, and some MIA-LAX-MIA routes ( + international routes but it's not the case )
- Domestic First is American's intra-continent Business Class product but only named under First for marketing purposes.
As others mentioned;
- Flagship First is American's signature First Class product which only operates on JFK-LAX-JFK, JFK-SFO-JFK, and some MIA-LAX-MIA routes ( + international routes but it's not the case )
- Domestic First is American's intra-continent Business Class product but only named under First for marketing purposes.
Apr 29, 2020, 9:41 am
#4739
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: South Glos, UK
Programs: BAEC Silver/OW Sapphire
Posts: 1,161
I’m confused. If domestic transcon flights book in to Business, why am I in First on my LAX-HNL trip?
also, just playing with routing and switched from JFK to BOS-LAX-SFO and its booking in to F on the A321T.
also, just playing with routing and switched from JFK to BOS-LAX-SFO and its booking in to F on the A321T.
Apr 29, 2020, 9:45 am
#4740
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Istanbul, Turkey
Programs: TK Elite Plus,BAEC GGL,ITA Executive, AFKL Gold,QR Gold,HH Diamond,Bonvoy Gold,ALL Gold
Posts: 14,186
By the way, American Airlines has 3 different A321 configurations and BOS-LAX is not operated by A321T aircraft; you would have recliner Domestic First seats on that route.