Feb 6, 2021, 5:40 am
Last edit by: Prospero
This thread is the continuation of the discussion hosted in the BA Tier Point Runs | 2019-20 edition thread.
Useful tips and technical pointers
El_Duderito's explanation on fare routings and the maximum permitted distance you are allowed to travel (based on the distance between the origin and destination airports)
Helpful maps
The following series of maps show a 2,000 mile radius around each oneworld hub, useful for strategic planning purposes. Hopefully these will help your imagination to run free. Click on the images to reveal the accompanying maps.
EMEA
Asia Pacific
North America
Previous editions
BA Tier Point Runs | 2019-20 edition
BA Tier Point Runs | 2018 edition
BA Tier Point Runs | 2017 edition
BA Tier Point Runs | 2016 edition
BA Tier Point Runs | 2015 edition
BA Tier Point Runs | 2014 edition
BA Tier Point Runs | original edition
Useful tips and technical pointers
El_Duderito's explanation on fare routings and the maximum permitted distance you are allowed to travel (based on the distance between the origin and destination airports)
Helpful maps
The following series of maps show a 2,000 mile radius around each oneworld hub, useful for strategic planning purposes. Hopefully these will help your imagination to run free. Click on the images to reveal the accompanying maps.
EMEA
Asia Pacific
North America
Previous editions
BA Tier Point Runs | 2019-20 edition
BA Tier Point Runs | 2018 edition
BA Tier Point Runs | 2017 edition
BA Tier Point Runs | 2016 edition
BA Tier Point Runs | 2015 edition
BA Tier Point Runs | 2014 edition
BA Tier Point Runs | original edition
BA Tier Point Runs | 2021 edition
Nov 21, 2021, 10:00 am
#1576
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: BER
Programs: BA GGL, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,843
I agree that the entire concept of a TP run beginning in the USA is a bit of a non sequitur. The best pure TP runs I have seen reported tend to require a dead-head or positioning flight to a country in Europe or nearby Asia, which has a lower living standard that the US or Western Europe, and as a result (possibly combined with lower taxes also) has lower J fares and convoluted routing rules that can be exploited for TP and Avios point gain. In addition, unless the traveler frequently passes through Europe, a lot of the gains from status may be hard to actually benefit from, although there are benefits that permeate the OW Alliance that can be used.
Perhaps we need an additional category for trips taken to maximize TPs and/or Avios, that are not specifically "deals" in the sense that all you are getting is a cheap airfare for the distance flown, regardless of class; those trips already have a thread which has been referred to here as the "deals" thread. This other category would be a combination of a reasonable price (for what you are getting in terms of comfort) PLUS a lot of TPs and/or avios for what you are expending, kind of a combination of a "deal" and a TP run, and this could happen in any class of service as long as the return, in terms of comfort, points, avios, etc. represents a good return on the money expended.
Notwithstanding the difficulty of doing a true TP run originating in the USA, there are some advantages in TP accrual that can come from short hops in J on AA and especially AS.
This raises yet another question that I am grappling with and that is whether it makes any sense to attain status in TWO different OW carriers, in my case that would be AS and BA. I will soon have gold in BA which is Emerald, and recently attained MVP Gold in AS, which is Sapphire. Going forward it appears to make more sense just to credit all of my flying to BAEC. I'll be giving up a few free upgrades on AS, but since the short hop J flights I use AS for, if bought early enough, are cheap, having to buy them in J to begin with isn't a huge hit.
Perhaps we need an additional category for trips taken to maximize TPs and/or Avios, that are not specifically "deals" in the sense that all you are getting is a cheap airfare for the distance flown, regardless of class; those trips already have a thread which has been referred to here as the "deals" thread. This other category would be a combination of a reasonable price (for what you are getting in terms of comfort) PLUS a lot of TPs and/or avios for what you are expending, kind of a combination of a "deal" and a TP run, and this could happen in any class of service as long as the return, in terms of comfort, points, avios, etc. represents a good return on the money expended.
Notwithstanding the difficulty of doing a true TP run originating in the USA, there are some advantages in TP accrual that can come from short hops in J on AA and especially AS.
This raises yet another question that I am grappling with and that is whether it makes any sense to attain status in TWO different OW carriers, in my case that would be AS and BA. I will soon have gold in BA which is Emerald, and recently attained MVP Gold in AS, which is Sapphire. Going forward it appears to make more sense just to credit all of my flying to BAEC. I'll be giving up a few free upgrades on AS, but since the short hop J flights I use AS for, if bought early enough, are cheap, having to buy them in J to begin with isn't a huge hit.
most of the runs i book are 900-1400 GBP (1100 - 1600 EUR) deals worth 680/880 TP. those fares are around every know and then, if you are willing to position to anywhere in Europe, there is almost always a good deal around
+1 on the idea of a "how to maximize this fare, because i have to book it anyway and i want to get the most TP out of this trip but i know its not a TP run because its not cheap "thread. there is no harm in opening on. we could link the both threads in each wiki.
Nov 21, 2021, 10:21 am
#1577
Suspended
Join Date: Oct 2021
Posts: 885
most of the runs i book are 900-1400 GBP (1100 - 1600 EUR) deals worth 680/880 TP. those fares are around every know and then, if you are willing to position to anywhere in Europe, there is almost always a good deal around
+1 on the idea of a "how to maximize this fare, because i have to book it anyway and i want to get the most TP out of this trip but i know its not a TP run because its not cheap "thread. there is no harm in opening on. we could link the both threads in each wiki.
+1 on the idea of a "how to maximize this fare, because i have to book it anyway and i want to get the most TP out of this trip but i know its not a TP run because its not cheap "thread. there is no harm in opening on. we could link the both threads in each wiki.
One problem with such a thread is that if people are going to be doing trips they want to do anyway, those trips are going to be "all over the map," in the sense that I may want to go to France from the Western USA, whereas other people have their own starting points and destinations. The unifying idea behind TP runs is that the only point to the trip is acquiring TPs and status, and it doesn't matter where you are traveling, the whole point of the trip is the TPs obtained per unit of money.
Nov 21, 2021, 10:25 am
#1578
Ambassador, British Airways; FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Leeds, UK
Programs: BA GGL/CCR, GfL, HH Diamond
Posts: 42,990
I think it is a good idea to have such a thread, but it needs a good title in order to become a catch-phrase and to attract posts. Any ideas?
One problem with such a thread is that if people are going to be doing trips they want to do anyway, those trips are going to be "all over the map," in the sense that I may want to go to France from the Western USA, whereas other people have their own starting points and destinations. The unifying idea behind TP runs is that the only point to the trip is acquiring TPs and status, and it doesn't matter where you are traveling, the whole point of the trip is the TPs obtained per unit of money.
One problem with such a thread is that if people are going to be doing trips they want to do anyway, those trips are going to be "all over the map," in the sense that I may want to go to France from the Western USA, whereas other people have their own starting points and destinations. The unifying idea behind TP runs is that the only point to the trip is acquiring TPs and status, and it doesn't matter where you are traveling, the whole point of the trip is the TPs obtained per unit of money.
In terms of a trip which is not a TP run in that sense, but perhaps could be improved for TP earning what's the matter with the premium fare thread I mentioned?
Nov 21, 2021, 10:29 am
#1579
Ambassador, British Airways; FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Leeds, UK
Programs: BA GGL/CCR, GfL, HH Diamond
Posts: 42,990
Apologies, another post!
I would say I accept that this year we don't have the various reference post at the start of the thread (see the first 9/10 posts on the previous thread for an example BA Tier Point Runs | 2019-20 edition).
I think this would help as it would perhaps give some tips about earning more TPs which are of course generally applicable, and don't just relate to a strict TP run. These reference posts will be coming back in 2022 so that should provide a self-help resource which may help.
I would say I accept that this year we don't have the various reference post at the start of the thread (see the first 9/10 posts on the previous thread for an example BA Tier Point Runs | 2019-20 edition).
I think this would help as it would perhaps give some tips about earning more TPs which are of course generally applicable, and don't just relate to a strict TP run. These reference posts will be coming back in 2022 so that should provide a self-help resource which may help.
Nov 21, 2021, 10:32 am
#1580
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: BER
Programs: BA GGL, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,843
I think it is a good idea to have such a thread, but it needs a good title in order to become a catch-phrase and to attract posts. Any ideas?
One problem with such a thread is that if people are going to be doing trips they want to do anyway, those trips are going to be "all over the map," in the sense that I may want to go to France from the Western USA, whereas other people have their own starting points and destinations. The unifying idea behind TP runs is that the only point to the trip is acquiring TPs and status, and it doesn't matter where you are traveling, the whole point of the trip is the TPs obtained per unit of money.
One problem with such a thread is that if people are going to be doing trips they want to do anyway, those trips are going to be "all over the map," in the sense that I may want to go to France from the Western USA, whereas other people have their own starting points and destinations. The unifying idea behind TP runs is that the only point to the trip is acquiring TPs and status, and it doesn't matter where you are traveling, the whole point of the trip is the TPs obtained per unit of money.
is "how to maximize this fare, because i have to book it anyway and i want to get the most TP out of this trip but i know its not a TP run because its not cheap" not good?
Nov 22, 2021, 9:54 am
#1581
Join Date: Dec 2015
Posts: 624
Very new to this, but I've recently accepted a new job that will see me flying quick trips TPA-MIA once each month for the foreseeable future. I'm trying to take advantage of BA's reduced status levels to get Oneworld Sapphire for Flagship Lounge access at MIA. The standby flexibility would be a great perk as well since there are quite a few daily flights on the route. Alternatively, I could purchase the AA Executive card with Admiral's Club access, which is a $450 annual fee. That said, if I get status in early 2022 and it runs through 2023 then I would need to pay the annual fee twice to get the same benefits as earning via a TP run. And I would only get Admiral's Club access, not Flagship.
I've been researching all weekend trying to find the best options to hit close to the 450 tier points for anywhere from Florida to anywhere in Europe. It appears my best option right now is a weekend run MIA-MXP in J pricing around $1,900 with two stops in each direction. That would put me at 440 TP and then I would hit 450 with my first TPA-MIA roundtrip.
I recognize this isn't a great $/TP value, but I have to hit the BA flight minimum as well and can't come up with a way to do it without flying across the pond. I would much prefer to take advantage of the cheap AA J flights to South America, but then I would still need the BA flight minimum. Any ideas?
I've been researching all weekend trying to find the best options to hit close to the 450 tier points for anywhere from Florida to anywhere in Europe. It appears my best option right now is a weekend run MIA-MXP in J pricing around $1,900 with two stops in each direction. That would put me at 440 TP and then I would hit 450 with my first TPA-MIA roundtrip.
I recognize this isn't a great $/TP value, but I have to hit the BA flight minimum as well and can't come up with a way to do it without flying across the pond. I would much prefer to take advantage of the cheap AA J flights to South America, but then I would still need the BA flight minimum. Any ideas?
Nov 22, 2021, 10:03 am
#1582
Suspended
Join Date: Oct 2021
Posts: 885
Very new to this, but I've recently accepted a new job that will see me flying quick trips TPA-MIA once each month for the foreseeable future. I'm trying to take advantage of BA's reduced status levels to get Oneworld Sapphire for Flagship Lounge access at MIA. The standby flexibility would be a great perk as well since there are quite a few daily flights on the route. Alternatively, I could purchase the AA Executive card with Admiral's Club access, which is a $450 annual fee. That said, if I get status in early 2022 and it runs through 2023 then I would need to pay the annual fee twice to get the same benefits as earning via a TP run. And I would only get Admiral's Club access, not Flagship.
I've been researching all weekend trying to find the best options to hit close to the 450 tier points for anywhere from Florida to anywhere in Europe. It appears my best option right now is a weekend run MIA-MXP in J pricing around $1,900 with two stops in each direction. That would put me at 440 TP and then I would hit 450 with my first TPA-MIA roundtrip.
I recognize this isn't a great $/TP value, but I have to hit the BA flight minimum as well and can't come up with a way to do it without flying across the pond. I would much prefer to take advantage of the cheap AA J flights to South America, but then I would still need the BA flight minimum. Any ideas?
I've been researching all weekend trying to find the best options to hit close to the 450 tier points for anywhere from Florida to anywhere in Europe. It appears my best option right now is a weekend run MIA-MXP in J pricing around $1,900 with two stops in each direction. That would put me at 440 TP and then I would hit 450 with my first TPA-MIA roundtrip.
I recognize this isn't a great $/TP value, but I have to hit the BA flight minimum as well and can't come up with a way to do it without flying across the pond. I would much prefer to take advantage of the cheap AA J flights to South America, but then I would still need the BA flight minimum. Any ideas?
It sounds to me like your best move for lounge access would be paid, through Amex or even a lounge membership, unless your travel pattern is different than implied by your post.
Nov 22, 2021, 10:20 am
#1583
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: FRA, JFK
Programs: BAEC GGL, A3*S, Bonvoy Gold, HH Gold
Posts: 1,007
The flagship lounge should be accessible as OWS and OWE even when not flying transcontinental:
https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/...hip-lounge.jsp
Haven't tried it myself yet so no guarantee.
https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/...hip-lounge.jsp
Haven't tried it myself yet so no guarantee.
Nov 22, 2021, 10:29 am
#1584
Suspended
Join Date: Oct 2021
Posts: 885
The flagship lounge should be accessible as OWS and OWE even when not flying transcontinental:
https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/...hip-lounge.jsp
Haven't tried it myself yet so no guarantee.
https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/...hip-lounge.jsp
Haven't tried it myself yet so no guarantee.
I do NOT think that you can get into FF Dining easily, and I doubt that OWS or OWE status while flying TPA-MIA will not get you in there regardless of class of service.
At the current time, from what I've read, there are few Flagship First lounges that are anything more than a roped off section of the Admirals Club, and in any event are an unremarkable upgrade to a basic business class lounge.
I would definitely be posing these questions over on the AA forum if you are seeking answers from people who know the most about this topic.
Nov 22, 2021, 10:34 am
#1585
Ambassador, British Airways; FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Leeds, UK
Programs: BA GGL/CCR, GfL, HH Diamond
Posts: 42,990
The flagship lounge should be accessible as OWS and OWE even when not flying transcontinental:
https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/...hip-lounge.jsp
Haven't tried it myself yet so no guarantee.
https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/...hip-lounge.jsp
Haven't tried it myself yet so no guarantee.
Nov 22, 2021, 10:39 am
#1586
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Dublin, Ireland
Programs: BA Gold, Mucci
Posts: 2,068
Exactly right, I've done it myself at JFK and ORD.
Nov 22, 2021, 10:43 am
#1587
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: BER
Programs: BA GGL, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,843
Very new to this, but I've recently accepted a new job that will see me flying quick trips TPA-MIA once each month for the foreseeable future. I'm trying to take advantage of BA's reduced status levels to get Oneworld Sapphire for Flagship Lounge access at MIA. The standby flexibility would be a great perk as well since there are quite a few daily flights on the route. Alternatively, I could purchase the AA Executive card with Admiral's Club access, which is a $450 annual fee. That said, if I get status in early 2022 and it runs through 2023 then I would need to pay the annual fee twice to get the same benefits as earning via a TP run. And I would only get Admiral's Club access, not Flagship.
I've been researching all weekend trying to find the best options to hit close to the 450 tier points for anywhere from Florida to anywhere in Europe. It appears my best option right now is a weekend run MIA-MXP in J pricing around $1,900 with two stops in each direction. That would put me at 440 TP and then I would hit 450 with my first TPA-MIA roundtrip.
I recognize this isn't a great $/TP value, but I have to hit the BA flight minimum as well and can't come up with a way to do it without flying across the pond. I would much prefer to take advantage of the cheap AA J flights to South America, but then I would still need the BA flight minimum. Any ideas?
I've been researching all weekend trying to find the best options to hit close to the 450 tier points for anywhere from Florida to anywhere in Europe. It appears my best option right now is a weekend run MIA-MXP in J pricing around $1,900 with two stops in each direction. That would put me at 440 TP and then I would hit 450 with my first TPA-MIA roundtrip.
I recognize this isn't a great $/TP value, but I have to hit the BA flight minimum as well and can't come up with a way to do it without flying across the pond. I would much prefer to take advantage of the cheap AA J flights to South America, but then I would still need the BA flight minimum. Any ideas?
Nov 22, 2021, 10:44 am
#1588
Suspended
Join Date: Oct 2021
Posts: 885
One thing to check out would be whether the AA flight you are on is being credited to your BA FF number. For one thing, your status with BA won't be shown on your boarding pass unless you book under that BA EC number.
Secondarily, when accessing the AS Lounge in the N. Terminal at SEA about a month ago, I posed the question about whether I would have access flying coach but using my BA EC number with Sapphire status on the BP. I was told that I would be admitted but only if the BA EC number was on the boarding pass, e.g. the ticket on AS needed to be booked under the BA EC number.
That answer sounded strange to me but the women at the desk were adamant about it. I would have assumed that simply showing them my digital BAEC Silver card would work, but they said that it would not.
Nov 22, 2021, 10:48 am
#1589
Ambassador, British Airways; FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Leeds, UK
Programs: BA GGL/CCR, GfL, HH Diamond
Posts: 42,990
That’s standard AA rules - you need to have the same FFP for use in terms of benefits and crediting. They don’t like it if you split between two different FFPs.
Nov 22, 2021, 10:56 am
#1590
Join Date: Dec 2015
Posts: 624
Deleted half my post since it was addressed upthread
My analysis is that I can spend $900 for fewer benefits than if I do a TP run. I think flying is fun, but my time is certainly constrained. If I can fly somewhere for a weekend for a few hundred dollars more than the annual fee and get a few more benefits, then I might just do it.
My analysis is that I can spend $900 for fewer benefits than if I do a TP run. I think flying is fun, but my time is certainly constrained. If I can fly somewhere for a weekend for a few hundred dollars more than the annual fee and get a few more benefits, then I might just do it.
Last edited by FlyerTalkUserName; Nov 22, 2021 at 11:03 am