UR points for USA to/from Europe [Consolidated]
Apr 21, 2017 | 7:47 am
#61
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,890
As to where to go, I would suggest 2 business class tickets to Asia. Some countries are famous for their cities, some for the beach resorts.
Apr 21, 2017 | 11:28 am
#62
Join Date: May 2014
Programs: rapid rewards, ultimate rewards
Posts: 16
I'd recommend 10 days in Costa Rica. Should be able to cover the flights and all the hotels (through UR). You could visit at least one forest (rain or cloud) and one beach (carribean or Ocean). We've done Arenal Volcano (some awesome romantic hotels) and Manuel Antonio [Beach and Animals (monkeys and sloths, etc.)]. Don't miss a fishing charter out of Quepos Marina if you go to MA (Can give you a referral). You could also do the cloud forest (Guanacaste) and/or the Caribbean Side. We love it. Have been twice and are working on number three. BTW, no peddlers in CR. Have fun figuring it out 
Apr 21, 2017 | 12:20 pm
#63
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 406
In general, I always recommend Hong Kong but since your ideal travel time is June - August, you need to stay away from that place. Unless, you are okay with heat.
Hong Kong has many sight seeing places and the food is amazing.
10 days is more than enough to travel around HK. Perhaps add a stopover like Taiwan or Singapore
Hong Kong has many sight seeing places and the food is amazing.
10 days is more than enough to travel around HK. Perhaps add a stopover like Taiwan or Singapore
Jun 7, 2017 | 8:15 am
#65
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Could be anywhere...
Programs: United Platinum
Posts: 252
Best business class route between Europe & San Francisco Bay Area
I have about a week of flexibility in October and can fly from any airport in (or near) Europe to SFO/SJC/OAK. I don't mind connecting - even with a long layover - if it will give me the best experience in the air.
Right now I can fly Virgin Atlantic Upper Class, but I thought I'd post here to see if someone has a better suggestion.
Looking to spend up to 150,000 points total for two people (one-way.) VA is 130k.
Thanks!
Right now I can fly Virgin Atlantic Upper Class, but I thought I'd post here to see if someone has a better suggestion.
Looking to spend up to 150,000 points total for two people (one-way.) VA is 130k.
Thanks!
Last edited by Kryssa; Jun 7, 2017 at 8:47 am
Jun 7, 2017 | 8:27 am
#66
Flyertalk Posting Legend Moderator: Credit Card Programs, American Express, Capital One, Chase, Citi, Diners Club, Eco Travel, Signatures
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Miami, Mpls & London
Programs: AA, IHG & Marriott Platinum; HH Gold
Posts: 51,741
You mean Virgin Atlantic, not Virgin America, and the IATA code is "VS". ("VA" is the code for Virgin Australia.)
Virgin Atlantic Upper Class is delightful for the eastbound flights from the USA to UK because the seat makes out into an excellent bed. However, I find the seats somewhat uncomfortable for the westbound return flight because the seatback has limited recline.
Virgin Atlantic's lounge at LHR is very large, but it has recently been reconfigured to increase dining space at the expense of other types of seating and facilities.
Virgin Atlantic Upper Class is delightful for the eastbound flights from the USA to UK because the seat makes out into an excellent bed. However, I find the seats somewhat uncomfortable for the westbound return flight because the seatback has limited recline.
Virgin Atlantic's lounge at LHR is very large, but it has recently been reconfigured to increase dining space at the expense of other types of seating and facilities.
Jun 11, 2017 | 11:18 pm
#68
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 4
Best way to use ~300k UR points to get to Italy?
I have been slowly accumulating UR points with no real goal in mind.
My SO and I will be travelling to Italy (Todi, so likely FCO) the first and second weeks of October.
We will be flying from EUG or PDX, whichever makes more sense.
Accommodation is taken care of, so I figure it's time to use these UR points.
Book through UR directly? Can I upgrade to something nicer if I transfer them to elsewhere?
It'd be nice to get some luxury for a long trip.
I'm willing to make up some difference with cash if it makes sense.
Thanks much.
My SO and I will be travelling to Italy (Todi, so likely FCO) the first and second weeks of October.
We will be flying from EUG or PDX, whichever makes more sense.
Accommodation is taken care of, so I figure it's time to use these UR points.
Book through UR directly? Can I upgrade to something nicer if I transfer them to elsewhere?
It'd be nice to get some luxury for a long trip.
I'm willing to make up some difference with cash if it makes sense.
Thanks much.
Jun 11, 2017 | 11:28 pm
#69
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: MEL CHC
Posts: 22,801
- What research have you done yourself on airlines and/or ffp's that could get the trip you want?
- You book direct with UR or try for an award (difficult on short notice)
- What ffp's are you a member of now? How many ff miles/points?
- What airline ffp’s are common transfer partners of your credit cards?
Look here for Chase http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/chase...tc-2017-a.html
Consider these http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trave...e-reviews.html
- You book direct with UR or try for an award (difficult on short notice)
- What ffp's are you a member of now? How many ff miles/points?
- What airline ffp’s are common transfer partners of your credit cards?
Look here for Chase http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/chase...tc-2017-a.html
Consider these http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trave...e-reviews.html
Aug 9, 2017 | 11:11 am
#70
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 33
October Italy Trip
Hi Guys,
Still new to miles/points game and am trying to figure out the wisest way to book an Italy trip.
Want to fly out of NYC on 10/6 PM and arrive back to NYC 10/15 PM.
Have to spend 4-5 days in Tuscany for a wedding 10/10 or 10/11 - 10/15.
Is it worth trying to see Rome and Venice as well?
It looks like flying into Rome and out of Milan is what I'll be doing.
I have 400K Ultimate reward points. Would it be wisest to pay for airfare, use points, or transfer to a carrier to use miles? Recommended airline for this leg?
Thanks!
Still new to miles/points game and am trying to figure out the wisest way to book an Italy trip.
Want to fly out of NYC on 10/6 PM and arrive back to NYC 10/15 PM.
Have to spend 4-5 days in Tuscany for a wedding 10/10 or 10/11 - 10/15.
Is it worth trying to see Rome and Venice as well?
It looks like flying into Rome and out of Milan is what I'll be doing.
I have 400K Ultimate reward points. Would it be wisest to pay for airfare, use points, or transfer to a carrier to use miles? Recommended airline for this leg?
Thanks!
Last edited by loon22; Aug 9, 2017 at 8:53 pm
Aug 9, 2017 | 10:12 pm
#71
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: ZOA, SFO, HKG
Programs: UA 1K 0.9MM, Marriott Gold, HHonors Gold, Hertz PC, SBux Gold, TSA Pre✓
Posts: 13,807
It is your own trip. Only you can say if it is worth it (as well as the trouble).
Have you checked the cost of a ticket if paid in cash yet?
Given the time remaining and constraint, an award ticket may not be your better option.
Given the time remaining and constraint, an award ticket may not be your better option.
Aug 9, 2017 | 11:22 pm
#72
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: CLT
Programs: AA, AS, UA, BA, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Gold, IHG Platinum
Posts: 2,075
What class?
If economy, there have been tons of fare sales to Italy this year. In fact, I believe there's one right now. For your dates, there are prices as low as the 500s. No way an award ticket beats that. For example, you can do JFK-MAD-FCO on 10/6, returning MXP-JFK on 10/15, for $587. If you have Sapphire Reserve, you can use ~39k points to book that directly on Chase's portal. If you have Sapphire Preferred or Ink Preferred/Plus/Bold, it'd cost you ~47k. Considering an economy award ticket is at best 50k (with Flying Blue) + taxes/fees/surcharges, using points in the Chase portal easily wins (it earns miles too).
If economy, there have been tons of fare sales to Italy this year. In fact, I believe there's one right now. For your dates, there are prices as low as the 500s. No way an award ticket beats that. For example, you can do JFK-MAD-FCO on 10/6, returning MXP-JFK on 10/15, for $587. If you have Sapphire Reserve, you can use ~39k points to book that directly on Chase's portal. If you have Sapphire Preferred or Ink Preferred/Plus/Bold, it'd cost you ~47k. Considering an economy award ticket is at best 50k (with Flying Blue) + taxes/fees/surcharges, using points in the Chase portal easily wins (it earns miles too).
Aug 10, 2017 | 12:09 am
#73
Join Date: Mar 2017
Programs: Delta, IHG
Posts: 69
Rome is huge and busy. I spent four days there and felt like I barely scratched the surface. I didn't get to Venice yet but I absolutely loved Sorrento and Florence, much more than Rome.
IF you book via UR portal you cannot select your seat, just your class, at least on the website. I tried calling in once to have an agent do it but they said I would have to try and call Delta to get it moved after I booked it so I haven't used my points for airfare.
IF you book via UR portal you cannot select your seat, just your class, at least on the website. I tried calling in once to have an agent do it but they said I would have to try and call Delta to get it moved after I booked it so I haven't used my points for airfare.
Aug 10, 2017 | 8:21 am
#74
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 33
What class?
If economy, there have been tons of fare sales to Italy this year. In fact, I believe there's one right now. For your dates, there are prices as low as the 500s. No way an award ticket beats that. For example, you can do JFK-MAD-FCO on 10/6, returning MXP-JFK on 10/15, for $587. If you have Sapphire Reserve, you can use ~39k points to book that directly on Chase's portal. If you have Sapphire Preferred or Ink Preferred/Plus/Bold, it'd cost you ~47k. Considering an economy award ticket is at best 50k (with Flying Blue) + taxes/fees/surcharges, using points in the Chase portal easily wins (it earns miles too).
If economy, there have been tons of fare sales to Italy this year. In fact, I believe there's one right now. For your dates, there are prices as low as the 500s. No way an award ticket beats that. For example, you can do JFK-MAD-FCO on 10/6, returning MXP-JFK on 10/15, for $587. If you have Sapphire Reserve, you can use ~39k points to book that directly on Chase's portal. If you have Sapphire Preferred or Ink Preferred/Plus/Bold, it'd cost you ~47k. Considering an economy award ticket is at best 50k (with Flying Blue) + taxes/fees/surcharges, using points in the Chase portal easily wins (it earns miles too).
Thanks- I did find direct flights JFK-FCO and MXP-JFK for $720 with Alitalia. Only 48K pts with CSR. Have been reading some bad reviews about Alitalia. Anyone have personal experience?
Aug 10, 2017 | 10:41 am
#75
Join Date: Aug 2016
Posts: 59
Rome is huge and busy. I spent four days there and felt like I barely scratched the surface. I didn't get to Venice yet but I absolutely loved Sorrento and Florence, much more than Rome.
IF you book via UR portal you cannot select your seat, just your class, at least on the website. I tried calling in once to have an agent do it but they said I would have to try and call Delta to get it moved after I booked it so I haven't used my points for airfare.
IF you book via UR portal you cannot select your seat, just your class, at least on the website. I tried calling in once to have an agent do it but they said I would have to try and call Delta to get it moved after I booked it so I haven't used my points for airfare.