Advice on how to use Chase UR miles for Italy trip?
Nov 12, 2018, 11:44 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2018
Posts: 4
Advice on how to use Chase UR miles for Italy trip?
Please, a little help on where to post this?
I am very new to the travel miles/credit card points for travel game and could use some advice on an upcoming trip. Next year (2019) is my 15 year wedding anniversary and we have decided to go to Italy for a few weeks taking our 9 year old daughter. We are originating from Orlando, FL. I was looking at trying to fly into Venice on June 4 (overnight arrive June 5) and leave from Rome on June 24. We have booked a cruise already that leaves out of Rome on June 16 and returns on June 23rd. So, the dates are flexible by a few days later, but not earlier.
I signed up for a couple Chase cards recently and by next month will have about 120k Ultimate Rewards points. One of the cards is the Sapphire Reserve, so I can redeem at 1.5 cents per point on their travel portal. I'm fine with economy for the connecting flights, but would really like to see if I can get some sleep on the longer portion to be more rested when I arrive in Italy. To that end, I am wondering what my options are for getting a business class lay flat seat for the long portion of the flight across the Atlantic. I know I don't have enough miles to book 3 business class tickets. Is it possible to book the tickets in Economy and use miles to upgrade the one leg to business for all 3 tickets? Or am I forced to upgrade the whole round trip ticket? Or is it possible to book economy tickets with miles and pay to upgrade the one leg to business? If I call an airline booking agent, can they mix and match the cabins like this for a cheaper price/miles? Which airlines should I even be looking at? I know my Chase UR points can transfer to some airlines and then those can be used on partner airlines. I have been tumbling down the rabbit hole researching that the last few days and I feel more confused than when I started.
TLDR - I need 3 tickets (2 adult, 1 child) in June 2019 from Orlando to Venice, returning Rome to Orlando. I have approx. 120k Chase Ultimate Rewards points. I would like to have business class (lay flat seats) for the leg across the Atlantic from the US to Europe; all other legs, including the transatlantic return leg, can be economy or premium economy. What are my options to use miles or miles+money to make this happen for the cheapest price?
Thanks for the help and advice.
I am very new to the travel miles/credit card points for travel game and could use some advice on an upcoming trip. Next year (2019) is my 15 year wedding anniversary and we have decided to go to Italy for a few weeks taking our 9 year old daughter. We are originating from Orlando, FL. I was looking at trying to fly into Venice on June 4 (overnight arrive June 5) and leave from Rome on June 24. We have booked a cruise already that leaves out of Rome on June 16 and returns on June 23rd. So, the dates are flexible by a few days later, but not earlier.
I signed up for a couple Chase cards recently and by next month will have about 120k Ultimate Rewards points. One of the cards is the Sapphire Reserve, so I can redeem at 1.5 cents per point on their travel portal. I'm fine with economy for the connecting flights, but would really like to see if I can get some sleep on the longer portion to be more rested when I arrive in Italy. To that end, I am wondering what my options are for getting a business class lay flat seat for the long portion of the flight across the Atlantic. I know I don't have enough miles to book 3 business class tickets. Is it possible to book the tickets in Economy and use miles to upgrade the one leg to business for all 3 tickets? Or am I forced to upgrade the whole round trip ticket? Or is it possible to book economy tickets with miles and pay to upgrade the one leg to business? If I call an airline booking agent, can they mix and match the cabins like this for a cheaper price/miles? Which airlines should I even be looking at? I know my Chase UR points can transfer to some airlines and then those can be used on partner airlines. I have been tumbling down the rabbit hole researching that the last few days and I feel more confused than when I started.
TLDR - I need 3 tickets (2 adult, 1 child) in June 2019 from Orlando to Venice, returning Rome to Orlando. I have approx. 120k Chase Ultimate Rewards points. I would like to have business class (lay flat seats) for the leg across the Atlantic from the US to Europe; all other legs, including the transatlantic return leg, can be economy or premium economy. What are my options to use miles or miles+money to make this happen for the cheapest price?
Thanks for the help and advice.
Nov 13, 2018, 1:39 am
#2
Suspended
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Canada, USA, Europe
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 31,452
Welcome to FT, GatorArchitect!
I hope I don't rain on your parade too much, but it is important that you manage your expectations. Three award seats in business class to Europe (Italy especially) on fixed dates is going to be a real challenge. Not many award seats are released, lots of people will want them, and you have set dates in mind. To add to that, getting these on points alone isn't going to work for you. UA will wish to relieve you of 120,000 miles for each return business class seat to Europe. To upgrade from an economy fare, you'll need all of your miles for the three return tickets, but you'll also have to pay something in the region of $3,000 in 'co-pay'. So even if you find flights to get you somewhere else in Europe with more capacity (London, Paris, Frankfurt), you'll have to consider this. Some things to consider include buying premium economy seats, being more flexible with dates, flying in to a different airport, etc.
I hope I don't rain on your parade too much, but it is important that you manage your expectations. Three award seats in business class to Europe (Italy especially) on fixed dates is going to be a real challenge. Not many award seats are released, lots of people will want them, and you have set dates in mind. To add to that, getting these on points alone isn't going to work for you. UA will wish to relieve you of 120,000 miles for each return business class seat to Europe. To upgrade from an economy fare, you'll need all of your miles for the three return tickets, but you'll also have to pay something in the region of $3,000 in 'co-pay'. So even if you find flights to get you somewhere else in Europe with more capacity (London, Paris, Frankfurt), you'll have to consider this. Some things to consider include buying premium economy seats, being more flexible with dates, flying in to a different airport, etc.
Nov 13, 2018, 7:35 am
#3
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: New York, NY
Programs: AA Gold. UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt (Lifetime Diamond downgraded to Explorist)
Posts: 6,776
London Elite is right.
3 award tickets, aiming for a premium class, during peak time to a prime destination is a hard ask. Not impossible but also not easy so one has to be realistic, Upgradable fares often require certain higher fare groups for it even to be plausible and then with certain programs there has to be a type of award space open for the upgrade to be possible.You run the risk of spending more and not getting the upgrade. And there can be upgrade copays that run you even more money.
You may do better just paying for a premium economy ticket and using points to offset the costs. Just make sure it's an actual PE product and not just an extra legroom situation.
3 award tickets, aiming for a premium class, during peak time to a prime destination is a hard ask. Not impossible but also not easy so one has to be realistic, Upgradable fares often require certain higher fare groups for it even to be plausible and then with certain programs there has to be a type of award space open for the upgrade to be possible.You run the risk of spending more and not getting the upgrade. And there can be upgrade copays that run you even more money.
You may do better just paying for a premium economy ticket and using points to offset the costs. Just make sure it's an actual PE product and not just an extra legroom situation.
Nov 13, 2018, 8:01 am
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2018
Posts: 4
Thanks for the feedback. I figured it would be a tough ask. I just wanted to know if it is possible to leverage the miles to upgrade only a single leg of the journey to business class. If not, then I guess my best bet is to just use the miles in the chase travel portal at the 1.5 cent rate and try to bring the cost down as much as I can. I know I will be paying money and potentially a lot of money, just trying to figure out the best way to achieve getting business for the one leg for the cheapest way possible and if the points are any help in achieving that. One thing I have learned is that in the future I will not be trying to book International trips during the summer. 
Taking the miles part out of the equation, if I work with an agent from the airline or with a Chase travel agent instead of trying to book online, can they book mixed cabin for the flight (i.e. economy for most, but business class for one leg)?
Taking the miles part out of the equation, if I work with an agent from the airline or with a Chase travel agent instead of trying to book online, can they book mixed cabin for the flight (i.e. economy for most, but business class for one leg)?
Nov 13, 2018, 9:21 am
#5
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: New York, NY
Programs: AA Gold. UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt (Lifetime Diamond downgraded to Explorist)
Posts: 6,776
It is possible to do single leg upgrades with some programs but depends who you redeem with and the flight is on. Each program is different.
Some airlines have booking searches that allow for mix class bookings and redemptions, UA being one example, while some require call ins and others don't make it easy.
Some airlines have booking searches that allow for mix class bookings and redemptions, UA being one example, while some require call ins and others don't make it easy.
Thanks for the feedback. I figured it would be a tough ask. I just wanted to know if it is possible to leverage the miles to upgrade only a single leg of the journey to business class. If not, then I guess my best bet is to just use the miles in the chase travel portal at the 1.5 cent rate and try to bring the cost down as much as I can. I know I will be paying money and potentially a lot of money, just trying to figure out the best way to achieve getting business for the one leg for the cheapest way possible and if the points are any help in achieving that. One thing I have learned is that in the future I will not be trying to book International trips during the summer.
Taking the miles part out of the equation, if I work with an agent from the airline or with a Chase travel agent instead of trying to book online, can they book mixed cabin for the flight (i.e. economy for most, but business class for one leg)?
Taking the miles part out of the equation, if I work with an agent from the airline or with a Chase travel agent instead of trying to book online, can they book mixed cabin for the flight (i.e. economy for most, but business class for one leg)?
Nov 14, 2018, 9:31 pm
#6
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend, Moderator, Information Desk, Ambassador, Alaska Airlines
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: FAI
Programs: AS MVP Gold100K, AS 1MM, Maika`i Card, AGR, HH Gold, Hertz PC, Marriott Titanium LTG, CO, 7H, BA, 8E
Posts: 42,953
Welcome to Flyertalk @GatorArchitect.
As you're trying to leverage your Chase UR points, we'll relocate this query to our Chase UR forum.
~beckoa, co-moderator Information Desk
As you're trying to leverage your Chase UR points, we'll relocate this query to our Chase UR forum.
~beckoa, co-moderator Information Desk
Nov 14, 2018, 11:25 pm
#7
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 540
Please, a little help on where to post this?
I am very new to the travel miles/credit card points for travel game and could use some advice on an upcoming trip. Next year (2019) is my 15 year wedding anniversary and we have decided to go to Italy for a few weeks taking our 9 year old daughter. We are originating from Orlando, FL. I was looking at trying to fly into Venice on June 4 (overnight arrive June 5) and leave from Rome on June 24. We have booked a cruise already that leaves out of Rome on June 16 and returns on June 23rd. So, the dates are flexible by a few days later, but not earlier.
I signed up for a couple Chase cards recently and by next month will have about 120k Ultimate Rewards points. One of the cards is the Sapphire Reserve, so I can redeem at 1.5 cents per point on their travel portal. I'm fine with economy for the connecting flights, but would really like to see if I can get some sleep on the longer portion to be more rested when I arrive in Italy. To that end, I am wondering what my options are for getting a business class lay flat seat for the long portion of the flight across the Atlantic. I know I don't have enough miles to book 3 business class tickets. Is it possible to book the tickets in Economy and use miles to upgrade the one leg to business for all 3 tickets? Or am I forced to upgrade the whole round trip ticket? Or is it possible to book economy tickets with miles and pay to upgrade the one leg to business? If I call an airline booking agent, can they mix and match the cabins like this for a cheaper price/miles? Which airlines should I even be looking at? I know my Chase UR points can transfer to some airlines and then those can be used on partner airlines. I have been tumbling down the rabbit hole researching that the last few days and I feel more confused than when I started.
TLDR - I need 3 tickets (2 adult, 1 child) in June 2019 from Orlando to Venice, returning Rome to Orlando. I have approx. 120k Chase Ultimate Rewards points. I would like to have business class (lay flat seats) for the leg across the Atlantic from the US to Europe; all other legs, including the transatlantic return leg, can be economy or premium economy. What are my options to use miles or miles+money to make this happen for the cheapest price?
Thanks for the help and advice.
I am very new to the travel miles/credit card points for travel game and could use some advice on an upcoming trip. Next year (2019) is my 15 year wedding anniversary and we have decided to go to Italy for a few weeks taking our 9 year old daughter. We are originating from Orlando, FL. I was looking at trying to fly into Venice on June 4 (overnight arrive June 5) and leave from Rome on June 24. We have booked a cruise already that leaves out of Rome on June 16 and returns on June 23rd. So, the dates are flexible by a few days later, but not earlier.
I signed up for a couple Chase cards recently and by next month will have about 120k Ultimate Rewards points. One of the cards is the Sapphire Reserve, so I can redeem at 1.5 cents per point on their travel portal. I'm fine with economy for the connecting flights, but would really like to see if I can get some sleep on the longer portion to be more rested when I arrive in Italy. To that end, I am wondering what my options are for getting a business class lay flat seat for the long portion of the flight across the Atlantic. I know I don't have enough miles to book 3 business class tickets. Is it possible to book the tickets in Economy and use miles to upgrade the one leg to business for all 3 tickets? Or am I forced to upgrade the whole round trip ticket? Or is it possible to book economy tickets with miles and pay to upgrade the one leg to business? If I call an airline booking agent, can they mix and match the cabins like this for a cheaper price/miles? Which airlines should I even be looking at? I know my Chase UR points can transfer to some airlines and then those can be used on partner airlines. I have been tumbling down the rabbit hole researching that the last few days and I feel more confused than when I started.
TLDR - I need 3 tickets (2 adult, 1 child) in June 2019 from Orlando to Venice, returning Rome to Orlando. I have approx. 120k Chase Ultimate Rewards points. I would like to have business class (lay flat seats) for the leg across the Atlantic from the US to Europe; all other legs, including the transatlantic return leg, can be economy or premium economy. What are my options to use miles or miles+money to make this happen for the cheapest price?
Thanks for the help and advice.
Nov 15, 2018, 5:18 am
#8
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: New York, NY
Programs: AA Gold. UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt (Lifetime Diamond downgraded to Explorist)
Posts: 6,776
Right now I see availability for 3 economy seats on Air Canada (booking through United) for 30K miles each on June 25 from Rome to MCO (stop in Montreal). Taxes are about $65 p/ticket. I agree with other posters that business class is a tough proposition and you would need more UR points/miles to get what you want, but using 90K UR points (transfer to United for the miles which is instant in most cases) and <$195 for your 3 return seats is a pretty good redemption. Good luck.
Nov 15, 2018, 6:00 am
#9
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Dallas, TX
Programs: WN A-List Pref, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Gold, IHG Plat
Posts: 460
You might have better luck booking positioning flights in the US and EU and using your points to fly Iberia out of JFK or BOS. That would put you into Madrid, but the transatlantic flight would be in BC. The real down side to this (whether Iberia or not) is that your times are during peak season, so even if you find availability, there's a good chance that you won't have enough points.
This is how my wife and I when to Italy in April, just before the start of peak season, and it was really easy (and relatively cheap) to start in Venice and end in Rome from Madrid. Hopefully, you find a path forward, because Italy is magical. As Phil Rosethal says, Italy wins.
This is how my wife and I when to Italy in April, just before the start of peak season, and it was really easy (and relatively cheap) to start in Venice and end in Rome from Madrid. Hopefully, you find a path forward, because Italy is magical. As Phil Rosethal says, Italy wins.
Nov 15, 2018, 6:32 am
#11
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 261
Use your points for hotels or car rental. There is excellent value in transferring Chase points to Hyatt. For the flights just make a decision whether the added cost of premium economy or business class is worth it to you. If you decide it isn’t, plan your flights for convenience. If you can arrive very early in the morning, find a hotel close to your arrival and book for the night before. Check in and sleep till noon. Don’t sleep too long or you will just extend your jet lag.
Nov 15, 2018, 9:20 am
#13
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2018
Posts: 4
Use your points for hotels or car rental. There is excellent value in transferring Chase points to Hyatt. For the flights just make a decision whether the added cost of premium economy or business class is worth it to you. If you decide it isn’t, plan your flights for convenience. If you can arrive very early in the morning, find a hotel close to your arrival and book for the night before. Check in and sleep till noon. Don’t sleep too long or you will just extend your jet lag.
Anyone have good recommendations for hotels in Venice, Florence or Rome that I would be able to use Chase UR points on (IHG, Marriott, Hyatt, others)? Any personal experiences? Thanks!
Nov 15, 2018, 12:20 pm
#15
Community Director Emerita
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Anywhere warm
Posts: 33,747
You can currently get 3 coach award tickets from MCO to VCE on June 4 through United at 30K points each. 1 UR can be transferred to UA to get 1 UA point. Several of the options are unappealing schedules, but there is a Swiss 3 flight option that looks decent. There's also a decent option with Austrian Airlines. This would consume 90K of your UR points and save roughly $1800 in airfare.