Hi all,

Does anyone know how to get first class for less than the normal EasyPass rate? I am traveling in July and only have about 140,000 miles and Gold Status.

I'd greatly appreciate any help.

Thanks!

Call the elite line. Ask them to check standard and partner availability. Change your dates. Consider flights out of EWR, JFK or LGA, and all possible connections. Consider flying into NGO or KIX and taking the train. Mix all your options up, add tequila and hit blend, then pour into a salt rimmed glass.

Welcome to FT!

Make sure you call it BusinessFirst too. The reservation agent should also examine the availability on ST and other partners too.

CO does not offer International First Class.

No F on CO.

Nope. They offer BF.

BF = Better (than) First

Anyway, the OP sounds like he is trying to snag some standard J award seats to NRT from NYC.

First off, good luck. You're going to need it.

Secondly, call in and see if they have any availability (which it sounds like you already did). If they have no standard J seats to offer choose the flights that work for you but opt for economy. This way you'll at least have a seat and you can be asked to put on the waitlist so should a J seat open up, you'll be able to snag it (assuming no Plats/other Golds are in front of you).

Also, as others have suggested, check partner availability ! DL (via ATL) and NW (via DTW) offer NRT service. Even if CO has no inventory, these guys might.

Finally, bear in mind as the date of the flight approaches CO will kick over more seats to rewards when the believe they cannot sell them. Therefore, keep your eyes on the flights and call back frequently as your travel date approaches to sniff out any freshly made available seats.

Good luck. ^

Welcome to FT, rjvnyc!

Hi:

July is not a bad time to travel so your availability should be okay. Call the Elite Dest at 866-698-2006 and negotiate. If you go to Japan during the 2nd week of August, the flights will be packed as it's O-bon season when everyone returns to japan and their hometowns to honor thier dead relatives.

Also try using your miles for a NWA BF ticket, if you don't mind the short hop to DTW you can score the top deck on the 747. I just paid 199 US to do that from HKG=>NRT and it was worth every penny.

Regards,
Hammer

On NW, you can go via MSP/LAX/SEA, also. And don't forget KE via ICN or CS via GUM.

Also don't forget NW via HNL/PDX/SFO
Or CO via IAH
Or BR via TPE