The Definitive "How To Search for Low Tier Business Awards"
#31
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: KUL/TPA/OTP
Programs: UA1k, DL
Posts: 3,138
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Lol, it will slowly drift to the bottom once again. Instead of searching for award search tricks, most would rather (dare I say enjoy) complaining. Its a pain, but decent awards can surely be found.
Originally Posted by Thomas Hudson
lol...I thought this was my little secret...oh well, they are still gonna complain anyhoo...
#32
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Ann Arbor
Programs: HHonors Gold , National Emerald Exec, Hertz Presidents, Delta Gold
Posts: 2,604
Thanks, 3Cforme. ^
#33
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Ann Arbor
Programs: HHonors Gold , National Emerald Exec, Hertz Presidents, Delta Gold
Posts: 2,604
[QUOTE=Denolloyd;13402436]Instead of searching for award search tricks, most would rather (dare I say enjoy) complaining. [QUOTE]
Or, people believe a company of Delta's size couldn't possibly have such a screwed up award calendar, and don't think search tricks will help.
I was very surprised with the amount of C inventory I found available for the low awards.
The other tip I'd add is even if the coach calendar shows only mid award availability, still check, as there were days when the C low was available when only coach mid was showing on the calendar.
Or, people believe a company of Delta's size couldn't possibly have such a screwed up award calendar, and don't think search tricks will help.
I was very surprised with the amount of C inventory I found available for the low awards.
The other tip I'd add is even if the coach calendar shows only mid award availability, still check, as there were days when the C low was available when only coach mid was showing on the calendar.
#34
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: flying from regional hell at TLH
Programs: DL FO, SPG Gold, HH Gold
Posts: 144
You said it Bikeguy. The tricks work -- depending on your definition of works. But what a pain.
Case in point, I wanted to see the mythical creature that was a 100,000-mile fare from ATL to CDG.
I have to agree with the assessment that this is a crap search engine for a major airline. The whole thing is so glitchy you could spend half your life on there trying to find what you want. If you find a deal, book it and print it out right away. You may never see it again.
Case in point, I wanted to see the mythical creature that was a 100,000-mile fare from ATL to CDG.
- Searching Nov coach fares ATL to CDG came up as the whole month Low, except for two dates Med.
- After I looked at Nov. 4 Y fares, I clicked the button to go back and view the calendar and now the whole month shows Low. (Now that I'm checking it, this actually happens on every search I run. When I click return to the calendar, the calendar shows significantly more days with Low fares.)
- When I click Biz from that screen I can find a 100K mile fare on AF for random dates like Nov. 8--but when I search regular Biz using the drop down, it doesn't come up.
- To make it even worse, in May and June the Low and Med biz awards on this route are the same--350,000 miles. Which is what DL charts indicate should be High.
- Then, in July, Low Biz on this route goes down to 200,000 miles on Jul 14. Jul 13 is listed as Med, but on that date the lowest actually comes up as 140,000 on one search and then back to 200,000 on another. Again, according to the DL charts, 200,000 is the RT Med for Europe.
I have to agree with the assessment that this is a crap search engine for a major airline. The whole thing is so glitchy you could spend half your life on there trying to find what you want. If you find a deal, book it and print it out right away. You may never see it again.
#35
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 22
Thank you
Thank you for this Thread.
I am not an expert on award tickets or MR runs and I was stuck on how to best use my miles.
Just booked a Business/first class RT ticket from BOS to VIE with a on purpose i full day lay over in Paris for 162K
I am sure there are better deals out there but for a novice I am very happy with the deal and I thank you for the Search suggestion.
I am not an expert on award tickets or MR runs and I was stuck on how to best use my miles.
Just booked a Business/first class RT ticket from BOS to VIE with a on purpose i full day lay over in Paris for 162K
I am sure there are better deals out there but for a novice I am very happy with the deal and I thank you for the Search suggestion.
#36
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: DFW
Programs: UA, DL, LH, Marriott, Amex
Posts: 554
Hooooorrraayy!! Denolloyd+++
This method actually works. Check out the itin I got bellow! It's not pretty, as I have to fly to AMS, then over to CDG, and THEN onto FCO, but it is business class all the way for 100k + $140 in fees. Frankly, as bad as awards are going, I'll take it, and frankly, it's hard to believe that something as basic as this is worth celebrating. Happy Easter
This method actually works. Check out the itin I got bellow! It's not pretty, as I have to fly to AMS, then over to CDG, and THEN onto FCO, but it is business class all the way for 100k + $140 in fees. Frankly, as bad as awards are going, I'll take it, and frankly, it's hard to believe that something as basic as this is worth celebrating. Happy Easter
Last edited by cfw; Apr 6, 2010 at 6:22 pm
#37
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Ann Arbor
Programs: HHonors Gold , National Emerald Exec, Hertz Presidents, Delta Gold
Posts: 2,604
Hooooorrraayy!! Denolloyd+++
This method actually works. Check out the itin I got bellow! It's not pretty, as I have to fly to AMS, then over to CDG, and THEN onto FCO, but it is business class all the way for 100k + $140 in fees. Frankly, as bad as awards are going, I'll take it, and frankly, it's hard to believe that something as basic as this is worth celebrating. Happy Easter
This method actually works. Check out the itin I got bellow! It's not pretty, as I have to fly to AMS, then over to CDG, and THEN onto FCO, but it is business class all the way for 100k + $140 in fees. Frankly, as bad as awards are going, I'll take it, and frankly, it's hard to believe that something as basic as this is worth celebrating. Happy Easter
Privatair! ^^
Several of my friends have flown out of their way on awards to experience Privatair.
#38
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Yellow Springs
Programs: AS 75k
Posts: 1,523
Hooooorrraayy!! Denolloyd+++
This method actually works. Check out the itin I got bellow! It's not pretty, as I have to fly to AMS, then over to CDG, and THEN onto FCO, but it is business class all the way for 100k + $140 in fees. Frankly, as bad as awards are going, I'll take it, and frankly, it's hard to believe that something as basic as this is worth celebrating. Happy Easter
This method actually works. Check out the itin I got bellow! It's not pretty, as I have to fly to AMS, then over to CDG, and THEN onto FCO, but it is business class all the way for 100k + $140 in fees. Frankly, as bad as awards are going, I'll take it, and frankly, it's hard to believe that something as basic as this is worth celebrating. Happy Easter
#39
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: DFW
Programs: UA, DL, LH, Marriott, Amex
Posts: 554
Well at least a 100k award is possible in theory
#41
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: DFW
Programs: UA, DL, LH, Marriott, Amex
Posts: 554
#43
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Ann Arbor
Programs: HHonors Gold , National Emerald Exec, Hertz Presidents, Delta Gold
Posts: 2,604
The entire airplane, which is small, is WBC.
I think like 48 seats total, or something like that.
Reportedly louder than a larger plane.
The trade is the exclusivity of the experience.
#44
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: DFW
Programs: UA, DL, LH, Marriott, Amex
Posts: 554
Sounds pretty neat, thanks for pointing it out! Maybe I'll get to try it later this year.