DFW1972

Thank you so much for sharing about JAL award search. However, I have spent the past hour and seem to be going in circles. I created a JAL account but I can't seem to figure out how to search for award flights. Can you provide a bit more detail on how to search?

Thanks!


EDIT: Never mind. I think I finally figured it out that you have to choose Japan!

ryandelmundo

Been trying to book a Bangkok Airways flight off and on for a few weeks now using Etihad points. I was in Ko Phangnan, and was able to see flights on JAL but Etihad couldn't find them. Now I'm in Samui and trying to book a flight back to BKK.

Its hard to make plans these days in advance, so I wasn't able to get a ticket. I checked JAL, it looks like there is availability a week in advance, and then under 6 days it disappears. There is lots of availability from 1-2 weeks out. I could not plan that far ahead so I never called Etihad.

I was resigned to trying the ferry-train trip or the 4 hour journey to the mainland for the flight (2 hr ferry and 2 hrs to be there early in case of a problem).

Instead I hopped on the Chase Ultimate Rewards site and was able to book the Bangkok Airways USM-BKK flight there for $105 with 8500 points @ 1.25CPP (I have Ink Preferred). Flights if you book in advance start at $70, so you can get them for 5000UR if you book in advance. UR also gives you 24 hours to cancel which is nice, In case plans change or a better flight pops up (although with Bangkok Airways, the prices only go up as you get closer).

The 5000 point Etihad redemption would be better (via MR points), but considering the hassle I think I'll just book using UR going forward. Asian budget airlines don't usually show up with UR, so it's nice to be able to use points over here.

ryandelmundo

Well after checking again on JAL website and seeing lots of flights open, I called in and was able to get a USM-BKK ticket. Took 30 mins on the phone but was otherwise painless.

They needed to "fill-in " the booking to ensure the ticket was there, so doesn't seem like they can just tell you what flights are available. Come prepared with flights first from Google Flights or JAL (though from my previous experience I wouldn't necessarily trust JAL).

Price was 5000+300B. Transfered AMEX MR instantly from my account after they had done the "fill-in" booking check.

BKK-USM is 100B tax. Flights were selling for $105 on Google Flights (and via Ultimate Rewards).

SlowTraveler123

Does somebody know whether it is still possible to redeem Etihad Guest Miles for flights with Bangkok Airways? Are there any recent experiences?

I called the Etihad Guest Service line and ended up in a call center in Serbia as reportet before. However, the agent was not familiar with PG and said that she cannot book awards with them. She also checked (the English) Etihad Guest's website and PG is not listed on the spending miles section. In contrast, on their UAE website, PG is still listed. She double checked with her colleagues twice but it did not change her point of view.

My goal is to book a return BKK-USM for two persons. JAL website shows plenty of award availibilty, even 2 business seats when only 2 are sold which makes me wonder...

As I am relatively new to Flyertalk, I cannot add the URLs to the respective webpages.

Thanks!

SlowTraveler123

Now I reached 5 posts.

Here is the English website where PG is not listed.
https://www.etihadguest.com/en/spend-miles/flying.html

And if I change the language to Arabian, PG is listed.
https://www.etihadguest.com/ar/spend-miles/flying.html

Update:
It looks like the ability to redeem miles on PG was discontinued. The Arabian webpage still lists Alitalia which shows that it has not been properly maintained for a while. I have now inquired by email to get a statement from Etihad and will keep you updated.

SlowTraveler123

Still no reply from Etihad Guest. Has no one tried a redemption on PG recently? I am running out of time. Not sure whether it is worth to pay 200 Euro for the flights to spend 6 nights on Koh Samui or just drive to Hua Hin from Bangkok. Any recommendations?

mlqsko

If the Serbian call center can't book PG, forget about it. I'd give them another call or two to confirm though.

Definitely Koh Samui but to each their own.

armouredant

Samui's definitely nicer than Hua Hin imo, but I prefer Koh Tao overall. If you're struggling to justify the cost, you also have Chumphon or Surat Thani airports, then a transfer and ferry to the islands, which is a bit more of an adventure, if you have the time.

m0hamed

I've never managed to make a PG award booking with EY or EK. In the end, I have always paid. J can be exorbitant, but that's what happens when there's a monopoly.

I have always look at Hua Hin, specifically The Barai, but I do not consider three hours in a vehicle each way as how I want to spend a vacation.

ryandelmundo

Bangkok Airways looks to be a partner with Qatar that you can now book reasonably with their Avios. Its 6500 but that can be a good deal for Samui. Sorry for the bait and switch post but this has been a helpful thread to me, so i wanted to let folks know there is a new option. i suspect most of us were xfering MR from Amex anyway.

islandguy84

Amex MR points transfer to BA, BA points transfer to Qatar 1-1. So it is still possible for those looking to use Amex MR.

ryandelmundo

Agreed. I meant previously we were sending MR to Etihad.