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Ahoy, mileage runners! (Incl. immediate turnarounds)

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Old Jan 23, 2019, 9:42 am
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Last edit by: AhogZ
This Wikipost is community-maintained and For Information Only. Note that not all information may be up to date and should be used at your own risk.

Safe - Immediate turnaround is easy, i.e. according to experience it is possible to reach departure gate quickly and without extra security check when doing same plane turnaround.
Intermediate - Immediate turnaround is doable, but requires e.g. extra security check.
Risky - Immediate turnaround not recommended. (See notes.)

TO KEEP THE WIKI AS COHERENT AS POSSIBLE, PLEASE USE "SAFE", "INTERMEDIATE" OR "RISKY" APPROPRIATELY! (I.e. no "Safe" for stations that require any kind of security or transfer check, not to mention going landside, etc.)

Immediate turnaround information for European AY destinations:

ACE: ?
AGP: Safe (Arrivals pour directly to departure gate.) Details here from August 2022
ALC: Intermediate, Arrivals pour from jetbridge to "funnel pathway" which takes people to baggage claim, but one can look for "Transfer" signage and take escalator up to the gate area. No checkpoints.
AMS: Safe (Arrivals pour directly to departure gate.)
ARN: Safe / Intermediate (Arrivals pour directly to departure gate, except gate 62 arrival pours to baggage claim. ATR flights may be riskier if one ends up with a bus gate.)
ATH: Intermediate at best
AYT: ?
BCN: No direct turnarounds due to operated by IB.
BER: ?
BGO: Safe (Arrivals pour directly to departure gate.)
BLL: ?
BMA: Safe (Transfer door is before going to the terminal exit and boarding will not start before the incoming plane is empty.)
BRU: Safe (Arrivals pour directly to departure gate.)
BUD: Safe (Arrivals pour directly to departure gate.)
CDG: ?
CFU: ?
CHQ: Risky (To landside first and security needed. Long lines possibile.)
CPH: Safe (Arrivals pour directly to departure gate.)
CTA: ?
DBV: ?
DUB: ?
DUS: ?
EDI: ? (Security check required for sure.)
FCO: Intermediate / Risky. Bus transportation can cause long walks.
FNC: Intermediate (Exit via baggage claim and reclear security, but should be doable if you exit among the first from the inbound flight. Mobile BP not available, obtain a BP from HEL.)
FRA: Safe (Even with the bus from stand you can make it.)
FUE: ?
GDN: Risky (Providing it is ATR by Norra, apron position, walking / bussing to the arrivals, queue security (can be very long), sprint upstairs to the gate.)
GOT: Safe / Intermediate(At least on tube arrival, after exit from the tube to the terminal area, turn around and you are at the departure gate. No info on possible bus gates though.)
GVA: ?
GZP: ?
HAJ: Safe (Arrival at departure gate)
HAM: ?
HER: ?
IBZ: ?
INN: Intermediate / Risky (To landside first and then security. No airside transit.)
IVL: Safe, arrivals pour into the gate area.
JOE: Intermediate (Exit via baggage claim and reclear security, but should be doable if you exit among the first from the inbound flight.)
JSI: ?
JTR: ?
JYV: ?
KAJ: ?
KAO: ?
KEF: ?
KEM: ?
KGS: ?
KOK: ?
KRK: Intermediate (AY rarely has a jetty position so bus, arrivals then go upstairs to departures for security, there is a fast track for OW elites - not well signposted - separate B/Pass scanner to the left)
KTT: ?
KUO: Intermediate (Exit via baggage claim and reclear security, but should be doable if you exit among the first from the inbound flight.)
LHR: Intermediate (Need to go via Flight Connections to reclear security, which may take time depending on the time of the day.)
LIS: ?
LIN: Safe, arrivals pour into departures.
LJU: ?
LPA: ?
LYS: ?
MAD: No direct turnarounds due to operated by IB.
MAH: ?
MAN: Intermediate/Risky, requires reclearing security.
MHQ: ?
MSQ: ?
MUC: Safe (Arrivals pour directly to departure gate.)
MXP: Intermediate / Risky (Arrivals come into a different floor, transfer requires walking through a transfer point and distances are quite long.)
NAP: ?
NCE: ?
OSL: Safe / Intermediate (D gates pours directly to departures. E gates also pours to departure gate, follow transit arrow, automatic gate door will open during "normal" hours. IF door doesn't open go upstairs try the transfer security. Very rare reports of stand arrival with bus to exit, but should still be doable, security is usually fast and short distances.)
OUL: Safe (Arrivals pour directly to departure gate.)
PFO: ?
PMI: ?
PRG: Safe (From arrivals walk up to departures to departure gate.)
PVK: ?
RHO: Risky (Arrivals pour to baggage claim, security check usually has long lines before you get to the departure hall.)
RIX: Risky. After deplaning, you walk to the terminal, but boarding is done with buses. My flight was delayed, and they started boarding before the plane was even there.
RMI: ?
RVN: Intermediate (Exit via baggage claim and reclear security, but should be doable if you exit among the first from the inbound flight.)
SPU: ?
SZG: ?
TAY: ?
TFS: ?
TLL: Risky (May have a remote stand arrival, when departing flight has been boarded into a bus with boarding gate already closed.)
TLV: ?
TOS: ?
UME: ?
VAA: Intermediate (Exit via baggage claim and reclear security, but should be doable if you exit among the first from the inbound flight.)
VBY: ?
VCE: ?
VIE: Safe (Arrivals pour directly to departure gate.)
VNO: Risky. (Departing pax board bus when arriving pax still deplaning. Connection corridor available but not sure how straightforward it is).
VRN: ?
WAW: Safe (Arrivals pour to departure gate.)
ZRH: Safe (When exiting the bridge, you are under the gates and there are inclined speedwalks that bring back to the gates upstairs.)

Immediate turnaround information for selected longhaul AY destinations:

DEL: Intermediate (There's plenty of time for the obligatory visit to the transit desk and security. However, you'll need a self-printed visa confirmation to show the gate agent at HEL.)
DOH: ?
DXB: Intermediate (Follow "connections" to security downstairs and after that go to transfer desk if needed.)
JFK: Intermediate (Generous time with the new schedule, but you'll need to clear US immigration so ESTA or visa is needed.)
NRT: Intermediate (OLCI and mobile BP works, no need to go landside. There's transfer security, though.)
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Ahoy, mileage runners! (Incl. immediate turnarounds)

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Old May 8, 2016, 12:50 pm
  #376  
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: HEL
Programs: AY, SK, TK
Posts: 7,598
Originally Posted by Courmisch
There is HEL-MHQ going under 70€ R.T. in and around July. Could be useful for segment runs.

Or is that the "normal" price?
Interesting campaign.

Pros
+you don't need to take a ferry
+segment runs

Cons
-no lounge -> BYOBeer and get a "punkki"-treatment at local bushes
-you can't buy snus
FFlash is offline  
Old May 8, 2016, 12:50 pm
  #377  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: May 2013
Location: HEL
Programs: AY Plat (OWE), SK EBG (*A Gold), KQ Plat (STE+), Accor Plat
Posts: 3,157
Originally Posted by FFlash
Never done the CX cheapos, are they not anymore available?

Done myself many times the AA south america cheapos which you will find all the time, at best around 500-600€, easily below 800€. Just play around with AA.com and you will find. OTOH, it is quite a torture to run HEL-USA-GRU/GIG in economy but having Saphire card helps you with MCE seats.
Unfortunately no, they changed the fare classes to 50% earning ones. Previously it was a terrific value but I guess someone noticed that the semi-flexible fares were too cheap.

I'll have to look into the AA flights. How much do they accrue?

Originally Posted by OH-LGG
No J under 1000€ available.

Take 2 x Value exEUR to Asia and You got it.
Oh, I didn't mean the 1000 EUR limit on the J fares, just generally asking if there are any good deals for 30,000 points below 1000 EUR.

The 2 x Value ticket would be a good alternative if I could squeeze it under 1000 EUR.

Originally Posted by Courmisch
There is HEL-MHQ going under 70€ R.T. in and around July. Could be useful for segment runs.

Or is that the "normal" price?
Lentodiilit.fi was today promoting HEL-MHQ-HEL for 59 EUR at least in June. I'm not sure about the fare rules, i.e. if you can do back-to-back or nested tickets.

Indeed a good price for segment runs! Qualifying by points will be easier for me, though.
lkrt is online now  
Old May 8, 2016, 12:52 pm
  #378  
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Helsinki-Vantaa APT, Finland
Programs: AY LUMO
Posts: 6,058
Originally Posted by FFlash
Interesting campaign.

Cons
-no lounge -> BYOBeer and get a "punkki"-treatment at local bushes
-you can't buy snus
+ ATR72. No thanks.
OH-LGG is offline  
Old May 8, 2016, 2:12 pm
  #379  
FlyerTalk Evangelist
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: HEL
Programs: lots of shiny metal cards
Posts: 14,106
Originally Posted by lkrt
What do you guys reckon are the most affordable ways to collect 30,000 points? Is it an ex-EU-Asia return in J? Would there be any options under EUR 1000?
I haven't done the math, but friends say that they got HEL-DOH-AKL/SYD-DOH-HEL under 1000€ on QR in Y. As they are not into this game, they had no idea of booking class, earning, etc.

If it were a pure MR, I'd look at an ex-EUR Asia in C. BKK and ICN are often the cheapest in the 1,6k€ range. They yield 40k TP + any elite bonus. (and with the current 3x redeemable point promo, you'll earn the points on this trip alone needed to convert into the remaining missing TPs)
WilcoRoger is offline  
Old May 9, 2016, 1:59 am
  #380  
 
Join Date: May 2014
Location: HEL
Programs: AY+Plat, ALL Plat, Scandic L2
Posts: 3,620
Originally Posted by lkrt
I'll have to look into the AA flights. How much do they accrue?
All AA economy fares earn 100% for the time being, but it is sure to be enhanced sooner or later I hope it does not change until my HEL-JFK-CLT-MIA,MIA-DCA-JFK-HEL in December.

Originally Posted by WilcoRoger
I haven't done the math, but friends say that they got HEL-DOH-AKL/SYD-DOH-HEL under 1000€ on QR in Y. As they are not into this game, they had no idea of booking class, earning, etc.
Cheapest QR fares earn nil to AY+ in both cabins. For economy class fligths to Oceania, QF semi-flexible fares earning 100% are the way to go, or of course Finnair Value if available. Beware though that QF tend to offer their codes on EK metal, and, to New Zealand, AY offers interline on NZ.
Courmisch is offline  
Old May 9, 2016, 11:47 am
  #381  
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: HELsinki
Programs: BONVOY Lifetime Platinum , Ay Platinum, Hhonors Diamond
Posts: 152
Originally Posted by OH-LGG
VOA is nowadays e-visa and without that or Visa, AY does not allow entry.

AY's point of view is that you are going to India regardless what you do at DEL Airport.

Ok, that was ok and now handled, ticket was changed very professional way.

But during this case at the gate I had the worst customer service I ever received from AY:
Very unprofessional and rude gate agent told me to get lost. Nice way to threat your own loyal customer.
I did a quick DEL turnaround last weekend and the only place that asked me to show my e-visa was also at the gate in HEL. DEL airside transfer desk handled everything smoothly without any questions about visas. Althought for some reason they found it strange to leave on same plane that carried you there...
Kelju is offline  
Old May 9, 2016, 12:14 pm
  #382  
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Helsinki-Vantaa APT, Finland
Programs: AY LUMO
Posts: 6,058
Originally Posted by Kelju
I did a quick DEL turnaround last weekend and the only place that asked me to show my e-visa was also at the gate in HEL. DEL airside transfer desk handled everything smoothly without any questions about visas. Althought for some reason they found it strange to leave on same plane that carried you there...
Yes, DEL transit desk is not interested about visas to India. This visa issue for transit in DEL is something insane from Finnair.
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Old May 9, 2016, 12:57 pm
  #383  
Moderator, Finnair
 
Join Date: May 2011
Location: MMX (CPH)
Programs: Eurobonus Diamond, QR Gold, AY+ Platinum, A3*G, Nordic Choice Lifetime Platinum, SJ Prio Black
Posts: 14,174
Can't help but thinking discussing quick turnaround here or elsewhere has made AY change gate policy. If Kelju and perhaps others also experienced the visa questions then it seems a policy and not a mishap. Especially the stubborness seems to indicate a policy communicated from above.
intuition is offline  
Old May 10, 2016, 12:09 pm
  #384  
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: HEL
Programs: AY, SK, TK
Posts: 7,598
Sounds pretty ridiculous to confuse people about where they need to get visa and where not even if only transiting. What are they up to?
FFlash is offline  
Old May 10, 2016, 12:24 pm
  #385  
Moderator, Finnair
 
Join Date: May 2011
Location: MMX (CPH)
Programs: Eurobonus Diamond, QR Gold, AY+ Platinum, A3*G, Nordic Choice Lifetime Platinum, SJ Prio Black
Posts: 14,174
If this indeed is a policy (and we have no confirmation or debunking of this) then it is very very very confusing. Is it just India where airside transits are not allowed? What was the reason for altering the policy?

Now, India is pretty easy to get the e-tourist visa. Done online, no questions asked, pay 42,50€ and your are set within 48 hours.

But how about Russia? Does Finnair not allow airside transits in LED and MOW anymore?

Try applying for a Russian visa when none is needed:

Russian Embassy: We can't give you a Visa, because you are not entering Russia.
Me: I know, but Finnair requires me to carry a Visa to allow me to board.
Russian Embassy: There is no Visa for this. You are free to transit airside.
Me: I know, but Finnair requires me to carry a Visa to allow me to board.
<ad infinitum>
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Old May 10, 2016, 6:30 pm
  #386  
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Going around Russian airspace
Posts: 621
it seems that 100% cx fares are more or less back. not as good as before, but around 600e rt to sin/bkk in V+ class. Also booking into those classes is little hard thru otas.
reflektia is offline  
Old May 10, 2016, 10:31 pm
  #387  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: May 2013
Location: HEL
Programs: AY Plat (OWE), SK EBG (*A Gold), KQ Plat (STE+), Accor Plat
Posts: 3,157
Originally Posted by reflektia
it seems that 100% cx fares are more or less back. not as good as before, but around 600e rt to sin/bkk in V+ class. Also booking into those classes is little hard thru otas.
Ooh, sounds extremely intriguing! Which dates?

Despite my efforts I'm only seeing N fares. How are you finding these on OTAs?

Last edited by lkrt; May 10, 2016 at 11:19 pm
lkrt is online now  
Old May 12, 2016, 5:36 am
  #388  
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Going around Russian airspace
Posts: 621
Originally Posted by lkrt
Ooh, sounds extremely intriguing! Which dates?

Despite my efforts I'm only seeing N fares. How are you finding these on OTAs?
I did a fast search and found some semioptimal prices. Eg. 16.5 outbound to BKK and return on 22.5 for 655e. Expedia is quite easy place to search since booking class is readily available. Also travellink shows booking class and fare rules. Best price I've seen was via Amsterdam for ~620e.

ma 16.5.
HEL 17.00 17.00 – BKK 21.45 21.45
Saapuu ti 17.5.
24h45min, 24 tuntia 45 minuuttia, 2 välilaskua: LHR, HKG
Cathay Pacific 1416 lennon liikennöi Finnair
Cathay Pacific 254
Cathay Pacific 703
su 22.5.
BKK 18.50 18.50 – HEL 12.20 12.20
Saapuu ma 23.5.
21h30min, 21 tuntia 30 minuuttia, 2 välilaskua: HKG, LHR
Cathay Pacific 702
Cathay Pacific 251
Cathay Pacific 1411 lennon liikennöi Finnair
Matkustaja 1: Aikuinen 655,61 €

Code:
16.5.2016

Lähtöpaikka Helsinki-Vantaa (HEL)
Kohde Suvarnabhumin kansainvälinen lentokenttä (BKK)
Cathay Pacific
17.00
HEL
to
21.45
BKK
24h 45min, 2 välilaskua
LHR, HKG
Saapuu ti 17.5.
Näytä Cathay Pacific 17.00 lento- ma 16.5. ja matkatavaramaksutiedot
22.5.2016

Lähtöpaikka Suvarnabhumin kansainvälinen lentokenttä (BKK)
Kohde Helsinki-Vantaa (HEL)
Lyhyin Lyhyin lento
Cathay Pacific
18.50
BKK
to
12.20
HEL
21h 30min, 2 välilaskua
HKG, LHR
Saapuu ma 23.5.
Piilota Cathay Pacific 18.50 lento- su 22.5. ja matkatavaramaksutiedot
18.50
to
22.40
2h 50min
Lähtöpaikka Suvarnabhumin kansainvälinen lentokenttä (BKK)
Kohde Hongkongin kansainvälinen lentokenttä (HKG)
Cathay Pacific 702
BOEING 777-300ER |  Päivällinen
Economy ( V)
Kokonaismatka 1 688 km
Välilasku 1h 15min välilasku , Hongkong (HKG)
23.55
to
05.40
12h 45min
Yliyön lento, saapuu ma 23.5.
Lähtöpaikka Hongkongin kansainvälinen lentokenttä (HKG)
Kohde Heathrow (LHR)
Cathay Pacific 251
BOEING 777-300ER |  Aamiainen |  Päivällinen
Economy ( V)
Kokonaismatka 9 598 km
Välilasku 1h 50min välilasku , Lontoo (LHR)
07.30
to
12.20
2h 50min
Lähtöpaikka Heathrow (LHR)
Kohde Helsinki-Vantaa (HEL)
Cathay Pacific 1411 Lennon liikennöi Finnair
Airbus A320
Economy ( V)
Kokonaismatka 1 818 km
Matkatavaramaksut
Matkatavaramaksuja ei onnistuttu hakemaan
reflektia is offline  
Old May 14, 2016, 3:13 am
  #389  
 
Join Date: May 2014
Location: HEL
Programs: AY+Plat, ALL Plat, Scandic L2
Posts: 3,620
Originally Posted by reflektia
it seems that 100% cx fares are more or less back. not as good as before, but around 600e rt to sin/bkk in V+ class. Also booking into those classes is little hard thru otas.
As with Finnair, there are ostensibly two ways to get affordable 100%-earning fares with CX/KA:
  • Find somewhat busy travel dates.
  • Select semi-flexible fares explicitly (like Finnair Value).

Problem is that cathaypacific.com fails miserably with HEL as origin. You cannot input it in the booking form. Alternatively, if you deep-link (e.g. from Google Flights), the site just goes into an infinite loop of failures.

This is pretty idiotic since CX has plenty of code shares on short-haul AY metal, and is otherwise happy to price origins that they don't even have marketing codes from/to (such as LED). But it's been going on for years so I have very little hopes if gets solved.

Does anybody know a way to force semi-flexible CX fares other than CX and KA.com ?
Courmisch is offline  
Old May 14, 2016, 3:26 am
  #390  
FlyerTalk Evangelist
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: HEL
Programs: lots of shiny metal cards
Posts: 14,106
Originally Posted by reflektia
ma 16.5.
HEL 17.00 17.00 – BKK 21.45 21.45
Saapuu ti 17.5.
24h45min, 24 tuntia 45 minuuttia, 2 välilaskua: LHR, HKG
I know this is FT, but nearly 25 hrs instead of 9+ on AY? Ouch!
WilcoRoger is offline  


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