Vancouver to Cairo - First Class on points (Amex MR + SPG/Marriott) suggestions?
Aug 21, 2018, 11:50 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Vancouver
Posts: 80
Vancouver to Cairo - First Class on points (Amex MR + SPG/Marriott) suggestions?
Looking to fly to Cairo One-Way, from Vancouver on December 20 or 21. I have a ton of AMEX MR and SPG (now marriott) points. Not sure which programs I can transfer the points to and also not sure what airlines offer first-class on this route.
Thanks for any help!
Thanks for any help!
Aug 22, 2018, 1:44 am
#2
Suspended
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Canada, USA, Europe
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 31,452
Welcome to FT.
You do not tell us what country your Amex is issued in. The MR transfer partners are different for each country. You can very easily check on your country's Amex page who the transfer partners are. From there you can see what alliances are available. Eastbound (the sensible and probably cheaper way to go) there are very few F seats that fly that fly that route, and given your wish to fly on one fo two days suggests that getting a F seat is pretty slim. Also, you will have to connect at some spot (likely in Europe). From there the onward flight to Cairo will be in Euro business class (probably not what you expect). Have you considered business class?
You do not tell us what country your Amex is issued in. The MR transfer partners are different for each country. You can very easily check on your country's Amex page who the transfer partners are. From there you can see what alliances are available. Eastbound (the sensible and probably cheaper way to go) there are very few F seats that fly that fly that route, and given your wish to fly on one fo two days suggests that getting a F seat is pretty slim. Also, you will have to connect at some spot (likely in Europe). From there the onward flight to Cairo will be in Euro business class (probably not what you expect). Have you considered business class?
Aug 22, 2018, 1:50 am
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: MEL CHC
Posts: 21,017
aleks77 Welcome to FT
Have you looked at which airlines fly that route non stop or via a connection?
Many airlines now do not have first class. Business is the best that many airlines now offer. Can be better than first class a decade ago.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vancou...tional_Airport
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cairo_...tional_Airport
Amex transfers to ffp's does depend on the county of issue.
Amex---> Transfer Membership Rewards points to which airline or hotel program?
What ffp's are you a member of now?
Any status?
20 or 21 Dec will be hard for a premium award:. Many people will have started looking/booking 355/330 days out depending on the ffp.
Note FT does not have a secret source of awards
Consider these Award booking services - a list and some reviews
Many airlines now do not have first class. Business is the best that many airlines now offer. Can be better than first class a decade ago.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vancou...tional_Airport
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cairo_...tional_Airport
Amex transfers to ffp's does depend on the county of issue.
Amex---> Transfer Membership Rewards points to which airline or hotel program?
What ffp's are you a member of now?
Any status?
20 or 21 Dec will be hard for a premium award:. Many people will have started looking/booking 355/330 days out depending on the ffp.
Note FT does not have a secret source of awards
Consider these Award booking services - a list and some reviews
Last edited by Mwenenzi; Aug 22, 2018 at 2:03 am Reason: Added airport links
Aug 22, 2018, 5:09 pm
#4
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
December 20&21 is going to be difficult as it is peak travel time and you're 4 months out instead of the ~11 months out that awards are generally released. Additionally, some program and their partners don't get access to F awards until close to travel (with a few weeks) or not at all unless you're an elite.
You need to ask yourself if F is really needed. Today's J products generally have lie-flat beds, lounges, plentiful luggage allowances and multi-course meals services. It will also be open up potential for access to award travel.
Don't forget to look out of SEA and & even the other west coast airports that are generally easy to get to from Vancouver.
You need to ask yourself if F is really needed. Today's J products generally have lie-flat beds, lounges, plentiful luggage allowances and multi-course meals services. It will also be open up potential for access to award travel.
Don't forget to look out of SEA and & even the other west coast airports that are generally easy to get to from Vancouver.