Putting together a trip to Scotland in September
Feb 19, 2023, 11:47 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 37
Putting together a trip to Scotland in September
I'm planning to fly out of RDU, to Edinburgh. I'd love to return from Edinburgh, but I'm not finding any rewards flights, so my trip is now open jaw, returning from London. (In Sept.)
I have points in AMEX, Chase, and Citi.
The best flights I've found are on United.
So I was trying to decide whether I should book through ANA or Avianca. ANA is more points, but very easy to transfer and book an open jaw. Avianca is cheaper points and money, but there are so many horror stories about transferring points to them that I'm a little worried. And I guess I'd have to do 2 one way tickets to get the open jaw.
I had just convinced myself to spend the extra points, when I noticed that ANA has a clause saying I can only book for immediate family. And my fiance is not, technically, my family.
So now my brain is too full, and I can't make a decision.
Can a more experienced person offer some advice?
Thanks,
JoAnne
I have points in AMEX, Chase, and Citi.
The best flights I've found are on United.
So I was trying to decide whether I should book through ANA or Avianca. ANA is more points, but very easy to transfer and book an open jaw. Avianca is cheaper points and money, but there are so many horror stories about transferring points to them that I'm a little worried. And I guess I'd have to do 2 one way tickets to get the open jaw.
I had just convinced myself to spend the extra points, when I noticed that ANA has a clause saying I can only book for immediate family. And my fiance is not, technically, my family.
So now my brain is too full, and I can't make a decision.
Can a more experienced person offer some advice?
Thanks,
JoAnne
Feb 19, 2023, 2:35 pm
#2
Community Director Emerita
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Anywhere warm
Posts: 33,854
You said you've found flights on United. But you're considering booking with ANA or Avianca. Is there a reason to not move your Chase Ultimate Reward points to United and book with them? Is the flight cheaper thru another carrier? And if so, have you checked Air Canada?
Feb 19, 2023, 3:29 pm
#3
Join Date: Feb 2022
Location: LAX
Programs: UA
Posts: 1,618
As always, be aware of schedule changes on award flights. Avianca and ANA do not fly to EDI so if there is a schedule change and your original set of flights do not work out, then rebooking you requires new award availability, which you may or may not be able to find.
Feb 19, 2023, 6:50 pm
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 37
different programs, different prices
on United, it's 120,000 +$ 400.50
booked through ANA, it's 110,000 and $389.00
on Avianca it's 80,000 and $490
air canada is 140,000, and $535.
I would lean towards ANA, it seems the best option for points, price, and ease of booking.
Except that little bit about booking for relatives only.
booked through ANA, it's 110,000 and $389.00
on Avianca it's 80,000 and $490
air canada is 140,000, and $535.
I would lean towards ANA, it seems the best option for points, price, and ease of booking.
Except that little bit about booking for relatives only.
Feb 20, 2023, 1:58 am
#6
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: NYC
Posts: 9,203
Seems expensive considering paid flights are likely around $1-1200. Consider Glasgow and one-ways on other Alliances. Icelandair might also be attractive with a stopover in KEF - they fly direct to RDU. If flexible and adventurous maybe fly from EDI to the Faroe Islands - on to KEF and then RDU.