Please post your M&M award booking experience
Sep 10, 2018, 8:54 am
#618
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: PDX & PHX
Programs: AA,AS,HH,HY,IB,LH,IHG,MAR,WN
Posts: 199
Which route/airline did you book and which class?
LH ORD-FRA in F + FRA-VCE in J
How many pax and how many award miles?
2 pax (DW and myself) each for 85k miles + $712.08 USD in taxes/fees
ouch, big increase in YQ; was only $562.00 last week)
How many days/weeks/months did you book in advance?
11 months + 2 weeks
Have you been able to book your preferred dates of travel?
Yes. Studying availability patterns for 24 months definitely helped.
Were you happy with the award booking procedure (e.g. online/by phone)?
Yes. Checking availability for the last 24 months definitely helped. Due to limited TATL first class availability, we focused on the most available routes and days of the week (often on Mondays from ORD to FRA, for example).
Trickiest part was manipulating website to determine dates and flights with F availability for 2 passengers. DW and I each had enough M&M miles for 1 seat, but neither of us had enough for 2 seats. When I tried to book 2 seats with only my miles, website gave error before displaying seats in cart (unlike other airlines which show how to buy more miles). However, some flights would show availability for 1 pax, but not for 2 pax. So I picked flights showing 2 available, then booked her's first from here account, with seat selection. Sweated briefly until I was able to book mine from my account with seat in same row. Paying that much tax, I did not want to wind up in J while she rode in F!
We got front row in nosecone of B747-8
This is our second attempt for that, having lost the first one when KE did an aircraft change last year from SFO to ICN Hopefully Lufthansa will keep this bird going for the next 12 months until we fly!
How often did you have to check/call until you got the seats?
Checked weekly for a long time. Never had to call.
LH ORD-FRA in F + FRA-VCE in J
How many pax and how many award miles?
2 pax (DW and myself) each for 85k miles + $712.08 USD in taxes/fees
ouch, big increase in YQ; was only $562.00 last week)How many days/weeks/months did you book in advance?
11 months + 2 weeks
Have you been able to book your preferred dates of travel?
Yes. Studying availability patterns for 24 months definitely helped.
Were you happy with the award booking procedure (e.g. online/by phone)?
Yes. Checking availability for the last 24 months definitely helped. Due to limited TATL first class availability, we focused on the most available routes and days of the week (often on Mondays from ORD to FRA, for example).
Trickiest part was manipulating website to determine dates and flights with F availability for 2 passengers. DW and I each had enough M&M miles for 1 seat, but neither of us had enough for 2 seats. When I tried to book 2 seats with only my miles, website gave error before displaying seats in cart (unlike other airlines which show how to buy more miles). However, some flights would show availability for 1 pax, but not for 2 pax. So I picked flights showing 2 available, then booked her's first from here account, with seat selection. Sweated briefly until I was able to book mine from my account with seat in same row. Paying that much tax, I did not want to wind up in J while she rode in F!
We got front row in nosecone of B747-8
This is our second attempt for that, having lost the first one when KE did an aircraft change last year from SFO to ICN Hopefully Lufthansa will keep this bird going for the next 12 months until we fly!How often did you have to check/call until you got the seats?
Checked weekly for a long time. Never had to call.
Sep 10, 2018, 11:20 am
#619
Join Date: Jul 2016
Programs: QR Platinum OWE, LH SEN
Posts: 91
Which route/airline did you book and which class?
LH FRA-MIA F
How many pax and how many award miles?
1 pax 85k miles + 325€ in taxes/fees
How many days/weeks/months did you book in advance?
6 days
Have you been able to book your preferred dates of travel?
Yes. I had an F award to ORD I was able to book 3 Months out but I really wanted to go straight to MIA I kept checking day by day from 21 days out and it worked out 6 days before departure.
Were you happy with the award booking procedure (e.g. online/by phone)?
Yes
How often did you have to check/call until you got the seats?
I had an F award to ORD I was able to book 3 Months out but I really wanted to go straight to MIA. I kept checking day by day from 21 days out and it worked out 6 days before departure.
LH FRA-MIA F
How many pax and how many award miles?
1 pax 85k miles + 325€ in taxes/fees
How many days/weeks/months did you book in advance?
6 days
Have you been able to book your preferred dates of travel?
Yes. I had an F award to ORD I was able to book 3 Months out but I really wanted to go straight to MIA I kept checking day by day from 21 days out and it worked out 6 days before departure.
Were you happy with the award booking procedure (e.g. online/by phone)?
Yes
How often did you have to check/call until you got the seats?
I had an F award to ORD I was able to book 3 Months out but I really wanted to go straight to MIA. I kept checking day by day from 21 days out and it worked out 6 days before departure.
Sep 10, 2018, 1:55 pm
#620
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Chicago, USA
Programs: M&M FTL
Posts: 29
Which route/airline did you book and which class?
LH ORD-FRA-ATH J
LH ATH-MUC-ORD J
How many pax and how many award miles?
1 pax, 55K miles, 1150USD (award bargain)
How many days/weeks/months did you book in advance?
3 months
Have you been able to book your preferred dates of travel?
Yes, plenty of options
Were you happy with the award booking procedure (e.g. online/by phone)?
Yes, booked it online no issues
How often did you have to check/call until you got the seats?
Plenty of seats available, didn't have to call
LH ORD-FRA-ATH J
LH ATH-MUC-ORD J
How many pax and how many award miles?
1 pax, 55K miles, 1150USD (award bargain)
How many days/weeks/months did you book in advance?
3 months
Have you been able to book your preferred dates of travel?
Yes, plenty of options
Were you happy with the award booking procedure (e.g. online/by phone)?
Yes, booked it online no issues
How often did you have to check/call until you got the seats?
Plenty of seats available, didn't have to call
Sep 19, 2018, 2:13 am
#621
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 30
Which route/airline did you book and which class?
LH TXL-FRA-SEA C
LH LAX-FRA-TXL C
How many pax and how many award miles?
2 pax, 210K miles, 1192,26 EUR (taxes)
How many days/weeks/months did you book in advance?
7 months
Have you been able to book your preferred dates of travel?
Yes, good availabilities online.
Were you happy with the award booking procedure (e.g. online/by phone)?
Booked online without any problems even though it was a booking for familiy members and open jaw.
How often did you have to check/call until you got the seats?
Plenty of seats available. Could choose my favorite seats on both long haul segments.
LH TXL-FRA-SEA C
LH LAX-FRA-TXL C
How many pax and how many award miles?
2 pax, 210K miles, 1192,26 EUR (taxes)
How many days/weeks/months did you book in advance?
7 months
Have you been able to book your preferred dates of travel?
Yes, good availabilities online.
Were you happy with the award booking procedure (e.g. online/by phone)?
Booked online without any problems even though it was a booking for familiy members and open jaw.
How often did you have to check/call until you got the seats?
Plenty of seats available. Could choose my favorite seats on both long haul segments.
Sep 19, 2018, 11:11 am
#622
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: CH
Programs: LX SEN
Posts: 899
Which route/airline did you book and which class?
LH GVA-FRA-MIA C
LH MIA-MUC-GVA C
How many pax and how many award miles?
2 pax, 110K miles (55k per person), 614 CHF per person (taxes)
How many days/weeks/months did you book in advance?
4 months
Have you been able to book your preferred dates of travel?
Yes, more or less
Were you happy with the award booking procedure (e.g. online/by phone)?
Booked online without any problems.
How often did you have to check/call until you got the seats?
Plenty of seats available.
LH GVA-FRA-MIA C
LH MIA-MUC-GVA C
How many pax and how many award miles?
2 pax, 110K miles (55k per person), 614 CHF per person (taxes)
How many days/weeks/months did you book in advance?
4 months
Have you been able to book your preferred dates of travel?
Yes, more or less
Were you happy with the award booking procedure (e.g. online/by phone)?
Booked online without any problems.
How often did you have to check/call until you got the seats?
Plenty of seats available.
Oct 20, 2018, 9:44 pm
#623
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Stoke on Trent, UK (MAN ), BUE, BKK, DBV
Programs: LH HON***,UA,BA.EK Gold,AV.
Posts: 11,642
- Which route/airline did you book and which class?
SQ Suites BKK-SIN-AKL-SIN-BKK
- How many pax and how many award miles?
1 pax, 170,000. 100 USD taxes & fees
- How many days/weeks/months did you book in advance?
1 Month
- Have you been able to book your preferred dates of travel?
Yes
- Were you happy with the award booking procedure (e.g. online/by phone)? How often did you have to check/call until you got the seats?
Yes, all done online
Oct 21, 2018, 7:15 am
#624
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 2,188
- Which route/airline did you book and which class?
SQ Suites BKK-SIN-AKL-SIN-BKK
- How many pax and how many award miles?
1 pax, 170,000. 100 USD taxes & fees
- How many days/weeks/months did you book in advance?
1 Month
- Have you been able to book your preferred dates of travel?
Yes
- Were you happy with the award booking procedure (e.g. online/by phone)? How often did you have to check/call until you got the seats?
Yes, all done online
Oct 21, 2018, 7:46 am
#625
Join Date: May 2004
Location: SIN (LEJ once a year)
Programs: SQ, LH, BA, IHG Diamond AMB, HH Gold, SLH Indulged, Accor Gold, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 7,739
Some routes F / Suites pop up sporadically. Usually closer in to travel.
To my knowledge AKL flights SQ285/286 are on a 77W with 4 F only on Thu & Fri. Rest of the week it is an A380 with 12 Suites. The other flight SQ281/282 is 77W throughout.
To my knowledge AKL flights SQ285/286 are on a 77W with 4 F only on Thu & Fri. Rest of the week it is an A380 with 12 Suites. The other flight SQ281/282 is 77W throughout.
Oct 21, 2018, 7:51 am
#626
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: BOS
Programs: AA EXP, DL PM, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 2,028
Which route/airline did you book and which class?
LH CDG-MUC-BOS F
How many pax and how many award miles?
2 pax, 85K miles (per person), ~350 USD per person (taxes)
How many days/weeks/months did you book in advance?
7 months
Have you been able to book your preferred dates of travel?
Yes, exact dates
Were you happy with the award booking procedure (e.g. online/by phone)?
Put on hold for 5 days as SPG transfer went through to top off my account which was a bit short for the miles. Called SIN desk which was very helpful after some prodding. Called US desk a few days later to ticket.
How often did you have to check/call until you got the seats?
I’ve been tracking the FRA-BOS flight for months (ever since 355 days out) with no luck. Recently gave MUC a shot. Every single day was available with at least 3 F seats on MUC-BOS as they upgraded the route to an A340 with F class (from A350). I doubt this will last.
LH CDG-MUC-BOS F
How many pax and how many award miles?
2 pax, 85K miles (per person), ~350 USD per person (taxes)
How many days/weeks/months did you book in advance?
7 months
Have you been able to book your preferred dates of travel?
Yes, exact dates
Were you happy with the award booking procedure (e.g. online/by phone)?
Put on hold for 5 days as SPG transfer went through to top off my account which was a bit short for the miles. Called SIN desk which was very helpful after some prodding. Called US desk a few days later to ticket.
How often did you have to check/call until you got the seats?
I’ve been tracking the FRA-BOS flight for months (ever since 355 days out) with no luck. Recently gave MUC a shot. Every single day was available with at least 3 F seats on MUC-BOS as they upgraded the route to an A340 with F class (from A350). I doubt this will last.
Oct 21, 2018, 9:17 am
#627
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: CH
Programs: LX SEN
Posts: 899
Which route/airline did you book and which class?
LX GVA-ZRH-MIA C
LX MIA-ZRH-GVA C
How many pax and how many award miles?
2 pax, 105K miles + 52'500 companion ticket, about 600 CHF per person (taxes)
How many days/weeks/months did you book in advance?
6 months
Have you been able to book your preferred dates of travel?
Yes
Were you happy with the award booking procedure (e.g. online/by phone)?
Booked through the LX SEN line without any problems.
How often did you have to check/call until you got the seats?
Plenty of seats available.
LX GVA-ZRH-MIA C
LX MIA-ZRH-GVA C
How many pax and how many award miles?
2 pax, 105K miles + 52'500 companion ticket, about 600 CHF per person (taxes)
How many days/weeks/months did you book in advance?
6 months
Have you been able to book your preferred dates of travel?
Yes
Were you happy with the award booking procedure (e.g. online/by phone)?
Booked through the LX SEN line without any problems.
How often did you have to check/call until you got the seats?
Plenty of seats available.
Last edited by Nic33; Oct 21, 2018 at 9:18 am Reason: math
Oct 21, 2018, 8:29 pm
#628
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Stoke on Trent, UK (MAN ), BUE, BKK, DBV
Programs: LH HON***,UA,BA.EK Gold,AV.
Posts: 11,642
Oct 22, 2018, 4:47 am
#629
Join Date: May 2004
Location: SIN (LEJ once a year)
Programs: SQ, LH, BA, IHG Diamond AMB, HH Gold, SLH Indulged, Accor Gold, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 7,739
As mentioned in my post above, not all SIN-AKL-SIN flights are on A380 meaning Suites. SQ281/282 daily is 77W so 4 F seats IIRC. Your flight SQ285/286 currently is an A380 with Suites 5x a week Sat-Wed with 77W on Thu & Fri. At least that's what is scheduled officially.
Nov 20, 2018, 3:04 am
#630
Join Date: May 2004
Location: SIN (LEJ once a year)
Programs: SQ, LH, BA, IHG Diamond AMB, HH Gold, SLH Indulged, Accor Gold, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 7,739
Which route/airline did you book and which class?
SQ SIN-MXP C (stop in MXP)
LH LIN-FRA-LEJ C (stop in LEJ)
OS/SQ VIE-AMS-SIN C (AMS transfer <24hrs)
How many pax and how many award miles?
2 pax, 135K miles and about 432 SGD (approx. 275 Euro) per person in taxes, fees and YQ (only from LH & OS)
How many days/weeks/months did you book in advance?
11.5 months
Have you been able to book your preferred dates of travel?
Within +/- 1 day
Were you happy with the award booking procedure (e.g. online/by phone)?
Somewhat painful. Checked availability online as this itinerary could not be booked through M&M site even if it would have been working (still having issues to book other simple awards - as reported in the M&M website thread). Called and agent could see most of the flights I wanted for 2 pax except for some OS flights, e.g. the ever popular OS26/25 BKK-VIE / VIE-BKK. I saw 2 seats in C on OS25 online, agent saw none. For another day again I saw 2 seats and agent saw 1. As there was freshly released availability on some SQ secondary routes in C we decided to fly VIE-AMS-SIN for our return instead of VIE-BKK-SIN as originally planned. I like the OS flight, but SQ is very good and I'm quite happy with the outcome as we also saved a nice chunk of YQ by using SQ for long-haul (no YQ) versus the atrocious LH Group YQ charges.
How often did you have to check/call until you got the seats?
Once, but it took close to 45 mins as the agent's computer froze 2/3 through the first booking attempt
SQ SIN-MXP C (stop in MXP)
LH LIN-FRA-LEJ C (stop in LEJ)
OS/SQ VIE-AMS-SIN C (AMS transfer <24hrs)
How many pax and how many award miles?
2 pax, 135K miles and about 432 SGD (approx. 275 Euro) per person in taxes, fees and YQ (only from LH & OS)
How many days/weeks/months did you book in advance?
11.5 months
Have you been able to book your preferred dates of travel?
Within +/- 1 day
Were you happy with the award booking procedure (e.g. online/by phone)?
Somewhat painful. Checked availability online as this itinerary could not be booked through M&M site even if it would have been working (still having issues to book other simple awards - as reported in the M&M website thread). Called and agent could see most of the flights I wanted for 2 pax except for some OS flights, e.g. the ever popular OS26/25 BKK-VIE / VIE-BKK. I saw 2 seats in C on OS25 online, agent saw none. For another day again I saw 2 seats and agent saw 1. As there was freshly released availability on some SQ secondary routes in C we decided to fly VIE-AMS-SIN for our return instead of VIE-BKK-SIN as originally planned. I like the OS flight, but SQ is very good and I'm quite happy with the outcome as we also saved a nice chunk of YQ by using SQ for long-haul (no YQ) versus the atrocious LH Group YQ charges.
How often did you have to check/call until you got the seats?
Once, but it took close to 45 mins as the agent's computer froze 2/3 through the first booking attempt
Last edited by demue; Nov 27, 2018 at 11:30 pm