Trip Advice: LAX to PVR (Puerto Vallarta)
Mar 29, 2013, 6:03 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 14
Trip Advice: LAX to PVR (Puerto Vallarta)
I have an upcoming trip to PVR in mid august. What's the best redemption? I have points in UR / AS / SPG / HA / US / DL / UA
I have an Alaska Air discounted companion code from my AS cc that expires soon and i have no upcoming trips planned other than this, so i might use that.
Otherwise from what I've gathered it looks like using Avios on AS metal might be my best bet. 20k rt + fees + taxes + phone booking.
I have an Alaska Air discounted companion code from my AS cc that expires soon and i have no upcoming trips planned other than this, so i might use that.
Otherwise from what I've gathered it looks like using Avios on AS metal might be my best bet. 20k rt + fees + taxes + phone booking.
Last edited by robJee; Mar 29, 2013 at 7:08 pm Reason: updated AS award redemption
Mar 29, 2013, 6:27 pm
#2
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Everywhere
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I was thinking about this the other day and am wondering if I could transfer to ANA and get the round trip for 20,000 miles. For you, if you route LAX - SFO - PVR and back it's under 4,000 miles and therefore less than 20,000 ANA miles right?
Also, how do you figure it would be 15,000 Avios?
Also, how do you figure it would be 15,000 Avios?
Last edited by travelisfree; Mar 29, 2013 at 6:55 pm
Mar 29, 2013, 6:57 pm
#4
Join Date: May 2011
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Oh, I forgot Alaska flew that route though. Very nice redemption and easier than ANA. Is a great choice. Either way, I don't think you'll find anything better than 20,000.
Mar 30, 2013, 9:56 pm
#6
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: LAX
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From SAN it is 15K avios RT, from LAX it is 20K avios. Distance is something like 1215 miles LAX-PVR. If LAX was 75 miles closer to PVR then it would also be 15K avios.
Mar 31, 2013, 9:49 am
#7
Join Date: May 2012
Location: SEA/BLI
Posts: 29
Personally, I think using your Alaska companion pass rather making an award redemption makes the most sense in this case, assuming you are planning on getting tickets for two people. I see plenty of $438 flights on Alaska. That works out to something like $274 per person ($438 plus the $110 companion fare), which sounds like a good deal to me, whereas ~20,000 miles seems like a lot for a relatively short flight.
Apr 1, 2013, 3:52 pm
#8
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 221
Personally, I think using your Alaska companion pass rather making an award redemption makes the most sense in this case, assuming you are planning on getting tickets for two people. I see plenty of $438 flights on Alaska. That works out to something like $274 per person ($438 plus the $110 companion fare), which sounds like a good deal to me, whereas ~20,000 miles seems like a lot for a relatively short flight.
Who cares if it is a short flight? You're not giving up much mileage earning by using miles so short expensive flights are perfect for using miles.
Apr 1, 2013, 4:00 pm
#9
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When I've booked an Avios award via phone that they couldn't book on their website, I wasn't charged any bogus fees. And I don't think short-haul AS awards trigger any other junk fees...it'd just be the taxes you'd pay on any flight. I know short-haul AA doesn't trigger junk fees when using Avios.
I'm surprised that LAX-PVR outside of prime winter/spring dates has such a high airfare. I would have thought this would be one where you'd find $99 each way and just buy it.
I'm surprised that LAX-PVR outside of prime winter/spring dates has such a high airfare. I would have thought this would be one where you'd find $99 each way and just buy it.
Apr 1, 2013, 6:04 pm
#11
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: LAX
Programs: Delta Silver, Marriott Gold, HH Diamond, Ex-UA Gold, Ex-AA Gold , Ex-SPG Gold, Peon everywhere else
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Agreed. Last time I used Avios, I did 2 RT to Mazatlan for 15K each. The fare was going for about $610 each. I paid around $230 in taxes/fees but saved roughly $990.
Apr 1, 2013, 6:19 pm
#12
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: LAX
Programs: Delta Silver, Marriott Gold, HH Diamond, Ex-UA Gold, Ex-AA Gold , Ex-SPG Gold, Peon everywhere else
Posts: 616
When I've booked an Avios award via phone that they couldn't book on their website, I wasn't charged any bogus fees. And I don't think short-haul AS awards trigger any other junk fees...it'd just be the taxes you'd pay on any flight. I know short-haul AA doesn't trigger junk fees when using Avios.
I'm surprised that LAX-PVR outside of prime winter/spring dates has such a high airfare. I would have thought this would be one where you'd find $99 each way and just buy it.
I'm surprised that LAX-PVR outside of prime winter/spring dates has such a high airfare. I would have thought this would be one where you'd find $99 each way and just buy it.
Last edited by eknock007; Apr 1, 2013 at 6:30 pm
Apr 1, 2013, 7:09 pm
#13
In Memoriam
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Southern California
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August in PVR is hot and humid!! I last went there in the early 1990's. Go in late Nov/early Dec when the weather is much cooler.
I personally will not go there due to all the violence in Mexico. If you do go, stay in the nicer areas. Also be aware of the heavy (pushy!) timeshare pitches!! On the other hand, if one is very strong in saying NO, you could pick up some free gifts for going to presentations.
I haven't been to PVR since the early 1990's so my info is 2nd hand, at best. Do some research.
As for airline redemption, I would study all options and go from there.
I personally will not go there due to all the violence in Mexico. If you do go, stay in the nicer areas. Also be aware of the heavy (pushy!) timeshare pitches!! On the other hand, if one is very strong in saying NO, you could pick up some free gifts for going to presentations.
I haven't been to PVR since the early 1990's so my info is 2nd hand, at best. Do some research.
As for airline redemption, I would study all options and go from there.
Apr 1, 2013, 7:46 pm
#14
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August in PVR is hot and humid!! I last went there in the early 1990's. Go in late Nov/early Dec when the weather is much cooler.
I personally will not go there due to all the violence in Mexico. If you do go, stay in the nicer areas. Also be aware of the heavy (pushy!) timeshare pitches!! On the other hand, if one is very strong in saying NO, you could pick up some free gifts for going to presentations.
I haven't been to PVR since the early 1990's so my info is 2nd hand, at best. Do some research.
As for airline redemption, I would study all options and go from there.
I personally will not go there due to all the violence in Mexico. If you do go, stay in the nicer areas. Also be aware of the heavy (pushy!) timeshare pitches!! On the other hand, if one is very strong in saying NO, you could pick up some free gifts for going to presentations.
I haven't been to PVR since the early 1990's so my info is 2nd hand, at best. Do some research.
As for airline redemption, I would study all options and go from there.
It is very hot and humid in Aug/Sept/Oct. The best weather is Jan/Feb.
The time share leeches are much less apparent these days, and easily avoided.
Security is a quite minor concern in PV.
Apr 1, 2013, 10:08 pm
#15
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Scottsdale, Az.
Programs: US Gold & AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 216
That's like canceling your trip to a
Vail because there was a murder in Chicago. Crazy. The crime rates in Southern California are a 1000 times higher than in Puerto Vallarta. Puerto Vallarta is one of the safest places on earth. Study the stats.
Vail because there was a murder in Chicago. Crazy. The crime rates in Southern California are a 1000 times higher than in Puerto Vallarta. Puerto Vallarta is one of the safest places on earth. Study the stats.