WAS to DEL, where to stop over?
Oct 27, 2008 | 8:01 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2005
Programs: UA GS, *G, Bonvoy AMB & LTP, HH Diamond, Platinum Blockbuster, GameStop, several library cards
Posts: 1,360
WAS to DEL, where to stop over?
Hi,
I'm flying from the East Coast (WAS) to New Delhi in March, and was wondering how to get the best routing and stop-over. I don't need to stop over in Europe, but wouldn't mind the Middle East (other than Doha). Any suggestions for Airline/routing?
Bonus question would be about upgrades: My company flies me in Economy, and if I could join an appropriate frequent flier program, transfer over points from SPG and then upgrade, I'd be in heaven.
LTZ
I'm flying from the East Coast (WAS) to New Delhi in March, and was wondering how to get the best routing and stop-over. I don't need to stop over in Europe, but wouldn't mind the Middle East (other than Doha). Any suggestions for Airline/routing?
Bonus question would be about upgrades: My company flies me in Economy, and if I could join an appropriate frequent flier program, transfer over points from SPG and then upgrade, I'd be in heaven.
LTZ
Oct 27, 2008 | 9:17 am
#2
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: IAD
Programs: UA Gold + 1MM; HHonors Gold; Marriott Plat
Posts: 751
UA just started (yesterday!!) a non-stop IAD-DXB. You can connect to 9W or EK for DXB-DEL.
On your 2nd question, unfortunately SPG-UA transfer is a 2:1, unlike 1:1 for most other airlines.
On your 2nd question, unfortunately SPG-UA transfer is a 2:1, unlike 1:1 for most other airlines.
Oct 27, 2008 | 9:27 am
#3
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: IAD
Programs: Chase Million Miler, SPG Gold, HHonors Gold, Hyatt Platinum
Posts: 2,729
Hi,
I'm flying from the East Coast (WAS) to New Delhi in March, and was wondering how to get the best routing and stop-over. I don't need to stop over in Europe, but wouldn't mind the Middle East (other than Doha). Any suggestions for Airline/routing?
Bonus question would be about upgrades: My company flies me in Economy, and if I could join an appropriate frequent flier program, transfer over points from SPG and then upgrade, I'd be in heaven.
LTZ
I'm flying from the East Coast (WAS) to New Delhi in March, and was wondering how to get the best routing and stop-over. I don't need to stop over in Europe, but wouldn't mind the Middle East (other than Doha). Any suggestions for Airline/routing?
Bonus question would be about upgrades: My company flies me in Economy, and if I could join an appropriate frequent flier program, transfer over points from SPG and then upgrade, I'd be in heaven.
LTZ
Oct 27, 2008 | 9:48 am
#4
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: 3rd Rock from the Sun
Programs: UA MP, DL SkyMiles
Posts: 288
There are plenty of possibilities from WAS to DEL. Some of your possible connections excluding Europe as you stated:
IAD-EWR-DEL (CO)
IAD-ORD-DEL (AA)
IAD-JFK-DEL (UA/AI)
IAD-DOH-DEL (QR)
IAD-DXB-DEL (UA/9W or UA/AI)
IAD-KWI-DEL (UA/KU)
If you want to take a stop in Europe - you almost have an infinite supply of choices via LHR, CDG, AMS, BRU, FRA, MUC, VIE, ZRH etc.
IAD-EWR-DEL (CO)
IAD-ORD-DEL (AA)
IAD-JFK-DEL (UA/AI)
IAD-DOH-DEL (QR)
IAD-DXB-DEL (UA/9W or UA/AI)
IAD-KWI-DEL (UA/KU)
If you want to take a stop in Europe - you almost have an infinite supply of choices via LHR, CDG, AMS, BRU, FRA, MUC, VIE, ZRH etc.
Oct 27, 2008 | 9:51 am
#5
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 37
Continental
I would recommend Continental Airlines. I like their OP FF program as there are many ways to earn miles if you are on East Coast. Also, their fleet is new and I have heard good reviews about it from my family members who traveled.
SPG transfer rate is same 2:1 for CO and UA. So that will be same. Also, the flight time is less with Continental. Their price is better compared to United in March (I just checked a sample data 14/mar to 28/mar).
SPG transfer rate is same 2:1 for CO and UA. So that will be same. Also, the flight time is less with Continental. Their price is better compared to United in March (I just checked a sample data 14/mar to 28/mar).
Oct 27, 2008 | 10:35 am
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2005
Programs: UA GS, *G, Bonvoy AMB & LTP, HH Diamond, Platinum Blockbuster, GameStop, several library cards
Posts: 1,360
That is awesome, as I have been meaning to get myself a stopover in DXB for years now. SPG does have a rather unfortunate conversion ratio to UA, but "Dining for miles" seems to be coming to my rescue of late. How much miles would I need to upgrade, and is this per segment/leg or entire journey?
Since I have never (!) upgraded before, are there any tips I should consider?
Oct 27, 2008 | 10:39 am
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2005
Programs: UA GS, *G, Bonvoy AMB & LTP, HH Diamond, Platinum Blockbuster, GameStop, several library cards
Posts: 1,360
Since I would like a stopover, that leaves DOH, DXB and KWI. Having been to KWI and DOH recently, and finding no reasons to go back, I guess DXB is my clear favorite.
Oct 27, 2008 | 10:40 am
#8
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: USA
Programs: UA/CO(1K-PLT), AA(PLT), QR, EK, Marriott(PLT), Hilton(DMND)
Posts: 9,538
Thanks Sharmaintl,
That is awesome, as I have been meaning to get myself a stopover in DXB for years now. SPG does have a rather unfortunate conversion ratio to UA, but "Dining for miles" seems to be coming to my rescue of late. How much miles would I need to upgrade, and is this per segment/leg or entire journey?
Since I have never (!) upgraded before, are there any tips I should consider?
That is awesome, as I have been meaning to get myself a stopover in DXB for years now. SPG does have a rather unfortunate conversion ratio to UA, but "Dining for miles" seems to be coming to my rescue of late. How much miles would I need to upgrade, and is this per segment/leg or entire journey?
Since I have never (!) upgraded before, are there any tips I should consider?
how about procuring a nice end of year SWU from Coupon Connection?
Oct 27, 2008 | 10:41 am
#9
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: DFW
Programs: AA 1M
Posts: 31,939
If you have transfer out priveleges for AGR, you can do SPG-AGR-CO at 1:1. If you can get to JFK, IAH or YYZ, you can go on EK thru DXB.
Oct 27, 2008 | 2:52 pm
#11
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2005
Programs: UA GS, *G, Bonvoy AMB & LTP, HH Diamond, Platinum Blockbuster, GameStop, several library cards
Posts: 1,360
Being a total newb to the upgrade game, I had never heard of an SWU (googled it as a systemwide upgrade). How do these work? Is the benefit that you do all legs? Aside from CC, can they be purchased (with points) from the airline?
I imagine the real issue will be availability of seats (so that there is something to upgrade to) and me booking a ticket class that is actually upgradeable.
Oct 27, 2008 | 8:30 pm
#12
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2005
Programs: UA GS, *G, Bonvoy AMB & LTP, HH Diamond, Platinum Blockbuster, GameStop, several library cards
Posts: 1,360
Pardon my ignorance, but how would one go about booking this particular combination?
IAD-DXB-DEL (UA/9W or UA/AI)
IAD-DXB-DEL (UA/9W or UA/AI)
Oct 28, 2008 | 1:58 pm
#13
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: 3rd Rock from the Sun
Programs: UA MP, DL SkyMiles
Posts: 288
You should be able to find it on one of the online travel agencies since such a connection is showing up on ITA software. I am guessing a good travel agent should be able to construct is if you send him the itinerary /fare info from ITA....
Oct 28, 2008 | 9:51 pm
#15
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: IAD
Programs: UA Gold + 1MM; HHonors Gold; Marriott Plat
Posts: 751