Need advice on miles redemption
May 2, 2004, 11:11 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2004
Programs: NWA
Posts: 85
Need advice on miles redemption
Hello
I'm very new to the miles program. I have only about 55K in my account. Would it make a good investment to redeem them for 2 tikets LGA-MEM? In the beginning I thought so but now I doubt.
Also I have a reservation to Vienna. My other option would be to upgrade for 40K miles. Is this a good deal?
And one more question, when is it better to call to find upgradable seats available? I'm flying intl Sep 2-20 (MEM-AMS-VIE). Should I call closer to the date or asap?
Thanks a lot.
I'm very new to the miles program. I have only about 55K in my account. Would it make a good investment to redeem them for 2 tikets LGA-MEM? In the beginning I thought so but now I doubt.
Also I have a reservation to Vienna. My other option would be to upgrade for 40K miles. Is this a good deal?
And one more question, when is it better to call to find upgradable seats available? I'm flying intl Sep 2-20 (MEM-AMS-VIE). Should I call closer to the date or asap?
Thanks a lot.
Last edited by bublik; May 3, 2004 at 8:50 am
May 3, 2004, 7:41 am
#2
In Memoriam
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: Always on vacation
Programs: aa exp - spg gold - Hyatt Diamond - HH Gold
Posts: 6,007
Originally Posted by bublik
Hello
I'm very new to the miles program. I have only about 55K in my account. Would it make a good investment to redeem them for 2 tikets LGA-MEM? In the beginning I thought so but now I doubt.
Also I have a reservation to Vienna. My other option would be to upgrade for 40K miles. Is this a good deal? And one more question, when is it better to call to find upgradable seats available?
Thanks a lot.
I'm very new to the miles program. I have only about 55K in my account. Would it make a good investment to redeem them for 2 tikets LGA-MEM? In the beginning I thought so but now I doubt.
Also I have a reservation to Vienna. My other option would be to upgrade for 40K miles. Is this a good deal? And one more question, when is it better to call to find upgradable seats available?
Thanks a lot.
If it was me and I was on a qualifying fare I would take the international upgrade without any hesitation.
May 3, 2004, 8:19 am
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Nashville -Past DL Plat, FO, WN-CP, various hotel programs
Programs: DL-MM, AA, SW w/companion,HiltonDiamond, Hyatt PLat, IHF Plat, Miles and Points Seeker
Posts: 11,072
As said by others, it is up to YOU as to what is a good value. There are some people that would ALWAYS use them for LGA-MEM type flights and others that would NEVER use them.
And to those people that try to put the $.02 per mile value on them, be very careful.
Personally, tickets that I can buy for around $300 or less I buy. Others have a different $$ level. I like to keep some miles handy for last minute flights. I am guessing that flights for LGA-MEM can vary from $250 to $1000 each depending on flight times, advance planning, etc. (just a guess). So, if I had to fly there next week I would much rather use 25,000 miles than shell out big bucks.
As to upgrading INTL, make sure you check what fare classes are eligible. Most on the board would only fly in business and never in coach. But, keep in mind, that 80% plus fly in coach on every plane. Again, personal decisions.
And to those people that try to put the $.02 per mile value on them, be very careful.
Personally, tickets that I can buy for around $300 or less I buy. Others have a different $$ level. I like to keep some miles handy for last minute flights. I am guessing that flights for LGA-MEM can vary from $250 to $1000 each depending on flight times, advance planning, etc. (just a guess). So, if I had to fly there next week I would much rather use 25,000 miles than shell out big bucks.
As to upgrading INTL, make sure you check what fare classes are eligible. Most on the board would only fly in business and never in coach. But, keep in mind, that 80% plus fly in coach on every plane. Again, personal decisions.