newbie: adding segments?
Feb 16, 2003 | 12:28 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Philadelphia, PA, USA
Posts: 9
newbie: adding segments?
After a long period of lurking, I decided that it is time to start posting. I have tried to absorb as much knowledge as possible, but I am sure I have a long way to go.
I’m a college student in Philadelphia, PA. My family lives in Europe (Sweden), which means several transatlantic trips a year. This summer I also plan to study abroad in China. With all that traveling, I decided that my New Year’s resolution would be to end the year 2003 with status.
For the first half of spring break I will travel to CDG earning 9,840 EQMs. (My friend wanted to see Paris, I wanted the miles, so it was a deal)
We return on Wednesday evening, leaving Thu-Sun for an additional trip. The original plan had been to go to BUF to see Niagara Falls, but even with fares $119 (incl. tax) for BWI-DTW-BUF, 2,000 EQMs seems like a drop in the bucket. Instead, after some help from old threads, I found BWI-DTW-BNA-MSP-SFO r/t for $221 (incl.tax), 6,562 EQMs.
I have tried on both expedia and nwa.com to include more segments, but the fare increases. For example, is there any way I can be routed BWI-DTW-CLE-EWR-BUF or something similar? Also, for the SFO option, is there any other way to throw in extra segments?
I read the fare rules on expedia, but I couldn’t make sense of them. Does
NW-CLE/DTT-NW-RHI-NW-ATW-NW-CWA-NW-MKG mean that one can route through CLE or DTT and RHI, ATW etc, while traveling to SFO? I tried entering this in the fare search, but the quotes returned were ridiculous.
In case anyone is wondering why I choose to aim for NWA elite: They often have decent fares and connections between the U.S. and Sweden, and I have heard they are competitive to Asia as well. Furthermore, it seems that only a very few airlines, among them NWA, offer 50% mileage bonus after attaining the 25,000 status level. But if I made a bad choice, it is not too late to change… I would be happy for any comments and advice, both general and specific.
I’m a college student in Philadelphia, PA. My family lives in Europe (Sweden), which means several transatlantic trips a year. This summer I also plan to study abroad in China. With all that traveling, I decided that my New Year’s resolution would be to end the year 2003 with status.
For the first half of spring break I will travel to CDG earning 9,840 EQMs. (My friend wanted to see Paris, I wanted the miles, so it was a deal)
We return on Wednesday evening, leaving Thu-Sun for an additional trip. The original plan had been to go to BUF to see Niagara Falls, but even with fares $119 (incl. tax) for BWI-DTW-BUF, 2,000 EQMs seems like a drop in the bucket. Instead, after some help from old threads, I found BWI-DTW-BNA-MSP-SFO r/t for $221 (incl.tax), 6,562 EQMs.
I have tried on both expedia and nwa.com to include more segments, but the fare increases. For example, is there any way I can be routed BWI-DTW-CLE-EWR-BUF or something similar? Also, for the SFO option, is there any other way to throw in extra segments?
I read the fare rules on expedia, but I couldn’t make sense of them. Does
NW-CLE/DTT-NW-RHI-NW-ATW-NW-CWA-NW-MKG mean that one can route through CLE or DTT and RHI, ATW etc, while traveling to SFO? I tried entering this in the fare search, but the quotes returned were ridiculous.
In case anyone is wondering why I choose to aim for NWA elite: They often have decent fares and connections between the U.S. and Sweden, and I have heard they are competitive to Asia as well. Furthermore, it seems that only a very few airlines, among them NWA, offer 50% mileage bonus after attaining the 25,000 status level. But if I made a bad choice, it is not too late to change… I would be happy for any comments and advice, both general and specific.
Feb 16, 2003 | 12:57 am
#2
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,748
A very warm welcome to FlyerTalk!
Is WorldPerks the right program for you? Silver Elites earn a generous 50% mileage bonus and unlimited First Class upgrades on all non-transoceanic flight segments; these benefits are also valid when flying CO. You may also earn EQM by flying AS and – pretty soon – DL. Overall, a strong domestic network (including NW/CO/AS) and generous mileage bonus opportunities make NW a strong choice for the domestic flyer/entry-level elite.
But if you plan on earning 50,000+ miles this year, then you should also take a look at the AAdvantage program as well. AA doesn’t offer free upgrades, but they do provide More Room Throughout Coach and VIPOWs (free systemwide upgrade certificates). AA’s in-flight product is also (slightly) better than NW’s. You won’t earn miles on AA when you travel to China unless you purchase two tickets – one to LAX (or another gateway) and one to PVG/PEK (coded China Eastern flights). Unless money’s no object to you, you should also consider cost – if NW’s significantly cheaper than AA consistently, than WorldPerks is probably the better program for you.
You may wish to read the thread Mileage Runs… A Primer!; this will (undoubtedly) answer many of your questions in-depth.
It seems as though you’ve figured out how to add segments (if now, you can do this on NWA.com by selecting the multi-city option) but you’re having problems pricing your itinerary. More likely than not, this is because you’re using an invalid routing. Since you know how to find a routing, I’ll help you read it:
BWI-BUF:
ROUTING 202 FROM-TO BWI-NW-DTT/CLE/EWR-NW-BUF*
FROM-TO BWI-NW-EWR/CLE/DTT-NW-BUF*
From Baltimore, you can fly to either Detroit, Cleveland (CO) or Newark (CO); then connect to BUF.
The “-“ means “and” and the “/” means “or”; in other words, had it read BWI-DTT-CLE-EWR-BUF, you could fly: BWI-DTW-CLE-EWR-BUF.
Once again, welcome to FlyerTalk -- we look forward to your participation!
[This message has been edited by IndustrialPatent (edited 02-16-2003).]
Is WorldPerks the right program for you? Silver Elites earn a generous 50% mileage bonus and unlimited First Class upgrades on all non-transoceanic flight segments; these benefits are also valid when flying CO. You may also earn EQM by flying AS and – pretty soon – DL. Overall, a strong domestic network (including NW/CO/AS) and generous mileage bonus opportunities make NW a strong choice for the domestic flyer/entry-level elite.
But if you plan on earning 50,000+ miles this year, then you should also take a look at the AAdvantage program as well. AA doesn’t offer free upgrades, but they do provide More Room Throughout Coach and VIPOWs (free systemwide upgrade certificates). AA’s in-flight product is also (slightly) better than NW’s. You won’t earn miles on AA when you travel to China unless you purchase two tickets – one to LAX (or another gateway) and one to PVG/PEK (coded China Eastern flights). Unless money’s no object to you, you should also consider cost – if NW’s significantly cheaper than AA consistently, than WorldPerks is probably the better program for you.
You may wish to read the thread Mileage Runs… A Primer!; this will (undoubtedly) answer many of your questions in-depth.
It seems as though you’ve figured out how to add segments (if now, you can do this on NWA.com by selecting the multi-city option) but you’re having problems pricing your itinerary. More likely than not, this is because you’re using an invalid routing. Since you know how to find a routing, I’ll help you read it:
BWI-BUF:
ROUTING 202 FROM-TO BWI-NW-DTT/CLE/EWR-NW-BUF*
FROM-TO BWI-NW-EWR/CLE/DTT-NW-BUF*
From Baltimore, you can fly to either Detroit, Cleveland (CO) or Newark (CO); then connect to BUF.
The “-“ means “and” and the “/” means “or”; in other words, had it read BWI-DTT-CLE-EWR-BUF, you could fly: BWI-DTW-CLE-EWR-BUF.
Once again, welcome to FlyerTalk -- we look forward to your participation!
[This message has been edited by IndustrialPatent (edited 02-16-2003).]
Feb 16, 2003 | 8:39 am
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Philadelphia, PA, USA
Posts: 9
Thanks alot.
Since AA pulled out of ARN, it is somewhat difficult to get AA credit going into ARN. I could fly Finnair to HEL, but this means a two-hour Chinatown bus ride from Philadelphia to NY first, since Finnair only flies out of JFK.
Money is definately an issue-I'm a college student!
What about planning and executing runs? Are there any major differences between AA and NW that are worth taking note of?
Since AA pulled out of ARN, it is somewhat difficult to get AA credit going into ARN. I could fly Finnair to HEL, but this means a two-hour Chinatown bus ride from Philadelphia to NY first, since Finnair only flies out of JFK.
Money is definately an issue-I'm a college student!
What about planning and executing runs? Are there any major differences between AA and NW that are worth taking note of?
Feb 16, 2003 | 9:25 am
#4
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,748
My bad - I assumed AA offered codeshares for PHL-ARN service, but they don't; you have to travel to JFK, then fly/connect on Swiss or Finnair.
It looks like NW/KL are significantly cheaper than the competition from PHL; I'd stick with NW/KL.
I think NW would be the better choice if you're planning a run -- once you have status, you'll get upgraded to First for free (most of the time) whereas you'll be in coach on AA. Other than that, they're pretty much the same. AA does, however, have in-flight entertainment (whereas NW does not) -- but how many times can one watch Stuart Little 2?
It looks like NW/KL are significantly cheaper than the competition from PHL; I'd stick with NW/KL.
I think NW would be the better choice if you're planning a run -- once you have status, you'll get upgraded to First for free (most of the time) whereas you'll be in coach on AA. Other than that, they're pretty much the same. AA does, however, have in-flight entertainment (whereas NW does not) -- but how many times can one watch Stuart Little 2?
Feb 16, 2003 | 9:38 am
#5
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: BSB
Programs: DL 2 MM
Posts: 4,999
Welcome PENNflyer,
I believe you will be well served by Northwest Worldperks, in addition to what has been discussed earlier on this post I want to add an additional comment about the pending alliance with Delta (DL) which means that you can earn Northwest miles and interline with Delta in addition to KL, CO, AS on domestic US flights.
Internationally you also can utilize any Delta (DL) routings that you may find less expensive/more direct, etc.
Please continue to post on FT. We welcome the opportunity to pass on our collective knowledge and look forward to your posts.
Radiocycle
Northwest Moderator
[This message has been edited by Radiocycle (edited 02-16-2003).]
I believe you will be well served by Northwest Worldperks, in addition to what has been discussed earlier on this post I want to add an additional comment about the pending alliance with Delta (DL) which means that you can earn Northwest miles and interline with Delta in addition to KL, CO, AS on domestic US flights.
Internationally you also can utilize any Delta (DL) routings that you may find less expensive/more direct, etc.
Please continue to post on FT. We welcome the opportunity to pass on our collective knowledge and look forward to your posts.
Radiocycle
Northwest Moderator
[This message has been edited by Radiocycle (edited 02-16-2003).]
Feb 16, 2003 | 10:19 am
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Philadelphia, PA, USA
Posts: 9
Great to hear about the opportunity to earn NW mileage with DL. I have a EUR 400 voucher from AF that expires this year, so can I book a DL/AF codeshare and earn NW credit?
Also, I already have 25,500 miles with DL. I don't suppose there's any way to transfer these to NW. With the recent changes to the DL program, it seems that my best bet is cash in these miles for a free flight and in the future credit all DL activity to NWA. Any thoughts?
As of now, I belong to the following programs:
DL: 25,500
NW: 16,737
AA: 18,436
LH: 25,800
Hopelessly spread thin, I know, but I used to only travel a couple times a year. Now, with the help of flyertalk, I hope to do much better
Also, I already have 25,500 miles with DL. I don't suppose there's any way to transfer these to NW. With the recent changes to the DL program, it seems that my best bet is cash in these miles for a free flight and in the future credit all DL activity to NWA. Any thoughts?
As of now, I belong to the following programs:
DL: 25,500
NW: 16,737
AA: 18,436
LH: 25,800
Hopelessly spread thin, I know, but I used to only travel a couple times a year. Now, with the help of flyertalk, I hope to do much better
Feb 16, 2003 | 4:51 pm
#7
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,748
PENNflyer,
At this point you can’t earn miles on NW by flying DL or its Skyteam partners but (maybe) you’ll be able to later this year. If your voucher has a late expiration date, then you should think about holding onto it; if not, then credit it to your DL account and blow the miles on a trip to HNL or Europe.
Another option to consider: if you can get an address in Europe, then consider joining KL’s Flying Dutchman program. Honestly, I’m not sure of the advantages or disadvantages of that program – I believe KL members can upgrade on transoceanic flights easier than NW and they get free lounge access – but I believe KL elites have a harder time upgrading on NW. I’m not entirely sure – you’ll want to read the KL board.
I’d choose one program + a secondary (e.g. NW primary, AA secondary) and cash in the miles from DL & LH for an award ticket. But that’s just me.
Let us know if you have any more questions!
[This message has been edited by IndustrialPatent (edited 04-23-2003).]
At this point you can’t earn miles on NW by flying DL or its Skyteam partners but (maybe) you’ll be able to later this year. If your voucher has a late expiration date, then you should think about holding onto it; if not, then credit it to your DL account and blow the miles on a trip to HNL or Europe.
Another option to consider: if you can get an address in Europe, then consider joining KL’s Flying Dutchman program. Honestly, I’m not sure of the advantages or disadvantages of that program – I believe KL members can upgrade on transoceanic flights easier than NW and they get free lounge access – but I believe KL elites have a harder time upgrading on NW. I’m not entirely sure – you’ll want to read the KL board.
I’d choose one program + a secondary (e.g. NW primary, AA secondary) and cash in the miles from DL & LH for an award ticket. But that’s just me
.Let us know if you have any more questions!
[This message has been edited by IndustrialPatent (edited 04-23-2003).]
Feb 16, 2003 | 5:07 pm
#8
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: fort worth, tx AA Gold,Best Western-Diamond, HH- Gold, Marriott-Silver
Posts: 2,737
Welcome Pennflyer,
You seemed to have figured a lot of things out by reading the boards. Those routings do tend to get a little tricky. There is a lot of knowledge on this board and lots of ways to add the most miles to your trip. I work with college students all the time in helping them manage their resources and am familiar with your restraints.
Welcome to the flyertalk boards and please continue to either post your questions, or as far as I am concerned you can e-mail me directly.
You seemed to have figured a lot of things out by reading the boards. Those routings do tend to get a little tricky. There is a lot of knowledge on this board and lots of ways to add the most miles to your trip. I work with college students all the time in helping them manage their resources and am familiar with your restraints.
Welcome to the flyertalk boards and please continue to either post your questions, or as far as I am concerned you can e-mail me directly.