redeeming miles
 

Ok im officially an addict. Is there a 12 step program for ft'ers? anywho, how hard is it to redeem miles for a trip to europe?

It can be done, but if you're a TRUE addict, you will always BUY a cheap ticket to get more miles and use the freebies for somebody else. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif Seriously though, I've done it on a number of occasions to bring others along. Just use the seat finder tool. Of course, it's a whole lot easier in the off season and shoulder seasons, or on short notice "flights of fancy". Good luck!

seat finder tool? does it show what seats are open and for what fare class? UGH! I am flying next month for 3000+ miles for 126.00. it will give me enough for a free ticket to europe.

Here it is, complete with nasty pop-ups:

http://usr.v7.com/wpaa/

You can use it to locate those elusive freebie seats. But don't trash those miles on Europe unless your avoided cost is high enough, okay? A mile is a terrible thing to waste! You can do a couple of trips to the coast or take a friend and not miss out on ALL those status miles by buying CHEAP TICKETS to Europe. Three trips across the pond and you're silver elite for another year. One trip to Europe and one to Bangkok and you're there, too. I'm begging you, DON'T BLOW IT! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

[This message has been edited by Standby4321 (edited 08-12-2003).]

How true. In fact, I can't understand why people use miles for coach tickets or domestic tickets at all. Personally, I only use miles for WBC seats.

I absolutely agree.

You use 25,000 miles for a $250 domestic ticket, 50,000 miles for a $400 European ticket or 60,000 miles for a $800 Asian ticket. These are terrible deals compared to 90,000 miles for a $5,500-6,500 WBC ticket to Asia. WBC upgrades are also super deals.

My $.02: sure, a WBC seat may be priced 12 times higher than a coach seat, but I wouldn't value the experience as 12 times better, per se.

My thinking on using miles for coach vs. F is if it would be better for me alone to enjoy a good meal and a wide seat to Athens, or if it would be better for myself and my best friend to enjoy so-so meals and seats-- but for my friend to also enjoy the Athens experience-- for the same price.

I agree wholeheartedly with Viajero Joven. I use my miles for family trips to Hawaii, Costa Rica, etc. I can take the whole family in coach, but wouldn't, couldn't do it in first or business class. I fly to get somewhere wonderful...the flight is just a means to an end.

I see your points.

By the way, have you really been NW/CO Elite since age of 17?

That is quite impressive :-)