redeeming miles
Aug 11, 2003 | 10:40 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Chicago, IL
Programs: UA Gold
Posts: 1,465
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?
Aug 12, 2003 | 5:54 am
#2
Join Date: May 2001
Location: NWA Platinum, PC Platinum, HH Gold, Radisson elite, Hertz #1 Gold; National Emerald, Wausau, WI
Posts: 1,482
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. 
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!
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!
Aug 12, 2003 | 9:46 pm
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Chicago, IL
Programs: UA Gold
Posts: 1,465
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.
Aug 12, 2003 | 10:02 pm
#4
Join Date: May 2001
Location: NWA Platinum, PC Platinum, HH Gold, Radisson elite, Hertz #1 Gold; National Emerald, Wausau, WI
Posts: 1,482
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!
[This message has been edited by Standby4321 (edited 08-12-2003).]
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!
[This message has been edited by Standby4321 (edited 08-12-2003).]
Aug 13, 2003 | 5:15 am
#5
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Norman, Oklahoma
Programs: Southwest A List Preferred, Bonvoy Platinum, Hyatt Globalist, American Airlines Gold
Posts: 694
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Standby4321:
But don't trash those miles on Europe unless your avoided cost is high enough, okay? A mile is a terrible thing to waste! </font>
But don't trash those miles on Europe unless your avoided cost is high enough, okay? A mile is a terrible thing to waste! </font>
Aug 13, 2003 | 5:46 am
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: BOS, PVG
Programs: United Global Services and 1MM, Marriott Titanium, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 10,307
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.
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.
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by bwallet:
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.</font>
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.</font>
Aug 13, 2003 | 8:20 am
#7
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Arizona
Programs: MSP raised, Elite since age 17
Posts: 4,723
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.
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.
Aug 13, 2003 | 8:24 pm
#8
Guest
Posts: n/a
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.
Aug 13, 2003 | 9:41 pm
#9
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: BOS, PVG
Programs: United Global Services and 1MM, Marriott Titanium, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 10,307
I see your points.
By the way, have you really been NW/CO Elite since age of 17?
That is quite impressive :-)
By the way, have you really been NW/CO Elite since age of 17?
That is quite impressive :-)
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Viajero Joven:
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.</font>
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.</font>