Best options for NYC CPT
 

My husband and I secured return business awards on DL from JNB to NYC. We now need to secure (hopefully) award tickets to Cape Town. We are over 6.5 months out from the time of travel. All of the availability right now has odd routing, though I may book something to have it as one ways are quite expensive in a premium cabin. Any suggestions? We have starwood and Amex points to transfer basically to any carrier.

Am I too late, too early, or just right to start looking right about now? We only just secured our trip details.

Just wanted to add that my husband has some BA miles but not enough to get us anywhere. We missed the Amex point transfer bonus as we initially ruled them out due to the fuel surcharges ($700+ per ticket), but now kicking myself for not doing it.

Thanks!

Best options for NYC CPT
 

Posted 3 times

Yes, I made the same request in the other alliance forums, though some of the posts differ by status with participating airlines or points referenced. We are trying to search availability across all three alliances for the routing. We have transfer ability to all three alliances and varying amounts of points with them as well. If this is in violation of any rules, please feel free to delete and let me know the best way to re post, perhaps with different wording. Appreciate everyone's help here!

I'm going to let this post stand for the time being. Yes, cross-posting is against FT rules, but inasmuch as you're shopping between alliances and have the ability to transfer into various FFPs, it's understandable that you might do so.

The reality however is that it's really the airline-specific boards where you're likely to get the best help, not the alliance boards. Availability using one airline's miles is not the same as using another's - that can only be ascertained by looking at the specific airline's redemption rules and availability.

Given that only two Oneworld airlines fly into CPT (BA and QR) you're probably best using BA's website to look for availability, as it will also show various carriers for the transatlantic portion too.

As you have Starwood points, I'd also look at Alaska Airlines (not an alliance member) for possible routings via the Pacific on Cathay Pacific. Alaska's redemption rates for premium cabins on CX to JNB are quite favorable. Alaska also now allows "mixing" partners on award flights, so you could go, for example, from JFK nonstop, or connect via O'Hare or Vancouver or LAX/SFO to Hong Kong, then on to Joburg, then on BA/Comair (BA's South African affiliate) down to CPT. Worth looking at anyway.

Very helpful, and thanks for understanding. We did check out BA and I did a quick search on Alaska but nothing in Cathay when I last checked (preferred option for obvious reasons!). We'll do some digging this weekend. Thanks again.

I suggest the OP make one post with her complete mileage situation, as trying to help with her different posts is impossible.