MR Question - quick turnaround in Thessaloniki?
Oct 10, 2010, 4:02 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2005
Programs: BA Gold, AA Lifetime Gold 1.8mm, IC Spire Ambassador, Hilton Diamond, SPG Gold et al
Posts: 4,350
MR Question - quick turnaround in Thessaloniki?
If I've read it correctly, thanks to to the October 1 changes, opportunities have opened up for AAdvantage members to credit full (+ bonus) miles on cheapo economy BA European flights.
A ride from Manchester to Thessaloniki (SKG) would now be enough to renew my AA status for this year and I've been looking at how I can do that for the smallest outlay. It looks like ba.com won't allow me to book a same day return from BA2642 arriving at 1400 and then coming back at 1455 on BA2643 and an overnight stay would be pricey and inconvenient. However it looks like I can book 2 one-ways (which actually work out a couple of quid cheaper as well).
Anybody done this or any sort of turnaround at SKG and is there any reason why I can't just buy 2 one-ways to overcome the ba.com prohibition?
A ride from Manchester to Thessaloniki (SKG) would now be enough to renew my AA status for this year and I've been looking at how I can do that for the smallest outlay. It looks like ba.com won't allow me to book a same day return from BA2642 arriving at 1400 and then coming back at 1455 on BA2643 and an overnight stay would be pricey and inconvenient. However it looks like I can book 2 one-ways (which actually work out a couple of quid cheaper as well).
Anybody done this or any sort of turnaround at SKG and is there any reason why I can't just buy 2 one-ways to overcome the ba.com prohibition?
Oct 10, 2010, 7:24 am
#2
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: SCL, MCT, LGW and a variety of 1W lounges in between.
Programs: BA Mucci (Seigneur et Ingenieur des Appareils Volants (Gold)), QF (WP and LTG), AA EXP, GF Gold
Posts: 3,931
Hi, I have been to SKG a few times for work. (Now, let's see how many that puts off for starters!) I have not been for about three years but I can give you my impressions of that time.
Firstly, unless you online check in and print your own boarding pass, then forget it. Check-in will be closed when you get through.
Secondly, it would depend if you are a EU or a US citizen. EU passport queue should be somewhat shorter. I do not remember a transfer route, merely the full immigration route.
You will be bused from the aeroplane so jockey for position on the bus and leap out when it stops to get to immigration. At that point, you should be fine. You will arrive on ground floor and departures is upstairs.
It is certainly possible but you will have to get on with it.
PM for more advice
Happy landings
Spottie
Firstly, unless you online check in and print your own boarding pass, then forget it. Check-in will be closed when you get through.
Secondly, it would depend if you are a EU or a US citizen. EU passport queue should be somewhat shorter. I do not remember a transfer route, merely the full immigration route.
You will be bused from the aeroplane so jockey for position on the bus and leap out when it stops to get to immigration. At that point, you should be fine. You will arrive on ground floor and departures is upstairs.
It is certainly possible but you will have to get on with it.
PM for more advice
Happy landings
Spottie
Oct 10, 2010, 7:42 am
#3
Join Date: Jan 2006
Programs: MUCCI
Posts: 5,706
I did a middle of the night turn around on Swiss earlier this year. However their plane was technically nightstopping I gues, as I had ~3 or 4 hours on the ground in total to do it in!
I'd certainly want to ensure I had my BP, or find somewhere that will book it as one ticket.
I'd certainly want to ensure I had my BP, or find somewhere that will book it as one ticket.