Trip to Madagascar, many questions!
 

Hey FT, thanks in advance for the help as always!

I'm trying to help a friend plan a trip to Madagascar from Boston this summer. His departure date is somewhat flexible, but the trip must be completed by mid August.

I'm assuming we should be focused on SkyTeam as AF, KLM, and DL appear to be the biggest carries flying to the island. Some approaches:

1. Focus on transatlantic mistake fares. Get as far as say BOS -> CDG or JFK -> CDG and pay for the rest at or near full price.

2. Focus on acquiring enough miles to pay for flight. Worried we might not have enough time. If we do go this route, which is the best airline to focus on for the acquisition? DL? Will it be a nightmare trying to book a partner award?

3. Use some kind of pay with miles/$ combo.

Obviously, there is a whole trip to plan after we work out airfare, but let's start with the easy (!) stuff. Would love to be able to get a layover day or two in Paris, Morocco, etc. if someone knows how. All advice welcome.

Also, if anyone wants to chime in with their best promos, credit card offers, etc. related to this trip, please do.

Thanks again!

Jordy

Actually I think the actual Skyteam carriers are AF from CDG or KQ from Nairobi. Either one is fine, but AF's business seats are slanted and KQ's are fully flat. ^

A layover in Nairobi is a lot of fun. See some animals, enjoy some restaurants and bars, etc. Or of course Paris as it's is the center of civilization. :D

AF has some promo awards on now. 50% off!

Just got back from Madagascar via DL to London then KQ to NBO & on to Madagascar. My advice.. skip KQ ANY time you can, horable experience. Will not go into all the details but as a ST elite Plus KQ has NO clue what they are doing in ST.
Canceled flights (NBO-LHR), elite line check in agent in Madagascar knew NO English while checking in KQ people who are majority English speaking, etc. NBO is a JUNK airport these days if stuck there for any time. The lounge is very small and very crowded although they are working on expanding it I think.
Canceled
Trust me.. this is coming from a guy who lived in NBO for many years!
Go another way!

Sorry you had a bad experience. I've flown almost a hundred times with KQ and I think they are great. As for English in Madagascar, I hope you realize it is a francophone country. You should learn at least a little French before you go.