Complete lack for International Awards Availability?
Feb 28, 2011, 5:58 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2009
Programs: SPG Platinum, Amex Platinum
Posts: 85
Complete lack for International Awards Availability?
Has anyone noticed a lack of available awards flights? I'm trying to book a summer/fall holiday to Europe and can't find anything in F/B. Even coach is rare.
I'm using the ANA tool and generally know about looking for the hub to hub flights first. SFO --> LHR, FRA, ZRH. I had three F awards trip in the last year and can't find anything until Jan of 2012.
I'm using the ANA tool and generally know about looking for the hub to hub flights first. SFO --> LHR, FRA, ZRH. I had three F awards trip in the last year and can't find anything until Jan of 2012.
Feb 28, 2011, 7:46 pm
#2
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: PSM
Posts: 69,232
I'm in the midst of booking this:
![](http://www.gcmap.com/map?P=lga-ord-lax-bkk-bom-jnb-cpt-jnb-gru-scl-yyz-lga&MS=wls&MR=1800&MX=720x360&PM=b:disc7%2b%25t"]http://www.gcmap.com/map?P=lga-ord-lax-bkk-bom-jnb-cpt-jnb-gru-scl-yyz-lga&MS=wls&MR=1800&MX=720x360&PM=b:disc7%2b%25t)
for July/August and I've found flights where I need them on the days I want them, all in C. Sure, I have to settle for LGA-ORD-LAX instead of p.s. service, but I'm seeing what I want otherwise. I suppose it is all relative.
Have you looked at other US gateways?
for July/August and I've found flights where I need them on the days I want them, all in C. Sure, I have to settle for LGA-ORD-LAX instead of p.s. service, but I'm seeing what I want otherwise. I suppose it is all relative.
Have you looked at other US gateways?
Feb 28, 2011, 9:55 pm
#3
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: GVA (Greater Vancouver Area)
Programs: DREAD Gold; UA 1.035MM; Bonvoy Au-197; PCC Elite+; CCC Elite+; MSC C-12; CWC Au-197; WoH Dis
Posts: 52,140
I'm in the midst of booking this: http://www.gcmap.com/mapui?P=lga-ord...t&MS=wls&DU=mi
Mar 1, 2011, 2:35 am
#4
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: DUB-BOS
Programs: various
Posts: 3,693
I think things have got pretty scarce recently. Perhaps the improving economy is to blame (or maybe the US miles bonanza) but I really struggled to find 2XJ TATL in August. Eventually got LHR-YUL but I was amazed at how scarce things were. I used a lot of awardnexus points trying to find anything
Mar 1, 2011, 4:58 am
#5
Moderator: Asiana & Qantas Frequent Flyer
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: STR/SYD/SMF
Programs: QF Lifetime SG, LH HON, OZ Lifetime Diamond +, HH Diamond, Marriott Lifetime Platinum
Posts: 14,375
Has anyone noticed a lack of available awards flights? I'm trying to book a summer/fall holiday to Europe and can't find anything in F/B. Even coach is rare.
I'm using the ANA tool and generally know about looking for the hub to hub flights first. SFO --> LHR, FRA, ZRH. I had three F awards trip in the last year and can't find anything until Jan of 2012.
I'm using the ANA tool and generally know about looking for the hub to hub flights first. SFO --> LHR, FRA, ZRH. I had three F awards trip in the last year and can't find anything until Jan of 2012.
Mar 1, 2011, 2:00 pm
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2009
Programs: SPG Platinum, Amex Platinum
Posts: 85
I tried LAX and DEN. I've just about given up. I'm seeing awards to NRT and HKG so I think that is the new game plan.
I noticed that a new St Regis just opened in Lhasa (LXA). Could be pretty amazing if I can pull HKG to LXA on the award.
I noticed that a new St Regis just opened in Lhasa (LXA). Could be pretty amazing if I can pull HKG to LXA on the award.
Mar 3, 2011, 12:00 am
#7
Join Date: Feb 2010
Programs: OZ Diamond Plus, BD Gold, SPG Platinum
Posts: 169
HKG to LXA will mean an overnight stay in Chengdu (CTU), which is not too bad. Air China usually have good award availability on domestic and HK flights. However, I think you might want to consider taking the train instead. The train service (Lhasa Express) is very nice. It can be taken from Chengdu or Guangzhou. When traveling to Tibet, a separate Tibet Travel Permit is required besides the Chinese Visa.