Hi all,

I'm trying to figure out a way to take (and get PQM for) a *A flight from DEN to AUH in mid-April sometime. I've searched on Google Flights, but I can't seem to find anything that gets me there without flying Etihad (which doesn't earn PQM, from what I understand). Can this be done? Or am I going to have to fly into DXB instead? Or, *gasp*, do I actually fly a non-*A flight? Anyone have any recommendations here?

I looked into flights on Turkish, and other than the return flight taking a long time, I'm just not sure how I know what fare class I would get booked into, and I don't want to end up earning 75%, 50%, or even 0% of the award miles for the flights, because I will be flying Economy (I still have yet to convince my company that they should pay for me to fly in first/business yet...haha).

Thanks for the help!
Matt

What about LH - they should go DEN-FRA-AUH on all-LH metal, and that's just a one-stop, though don't know how long the layover might be either way. As long as you're not in K class, it should earn full PQM on UA.

I don't see anything on LH's website about them flying to AUH. The route map shows DBX, but no AUH. And when I start to type AUH (or Abu Dhabi) in the destination to look at flight options, Abuja International (ABV) is the only option that it populates the form with. Maybe they've stopped their service to AUH?

Actually, doing a search online, it appears they stopped the FRA-AUH service last summer. That would have been a great option otherwise!

DXB and AUH are separated by about 100 miles, and there are frequent shuttle busses between the two airports.

You can fly DEN-FRA-DXB and then take the bus. Not as convenient as arriving in AUH, but probably your best compromise.

The trip appears to be possible via YYZ as well on AC.

I took a bus from DXB to AUH many years ago. It was an interesting ride along the coast with the new hotel developments.

You mean DEN-YYZ-AUH? The YYZ-AUH portion is operated by Emirates, which doesn't get me any miles.

I'll have to look into the FRA-DBX option...thanks for the info!

No, I meant DEN-YYZ-DXB. AUH seems out of the question on *A.

A mixed ticket DEN-FRA-DXB-YYZ-DEN is also possible, and if you can convince your company to pay for premium economy your trip won't be miserable.

How about DEN-IAD/ORD/NYC-IST-AUH? This way you can avoid the bus DXB-AUH.

I know you mentioned this in your first post, but LH earning isn't much better unless you are buying a more expensive Y ticket...similar to TK. Also from what I hear LH Y is leg crushing, TK may deserve another look.

Some clarifications:

1. Only TK and A3 fly to AUH. LH used to until last year, but now discontinued the flight.

2. There is no bus service between Dubai International Airport and Abu Dhabi International Airport.. The main bus options between the two cities is as follows:

- Express bus service between Abu Dhabi city centre and two places in Dubai (one in Deira, the other one near the Marina).
- EK bus from Abu Dhabi city centre to Dubai International Airport. You're supposed to be flying EK to use this service - I'm not sure whether they check.
- EY bus from Abu Dhabi international airport to Dubai city - again, intended for EY passengers' use but I'm not sure whether they check.

If none of the bus options are suitable, then you would need to get a taxi or arrange a private transfer. Private transfers are typically fixed rate and range from 275-300AED oneway, whereas taxis are metered and seems to average around 250AED depending on the exact to/from locations.

You can fly DEN-FRA-ATH-AUH on LH/A3

I would recommend just sticking with TK though.

But are you sure that A3 flies to AUH on their own metal? I though it was just a codeshare with EY.

They certainly used to, but looking at the timetable now, it appears that it is now being run with EY aircraft instead so A3 may no longer be operating to ATH.