Looking to head to SIN from YYZ on a *A reward ticket in Business class. Specifically, I was thinking AC/UA to either EWR or LAX then SQ onwards from there.

What is the likelihood that I'll be able to find a reward ticket if I book 10-12 months in advance and am I better off going via EWR (as they should have nonstop service by the time I need to go next year) or LAX?

Thanks.

Which is your host FF scheme? I only ask as UA has those "direct routing" clauses, but the other carriers don't. Knowing what the host FF scheme is helps in giving advice.

2 points for you -
1) - AFAIK, the long range nonstops on SQ from LAX-SIN and soon to be NYC-SIN have permanent blackouts on them for reward space. (Not surprising given the surcharges that apply to normal tickets on these flights. I believe some high tiers of Kris *can* get access to reward space on these flights).

2) - If you can head to the West Coast, (YVR LAX SFO) and go from there you have a myriad of options. Connecting over any of the 3 mentioned above, or through any number of combinations in Asia. Again, this is dependant on the host FF scheme and it's rules.

SQ out of YVR is hard to get seats on as the flight transits SEL. Obversely, as they run so many flights from SIN into Asia a combo of AC/SQ over NRT KIX HKG TPE SEL may also work, as will AC/UA/SQ over the same ports (plus more). Then you can throw NH into the pot as well as OZ and even TG.

Connecting over/through Asia is, as a general rule, far easier than trying to get seats on the heavy Kangaroo route. Purely due to the myriad of possible combinations available over Asia.
Cheers



[This message has been edited by Al B (edited Mar 05, 2004).]

Actually I'd be more worried about AC's award inventory than SQ's.

Good or bad, as there is no *A FFP, you are not able to request any award from *A.

But there are 13 separate FFP�s, all operating independently. Any of these FFPs give you the opportunity to redeem miles or points across all 15 *A airlines. However, there is no "generic" *A reward scheme as each FFP has it's own twists on the rules.

Al B, if you don�t know the FFP 500 miles at a time intends to use, IMO you cannot help him on his itinerary, because it�s more likely that routing suggestions effects the amount of miles he has to spend.

BTW: MP is not the only FFP that asks to go for the most direct way on award tickets.

What I meant to say was this ticket will be booked through AC's program on their Star Alliance partners, preferably SQ for the longer flights. As of right now miles won't really be an issue (I think a business ticket is 100k miles round trip).

I'm looking to minimize the use of AC and UA on this trip (knowing that a business class award on AC to this are will be near impossible to get).

Hope this clarifies things.

Given that you said the SIN nonstops from EWR and LAX can't be had, if I'm trying to avoid AC on the overseas long haul flights then getting a SQ flight at LAX may be my best option?

[This message has been edited by 500 miles at a time (edited Mar 06, 2004).]

[This message has been edited by 500 miles at a time (edited Mar 06, 2004).]

According to APs Terms & Conditions you have to travel over the pacific if you buy an award from Canada to Singapore.

From what I read until now, you know everything what you need to know to book a reward trip paying with AP miles except if one of these SQ flights out of YVR/SFO/LAX to SIN are available within the time frame you like to fly.

If it comes to availability questions the most efficient way to find this out is to call the Aeroplan Centre at 1-800-361-5373 between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. and ask for for assistance. Please note, reward reservations made through the Aeroplan Centre will be confirmed at the time of booking.