Having been following FT for a few years and being an enthusiastic flyer (mostly staff travel or cheapest economy fares) it was only a couple of years ago that we reached the dizzy heights of Silver having splashed out on a BA holiday. Some more EU BAHs in J enabled us to renew and we are now on the merry go round � though clearly more difficult now.

Fast forward to Dec 2024 and with my impending 60th in June 2025, Mrs Salad asked what I wanted to do. Having been perusing the TP runs on FT I replied with �a TP run�. The fact that she didn�t have to ask what a TP run was, was encouraging and despite being BA CC for some years, she loves flying as much as I do.

So, we like walking (or hiking in the US) and planned a holiday round the run to go walking in Bryce Canyon for a few days and then drive to Scottsdale to do some more hiking. We�ve been before at this time and loved it though one needs to be out early (7 ish) else it�s rather warm!

Some time spent on Google Flights, then ITA Matrix and we had our plan to position to Dublin where we spend a night, then Dublin to LHR, LHR to PHL and PHL to LAS. Pick up a car the next day and drive to Bryce.

The return is PHX to JFK, JFK to LHR and then LHR to BCN. Then position back. All for the princely sum of �1200 or so each. Couldn�t book it online through BA so did it through AA. Booked it on the 20th December 2024, which as it turned out was good timing since we all know what happened at the end of the month! Originally planned for 620 TPs so more of a TP RUN (lite) but under the new system, hopefully around 8500 or so.

Had one schedule change where we now have longer at PHL (nearly four hours) but I don�t know how long immigration takes (we�re HBO) and anyway there is a new Flagship Lounge there so we can try that if we have time. The only tight connection is between JFK-LHR and LHR � BCN which is 70 minutes where we�ll have to get our skates on I feel. I�m almost hoping we don�t make it and get rerouted so I can have a shower somewhere!

Fast forward again to now (actually yesterday) and we’re off!! Exciting! First step is position to Dublin. Had to get train, bus, tube to T5 which took forever but here now. Usual security experience and headed for the South lounge which was busy!

We are only ET to Dublin so after a semi reasonable lunch we headed to the gate which was rammed.

The flight was completely full such that the jump seats had to be utilised. Turns out there was a rugby match in Dublin at the weekend. Left an hour late but as we weren’t in a hurry it wasn’t too much of a problem and after waiting ages for a taxi we got to our accommodation at around 7pm. I’ve not been to Dublin before so it seemed obligatory to find a suitable hostelry and sample some Guinness. So different from the uk stuff!

So good I thought I’d have another. And one more.

Had you booked this just a little later, the difference in Tier Points would be stark! This is my type of trip, so looking forward to the read!

stay hydrated

So, the first leg from Dub to LHR was upon us! Exciting! It was suitably foggy though and resulted in a slight delay.

Had to go to the checkin to get them to print off the three BPs and check Mrs Salads visa as it�s in her old pp and we�ve never managed to do the APIS online. No queue at Club checkin fortunately and after a bit of faffing it was done.

Up through security then visited the Aer Lingus lounge which was small but ok. Coffee machine was broken though and for the first time ever in a lounge I didn�t have any alcohol! I surprised myself.

Strange gate business as we had to get a shuttle bus to another part of the airport which was like a small terminal then walked out to the plane. 2A and C for us and after a pleasant taxi watching a few hares scamper around the apron we were off.

Definitely time for a drink, so champagne beckoned. I�ve never done a flight that short in Club Europe so I was surprised that we got a drink (two in my case) and a reasonable breakfast without any great rush. Great crew, no stress at all and all of a sudden we were on the ground. First leg done!

So once off the plane we went through a glass door to go to Flight Connections. We had plenty of time so were prepared for a queue at security but surprisingly there wasn�t any. The Fast Track is a waste of time though, just takes you up to the same place as everyone else?!

Anyway through that and headed off to the B gate lounge as it was showing only 27% capacity. Feeling quite good despite the early start (5am alarm) so had a glass of Prosecco to take the edge off and then noticed they were offering Pimm�s in some jugs. We both like a Pimm�s though it needs a little gin to bolster it up, but after that they slid down a treat. A few of them with a bowl of nibbles and I was as happy as could be.

Mrs Salad likes to be at the gate early so we duly made our way down there and waited. Listened to a pair of US guys who were in front of us - Group 1 I think - who were prattling on about �British Air� and flights they�ve taken on it!

A good tip, if you want to annoy someone who worked for BA (Mrs Salad was BA Cabin Crew) then call BA �British Air� because she absolutely hates it!

Anyway such frivolities kept us amused until boarding and we found our way to 1A and 2A for this trip. An A350 and I�ve decided that it�s one of my favourite aircraft. Quiet, comfortable and just a pleasant experience.

A glass of champagne as a PDB ( just to keep my levels topped up you understand) then a very strong G and T after takeoff. Jesus! I had the prawns and salmon (yes I know, fish twice but it sounded ok). With some LMP for dessert and a few glasses of Sauvignon I was replete. After a film, and a G and T as I was thirsty, we were getting on nicely. I passed a bit more time by annoying Mrs Salad while she was watching a film then it was second service and descent. We were a little late into PHL but not too bad and after a taxi we were deplaning. A very enjoyable flight and a great crew. Still feeling ok, though we were just starting to flag slightly. We had to planned to try and close our eyes on the third sector so we weren�t too worried. Second leg done.

So, off the plane and into the terminal and it was here that things started to unravel. First things first, through immigration. It appeared as though everyone in the US had decided to go through immigration at the same time as us! Took ages. However our next flight had been rescheduled back in Feb by AA so we had plenty of time which was just as well. The CBP guy was pleasant though and after we got through that we joined another huge queue to ‘Transfer’. Moved really sluggishly until we got to a doorway where an official said ‘those with luggage to check in stay right, otherwise go to the left (no queue). Typical. We were HBO but if we’d known that before I wouldn’t have queued up with everyone else.

Anyway on to security, another huge queue while we watched a rather impressive thunderstorm outside. Through that and up to the new Flagship lounge. I got in fine but Mrs Salad didn’t. (We are both Silver/Sapphire). The lounge dragon told her to join the queue for the desk to get her in manually but it was also extensive, so I came out, got the lounge person to reset my BP and then I entered again but this time with a guest.

Just took a glass of champagne and then got a notification that the LAS flight was delayed by an hour (weather). Annoying but not disastrous. We’d booked the Luxor for the night before picking up our car at Avis in the morning at 10.

The lounge was rammed and tiny. I wouldn’t have called it a Flagship lounge personally but hey no. We eventually got some seats and got another notification to say it was further delayed. Bugger.

The lounge staff were great though, kept my glass topped up until… you’ve guessed it, a notification to say it was cancelled. Nuts!

So, I’ve not had a lot of experience with IRROPS so I wasn’t really sure what to do. The only thing I remember from what others have said is don’t get riled with the staff no matter how you feel. So we went up to the desk and explained the situation. He was pretty good and after a quick search he said the next flight out to LAS was the next day at 3pm to get in at around 6pm, nearly 24 hours later. It would have messed up our plans as we’d planned to pick up the car and drive to Bryce Canyon. But I didn’t think I had much choice so I was just about to agree when I suddenly thought, what if the weather is as poor tomorrow. He’d also said that AA don’t pay for hotels for weather related stuff ( we’re used to BA who do) so that was a downer too. So I asked if there were any other ways.

Another search and he said we could go to PHX tonight and then a short flight to LAS in the morning arriving at 9.10am. That fitted with our car hire plans and I decided that we’d be best off getting away from PHL asap. So we took it and he sorted the tickets. He told us that the flight to PHX was First and the LAS flight was in Economy. As it turned out when we got to the gate the PHX flight was in Economy too, we’d been downgraded. Gutted! I then started to worry about the Tier Points - trying to do an ORC under the new system looked to be complicated and not guaranteed, especially as I’d never done one before.

To cap it all, the flight to PHX - originally scheduled for 7.45 or something was delayed, and delayed and delayed (something about the cabin crew coming from Newark??). Anyway they eventually found some (tbf they didn’t look very happy) and we left at around 11pm.

Instead of 1A I was in 20 something but it was an exit row and I dropped off pretty much after takeoff. I wonder if the alcohol played any part in that!

The Capt was good though, explained the whole situation and was very apologetic. We arrived at PHX at 0030 with our next flight at 0752…. Hmmm. Third leg done though and we were really flagging now!

Well it’s fair to say that PHX airport doesn’t offer a great deal in the way of entertainment at night. Whilst I’m not mean I couldn’t see the value in stumping up $xxx for a few hours in an airport hotel, so we found our morning gate and sat in some seats for a few hours. At around 0230 an email popped through from AA apologising for the mess up and offering us a hotel room and a meal voucher each! Lol, a little bit late but maybe they just had an odd sense of humour. We saw the funny side anyway. We declined the room but took the meal vouchers.

I’d also noticed that we were right by an Admirals Club and when I went and looked it said it opened at 0330. Awesome and at 0331 we entered. Found some comfy chairs, a coffee and waited till boarding time.

The flight to LAS was uneventful, on time and we had a seat between us. By this time we were seriously tired though. Got off at Vegas and got on the shuttle bus to the Avis rental and after a short queue we had were standing at the counter at 0959! Couldn’t have planned that any better. Fourth and final leg done!

The drive out to Bryce Canyon was four hours, but I passed the time by fretting about the Tier Points and after a pizza we were in bed by 7pm.

So, the outbound legs of the TP run done. Not quite as planned and a very long day turned into two. From starting at Dublin it took 36 hours in total! Hmmm. I enjoyed most of it, but not all obviously and disappointed we didn’t get to try AAs Domestic First. Hoping for better luck in the return trip.

Now, just the TPs to sort out now…..

Well done for staying calm when your flight was cancelled. I expect you'll need a good sleep now

Enjoy your hiking holiday!

All things considering, to be picking up your hire car on time is no mean feat! Wouldn't ORC be fairly straightforward, given that you booked before December 31st? ((Old TPs x 13.33)x2 if qualifying BAH)

Well the TPs came through in dribs and drabs but they’ve all been posted now. And the best part of it is that no chasing has had to be done. 534 for the DUB - LHR, 1867 for the LHR - PHL, 1867 for the PHL - PHX and a further 267 for the PHX - LAS which are an extra and that sector wasn’t part of the original trip.

So all in all, extremely impressed with the IT. Can’t be bothered to claim anything for the downgrade - still got the TPs so we’ll let it slide. Don’t know if that’s the right or the wrong thing to do but hey ho.