seasiaflyer

The headline says it all. I am a United 1K with a big bank of miles right now. I am planning a trip to Amstedam ex-Hanoi to see friends this June and would love to try out the 1st class product on Thai's A380 on the BKK-Europe leg of the trip. I've flown business class on it a few times before.

So, the question is, I'm using my United miles, booking through their website, and I see they've got saver awards for the dates I'm looking at... it would cost me 230,000 miles + $109 copay. Seems pretty hefty, but then again it is international first class... I don't know, just want a second opinion on if this is a good deal or if you have other ideas for how to structure a ticket in June to get me from Hanoi to Amsterdam in style.

Thanks--

sbm12

The UA award chart is bad for SE Asia to Europe. It would be cheaper for you to add a TATL r/t flight after a stopover in AMS and make it a US trip rather than a Europe trip, as crazy as that may sound.

Personally I do not think it is worth that many miles for the trip, but I also don't consider myself to have a "big bank of miles" so that likely skews my view.

Doc Savage

That is a huge amount of miles.

Asiatraveler15

Is that RT?

If RT it is alot of miles but if you got them, go for it.

ExtonUS

Burn baby burn. Miles have no value until redeemed. If you want to fly first class and using the miles for that won't make you miss out on some other flight soon then use them now.

fropones

That seems crazy expensive. Is Thai first really worth it?

LaserSailor

Big bank means burn them.

luv2ctheworld

I agree with those that say it's a bit hefty for the redemption, but I also agree with those that say to use it. The most important thing to consider is what you would use the remaining miles (had a lower level redemption for the same cabin exist) use it for.

A couple years back, I would firmly say that it is way too much for that redemption. But with the changes that have been coming fast and furious from the likes of DL and UA, there's no telling what remaining value one has left in the accrued miles. Also, if you have more miles left or elsewhere, that makes a difference too between blowing out your bank or just a portion of it.

If you have some flexibility, then maybe you can find alternate flights or dates that won't cost that much and save the rest for another trip. On the other hand, if you got to go on those dates and have nothing more planned for those miles, a bird in hand is worth two in the bush.

VickyKing

if I were you, I'd secure TG F and then hope that LH F opens up within 14 days of departure. Even at $150 change fee, LH F is well worth the experience.

But if LH is on A340-600, there might be a slim chance you'll be stuck with the old F, which is nothing to write home about.

CDKing

Id rather redeem for 2x J tickets. That's a lot of miles to spend on 1 ticket

flybit

Ouch, I did redeem UA miles for TG A380 and it was worth it, but NOT at the new redemption rates!

Kacee

Just to clarify for everyone, it's 115,000 miles for partner F one-way. So the RT price is 230,000 miles. That's 60,000 miles more than J for the RT.

You will get TG F ground services at the BKK connection in both directions. Would want at least a three hour layover to take advantage.

astroflyer

TG F is pretty amazing, and I very happily paid 70K one way last time for it, but I'd be a bit hesitant to pay that much for any one ticket, unless I just had a pile of miles.

Ground services in BKK are pretty amazing. The onboard experience is also incredible in terms of both hard and soft product.

It's all about the opportunity cost. What else do you think you might use the miles for. That being said, I wouldn't be surprised to economy redemption rates get higher, but I can't imagine them raising *A F any further any time soon.

sbm12

No massage on the return though, right? Because BKK-HAN is not in F.

Also, you'd have a hard time convincing me that the hour massage holds a massive value. Especially compared to another trip with the points saved. Yes, you have to redeem points for them to have value, but that doesn't mean always just paying a ton for an award.

Kacee

May or may not get F spa access. J spa access includes a foot or neck/shoulder massage.

I didn't even get the massage last time. The BKK ground services overall, including the personal escort from gate to lounge to gate, are phenomenal. Although connecting pax will not get what is arguably the best part, the buggy ride through the J lounge

Is it worth 230,000 miles? Wouldn't be to me. Although if I had a huge bank of miles I might have a different view. Smart travelers are burning before the next devaluation.