booper

We are planning a family trip for 4. We have one 1k, and the rest no status. What is the best way to book the flights (we plan to pay for them and not use miles)?

Ideally we would all be able to select Econ Plus seats, and still maximize chances to get 2 CPUs. TO get the best of everything, I was thinking:

Option A: We book everyone on the 1k account, select Econ plus seats, and then call in to sever the 1k + 1 companion and leave the other 2 companions on a separate PNR. Would that work?

Option B: Just go for the companion upgrade, book 1k + 1 companion, book a 2nd itinerary for the other 2 companions (wouldn't get free Econ Plus though). But this might not work for us, since our kids might be separated from adults.

Option C: Book everyone together, select Econ Plus seats, do not get much chances of any upgrades.

Any tips appreciated. Thanks!

aacharya

Option A(1): Book together, and then closer to the flight (5 days out) see if it's worth splitting (how many F seats left). If worth it, split off the 1K + 1 online (no need to call in). As for children, click all as adults - it avoids those issues regarding UMs.


Also consider strongly booking these as one-ways. CPUs get very messed up on the inbound flights with respect to companions.

booper

Thanks for the tips! Hadn't thought of doing them as 1-ways.

sbm12

I agree about booking as adults for a variety of reasons. That said, depending on the kids' ages leaving them in the other cabin alone with both parents in F may actually be a UM scenario. I seem to remember that the rule is same cabin, not just same plane, though I could be wrong there.