Help with Award Booking to VCE
Nov 25, 2015, 6:16 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,108
Help with Award Booking to VCE
I've posted a similar thread previously, however United just updated their calendar to reflect our travel dates for next fall.
We are going to be in Venice Oct. 20 - Oct. 30, 2016.
We need to arrive at VCE on 10/20/16.
I currently have almost 110K MilagePlus points to use for a single award booking. I should have closer to 200K by year's end.
I'm currently looking at the following one-way route:
Departure: Wed, Oct 19 @ 7:05 pm
Arrival: Thu, Oct 20 @ 5:25 pm
No. of Stops: 1 stop
Duration: 13h 20m
Operated by Lufthansa
I'll worry about the return itinerary in a few weeks, when the airlines open their calendars up further into the new year.
I have the option of booking the following:
- Economy on Saver Award for 30k miles + $37
- Business Standard Award (Mixed Cabin) for 150k miles + $37
- First Standard Award (Mixed Cabin) for 170k miles + $37
I'd love to get some feedback on value. Should I give it a few months and see whether other Star Alliance airlines offer cheaper awards redemption, or just grab a seat ASAP since I'm redeeming awards and it's not likely to change?
If I were to purchase two seats in Econ for 30K each, would I have the option of upgrading to First Standard for the difference (140K miles) afterward? Does it make more sense to purchase the highest tier award right off the bat or to go low and then try to upgrade for less?
I currently have no status with the airline.
Thanks in advance for your input and advice!
We are going to be in Venice Oct. 20 - Oct. 30, 2016.
We need to arrive at VCE on 10/20/16.
I currently have almost 110K MilagePlus points to use for a single award booking. I should have closer to 200K by year's end.
I'm currently looking at the following one-way route:
Departure: Wed, Oct 19 @ 7:05 pm
Arrival: Thu, Oct 20 @ 5:25 pm
No. of Stops: 1 stop
Duration: 13h 20m
Operated by Lufthansa
I'll worry about the return itinerary in a few weeks, when the airlines open their calendars up further into the new year.
I have the option of booking the following:
- Economy on Saver Award for 30k miles + $37
- Business Standard Award (Mixed Cabin) for 150k miles + $37
- First Standard Award (Mixed Cabin) for 170k miles + $37
I'd love to get some feedback on value. Should I give it a few months and see whether other Star Alliance airlines offer cheaper awards redemption, or just grab a seat ASAP since I'm redeeming awards and it's not likely to change?
If I were to purchase two seats in Econ for 30K each, would I have the option of upgrading to First Standard for the difference (140K miles) afterward? Does it make more sense to purchase the highest tier award right off the bat or to go low and then try to upgrade for less?
I currently have no status with the airline.
Thanks in advance for your input and advice!
Nov 25, 2015, 6:24 pm
#2
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Redwood City, CA USA (SFO/SJC)
Programs: 1K 2010, 1P in 2011, Plat for 2012,13,14,15 & 2016. Gold in 17 & 18, Plat since
Posts: 8,826
There is no rush to pick up a "standard" award. At least not until you'd have to pay a close-in fee (since you're not an elite on UA).
If you've got miles to burn, you could snag that cheap saver economy fare, and throw it away later (instead of paying to get the miles back) & book a saver biz fare, if it became available. That saver economy fare is what's likely to disappear while you're looking at it.
Unfortunately, you can't simply pay the difference in miles and upgrade to biz from an economy award.
There is one other strategy you could play; find a date that has biz or first saver available that you could make work if you had to, and then try to get the date changed down the road. Only works if that space opens up, and it might not. You've got to watch for it because UA isn't going to tell you.
If you've got miles to burn, you could snag that cheap saver economy fare, and throw it away later (instead of paying to get the miles back) & book a saver biz fare, if it became available. That saver economy fare is what's likely to disappear while you're looking at it.
Unfortunately, you can't simply pay the difference in miles and upgrade to biz from an economy award.
There is one other strategy you could play; find a date that has biz or first saver available that you could make work if you had to, and then try to get the date changed down the road. Only works if that space opens up, and it might not. You've got to watch for it because UA isn't going to tell you.
Nov 25, 2015, 6:27 pm
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,108
I should note there are slight variations depending on selected itineraries... all having to do with $ amount paid with points.
If leaving the previous day (arriving 1 day early) I could also select Business Saver for 57.5k miles + $58.20 but it adds an extra stop and several hours to the flight duration.
If leaving the previous day (arriving 1 day early) I could also select Business Saver for 57.5k miles + $58.20 but it adds an extra stop and several hours to the flight duration.
Nov 25, 2015, 6:33 pm
#4
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Redwood City, CA USA (SFO/SJC)
Programs: 1K 2010, 1P in 2011, Plat for 2012,13,14,15 & 2016. Gold in 17 & 18, Plat since
Posts: 8,826
I should note there are slight variations depending on selected itineraries... all having to do with $ amount paid with points.
If leaving the previous day (arriving 1 day early) I could also select Business Saver for 57.5k miles + $58.20 but it adds an extra stop and several hours to the flight duration.
If leaving the previous day (arriving 1 day early) I could also select Business Saver for 57.5k miles + $58.20 but it adds an extra stop and several hours to the flight duration.
Nov 25, 2015, 6:34 pm
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,108
There is no rush to pick up a "standard" award. At least not until you'd have to pay a close-in fee (since you're not an elite on UA).
If you've got miles to burn, you could snag that cheap saver economy fare, and throw it away later (instead of paying to get the miles back) & book a saver biz fare, if it became available. That saver economy fare is what's likely to disappear while you're looking at it.
Unfortunately, you can't simply pay the difference in miles and upgrade to biz from an economy award.
There is one other strategy you could play; find a date that has biz or first saver available that you could make work if you had to, and then try to get the date changed down the road. Only works if that space opens up, and it might not. You've got to watch for it because UA isn't going to tell you.
If you've got miles to burn, you could snag that cheap saver economy fare, and throw it away later (instead of paying to get the miles back) & book a saver biz fare, if it became available. That saver economy fare is what's likely to disappear while you're looking at it.
Unfortunately, you can't simply pay the difference in miles and upgrade to biz from an economy award.
There is one other strategy you could play; find a date that has biz or first saver available that you could make work if you had to, and then try to get the date changed down the road. Only works if that space opens up, and it might not. You've got to watch for it because UA isn't going to tell you.
I definitely don't have miles to burn... we'd be exhausting them on this award flight redemption.
The Saver Econ fare disappearing is what worries me actually. The fare is priced over 2K per seat right now, so even flying in E class would be a bug savings... that's over 4K for two people, just going one-way!
This is really my reason for posting. I don't know how many months it'll take for us to hit 300K+ in miles, which is what we'd need for two bookings (traveling with wife). I could hit 200k miles by Jan/Feb but I don't want to risk having to pay full price for the tickets.
We've redeemed SPG points for the entirety of the trip and I'd like to do the same for airfare. This would be the first vacation we'd be taking entirely on awards with no money down, and that definitely appeals to me! I would love to snag two seats in Business class though...
Nov 25, 2015, 6:39 pm
#6
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: PSM
Posts: 69,232
The cost to change from Y->C on the award is relatively low for the peace of mind knowing that you have the seats you need. I would also say that you're going in shoulder/off-season and I would virtually guarantee that you'll be able to find an award seat in Y or C on the return much closer to the day of travel. I wouldn't sweat it too much right now.
Nov 25, 2015, 6:49 pm
#7
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: NYC / TYO / Up in the Air
Programs: UA GS 1.7MM, AA 2.1MM, EK, BA, SQ, CX, Marriot LT, Accor P
Posts: 6,319
OP - one other thing to consider is other cities such as Milan - it's a short train ride and makes for a more interesting trip - Europe in general is much more connected than you think - Milan to Venice is a 3 hour train ride that is worth it for the views alone - so check out some other cities like Rome or Milan - it might even improve your holiday!
Nov 25, 2015, 7:06 pm
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,108
I'd love to do Milan but my wife is already pushing it with vacation time. I figure unless we can add 2-3 nights to our itinerary, Milan is off the table. Even if the train ride is scenic and worthwhile, it wouldn't be so much fun after a 13+ hour flight, taxis, luggage, etc. I'd like to keep the total transit time as painless as possible. I may look into adding a single night in Milan only if we could take advantage of the Business Saver for 57.5k miles + $58.20 USD. What's Business Saver like on UA operated by Lufthansa? Significant step up from Economy?
Edit: the Business Saver flight is actually operated by Swiss, not Lufthansa.
I'm guessing all of these Star Alliance airlines will offer the same mileage redemption as UA?
Edit: the Business Saver flight is actually operated by Swiss, not Lufthansa.
I'm guessing all of these Star Alliance airlines will offer the same mileage redemption as UA?
Nov 25, 2015, 7:20 pm
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,108
Last question and it seems pretty obvious but just for peace of mind...
Booking one-way vs round-trip makes zero difference when redeeming awards, right?
Unlike paying cash fares, there is no advantage or savings to be had purchasing RT?
Thanks again for all the feedback!
Booking one-way vs round-trip makes zero difference when redeeming awards, right?
Unlike paying cash fares, there is no advantage or savings to be had purchasing RT?
Thanks again for all the feedback!
Nov 25, 2015, 7:21 pm
#10
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Carmel Valley(was Hawaii)
Programs: United 1K 2.7 MM
Posts: 1,174
I'd love to do Milan but my wife is already pushing it with vacation time. I figure unless we can add 2-3 nights to our itinerary, Milan is off the table. Even if the train ride is scenic and worthwhile, it wouldn't be so much fun after a 13+ hour flight, taxis, luggage, etc. I'd like to keep the total transit time as painless as possible. I may look into adding a single night in Milan only if we could take advantage of the Business Saver for 57.5k miles + $58.20 USD. What's Business Saver like on UA operated by Lufthansa? Significant step up from Economy?
Edit: the Business Saver flight is actually operated by Swiss, not Lufthansa.
I'm guessing all of these Star Alliance airlines will offer the same mileage redemption as UA?
Edit: the Business Saver flight is actually operated by Swiss, not Lufthansa.
I'm guessing all of these Star Alliance airlines will offer the same mileage redemption as UA?
Oh, and SWISS is superb. Book it!!!!
Two Italian cities in October seem wonderful The train is very easy to use.
Nov 25, 2015, 7:48 pm
#11
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Redwood City, CA USA (SFO/SJC)
Programs: 1K 2010, 1P in 2011, Plat for 2012,13,14,15 & 2016. Gold in 17 & 18, Plat since
Posts: 8,826
Last question and it seems pretty obvious but just for peace of mind...
Booking one-way vs round-trip makes zero difference when redeeming awards, right?
Unlike paying cash fares, there is no advantage or savings to be had purchasing RT?
Thanks again for all the feedback!
Booking one-way vs round-trip makes zero difference when redeeming awards, right?
Unlike paying cash fares, there is no advantage or savings to be had purchasing RT?
Thanks again for all the feedback!
And I agree with other posters; Europe is very much connected by rail, so swapping between MXP and VCE isn't that big a deal. If you took that MXP flight the night before then a morning train to Venice, I think you'd find that a very nice way to start the trip.
Nov 25, 2015, 7:59 pm
#12
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,108
Thanks everyone - my wife is pushing me to be thrifty and just book the Economy Saver Award so that we can cover our return right away on miles, but I'll discuss all of your points with her tomorrow morning and make a decision.
And I hear ya about 10 days being long for Venice; we've gotten a lot of that when discussing our trip. The thing is, it's costing us nothing and we're booked in a suite at the Gritti Palace, so I envision a very relaxing 10 nights wandering the city, getting lost in the maze of alleys and side streets, the usual museum tours (particularly excited about Peggy Guggenheim!), lots of reading, fine eating and plenty of bācara, cicchetti, prosecco, etc. We've been on a lot of adventurous int'l trips in recent years (from the Middle East to the entire island of Honshu last fall) so ten days filled with nothing but good food and wine, cafes, art, books, and cruising on the canal sounds perfect to us! We'll probably save Milan to pair with the Lake Country the next time around.
And I hear ya about 10 days being long for Venice; we've gotten a lot of that when discussing our trip. The thing is, it's costing us nothing and we're booked in a suite at the Gritti Palace, so I envision a very relaxing 10 nights wandering the city, getting lost in the maze of alleys and side streets, the usual museum tours (particularly excited about Peggy Guggenheim!), lots of reading, fine eating and plenty of bācara, cicchetti, prosecco, etc. We've been on a lot of adventurous int'l trips in recent years (from the Middle East to the entire island of Honshu last fall) so ten days filled with nothing but good food and wine, cafes, art, books, and cruising on the canal sounds perfect to us! We'll probably save Milan to pair with the Lake Country the next time around.
Nov 25, 2015, 8:05 pm
#13
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: NYC / TYO / Up in the Air
Programs: UA GS 1.7MM, AA 2.1MM, EK, BA, SQ, CX, Marriot LT, Accor P
Posts: 6,319
Thanks everyone - my wife is pushing me to be thrifty and just book the Economy Saver Award so that we can cover our return right away on miles, but I'll discuss all of your points with her tomorrow morning and make a decision.
And I hear ya about 10 days being long for Venice; we've gotten a lot of that when discussing our trip. The thing is, it's costing us nothing and we're booked in a suite at the Gritti Palace, so I envision a very relaxing 10 nights wandering the city, getting lost in the maze of alleys and side streets, the usual museum tours (particularly excited about Peggy Guggenheim!), lots of reading, fine eating and plenty of bācara, cicchetti, prosecco, etc. We've been on a lot of adventurous int'l trips in recent years (from the Middle East to the entire island of Honshu last fall) so ten days filled with nothing but good food and wine, cafes, art, books, and cruising on the canal sounds perfect to us! We'll probably save Milan to pair with the Lake Country the next time around.
And I hear ya about 10 days being long for Venice; we've gotten a lot of that when discussing our trip. The thing is, it's costing us nothing and we're booked in a suite at the Gritti Palace, so I envision a very relaxing 10 nights wandering the city, getting lost in the maze of alleys and side streets, the usual museum tours (particularly excited about Peggy Guggenheim!), lots of reading, fine eating and plenty of bācara, cicchetti, prosecco, etc. We've been on a lot of adventurous int'l trips in recent years (from the Middle East to the entire island of Honshu last fall) so ten days filled with nothing but good food and wine, cafes, art, books, and cruising on the canal sounds perfect to us! We'll probably save Milan to pair with the Lake Country the next time around.
If you can find this picture (hint - it's of a famous floor) I will be truly impressed - Venice has lots of hidden tours and treasures - go for it! Use the viator app - it's worth it....
The view from my room on my last trip - Venice is amazing - just keep an eye on your wallet!
Last edited by bmwe92fan; Nov 25, 2015 at 8:21 pm
Nov 25, 2015, 8:18 pm
#14
Join Date: Sep 2005
Programs: UA gold; WN A; PC plat; Marriott Gold
Posts: 425
My wife and I visited Rome, Florence, Bologna and Venice earlier this year. Bologna was our favorite by far. Awesome food and lots to do in Bologna and nearby Modena. Venice was very crowded with tourists.
Nov 25, 2015, 8:42 pm
#15
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,108
Thanks fellas and I appreciate the Venice tips!
We've chosen to travel between seasons, so we'll hopefully miss the cruise ship crowds. While it's true that certain parts of the city can be very touristy, the fun is finding the local flavor. I'm prepared for the costs. The hotel is 100% free as is the flight. So bring on the food and wine!
I'm slowly compiling a list of restaurants; mostly charming neighborhood bācaros, old rustic osterias & small family-run trattorias, historic caffčs and pasticcerias, etc. Ten days will ensure we stray far from the tourist route!
PS - Beautiful photos! Were they both taken at the Gritti?
We've chosen to travel between seasons, so we'll hopefully miss the cruise ship crowds. While it's true that certain parts of the city can be very touristy, the fun is finding the local flavor. I'm prepared for the costs. The hotel is 100% free as is the flight. So bring on the food and wine!
I'm slowly compiling a list of restaurants; mostly charming neighborhood bācaros, old rustic osterias & small family-run trattorias, historic caffčs and pasticcerias, etc. Ten days will ensure we stray far from the tourist route!PS - Beautiful photos! Were they both taken at the Gritti?