Planning A 2020 Trip Using Points?
Here's How to Score Bargain Redemptions
Update 3-10-20
Here's Roadboy's Advice:
Here's How to Score Bargain Redemptions
Update 3-10-20
Coronavirus issues have taken their toll on travel with passengers cancelling out right and left. So here's the deal....
With planes now seeing loads fall, the normally difficult flights to redeem Frequent Flier miles are now a featuring redemption values that are almost absurd.
I just tested into booking a long weekend flight to London (maybe catch some west end shows?) and found tickets on the Phoenix to London non-stop readily available for 17M frequent flier miles each way.
Let me repeat that, 17M miles for a non-stop flight to London.
You get 60K just for signing up for the Barclay Aviator Master Card. Just sayin.....
Normally I report the latest diabolical way airline and hotel chains have found to erode the value of our hard earned frequent flier points. For my last blog post for 2019 I am happy to report on American's new "Web Special" redemption bargains.
The bargain seats I've found recently have all been coach class seats on long haul flights. So, for those seeking a "Milesaver" business class seat on American, I wish you the best, but those remain as illusive as water in the desert.
The bargain seats I've found recently have all been coach class seats on long haul flights. So, for those seeking a "Milesaver" business class seat on American, I wish you the best, but those remain as illusive as water in the desert.
1. AA's frequent flier redemption awards offered differ between AA's website and AA's app. For example, Premium Economy redemption shows up only on AA's app (go figure?). So plan to shop at both before you make a final selection on any flight.
2. Never select "All Airlines" when making searching. Fees charged for flights on codeshare flights can be 10 times higher than flights all operated by AA.
2. Never select "All Airlines" when making searching. Fees charged for flights on codeshare flights can be 10 times higher than flights all operated by AA.
3. Keep on checking. If the new "Web Special" redemption isn't there today. check back in a week.
4. Try to be flexible on flight dates. Search a few days before and after your ideal travel window. Personally, I figure I'll have no trouble finding something to do with a few extra days in Paris, Rome or Madrid!
5. Plan ahead. Trips 8-12 months out seem to offer you the best chances to find a web special.
6. Consider alternative destinations. Maybe instead of London Heathrow, you might consider Manchester, Dublin or Gatwick instead.
7. Consider an open jaw flight: fly into one city and out of another. No matter where I'm headed in Europe, I frequently fly in via Madrid. It is a great airport with direct Metro service. I can enjoy a day or two sightseeing in one of my favorite cities (think Prado and some tapas!). I get some jet lag sorted and then take a cheap hop (frequently $50-80) to Paris or Rome or wherever my original destination was.
And, no matter where I fly in, I always check on flights home via Dublin, Ireland. I catch a cheap Ryanair hop to Dublin, spend another day or two sightseeing and then zip through Dublin Airport's US customs! With this service there is no trip through customs upon arrival in the US!
4. Try to be flexible on flight dates. Search a few days before and after your ideal travel window. Personally, I figure I'll have no trouble finding something to do with a few extra days in Paris, Rome or Madrid!
5. Plan ahead. Trips 8-12 months out seem to offer you the best chances to find a web special.
6. Consider alternative destinations. Maybe instead of London Heathrow, you might consider Manchester, Dublin or Gatwick instead.
7. Consider an open jaw flight: fly into one city and out of another. No matter where I'm headed in Europe, I frequently fly in via Madrid. It is a great airport with direct Metro service. I can enjoy a day or two sightseeing in one of my favorite cities (think Prado and some tapas!). I get some jet lag sorted and then take a cheap hop (frequently $50-80) to Paris or Rome or wherever my original destination was.
And, no matter where I fly in, I always check on flights home via Dublin, Ireland. I catch a cheap Ryanair hop to Dublin, spend another day or two sightseeing and then zip through Dublin Airport's US customs! With this service there is no trip through customs upon arrival in the US!
Happy Hunting!
Roadboy's Travels © 2019
Roadboy's Travels © 2019
