Looking for some input here:
(WARNING: long post)
Planning on EY from AUH to JFK in F through AA.
Trying to plan out how to get from TLV to AUH in the best way. Priority is a quick visit to an extra destination and best service/lounge access etc. Already been through AUH (airport) so don't really need to spend time there in lounge etc (yes I know it is being redone...), but can visit city.
Will have about 24 hours to spare from AMM to departure time at AUH. Or 36 hours from TLV to AUH.
RJ TLV-AMM is not available with AA/BA miles. Will need to either do cash or go overland (separate discussion).
Options are:
1)
AMM-AUH on EY or RJ (included in AA award)
PROS: Free
CONS: Not adding any extra destination/lounge
2)
AMM-DOH on QR "F" (AA)
DOH-AUH on QR "F" (AA)
PROS: Free (part of same award), Al Safwa
CONS: schedule doesn't allow for much time in DOH, maybe 7 hours between flights, then get to AUH with plenty of time before flight, but at night
3)
AMM-DXB on RJ with BA 10k/20k + fees
DXB-AUH with EY chauffeur
PROS: Explore DXB, EY chauffeur
CONS: Extra BA + fees, no Al Safwa
4)
AMM-DOH on QR or RJ with 10k/20k/30k BA + fees
DOH-DXB on QR with 18k BA +fees
DXB-AUH with EY chauffeur
PROS: Al Safwa and DXB
CONS: Most expensive, little time in each place
5)
Just pay cash for a flight from TLV-AUH through IST or LCA or ATH
PROS: see another place on stopover?
CONS: more $, no extra destination, Yx2, long trip
6)
Just pay cash for a flight from TLV-DXB through IST or LCA or ATH
PROS: Explore DXB a bit, EY chauffeur
CONS: more $, Yx2, long trip
I don't expect to be able to do this again soon, so want to maximize the trip.