Author Topic: Flying LA - NYC  (Read 2235 times)

Offline queensdeals

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Flying LA - NYC
« on: February 19, 2010, 04:21:30 PM »
Just a couple of questions to throw out to the masses-
Our parents have several million AMEX MR points (yes, I've begged them to switch to SPG).  They fly LA - NYC a lot, and always do so in business class- with points or by paying.
Whats the smartest/most point efficient way of doing it?
Which airline provides the most bang for the buck? (bear in mind that they typically fly LAX-JFK (not Continental))

They used to always fly AA (lots of flight options) but are flexible.
I saw the Delta promotion for 40% bonus when you transfer over to skymiles (through the end of the month)? (and delta recently renovated their business class--or so they advertise)

So whats the consensus - most cost/point efficient? best airline?

Thanks.
Oh, and Mazal Tov Dan.

Offline batzelda1

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Re: Flying LA - NYC
« Reply #1 on: February 20, 2010, 06:45:20 PM »
I know United lets you upgrade from any fare with 30,000 miles to business class.

Delta transcontinental business class just went through a great upgrade, i think 45K at the lowest level, which is always hard on delta

Offline queensdeals

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Re: Flying LA - NYC
« Reply #2 on: February 24, 2010, 03:47:33 PM »
No other good point managing advice guys?

Offline Dan

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Re: Flying LA - NYC
« Reply #3 on: February 24, 2010, 04:32:12 PM »
AA typically had the best availability and is a fine choice for JFK-LAX.
Delta will probably cost much more mileage.

They should trade some of their AMEX points with people for AA miles.
Save your time, I don't answer PM. Post it in the forum and a dedicated DDF'er will get back to you as soon as possible.

Offline queensdeals

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Re: Flying LA - NYC
« Reply #4 on: February 24, 2010, 08:05:27 PM »
2 issues with that Dan...
1. They're going to want to book the ticket themselves, and not rely on someone else purchasing it for them.
2. Whats the convertion rate? will that really benefit them more than 40% bonus to transfer to Delta?

Offline Yoel

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Re: Flying LA - NYC
« Reply #5 on: February 24, 2010, 10:48:50 PM »
They can use their AMEX points to transfer to British Airways and can book American Airlines no problem!
Also British does not charge a fee for booking close to the travel date.

Offline Dan

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Re: Flying LA - NYC
« Reply #6 on: February 24, 2010, 11:13:57 PM »
2 issues with that Dan...
1. They're going to want to book the ticket themselves, and not rely on someone else purchasing it for them.
2. Whats the convertion rate? will that really benefit them more than 40% bonus to transfer to Delta?
Expect to use 50K AA for business or 80K Delta, or a 60% premium.
If they would want me to book for for them...

They can use their AMEX points to transfer to British Airways and can book American Airlines no problem!
Also British does not charge a fee for booking close to the travel date.
AA does not charge a expedite fee either as long as you loophole it.
Plus AA gives free changes, I don't think that BA does.
And AA miles can be used for transatlantic flights without fuel surcharges while BA miles can't.
Save your time, I don't answer PM. Post it in the forum and a dedicated DDF'er will get back to you as soon as possible.

Offline queensdeals

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Re: Flying LA - NYC
« Reply #7 on: February 24, 2010, 11:36:16 PM »
Yeah but the 50k AA is only available sometimes...50% at best...especially for the more prime flights.
Its usually 75-100k.
With Delta, is the 80k constant on all flights assuming seats are available?

Is you apply the 40% bonus on MR points, then your 50k is 70k and almost there (guaranteed? - see above)
Why bother for possibly 10k, and only under the best of circumstances with dealing with selling/trading/buying?
I'm not sure that its worth it in risk or in actual points when factoring in the often expensive AA tickets.

Thoughts?

Offline Yoel

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Re: Flying LA - NYC
« Reply #8 on: February 25, 2010, 07:12:32 PM »
AA does not charge a expedite fee either as long as you loophole it.
Plus AA gives free changes, I don't think that BA does.
And AA miles can be used for transatlantic flights without fuel surcharges while BA miles can't.
They need the miles for domestic tickets, not transatlantic. Also they can use their Amex points instead of buying AA miles. Sounds like the perfect solution to me.