Santa brings presents! Etihad glitch, e.g. JFK-AUH $187

[oreo]

is there any way to upgrade to business or first using miles?

Etihad lets you upgrade with miles (and you can transfer to them from Amex MR) but it's unclear whether the fare class of these flights is upgrade-eligible

[SoCal Dude]

I've been trying to apply this deal to LAX to Tokyo in any way or manner but can't find a route.  Even the long way around the world through Abu Dhabi would be great.  Sorry to ask but anyone have any tips on using this for LAX-Tokyo?  Thanks!

[Yaalili]

Etihad lets you upgrade with miles (and you can transfer to them from Amex MR) but it's unclear whether the fare class of these flights is upgrade-eligible

You can also transfer from citi TYP. Did you try upgrading ur fare?

This is what the message is when you try to upgrade these tickets.

Note: Changes cannot be made to this booking online. For assistance, contact the Etihad Airways call centre on 02 599 0000 from within the UAE or +971 2 599 0000 from elsewhere.

[@Yehuda]

I know this is probably so naive, but is JNB safe? I'm sure that to an extent, the rumors are the same as they were for Israel when parents were telling their kids not to go on busses yet anyone who lived in Israel obviously still took busses, but I've heard that everyone has crazy security on their houses and it's a dangerous place.

Thoughts?

[AJK]

It's not safe like NYC, but it's also not dangerous like Sudan.

[CS1]

I know this is probably so naive, but is JNB safe? I'm sure that to an extent, the rumors are the same as they were for Israel when parents were telling their kids not to go on busses yet anyone who lived in Israel obviously still took busses, but I've heard that everyone has crazy security on their houses and it's a dangerous place.

Thoughts?

Most part of JNB as a city are safe (busses could be another story). If I'd make this ticket then I'd go mainly to Capetown;
Really great weather, lots of Jews, Shuls, beachfronts, nice tourist areas, and possibly several Kosher food options, as well.

[@Yehuda]

It's not safe like NYC, but it's also not dangerous like Sudan.

Gotcha. I dunno... of all the destinations that ppl posted, JNB is the only one that caught my eye as interesting and the safety is something that would keep the $300 in my pocket.

[AJK]

That'd be a mistake...

Did it in January 2014 and between Kruger and CPT was amazing and beautiful.

[Dan]

HKG is a really awesome city as well.

[Triple Canopy]

That'd be a mistake...

Did it in January 2014 and between Kruger and CPT was amazing and beautiful.

The question is if you would say the same if you went to Johannesburg

[AJK]

The question is if you would say the same if you went to Johannesburg

I did.

[Yehuda57]

Gotcha. I dunno... of all the destinations that ppl posted, JNB is the only one that caught my eye as interesting and the safety is something that would keep the $300 in my pocket.

Born and bread in JNB. Family still lives there. It is safe. Yes, people have gates around their houses, and you are more likely to see armed security guards on the streets, but it really is not an issue to travel there at all. Stories you hear are often grossly exaggerated.

And, as was mentioned, if you are touring South Africa, you would just be using JNB as your base on the way to Cape Town, Kruger or other places, which are far more beautiful, and far more safe.

In terms of combining natural beauty and Jewish communal infrastructure, South Africa is hard to top as a tourist destination.

[Triple Canopy]

Born and bread in JNB. Family still lives there. It is safe. Yes, people have gates around their houses, and you are more likely to see armed security guards on the streets, but it really is not an issue to travel there at all. Stories you hear are often grossly exaggerated.

And, as was mentioned, if you are touring South Africa, you would just be using JNB as your base on the way to Cape Town, Kruger or other places, which are far more beautiful, and far more safe.

In terms of combining natural beauty and Jewish communal infrastructure, South Africa is hard to top as a tourist destination.

Best way to get to Cape town?

[Yehuda57]

It is a cheap flight away.

[Triple Canopy]

It is a cheap flight away.

I'm seeing $250.

[sara b]

Booked with a 2 day stopover in Abu dhabi, hope we aren't crazy to do this trip with two little kids!

[Fan of Dan]

I'm seeing $250.

Would be the best 250 you ever spent (assuming you can't get it for less).

[@Yehuda]

That'd be a mistake...

Did it in January 2014 and between Kruger and CPT was amazing and beautiful.

I guess you felt safe enough to go. Safari does sound really cool, but see my issues below. Didn't realize till ppl just mentioned it that CPT and Kruger are not near JNB. So we're adding more flights/travel to this trip and therefore more days, which relate to 1 of my below issues.

HKG is a really awesome city as well.

Google Images makes it look like NYC, although I'm sure there are plenty of differences.

I still personally have some issues:
- PTO from work: MCO in Jan and hopefully HI in the summer (which is much more exciting to me than any of these routes) doesn't really leave any time for another trip.
- Supporting an Arab airline. My wife was definitely not into that when I've discussed the idea of flying the fancy classes on EY and EK. Not sure how I feel...
- The $300 pp could be used to pay YQ on award flights to places that are higher up on my list.

[Dan]

Google Images makes it look like NYC, although I'm sure there are plenty of differences.

[Yaalili]

The question is if you would say the same if you went to Johannesburg

Go to JNB for the cheap fare, and book a cheap flight to KNP and CPT.