Topic Wiki

Please follow the following rules when posting in this thread. Failure to do so may result in you request being ignored or deleted.

(If you are looking to purchase a paid ticket, please post here)

FAQs:

Q: How can I use my credit card points to book a USA-TLV ticket?
A: Please read Dan's very helpful and informative guides found here and here

Great tool to see the mileage cost for a route http://www.awardhacker.com

Q: Do I have to pay a lot of money when using miles for a ticket?

A: Sometimes. For more information read this

Q: How do I find award availability?
A: For Star Alliance (United, AirCanada, Lufthansa, Swiss, and others) see this guide

For OneWorld (AmericanAirlines, BritishAirways, Iberia, Malev, and more) You can use BA's award search engine (you need to have a free BA account to access the engine). In addition, you can use Qantas' engine (free account needed as well), which will (to an extent) search Elal. As of this posting, the Elal business flights that show up are coach, and vice verse.

For Delta and AirFrance, use their respective sites. While not perfect, they are quite manageable for the casual searcher.

And of course, many of us here will take time out to help someone who is trying to learn.

Q: All this searching is making me crazy. Is there an easier way?
A: Yes, but it might cost you. Check out AwardNexus.com, KVStool.com, and expertflyer.com.

Q: I see AirCanada availability, but when I call AirCanada they say I can't use my United miles with them. Aren't they partners?
A: You can only use miles with the airline that issued them. Through that airline (in our case United) they can issue a ticket on a partner (ie AirCanada). Trying to call AirCanada with United miles, is like trying to use shekels in Mexico.

Q: I can't find availability on my dates. What should I do?
A: You should try to be as flexible as possible. Can you add a stop or 2? Can you be more flexible with your dates? The airports?
If all else fails, keep trying. Availability is constantly opening up.

Q: Can someone please help me find a ticket?
A: No! Find it yourself.  ;D ;D Just kidding. Please copy the following lines, delete the non bolded parts, and fill it out in your post.

One way/Round-trip:
Non-stop/Maximum stops/Any:
From: All airports from which you can depart
To: All airports which you can arrive at. For multiple destinations, just keep adding this line
Departure dates: All possible dates that you can depart on. Please be as specific as possible.
Return airports:If different from 'To' line. Delete this line for One-way tickets
Return dates: Delete this line for One-way tickets
Class: First/Business/Coach/Any
Seats: Total number of people traveling over the age of 2
Alliance/Airline: What airline or alliance are you looking to fly with

IF you have any airline status or credit cards (Ie, United CC or status) that gives extended seat availability, please add that. Would be helpful to find you correct availability.

An additional note about using miles for direct flights from NYC-TLV

NYC-TLV is only served by 3 carriers non-stop, United, Delta, and El Al. Saver availability on Delta is non-existent. Saver availability on United is rare but sometimes available close-in. It is almost never available on or near holidays or holiday weekends, or around yomim tovim. Any award space that opens will be snatched up immediately so you have to constantly be checking if you hope to snag it if/when it opens. El AL awards are more readily available but prohibitively expensive using Matmid points (El Al's frequent flyer program) but may be able to be booked using Quantas points (transfers from Citi & Amex) at a much more reasonable rate.

This leaves the following options if no saver availability:

The Chase travel portal will let you use Ultimate Rewards, or a combination or UR and cash to book flights. If you have a Sapphire Reserve or a Sapphire Preferred, the redemption rate will be 1.5 cents per point or 1.25 cents per point respectively, instead of the regular 1 cent per point without them. (A, Ink cash or Ink Preferred will also give you the 1.25 cpp redemption rate.)

The Amex travel portal will let you redeem points at 1 cent per point towards the cost of air travel. If you have a grandfathered Business Platinum card, you will get 50% of the points you redeem back around a month after you book the ticket. If you have a non-grandfathered card, you will get 35% of your points back. (This is only available when redeeming points for tickets on your selected American carrier in economy class or on any airline in business or first class.)

The Citi travel portal also lets you redeem points at 1 cent per point towards travel and seems to have better pricing on El Al in business class.

Alternatively, you can sell your points (not here on DDF) and use the cash to buy regular tickets. This is usually the best option for people without either a Chase Sapphire Reserve or grandfathered Business Platinum who are flying economy.

Those are your only options for nonstop travel. For options with a stopover and more information in general, see https://www.dansdeals.com/points-travel/milespoints/the-ultimate-israel-mileage-award-chart/

This keeps on getting asked over and over. Besides Dan's comprehensive list of how to get to, or from, TLV here is a short list of options for travel to or from NYC in Y:
Lowest point per RT is FB 50K (less with promo, but YQ of ~$500 unless you can find unicorn DL availability), AA 80k (AA metal for transatlantic), AC 80k (LX or LO for low YQ) and UA 85k. Half that for OW.

Please add any other information to this wiki that you feel might be useful.



Author Topic: Need help finding a ticket? Post here! Award ticket edition (Master thread)  (Read 1838979 times)

Offline Tom Brady

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Gold Elite
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  • Location: HVN/BDL
  • Programs: AA EP, Hyatt Diamond, SPG Platinum, Hilton Diamond, Ritz Platinum
One way/Round trip: Round Trip
Non-stop/Maximum stops/Any:Non-Stop
From: NYC
To: TLV
Departure dates: Sep 24
Return dates: Oct 7th, or oct 8th midnight flight
Class:: Coach
Seats: 2 adults, 1 Child
Alliance/Airline: no preference

I have 250k UR points, 30k avios, 70k Amex, 50k united

Thanks in advance

Would almost put down money that you won't find availability for the flights you need on those dates - sorry. Your best bet is probably a paid flight. Non-stop is around $2000 pp and a short stopover with 2 free bags is $1251 pp.

Offline Tom Brady

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  • Location: HVN/BDL
  • Programs: AA EP, Hyatt Diamond, SPG Platinum, Hilton Diamond, Ritz Platinum
Round trip:
From: MIA JFK PHL EWR (can return to a different airport)
To: TLV
Anytime between July 27th and August 15th staying for 1-2 weeks in TLV
Class:Business
Seats: 1

Which miles?

Offline chayankkim

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  • Location: NYC
One way/Round trip: Round Trip
Non-stop/Maximum stops/Any:Non-Stop
From: NYC
To: TLV
Departure dates: AUG 17
Return dates: AUG 23 midnight or AUG 24
Class:: Business
Seats: 3 adults, 3 Child 1 infant
Alliance/Airline: no preference

700k amex on hand

Offline shoobi

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Silver Elite
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One way/Round trip: Round Trip
Non-stop/Maximum stops/Any:Non-Stop
From: NYC
To: TLV
Departure dates: AUG 17
Return dates: AUG 23 midnight or AUG 24
Class:: Business
Seats: 3 adults, 3 Child 1 infant
Alliance/Airline: no preference

700k amex on hand

All I can say is good luck... you can add in a free trailing leg anytime within 12 months to the moon

Online htg123

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  • Location: New York
MULTI CITY TRIP

From: MEL
To: TLV
Departure dates:13-16 December
From:TLV
To: PIT
Dates: 23-24 Dec
From: PIT
To: MEL
Date: 10 Jan
Class:Coach
Seats:2
Alliance/Airline: UA points

Routing for PIT-MEL will have to route via asia (PEK/NRT/BKK/SIN) as it's peak season and no availability via LAX
I would like to somehow price it at 80k as i have heard reports of ppl being able to do this. I would be willing to pay someone $50 to help me out. Thanks

Offline Londoner Rebbe

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Hi Gents,

Need a ticket for 2 from LAX to CUN 8/3 - 8/6 but cant seem to find anything.

One way/Round trip: Round trip
Non-stop/Maximum stops/Any: Non stop pref
From:  LAX and surrounding area
To: CUN
Departure dates: 8/3
Return airports:LAX
Return dates: 8/6
Class: Coach
Seats: 2
Alliance/Airline: United, AA, have UR points as well as MR and Starwood

Any assistance will be very appreciated.



Offline mmm740

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite
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MULTI CITY TRIP

From: MEL
To: TLV
Departure dates:13-16 December
From:TLV
To: PIT
Dates: 23-24 Dec
From: PIT
To: MEL
Date: 10 Jan
Class:Coach
Seats:2
Alliance/Airline: UA points

Routing for PIT-MEL will have to route via asia (PEK/NRT/BKK/SIN) as it's peak season and no availability via LAX
I would like to somehow price it at 80k as i have heard reports of ppl being able to do this. I would be willing to pay someone $50 to help me out. Thanks
It can be done with Aeroplan. United won't allow you to route through the Atlantic. Unless you can get an agent to do it, which I doubt.

Offline eli1571

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One Way
From: TLV
To: NYC
Departure dates:27/28 july
Class:Coach
Seats:1
Alliance/Airline: any
have the points for most airlines or alliances

Offline dbel23

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  • Location: NYC
hello my friends,

Round trip
Non-stop/Maximum stops/Any: preferably non stop
From: LGA/JFK
To: MIA/FLL
Departure dates: 12/23,24 or 25
Return dates: 12/31 (flexible)
Class: Any
Seats: 2
Alliance/Airline: i have about 60k AA miles, 80k MR and 70K UR - no availability on BA... is there a better option than moving 20k UR to AA and spending all 80k AA on this?? (cant find cheaper than 20k each leg on AA)

TIA

Offline Tom Brady

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Gold Elite
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  • Location: HVN/BDL
  • Programs: AA EP, Hyatt Diamond, SPG Platinum, Hilton Diamond, Ritz Platinum
hello my friends,

Round trip
Non-stop/Maximum stops/Any: preferably non stop
From: LGA/JFK
To: MIA/FLL
Departure dates: 12/23,24 or 25
Return dates: 12/31 (flexible)
Class: Any
Seats: 2
Alliance/Airline: i have about 60k AA miles, 80k MR and 70K UR - no availability on BA... is there a better option than moving 20k UR to AA and spending all 80k AA on this?? (cant find cheaper than 20k each leg on AA)

TIA
Can only move SPG to AA (and technically MR but at terrible transfer rates).

Offline dbel23

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  • Location: NYC
Can only move SPG to AA (and technically MR but at terrible transfer rates).

good point... any suggestions?

Offline Tom Brady

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Gold Elite
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  • Location: HVN/BDL
  • Programs: AA EP, Hyatt Diamond, SPG Platinum, Hilton Diamond, Ritz Platinum
good point... any suggestions?
As of now there is nothing good for your departure, though there is a flight available with aa for your return. The 9:25 am flight from MIA to LGA on 12/31 has your seats available. It's 7.5k pp with BA miles, which I would recommend that you transfer from MR. (definitely don't use AA miles for this flight).

Offline db23

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  • Location: United States
  • Programs: hilton diamond,bonvoy gold, hertz president circle
does this make any sense?

30SEP
JFK2:20 PM to TLV1:35 PMArrives Next Day
View Details of SU 101 SU 502
Flight NumberSU 101, Flight NumberSU 502
Travel Time 16h 15m 1 stop
Select Seats
Business (O) |
Main Cabin (X)
In-flight services amenities:

Complete Delta Air Lines Baggage Information opens in new window

Advisory This itinerary has flights arriving and departing at different airports.

Advisory New passport and visa requirements opens in a new window may exist for your itinerary.
WED07OCT
JFK09:30 AM to PHL10:45 AM
View Details of DL 4002
Flight NumberDL 40021
Travel Time 1h 15m Nonstop
Select Seats
First (R)
In-flight services amenities:

    Wi-Fi opens in a new window Sky Priority opens in a new window

Complete Delta Air Lines Baggage Information opens in new window

Award Tickets cannot be redeposited or changed within 72 hours of scheduled flight departure time.
Price Overview
Miles per Passenger
95,000
Miles
Carrier-imposed International Surcharge
$15430
USD
Taxes, Fees and Charges
$3290
USD
Total Price
95,000
Miles
+$ 187 20
USD
Seats
JFK to SVO
SVO to TLV
JFK to PHL
1
David Blau
--
--
03A
Trip Insurance *Required: Please select yes or no to continue
Get reimbursed up to 100% with Allianz Travel Insurance:

    Trip interruption coverage
    Redeposit fee coverage (if you cancel your trip up to 72 hours before departure pursuant to Delta's Award Ticket cancellation policy)
    Travel and baggage delay coverage
    Emergency medical coverage including transportation and care
    24/7 award-winning live support by the Global Call Center of the Year (ICMI)

Important Fact: the average out-of-pocket cost of medical emergency transportation outside the U.S. can be as high as $25,000!
Product available to residents of all states except: WA. Plans underwritten by Jefferson Insurance Company or BCS Insurance Company. AGA Service Company is the licensed producer and administrator of this plan. Terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Learn More
Please make a selection
before proceeding.
$2700
covers all passengers
for your entire trip
Trip Insurance
$2700
store your card in my wallet for quick and easy checkout on delta.com
Payment
Total
trip cost
95,000 Miles
+ $ 214 20 USD

Delta uses a secure connection to protect the privacy and security of your personal information.
*Required
My Wallet
Credit/Debit
Amount on this payment type
95,000Miles
+ $21420
0
00

Earn up to an additional 2 miles per dollar on this purchase when you use your Delta SkyMiles Credit Card. (Terms and Conditions).
SM AX VI CA DS JC DC TP
Payment Type*
Card Number*
Expiration Date*
Security Code* Security Code Help Security Code Help
*First Name On Card
*Last Name On Card
Billing Address
Saved Address
Edit Selected Address Add Address
Save this credit card to My Wallet. This provides permission for us to store and use your credit card on future transactions.

When you click Complete Purchase, you agree to all terms and conditions below.
Amount Due
95,000 Miles
+ $ 214 20
USD
Terms and Conditions
General Conditions of Purchase

You agree to accept all Fare Rules opens in new window for each flight, all Trip Extras Terms & Conditions, and all terms in Delta's applicable Contract of Carriage opens in new window. Once your ticket is purchased, Risk-Free Cancellation opens in new window may apply. No contract exists until you receive confirmation that payment was received and processed.

View Fare Rules, Change & Cancellation opens in new windowPolicies.

The advertised price is not an offer and is subject to change. All prices are (USD) unless otherwise noted. You may see separate transactions to your credit card based on the vendors and the products you are purchasing. Amounts may vary dependant on the rate of exchange at time of transaction.

In-Flight services and amenities may vary and are subject to change. opens in new window

Final Baggage fees will be assessed and charged at time of check in.baggage fees opens in new window may change based on the class of service or frequent flyer status.


Offline db23

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  • Location: United States
  • Programs: hilton diamond,bonvoy gold, hertz president circle
sorry for that crazy post!!

Offline stokes

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is it possible to book an award from SFO to JFK on American or United that stops for 8+ hours in LA, and is counted as one award ?


Offline coralsnake

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
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is it possible to book an award from SFO to JFK on American or United that stops for 8+ hours in LA, and is counted as one award ?


Not officially.
"Here at DansDeals we don’t do buses." -Dan

Offline sharabob

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  • Location: Tel Aviv
Hi,

I'll be traveling with my wife and two babies to the U.S. for two weeks between 8/24 - 7/9. I'm looking for the following flights:

8/31 NYC - FLL\PBI\MIA (MIA least favourite option)
9/3 FLL\PBI\MIA - CMH
9/7 CMH - EWR

I have about:
50K Delta miles
100K Chase UR
30K Amex MR
12K + 17K AA miles in separate accounts

We will have a lot of luggage and since we'll be traveling with infants I guess C\F is an advantage but not a must.
I also have Amex Delta Gold card (I think that helps with luggage?) but no status on any airline.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks!

sharabob

Offline mmm740

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does this make any sense?

30SEP
JFK2:20 PM to TLV1:35 PMArrives Next Day
View Details of SU 101 SU 502
Flight NumberSU 101, Flight NumberSU 502
Travel Time 16h 15m 1 stop
Select Seats
Business (O) |
Main Cabin (X)
In-flight services amenities:

Complete Delta Air Lines Baggage Information opens in new window

Advisory This itinerary has flights arriving and departing at different airports.

Advisory New passport and visa requirements opens in a new window may exist for your itinerary.
WED07OCT
JFK09:30 AM to PHL10:45 AM
View Details of DL 4002
Flight NumberDL 40021
Travel Time 1h 15m Nonstop
Select Seats
First (R)
In-flight services amenities:

    Wi-Fi opens in a new window Sky Priority opens in a new window

Complete Delta Air Lines Baggage Information opens in new window

Award Tickets cannot be redeposited or changed within 72 hours of scheduled flight departure time.
Price Overview
Miles per Passenger
95,000
Miles
Carrier-imposed International Surcharge
$15430
USD
Taxes, Fees and Charges
$3290
USD
Total Price
95,000
Miles
+$ 187 20
USD
Seats
JFK to SVO
SVO to TLV
JFK to PHL
1
David Blau
--
--
03A
Trip Insurance *Required: Please select yes or no to continue
Get reimbursed up to 100% with Allianz Travel Insurance:

    Trip interruption coverage
    Redeposit fee coverage (if you cancel your trip up to 72 hours before departure pursuant to Delta's Award Ticket cancellation policy)
    Travel and baggage delay coverage
    Emergency medical coverage including transportation and care
    24/7 award-winning live support by the Global Call Center of the Year (ICMI)

Important Fact: the average out-of-pocket cost of medical emergency transportation outside the U.S. can be as high as $25,000!
Product available to residents of all states except: WA. Plans underwritten by Jefferson Insurance Company or BCS Insurance Company. AGA Service Company is the licensed producer and administrator of this plan. Terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Learn More
Please make a selection
before proceeding.
$2700
covers all passengers
for your entire trip
Trip Insurance
$2700
store your card in my wallet for quick and easy checkout on delta.com
Payment
Total
trip cost
95,000 Miles
+ $ 214 20 USD

Delta uses a secure connection to protect the privacy and security of your personal information.
*Required
My Wallet
Credit/Debit
Amount on this payment type
95,000Miles
+ $21420
0
00

Earn up to an additional 2 miles per dollar on this purchase when you use your Delta SkyMiles Credit Card. (Terms and Conditions).
SM AX VI CA DS JC DC TP
Payment Type*
Card Number*
Expiration Date*
Security Code* Security Code Help Security Code Help
*First Name On Card
*Last Name On Card
Billing Address
Saved Address
Edit Selected Address Add Address
Save this credit card to My Wallet. This provides permission for us to store and use your credit card on future transactions.

When you click Complete Purchase, you agree to all terms and conditions below.
Amount Due
95,000 Miles
+ $ 214 20
USD
Terms and Conditions
General Conditions of Purchase

You agree to accept all Fare Rules opens in new window for each flight, all Trip Extras Terms & Conditions, and all terms in Delta's applicable Contract of Carriage opens in new window. Once your ticket is purchased, Risk-Free Cancellation opens in new window may apply. No contract exists until you receive confirmation that payment was received and processed.

View Fare Rules, Change & Cancellation opens in new windowPolicies.

The advertised price is not an offer and is subject to change. All prices are (USD) unless otherwise noted. You may see separate transactions to your credit card based on the vendors and the products you are purchasing. Amounts may vary dependant on the rate of exchange at time of transaction.

In-Flight services and amenities may vary and are subject to change. opens in new window

Final Baggage fees will be assessed and charged at time of check in.baggage fees opens in new window may change based on the class of service or frequent flyer status.
You left your name in there.

Offline stokes

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From: SFO
To: HNL
Departure dates: February 11 AM
Class:Business or F
Seats:2
Lots of points in: Starwood, UR, AA, BA, United, DL

Offline chaim613

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  • Location: NY
One way/Round trip: 1 way
Non-stop/Maximum stops/Any: upto 1 stop
From:   JFK EWR
To: TLV
Departure dates: .  august 16 or 17. but must arrive no later than early AM on 19


Class: Coach
Seats:    1 person
Alliance/Airline: have about 85000 AMEX and over 100000 avios

willing to stop anywhere in europe, but not russia, ukraine or turkey