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 1839242 times)

Offline ruv

  • Dansdeals Gold Elite
  • ***
  • Join Date: Oct 2017
  • Posts: 181
  • Total likes: 29
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: Brooklyn
Re: Need help finding a ticket? Post here! Award ticket edition (Master thread)
« Reply #8920 on: November 05, 2018, 02:37:30 PM »
Economy? There is availability on Turkish arriving 11:20am.

Offline theyankel

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Aug 2013
  • Posts: 1123
  • Total likes: 73
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 5
    • View Profile
  • Location: Brooklyn, NY
Re: Need help finding a ticket? Post here! Award ticket edition (Master thread)
« Reply #8921 on: November 11, 2018, 10:15:12 AM »
i am looking to travel from tlv-jfk. there is availability in j on swiss but booking through miles and more is prohibitively expensive. do i book through united 85k and $55 or aeroplan 82500 and approx the same amount of money after exchange? i can also use 69k SQ but taxes are $250 or i can transfer to asiana for 60k but dont know how much they charge in taxes...
i have MR, UR, Marriott, lots of currencies... wondering if there is value to pay higher taxes and lower miles?
thanks

Offline davidrotts63

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: May 2017
  • Posts: 7218
  • Total likes: 978
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 26
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Programs: Hertz Gold, Hyatt Member, BA Blue, Ebay banned, Amazon Prime
Re: Need help finding a ticket? Post here! Award ticket edition (Master thread)
« Reply #8922 on: November 11, 2018, 10:43:09 AM »
i am looking to travel from tlv-jfk. there is availability in j on swiss but booking through miles and more is prohibitively expensive. do i book through united 85k and $55 or aeroplan 82500 and approx the same amount of money after exchange? i can also use 69k SQ but taxes are $250 or i can transfer to asiana for 60k but dont know how much they charge in taxes...
i have MR, UR, Marriott, lots of currencies... wondering if there is value to pay higher taxes and lower miles?
thanks
What's wrong with using AC?
(Quit) pulling out the flowers, and watering the weeds. -Peter Lynch

Offline theyankel

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Aug 2013
  • Posts: 1123
  • Total likes: 73
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 5
    • View Profile
  • Location: Brooklyn, NY
Re: Need help finding a ticket? Post here! Award ticket edition (Master thread)
« Reply #8923 on: November 11, 2018, 10:44:07 AM »
What's wrong with using AC?
nothing just curious if that was best option - its also more miles than some of the others even though taxes are higher on the lower miles

Offline davidrotts63

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: May 2017
  • Posts: 7218
  • Total likes: 978
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 26
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Programs: Hertz Gold, Hyatt Member, BA Blue, Ebay banned, Amazon Prime
Re: Need help finding a ticket? Post here! Award ticket edition (Master thread)
« Reply #8924 on: November 11, 2018, 10:45:49 AM »


nothing just curious if that was best option - its also more miles than some of the others even though taxes are higher on the lower miles

It all depends how you value your miles.
(Quit) pulling out the flowers, and watering the weeds. -Peter Lynch

Offline basketnarb

  • Dansdeals Silver Elite
  • **
  • Join Date: Apr 2013
  • Posts: 93
  • Total likes: 1
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Need help finding a ticket? Post here! Award ticket edition (Master thread)
« Reply #8925 on: November 13, 2018, 11:35:04 AM »
One way/Round-trip: Round Trip or One Way on the return
Non-stop/Maximum stops/Any: 0
From: BWI, IAD, DCA, PHL
To: YYZ, BUF
Departure dates: 11/23
Return dates: 11/25 - would like to arrive in 1pm-4pm time frame - closer to 4 is better
Class: Coach
Seats: 2
Available Miles: MR, UR, UA, DL

I found a Delta flight that works for the way there so a One Way for the return would be fine as well.
« Last Edit: November 13, 2018, 02:02:07 PM by basketnarb »

Offline pm1826

  • DansDeals Copper Elite
  • *
  • Join Date: Dec 2012
  • Posts: 2
  • Total likes: 0
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: Ctown
Re: Need help finding a ticket? Post here! Award ticket edition (Master thread)
« Reply #8926 on: November 16, 2018, 12:35:13 PM »
I need help with a Mitzvah. I donated 2 round trip tickets to Israel from Cleveland. I'm having trouble finding reward flights that don't have crazy fuel surcharges. I have over 1 million Amex points and over 3 million SPG points (most were earned pre 1-3 conversion).
Round-trip:
Any number of stops is ok but one of the travelers is 75 going to Israel for her first time. I would like max 1 stop in Europe.
From: CLE
To: TLV
Departure dates: April 3 or 4
Return airports: CLE
Return dates: April 14th
Class: Coach
Seats: 2
Thanks so much in advance!!
Alliance/Airline: What airline or alliance are you looking to fly with

Offline dwkl

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite
  • ****
  • Join Date: Dec 2010
  • Posts: 293
  • Total likes: 1
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: NJ
  • Programs: AA lifetime platinum
Re: Need help finding a ticket? Post here! Award ticket edition (Master thread)
« Reply #8927 on: November 17, 2018, 11:37:03 PM »
am looking for 2 bizz  class award tickets
 from ewr-lax 24-26 jan
have MR  points

Offline yudamaan

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite
  • ****
  • Join Date: Feb 2014
  • Posts: 445
  • Total likes: 9
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Need help finding a ticket? Post here! Award ticket edition (Master thread)
« Reply #8928 on: November 18, 2018, 01:31:59 PM »
I am looking for 1 flight ewr to tlv
Departing July 10
Leaving back July 15
I have United points
I was searching the last few weeks on United, however I can not find a direct flight coming back.

Is there any options besides for waiting it out for availability.
Also should I book the inbound direct flight while I'm waiting on the outbound?

Offline theyankel

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Aug 2013
  • Posts: 1123
  • Total likes: 73
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 5
    • View Profile
  • Location: Brooklyn, NY
Re: Need help finding a ticket? Post here! Award ticket edition (Master thread)
« Reply #8929 on: November 18, 2018, 09:26:51 PM »
I am looking for 1 flight ewr to tlv
Departing July 10
Leaving back July 15
I have United points
I was searching the last few weeks on United, however I can not find a direct flight coming back.

Is there any options besides for waiting it out for availability.
Also should I book the inbound direct flight while I'm waiting on the outbound?yes

Offline jomaster28

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite
  • ****
  • Join Date: Feb 2016
  • Posts: 397
  • Total likes: 23
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 2
    • View Profile
  • Location: Brooklyn
Re: Need help finding a ticket? Post here! Award ticket edition (Master thread)
« Reply #8930 on: November 20, 2018, 03:15:05 PM »
I am looking for the following if anyone can help:

One way:
Non-stop or 1 Stop MAX
From: TLV
To: NYC
Departure dates: 1/2 or 1/3 - Flexible
Class: Coach or Biz
Seats: 1
Available Miles: UR, TY, AS

Cheapest im seeing is United One way is 80k Points direct.

Online mochjas

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Oct 2015
  • Posts: 9699
  • Total likes: 1069
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 123
    • View Profile
  • Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Titanium Elite, AA EX PLAT, Jetblue Mosaic, Qatar Gold, United Silver
Re: Need help finding a ticket? Post here! Award ticket edition (Master thread)
« Reply #8931 on: November 20, 2018, 03:22:28 PM »
I am looking for the following if anyone can help:

One way:
Non-stop or 1 Stop MAX
From: TLV
To: NYC
Departure dates: 1/2 or 1/3 - Flexible
Class: Coach or Biz
Seats: 1
Available Miles: UR, TY, AS

Cheapest im seeing is United One way is 80k Points direct.
And you're trying to find something better than that? You should grab it and it should be 70K not 80

Offline yelped

  • Dansdeals Lifetime 10K Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Mar 2015
  • Posts: 10471
  • Total likes: 3833
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 43
    • View Profile
Re: Need help finding a ticket? Post here! Award ticket edition (Master thread)
« Reply #8932 on: November 20, 2018, 03:49:28 PM »
It's probably 80k in Economy. The new variable flex (non saver rate).

Offline jomaster28

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite
  • ****
  • Join Date: Feb 2016
  • Posts: 397
  • Total likes: 23
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 2
    • View Profile
  • Location: Brooklyn
Re: Need help finding a ticket? Post here! Award ticket edition (Master thread)
« Reply #8933 on: November 20, 2018, 10:07:42 PM »
And you're trying to find something better than that? You should grab it and it should be 70K not 80

Its 80k Economy sorry...I was hoping to find something closer to 45k one way...or 80k business.

Offline theyankel

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Aug 2013
  • Posts: 1123
  • Total likes: 73
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 5
    • View Profile
  • Location: Brooklyn, NY
Re: Need help finding a ticket? Post here! Award ticket edition (Master thread)
« Reply #8934 on: November 21, 2018, 01:09:35 AM »
I am looking for the following if anyone can help:

One way:
Non-stop or 1 Stop MAX
From: TLV
To: NYC
Departure dates: 1/2 or 1/3 - Flexible
Class: Coach or Biz
Seats: 1
Available Miles: UR, TY, AS

Cheapest im seeing is United One way is 80k Points direct.
tlv-ist-bud-jfk is available on ua leaving 1/3 at 1:00 am for 85k in j
or 73k direct on ua
or log in with cc and see if you can find better than that

Offline theyankel

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Aug 2013
  • Posts: 1123
  • Total likes: 73
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 5
    • View Profile
  • Location: Brooklyn, NY
Re: Need help finding a ticket? Post here! Award ticket edition (Master thread)
« Reply #8935 on: November 22, 2018, 11:40:15 AM »
is there any way to avoid taxes/fees on Virgin from LHR-JFK? i can use 47,500 virgin for upper class but taxes are like $550

Offline davidrotts63

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: May 2017
  • Posts: 7218
  • Total likes: 978
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 26
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Programs: Hertz Gold, Hyatt Member, BA Blue, Ebay banned, Amazon Prime
Re: Need help finding a ticket? Post here! Award ticket edition (Master thread)
« Reply #8936 on: November 22, 2018, 11:44:13 AM »
is there any way to avoid taxes/fees on Virgin from LHR-JFK? i can use 47,500 virgin for upper class but taxes are like $550
Start somewhere other than LHR.
AF IINM is slightly better as far as cash
(Quit) pulling out the flowers, and watering the weeds. -Peter Lynch

Offline theyankel

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Aug 2013
  • Posts: 1123
  • Total likes: 73
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 5
    • View Profile
  • Location: Brooklyn, NY
Re: Need help finding a ticket? Post here! Award ticket edition (Master thread)
« Reply #8937 on: November 22, 2018, 11:50:40 AM »
Start somewhere other than LHR.
TLV ???
AF IINM is slightly better as far as cash
Thanks - will check

Online cgr

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Aug 2017
  • Posts: 4377
  • Total likes: 1318
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 7
    • View Profile
Re: Need help finding a ticket? Post here! Award ticket edition (Master thread)
« Reply #8938 on: November 22, 2018, 12:23:36 PM »
One way/Round trip: Round Trip
Non-stop/Maximum stops/Any: 1 Stop
From: JFK, EWR, LGA, PHL, BOS
To: West Coast, Central/South American, Europe, or Africa (up to 7 hrs flying time)
Departure dates: 12/27/18
Return airports: JFK, EWR, LGA, PHL, BOS
Return dates: 1/1/19
Class: Any
Seats: 2
Alliance/Airline: Any

Looking for Saver/Cheapest Tier awards. Haven't able to find any decent redemptions. I know that it's a busy travel week, but wondering if anyone has seen anything good.

Offline theyankel

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Aug 2013
  • Posts: 1123
  • Total likes: 73
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 5
    • View Profile
  • Location: Brooklyn, NY
Re: Need help finding a ticket? Post here! Award ticket edition (Master thread)
« Reply #8939 on: November 22, 2018, 05:24:42 PM »
One way/Round trip: Round Trip
Non-stop/Maximum stops/Any: 1 Stop
From: JFK, EWR, LGA, PHL, BOS
To: West Coast, Central/South American, Europe, or Africa (up to 7 hrs flying time)
Departure dates: 12/27/18
Return airports: JFK, EWR, LGA, PHL, BOS
Return dates: 1/1/19
Class: Any
Seats: 2
Alliance/Airline: Any

Looking for Saver/Cheapest Tier awards. Haven't able to find any decent redemptions. I know that it's a busy travel week, but wondering if anyone has seen anything good.
UA has 30k + 6.85 taxes in j ewr-pty on copa. technically leaves 12/28 fri am but its 12:55 am arrive 6:24
if that works, research return and maybe use MR or UR