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 1839028 times)

Offline QTWEETS

  • DansDeals Copper Elite
  • *
  • Join Date: Apr 2013
  • Posts: 3
  • Total likes: 0
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Round trip:
Non-stop/1 stop
From: NYC,phl ttn
To: Ben-Gurion TLV
Departure dates: Thursday May 23 (pref. evening, Wed late evening ok)
Return airports: NyC
Return dates: Wednesday May 29 (morning)
Class: Coach
Seats: 1
Alliance/Airline: Any that will get me to Israel by latest 1:00 pm Erev Shabbos
have amex points that i would like to use
« Last Edit: April 25, 2013, 06:27:01 PM by QTWEETS »

Offline AWAYD

  • Dansdeals Silver Elite
  • **
  • Join Date: Jan 2013
  • Posts: 65
  • Total likes: 0
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: New Jersey
Need help finding a ticket? Post here! Award ticket edition (Master thread)
« Reply #2201 on: April 25, 2013, 06:34:39 PM »
Here is my dilemma - I don't think i can use points I have. AMEX gives and error once you select the flight and though I can transfer AMEX points to Delta Miles (aeroflot is skyline) - not exactly sure how will I book then.  Is my only option to pay hard earned cash then ?

Trying to accomplish the following                           
                           
1.        2 adults + 2 children (1 & 4) from JFK to MSQ on the same day                           
2.        2 adults back MSQ to JFK                           
3.        2 children MSQ to JFK (later, with grandma)                           
4.        1 adult (grandma) JFK to MSQ & back                           
                           
Destination    Carrier   Flight   Date   Leave   Arrive   Price   Where it is stopping   Time between stops   Total Duration
From JFK to Minsk   Aeroflot   101/1830   16-Jul   2:20pm   9:55am   $1,031    Moscow   1 hour 40 mins   11hr 35min
From Minsk to JFK   Aeroflot   1831/102   8-Aug   10:45am   5:10pm      Moscow   2 hours 15 mins   14hr 25min
Fulfills #1&#2                            
                           
From Minsk to JFK   Aeroflot   1835/100   23-Sep   6:10 AM   12:20 PM   $758    Moscow   1 hour 40 mins   14hr 10min
From JFK to Minsk   Aeroflot   101/1830   21-Oct   2:20 PM   9:55 AM      Moscow   1 hour 40 mins   11hr 35min
Fulfills #4                           
                           
From JFK to Minsk   Aeroflot   101/1830   16-Jul   2:20 PM   9:55am   $1,030    Moscow   1 hour 40 mins   11hr 35min
From Minsk to JFK   Aeroflot   1835/100   23-Sep   6:10 AM   12:20 PM      Moscow   1 hour 40 mins   14hr 10min
Fulfills #1&#3                           
                           
                           
UR points                           
Me     13,414    = 40K pending from Sapphire (next statement)                     
Wife    54,927                         
Total    108,341                         
Amex Rewards Poitns                           
    114,000                         
Southwest                           
Me     55,000                         
Wife    52,000                         
Total    107,000                         
Delta                           
    64,000                         

Offline Twin

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Nov 2010
  • Posts: 1445
  • Total likes: 3
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 2
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Location: lkwd
One way/Round trip:Round trip
Non-stop/Maximum stops/Any:Any just got to be in Cle for wedding the night of 19
From: TLV
To: CLE
Departure dates: June 18 pm (the latter the better)
Return dates June 20
Class: Coach
Seats: One
Alliance/Airline: I have amex but I can buy any if needed
« Last Edit: April 28, 2013, 06:12:47 PM by Twin »

Offline plainbachur

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Dec 2011
  • Posts: 1914
  • Total likes: 19
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 5
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
One way/Round trip:Round trip
Non-stop/Maximum stops/Any:Any just got to be in Cle for wedding the night of 19
From: TLV
To: CLE
Departure dates: June 18 pm (the latter the better)
Return dates June 20
Class: Coach
Seats: One
Alliance/Airline: I have amex but I can buy any if needed
did u try aa with elal?

Offline judahk88

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Aug 2012
  • Posts: 1374
  • Total likes: 3
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Location: New York
One way/Round trip: Round trip
Non-stop/Maximum stops/Any:  Non Stop
From: JFK or LGA
To: LAS
Departure dates:  6/22 night or 6/23 anytime
Return airports: JFK or LGA
Return dates: 6/26
Class: Business
Seats: 2
Alliance/Airline: I have 100k UA, 100k BA and about 85k  UR
« Last Edit: April 28, 2013, 11:13:21 PM by judahk88 »

Offline smart brit

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: May 2011
  • Posts: 2044
  • Total likes: 6
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
  • Location: New york / London
One way/Round trip: Round trip
Non-stop/Maximum stops/Any:  Non Stop
From: JFK or LGA
To: LAS
Departure dates:  6/22 night or 6/23 anytime
Return airports: JFK or LGA
Return dates: 6/26
Class: Business
Seats: 2
Alliance/Airline: I have 100k UA, 100k BA and about 85k  UR
searched?

Offline judahk88

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Aug 2012
  • Posts: 1374
  • Total likes: 3
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Location: New York
searched?
Yes. I dont know what I am doing wrong, but it always says unavailable.

Offline smart brit

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: May 2011
  • Posts: 2044
  • Total likes: 6
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
  • Location: New york / London
Yes. I dont know what I am doing wrong, but it always says unavailable.
Probably nothing available on your dates
Where did you search aa?ua?

Offline judahk88

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Aug 2012
  • Posts: 1374
  • Total likes: 3
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Location: New York
Probably nothing available on your dates
Where did you search aa?ua?
ba. going to check other ua and aa tomorrow.

Offline smart brit

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: May 2011
  • Posts: 2044
  • Total likes: 6
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
  • Location: New york / London
AA has for your return flight via ord /dfw
Outbound nothing available

Offline judahk88

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Aug 2012
  • Posts: 1374
  • Total likes: 3
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Location: New York
AA has for your return flight via ord /dfw
Outbound nothing available
thanks. going to search some more

Offline smart brit

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: May 2011
  • Posts: 2044
  • Total likes: 6
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
  • Location: New york / London
Good luck
You can try lax (if you are in the mood of a nice drive)

Offline judahk88

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Aug 2012
  • Posts: 1374
  • Total likes: 3
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Location: New York
Good luck
You can try lax (if you are in the mood of a nice drive)
I was thinking that. Will play around tomorrow and see what I can find

Offline Twin

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Nov 2010
  • Posts: 1445
  • Total likes: 3
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 2
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Location: lkwd
did u try aa with elal?
Searched on aa didn't show anything available. Is there a way to search just elal on aa?

Offline Centurion

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Jun 2012
  • Posts: 1306
  • Total likes: 5
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: New York / Jerusalem
  • Programs: spg plat,avis pres ,hertz plat ,AAexcutime, delta plat,hilton gold, united
One way/Round trip: Round trip-- multi city
Non-stop/Maximum stops/Any: --one stop max
from nyc to las on june 2 morn
from las to lax on june 3 eve
from lax to nyc  on june 6 eve
Class: EconomySeats: 2
Alliance/Airline: delta,united,ba,aa
(i need a room and car as well)
« Last Edit: April 29, 2013, 11:47:07 AM by Centurion »
you can only make a first impression ONCE

Offline smart brit

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: May 2011
  • Posts: 2044
  • Total likes: 6
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
  • Location: New york / London
One way/Round trip: Round trip-- multi city
Non-stop/Maximum stops/Any: --one stop max
from nyc to las on june 2 morn
from las to lax on june 3 eve
from lax to nyc  on june 6 eve
Class: EconomySeats: 2
Alliance/Airline: delta,united,ba,aa
(i need a room and car as well)
Outbound you have saver awards on aa (thus bookable with ba) via mia or with ua via cle.
From LAS to LAX with a stop in psp
From LAX to NYC you have direct flights with ua in the afternoon

Offline Gemarakup

  • DansDeals Copper Elite
  • *
  • Join Date: Dec 2012
  • Posts: 3
  • Total likes: 0
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: Brooklyn, NY
I'm a newbie here and although I've had no trouble following everyone's lead when it comes to earning points, I'm having quite a hard time now that I want to use them.  I've spent hours searching DDF as well as many hours searching the websites trying to find availability with no luck.  I believe my parameters are broad enough and can't believe there is nothing out there.  I can only conclude that I am not searching properly.  Any and all help would be appreciated.

One way/Round trip: Round Trip
Non-stop/Maximum stops/Any: One
From: All airports from which you can depart NYC
To: TLV
Departure dates: On or up to a week before May 13th
Return dates: May 19th or within a week after
Class: Business
Seats:1
Alliance/Airline: No preference

I have more than enough United, Avios and AA miles as well as Chase, Amex and Starwoods points.  This is for an almana in her mid 60's who will be flying alone.  The point is to get her to EY for Shavuos.

Offline smart brit

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: May 2011
  • Posts: 2044
  • Total likes: 6
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
  • Location: New york / London
I'm a newbie here and although I've had no trouble following everyone's lead when it comes to earning points, I'm having quite a hard time now that I want to use them.  I've spent hours searching DDF as well as many hours searching the websites trying to find availability with no luck.  I believe my parameters are broad enough and can't believe there is nothing out there.  I can only conclude that I am not searching properly.  Any and all help would be appreciated.

One way/Round trip: Round Trip
Non-stop/Maximum stops/Any: One
From: All airports from which you can depart NYC
To: TLV
Departure dates: On or up to a week before May 13th
Return dates: May 19th or within a week after
Class: Business
Seats:1
Alliance/Airline: No preference

I have more than enough United, Avios and AA miles as well as Chase, Amex and Starwoods points.  This is for an almana in her mid 60's who will be flying alone.  The point is to get her to EY for Shavuos.
You have availability in abundance flying out the week before may 13th with ua/and with fb and for return you have on the 20th with fb/ab/ua

Offline dovy2

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Oct 2012
  • Posts: 2379
  • Total likes: 299
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 24
    • View Profile
can anyone help with input on best use of miles to fly from YYZ to YYC?

Offline meshugener

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Feb 2012
  • Posts: 6887
  • Total likes: 62
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 4
  • Gender: Female
    • View Profile
  • Location: DDF
  • Programs: Amex Platinum, Chase Freedom 10X10 Exclusives, Avis Presidents Club, National Executive, Hertz 5 Star, Hilton Gold, Accor Platinum, Hyatt Platinum, Marriott Silver, SPG Gold, Club Carlson Gold
can anyone help with input on best use of miles to fly from YYZ to YYC?
UA or AC on AC.
Love me or hate me. I still love you.