"What Would You Book" Master Thread: Crowdsourcing the Best Award Itinerary

[AJK]

We all find ourselves in the position.  You narrow down the possible award options and you have trouble deciding between them.

Enter the What Would You Book ("WWYB") Master Thread, allowing you to crowdsource your way to the best itin!

First up for your consumption is below.

Need to get from USA-TLV for Sukkos. Traveling with infant.

Option 1:



Pros:  Cost (75K SQ all-in).  One-stop.  FCT. Car to plane.
Cons:  Arrives less than three hours before zman.

Option 2:



Pros: Cost (75K SQ all-in). FCT. Car to plane. Day in VIE + night in PH VIE.  Arrives well in advance of zman.
Cons:  Two extra flights.  Additional taxes.  Cost of PH VIE.

Option 3:



Pros:  Arrives well in advance of zman. One less day of travel.
Cons: Cost (80K SQ + 20K QF). One extra flight. No car to plane. No FCT (won't go because of timing and no car to plane)


So, WWYB?  Option 1, 2, or 3? Why?

[Willie]

seems like number two isnt such a good option... its up to u if u want to get there so close to the zman or not

[Yaalili]

What was wrong with this thread? http://forums.dansdeals.com/index.php?topic=33867.0

[AJK]

What was wrong with this thread? http://forums.dansdeals.com/index.php?topic=33867.0

Figure other people also often have this dilemma, so it made sense to me simply to carve it out.

[mmgfarb]

If you take option 3 we can have an airport lounge DO (Although maybe that's a reason not to take it? )
If it were me, I would do option 2 but I wouldn't be traveling with a kid so that might change things.

[Alexsei]

Figure other people also often have this dilemma, so it made sense to me simply to carve it out.

And this one? http://forums.dansdeals.com/index.php?topic=46609

[Alexsei]

seems like number two isnt such a good option... its up to u if u want to spend first days in FRA or  TLV

FTFY

[Joe4007]

How far of a drive do you have from TLV?

Also, option 3 screenshot shows economy which, from your pros and cons, I assume is a mistake.

[AJK]

How far of a drive do you have from TLV?

Also, option 3 screenshot shows economy which, from your pros and cons, I assume is a mistake.

TLV to Jerusalem. Would pay for VIP on landing.

Yes, ignore classes in screenshots.

[Joe4007]

TLV to Jerusalem. Would pay for VIP on landing.

Yes, ignore classes in screenshots.

Given that LH686 is only on-time 34% of the time with an average delay of 22 minutes, and you'd have to drive to Jerusalem, and you'll have an infant with you (which just adds to everything), I'd eliminate option 1 if I were you.

[Dan]

2

[Ergel]

2

This. And I usually never vote for extra stops

[3yummyboys]

Hmmm I would go for option 3, is either leg FCT?

[srap]

Option 1 if it were on a different day.  I think Option 1 is not really an option on 10/3 if you plan on spending succos in E-Y where you want to be.  I agree with the two above who said the same thing. 

Conclusion, Option 2.  It is not two extra flights to E-Y, only one extra.  That second extra flight is what you are taking to take a one day side trip to Vienna.  Your minivacation in Vienna is saving you 10k SQ + 20k QF over Option 3 plus added convenience of car to plane and FCT (whatever that is).   Cost of hotel?  Part of your minivacation.  You have the points, enjoy Vienna.  No brainer.

[AJK]

Option 1 if it were on a different day.  I think Option 1 is not really an option on 10/3 if you plan on spending succos in E-Y where you want to be.  I agree with the two above who said the same thing. 

Conclusion, Option 2.  It is not two extra flights to E-Y, only one extra.  That second extra flight is what you are taking to take a one day side trip to Vienna.  Your minivacation in Vienna is saving you 10k SQ + 20k QF over Option 3 plus added convenience of car to plane and FCT (whatever that is).   Cost of hotel?  Part of your minivacation.  You have the points, enjoy Vienna.  No brainer.

Good analysis, thanks.

[3yummyboys]

Option 1 if it were on a different day.  I think Option 1 is not really an option on 10/3 if you plan on spending succos in E-Y where you want to be.  I agree with the two above who said the same thing. 

Conclusion, Option 2.  It is not two extra flights to E-Y, only one extra.  That second extra flight is what you are taking to take a one day side trip to Vienna.  Your minivacation in Vienna is saving you 10k SQ + 20k QF over Option 3 plus added convenience of car to plane and FCT (whatever that is).   Cost of hotel?  Part of your minivacation.  You have the points, enjoy Vienna.  No brainer.

Good points, I change my answer to 2

[EJB]

Option 3. Unless you don't mind potentially getting stuck in Europe for YT. you've already done fct, I wouldn't fly extra just for it (with a kid). But 2 over 1, for sure.

[Z56]

Any option leaving a day earlier?

[srap]

Good analysis, thanks.

It's all in how you look at it.  Changing one's perspective, can change one's perception.

Good points, I change my answer to 2

p.s.  I like the feel goods, but I also like the 'likes'... 

[mmgfarb]

Option 1.
SIN-HKG, SQ J 77W
1:05 PM -5:05 PM
Cost- 27.5k SQ + taxes
Pros: Great seat, SQ J lounge, easily switch to SQ R if my waitlist clears on.
Cons: More expensive, gets in a little later than I would like.

Option 2.
SIN-HKG, CX J A350
12:55 PM- 4:55 PM
Cost- 20k BA + $33
Pros: Great seat, cheaper, (hermolis meal?)
Cons: Lousy lounge, gets in a little late

Option 3.
SIN-HKG, CX J 777-200
9:55 AM- 2:05 PM
Cost- 20k BA + $33
Pros: Cheaper than the SQ flight, gets in 3 hours earlier, (Hermolis meal?)
Cons: Angle flat seats, lousy lounge

What would you book?