VS to get to Vancouver?

Hi All
I want to use some miles to get to Vancouver! So, i assume the best way is to LAX, SFO or ORD - then buy a return ticket to YVR - but the connections are either too fine or awful!
Does anyone have some good ideas or may have done this route (with VS) before?
Dates i am looking at are: outbound from LHR / LGW Wed 22nd Oct and inbound from LAX / SFO / ORD /JFK etc etc Friday 31st October.

Partner airlines, if allowed, are ok too!
Thanks in advance

Richard

Hmm.. good question! I also need to get YVR this summer.. from ORD.. Air Canada is an A320. Which is a teeny bit cramped for a 4.5 hour flight...

How about via LAS with VS and then to Vancouver with Philippines Airlines for something a bit different?

45.

[Scrooge]

Originally posted by VS045
How about via LAS with VS and then to Vancouver with Philippines Airlines for something a bit different?

45.

Now there you go..thats an idea.


Just an FYI...I used to fly up to YVR once a month (love the city, hate the airport) I always flew with Alaska.

The reward (UC) availability to LAS is not too good, and to be honest, i haven't checked the Phillipines Airlines connection time with the VS 43.
I suppose i might end up going AC and pocket the miles into my BMI card or even BA and save the miles on my QF card!!
We'll see.

Have you considered taking Cathay from JFK to YVR. I know it means you are on VS metal for less time but at least you can stay on 744 all the way through.

Connection times work really well.

FM

Also..

If you do a search on Expedia for LHR - YVR and select VS as your preferred airline you get an interesting array of possibilities.

FM

Thanks FM
I will try that option on Expedia!
Cheers
R

Originally posted by zambandit
Hi All
I want to use some miles to get to Vancouver! So, i assume the best way is to LAX, SFO or ORD - then buy a return ticket to YVR - but the connections are either too fine or awful!
Does anyone have some good ideas or may have done this route (with VS) before?
Dates i am looking at are: outbound from LHR / LGW Wed 22nd Oct and inbound from LAX / SFO / ORD /JFK etc etc Friday 31st October.

Hi Richard

I have done exactly this about five times over the past seven or eight years, and each time it's been via LAX or SFO.

LAX stinks for transfers and immigration. I would take SFO over LAX every time given the opportunity.

On the way back thru YVR, you have to go through a crazy pre-clearance of US immigration at YVR. Sure it speeds up your immigration at the far end, but assuming you'll have to wait for your baggage at the other end (their was no interlining between AC and VS last time I tried), I see no benefit to this. It begs the question of what Canada is doing letting US immigration onto their soil.

FWIW, if you happen to use AC for your connection via LAX in Biz class, the Maple Leaf lounge is right next door to the Air New Zealand/VS lounge.

Howard

Cheers Howard
I looks like whatever route i take could be fairly fraught!! Perhaps this time i should bite the bullet and just do the AC or BA non stop version!!

Regards

Richard