most cost effective method of using miles

i've got 376,000 miles & i'm planning a trip to south africa next year for a holiday. i've never spent/ cashed in any miles previously. my travel agent is suggesting the best method is to book economy seats in an up-gradable class & using the miles to upgrade. i would like to travel return in Upper. i kow i have plenty of miles but would welcome advice on how best to go about it & what the process involves

also, how do reward flights work?

I would agree with your travel agent personally.

You simply give VS a call with the dates you'd like, quoting your flying club number.

If there's availability in Upper, they'll book you into the upgradable economy fare, and then use your miles for the Upper part.

If there's availability in Upper, they'll book you into the upgradable economy fare, and then use your miles for the Upper part.

"If" being big question being the availability. You can get a quick view of this by trying a "Spend my miles" booking on the VS website. There are some Returns in Upper showing at the moment....

how many do you need to book for?

two

Having had a quick look and not knowing when you want to go. 2 UC returns to JNB for 25 May until 14 June next year is 200,000 and £1050.12.

Using all miles is generally cheaper (in pounds) than using an upgradable economy ticket but you are using more miles.

Using an M fare (economy upgradable with miles) looks like it is 1022 (return) each with 30,000 miles (each way).

200,000 miles and £1050.12 versus 120,000 and £2044. Of course, another option would be an ex Eu flight.

*I am using my phone, so apologies if I've missed anything.

Plus if you book an economy (M class) ticket and upgrade with miles, you'll earn miles & tier points for the paid economy fare. If you book a 100% reward ticket you'll save money but earn no miles or tier points.

But as others have said, the key is whether there's availability in UC. Many people assume because they've bought an upgradable fare, they're guaranteed an upgrade if they have enough miles. Not so - reward availability in UC can be very scarce, especially on night flights, so check first.