Miles Plus Money Flights

Does anyone know how/when VA add availability for Miles Plus Money flights. I have been looking every day for St Lucia in October since they were released but nothing - there are flights in Sept and Nov. I realise that this is something to do with UK half term but dates just outside these still don't appear.

Thanks

[Neil]

Its difficult to predict if and when any MPM fares will become available. Like you said, its half term during October and St Lucia is a popular destination so there is a good possibility that they won't release any.

To be honest, MPM fares don't usually offer much saving on a low bucket fare anyway, plus you won't earn miles or TP's, so I would see if you can get a good N (Economy) or K (PE) fare now.

If you are still 100% wanting a MPM fare then maybe a call to FC might help, they might be able to have a word with revenue management (I think thats who it is) and they MIGHT be able to say if any are likely to be released.

Neil

One would assume that MPM fares are released on flights which are generally low loading and at times when bookings/demand are likely to be low.

I have been collecting my VA MBNA CC miles so the bottom line saving is approx £700 over the cheapest Econ fare (there are 4 of us). We only tend to take one VA flight a year and look to travel as cheaply as possible - don't tend to upgrade as we consider the flight as getting from A to B.

I may try giving FC a call.

Many thanks

[Neil]

When are you looking at going in Oct? I've just had a quick look and some MPM fares were available in October. What might not be available are 4 MPM fares for the same flight. This is when ringing VS will help as the agent will be able to tell you how many MPM fares are available on each flight and offer alternatives too.

Also depending on how many mile you have, have you thought about booking 3 normal tickets and then 1 reward ticket? This might not save you as much but is another way to use some miles if you can't get your first choice.

Neil

We were looking at around the 17th Oct (Accommodation booked last August !, so cannot change).

Only got around 15k miles, but I will try giving FC a call, although I have almost resigned myself to paying the lowest econ fare Not sure if I can hold my nerve much longer so I will have to book soon.

Thanks once again