V-Flyer

Bit confusing this one (for me anyhow) so please bare with me[?]

Had a phone call this morning from an old school friend who I lost touch with when I moved from London to Bournemouth. He's getting married in Vegas in the middle of August and would really like me to attend. My first reaction was it would be too expensive and I knew that reward flights are hard to get on this route.
Looked at normal flight and a 'K' is coming in at 1300 and a 'Z' at almost 2500 which surprised me as the flight is showing full availability in all fares classes in Upper and I can't see anyone paying that for the cheapest UC fare.

He's the deal:
Checked VS webside and there are two remaining reward flights in both UC or PE left for August out on the 10th and back on the 18th[y].
I only have 51,000 miles so obviously cannot go both ways. Can I travel one way on a reward and travel back on a cheap'ish single UC ticket or do I have to have a 'j' which is showing around 3500.
My other thought was can I purchase 9,000 miles giving me 60,000 and then buying a 'L' fare then using the miles to upgrade to UC. Expertflyer is showing 'L's' at 718 + taxes, so somewhere in the region of 1000.

Had a look at flying via SFO/LAX but both are in the 3500 with only D's left so won't be doing that. Can't do JFK then VX to LAS as they don't start flying until 4th September[:#].

Can I do the above or have I missed something obvious in getting a reward.

Thanks,
-Steve

If you go one way on a reward ticket then you will have to pay the full fare for the other leg as that in essence becomes a single ticket. I'm not a miles expert, but I'm sure others would come along to advise you better than I could. However purchasing the 9000 miles does seem the way to go

Another option you have with your current miles total is to buy a L & S combination fare and then use 20k to upgrade your S and 30K your L. I guess it depends on what price and L/S is, as it will cost £285 to buy another 9k miles for you can buy a straight L, which I imagine will be cheapest option.

Neil

Originally posted by Neil
Another option you have with your current miles total is to buy a L & S combination fare and then use 20k to upgrade your S and 30K your L. I guess it depends on what price and L/S is, as it will cost £285 to buy another 9k miles for you can buy a straight L, which I imagine will be cheapest option.

Neil

Neil, I might be wrong, but if Stevieboy is a solo traveller (and from his post that's what I surmised)wouldn't the 9,000 miles cost £150?
Stevieboy my advice would be to go with the L fare too and upgrade using bought miles. I'd do it quickly too before the available reward fares disappear[y]

You are right DL. I was thinking for some reason that it was £30 per 1k miles with a £15 fee, but it is of course £15 per 1k with a £30 fee!

Then it certainly seems that the cheapest option will be to buy 9k and then use 60K to upgrade a L. Just over 1k for a UC return to LAS[y]

You can pick up LAX to LAS flights dirt cheap through DELTA online(we just paid £30ea one way) So LHR to LAX then short 40mins to LAS (connections very easy at LAX)
Unfortunately no longer a VS partner but on the scheme of things this gives you more flexibility

Us US instead of DL, come out of terminal 2, hang a left, walk for 5 mins and go into terminal 1...and earn miles.