August 2010 to MCO??

We are looking to go to Florida in Aug 2010.
I was looking at VH and the prices are quite high.
We have a 200,000 miles on our VA account with 2 more VA flights earning miles this year.
Is it worth hanging on and booking directly with VA and using MplusM?
There are 4 of us, is the MCO route usually available?
Also is it best to book as soon as the flights are released.
Sorry for all the questions, but we've never cashed in any miles before and I find it all quite confusing??

[Nottingham Nick]

It is very difficult to be specific at the moment. The industry is in such a state of flux that what was good advice last year may not apply to this year and 2010.

Having said that, I would say that usually M+M fares are not the best use of miles, for those who have a healthy balance. They are aimed at people who have accrued some from one or two flights and are unlikely to get many more.

I have never used a M+M fare myself, but from what I have read on here, I don't think you will get any bargains to MCO during school holidays - I am not even sure if 4 seats would be a available in August.

It will simply be a case of doing the maths when the M+M seats are released. This isn't always at the 11 month mark that seats are released for general sale.

If I was in your position, I would keep on saving and try and redeem the points for a special holiday in UC. If you haven't already got one - what about a Virgin Atlantic credit card?

I don't know the make up of your party but 4 x UC redemptions on one flight may be asking a lot. I have done 3 a couple of times, so it may not be impossible.

At the end of the day, it is your call and what suits me, may not suit you.


Nick

VH are offering a 15% discount on their prices if you are a frequent virgin and book before a date in April (can't remember of the top of my head)

I didn't think the PE prices were too bad (didn't ask about upper) and they are also offering extra car upgrades and free VRoom.

It may be possible to get a better deal later on but I like the idea I've 'locked in' my 2010 holiday and have the extra time to save for when the bill comes.

Every time, over the last 3 years, when I've done a check for 4 seats either reward or MplusM for either PE or Upper (assuming that is what you are looking at?) on the LGW - MCO for August I've never seen them come up, you might be lucky, though.

thanks guys. The trouble is VH aren't offering just flydrive yet (I don't think) and I didn't want to take their villa as it was really expensive.
Will have a think and keep my eyes posted!

quote:Originally posted by rachie
thanks guys. The trouble is VH aren't offering just flydrive yet (I don't think) and I didn't want to take their villa as it was really expensive.
Will have a think and keep my eyes posted!


They should be, I currently have a fly-drive booked for Aug 2010. The preview brochure didn't have the hotels I wanted.

I went via frequent virgins to the Florida desk.

It may well be tough to get them during school holiday time, if you could connect the you may well have luck. We scored six reward seats in upper for a IAD flight and paid about $100 return for jetblue flights to MCO for last October.

thanks Slipperman, I may give them a ring tomorrow.
It's probably not worth holding out for VA, as with VH, our 2 teens get a discount?

I have got (UC) rewards on the Miami route in August before... MIA seems to be much easier for rewards than MCO.

quote:Originally posted by oxmatt
I have got (UC) rewards on the Miami route in August before... MIA seems to be much easier for rewards than MCO.


Well there are 54/45 J seats on the LHR 744/346 compared to the 14 J seats on the LGW 744s...

quote:Originally posted by Nottingham Nick


I have never used a M+M fare myself, but from what I have read on here, I don't think you will get any bargains to MCO during school holidays - I am not even sure if 4 seats would be a available in August.



I have used M+M to MCO in August and I got 4 seats! Granted these were in Y. We did make a considerable saving as it was a relatively last minute (May) decision to fly to MCO and the fare being quoted via VS for a regular seat was just silly (IIRC it was something like 950 per person). Having said that we did have to fly from MAN rather than LGW.

I wouldnt personally use a M+M fare again due to the points Nick raised. Having said that in the circumstances I found myself in, the fare was useful!