Best way to spend miles?

Hi everybody,

I just had my first flight with VA from Heathrow to Shanghai and, because of various favourable (and unfavourable) factors, I've got more than 60,000 miles to spend.

I want to go to San Francisco next year with my partner. Instead of spending my miles on my ticket, would it be more sensible to buy mine outright and spend just 20,000 on her ticket, leaving me with about 50,000 (after claiming the miles for that trip)?

If I do this, can I upgrade both tickets using my miles?

martin,
Welcome to V-flyer!

Are you looking to fly in PE or are you happy to fly in Y?

20K would indeed get you a companion ticket in econ, but you'd need to book a ticket in at least L class..

Your ticket would be upgradable..however you cant normally upgrade a companion ticket with miles, but cash upgrades are sometimes at check in..

Another option:
You could apply for an amex gold card and that would give you an additional 20k miles (that way you could book 2 reward tickets)

Thanks Jonathan,

I'm happy enough to travel economy. What's the difference between 'L' and 'Y'?

Y is full fare economy (most expensive)
L is less expensive

See here for details of ticket types

[Scrooge]

I would try and get an extra 20k miles (maybe the amex deal) then book 2 "s" class PE tickets and upgrade you both to UC so you can realy enjoy the miles,it will cost you more,but you'll enjoy the travel ALOT more.

[preiffer]

Originally posted by jetwet1
I would try and get an extra 20k miles (maybe the amex deal) then book 2 "s" class PE tickets and upgrade you both to UC so you can realy enjoy the miles,it will cost you more,but you'll enjoy the travel ALOT more.

Call to Amex:

"Mr martinmoore50 would like a new card please"

"Certainly Sir, where would you like the 20k miles deposited...?"

(unless it's over, that is... [V])

Originally posted by preiffer
Call to Amex:

"Mr martinmoore50 would like a new card please"

"Certainly Sir, where would you like the 20k miles deposited...?"

(unless it's over, that is... [V])

The offer is still going (need to be logged in to FC to see it)
The offer ends at the end of the month, unfortunately it can take a while to see the miles..[:(]

Hi & welcome to V-Flyer

I usually buy cheaper upgradeable tickets (say PE, S) and spend my miles on class of travel upgrades - that way, you still earn miles & TPs on the base fare which offsets the spending

Cheers

Michael

Thanks for all the tips guys!

I've decided to use 20,000 on a companion trip to Vegas (going to see Oasis at the House of Blues!) I'll probably do the same for the San Fran trip next year (makes the cost between two VERY cheap!)

If I keep going at this rate, I'll be able to take these '2-for-1' companion flights forever. Well, almost.