Frequent Flyer Dilemma

[upena 2]

I have 103K miles with China Air whichi will be enough for a few upgrades from Hawaii to BKK or about 17K short of a "buy one and get one Free" ticket

 

So what would you do

 

A. - upgrade to first class for the 10 hour leg (Honolulu to Taipei) 30,000 miles

B. - upgrade to first class from HNL to BKK - 45,000

C. - upgrade the round trip - 90,000

D. - earn 13,000 more miles which will still leave me about 4,000 short for the buy one get one free ticket

I will be travelling in July and again in Dec - after Dec I would have enough for the buy one get one free

 

decisions decisions

 

thanks

 

lar

[dotcom_OD 0]

Upena, I would not upgrade to First class but instead upgrade from Economy ot Biz class for the entire rountrip. The longer leg is always advisable to upgrade because this is where you need your rest for an overseas flight.

 

Being able to rack up a buy one get one free is only good if you are going to make use of the other ticket with a friend, wife or whomever you choose. If not then the offer is not too tempting.

 

I am in a similar predicament with so much hotel mileage to use it on Thai air or Asia miles(Cathay Pacific) I tend to like Cathay better than Thai unless they open up a direct flight to Bangkok from SFO like they have from Los Angeles...

 

Hope you make the decision that best suits your needs.

[upena 2]

China only has coach and "Dynasty" - first class - no business class on this flight

 

and for the buy one get one...would be with a buddy or my son

 

also add to the equation - I have a good friend that works at China Air and I can get exit row seats all the way and back reserved in advance.

[Tengotodo 52]

from what I read about skyteam award partners, etc.. it appears you already have enough miles for a free ticket (albeit with many restrictions). Unless I'm missing something, Hawaii to S.E. Asia costs between 60K and 70K for an award ticket?

 

http://www.delta.com/mileagefinder/area_se...?cmd=areaSelect

 

 

From Hawaii to Asia-Southeast/Southwest

 

Delta and Multi-Airline Awards

Miles Required Cabin Carrier Award Code Award Details

60,000 Economy Multi-Airline (including Delta) T140 Details/Restrictions

120,000 Business Multi-Airline (including Delta) T240 Details/Restrictions

140,000 First Class Multi-Airline (including Delta) T340 Details/Restrictions

 

 

Other Airline Awards

Miles Required Cabin Carrier Award Code Award Details

70,000 Economy China Airlines I140 Details/Restrictions

120,000 Business China Airlines I240 Details/Restrictions

140,000 First Class China Airlines I340 Details/Restrictions

80,000 Economy China Southern C147 Details/Restrictions

120,000 Business China Southern C247 Details/Restrictions

70,000 Economy Singapore Q146 Details/Restrictions

[upena 2]

I have China Air miles - not Delta Miles. I know they code share but not sure if I can book a flight through Delta and then try to use CAL miles. Will have to check and see if I can transfer miles from CAL to Delta and use them. thanks Tentodo

[poskat 0]

many airlines will let you buy miles if you are just a bit short of the number you need. But other wise, i think just hold onto them until you go over the top for the free tickets

[Tengotodo 52]

I have 103K miles with China Air whichi will be enough for a few upgrades from Hawaii to BKK or about 17K short of a "buy one and get one Free" ticket

 

So what would you do

 

A. - upgrade to first class for the 10 hour leg (Honolulu to Taipei) 30,000 miles

B. - upgrade to first class from HNL to BKK - 45,000

C. - upgrade the round trip - 90,000

D. - earn 13,000 more miles which will still leave me about 4,000 short for the buy one get one free ticket

I will be travelling in July and again in Dec - after Dec I would have enough for the buy one get one free

 

decisions decisions

 

thanks

 

lar

For the most up-to-date/informative advice available, best to go to the experts: Flyertalk.com They helped me a great deal and are eager to offer their expertise. good luck.

 

 

flyertalk homepage

[Floyd 0]

only problem with free tickets is you dont earn any points on current trip so personaly would prefer bis class upgrade. hope you make the correct discision that suits you.