I have been working on this since 6/5. Had a thread on the Marriott forum but now that it's down to selecting what airline and planes to use I'd appreciate feedback from wider audience others:
Using miles with United I have a hold for 2:
Outbound Business Saver Award 280K (70K each direction, each ticket) $310 fees
DTW-YYZ 7:18 A.M. - 8:30 A.M.
YYZ-BOS 11:O5 A.M. - 12:38 P.M.
BOS-FRA 4:40 P.M. - 5:40 A.M. (This is a 747-8 with LH)
FRA-MIL 7:40 A.M. - ?
Even with the crazy start I like this because we have friends in BOS and we're checking to see if they are available if we fly to BOS for a visit (possibly 24-36 hrs.) and then catch BOS-FRA departure.
Return
VCE-FRA 6:25 P.M. - 7:50 P.M. overnight at hotel and depart next day
FRA-EWR 1:20 P.M. - 3:45 P.M. (This is a 747-8 with LH)
EWR-DTW 5:21 P.M. 7:29 P.M.
Then with AA I have a hold for 2:
Return 135K miles (First Milesaver at 62.5K) and $409 fees
VCE-LGW getting into London after midnight. Have to change to LHR and overnight.
LHR-PHL 12:45 P.M. in First on 777. 6 hr. layover in PHL but our SIL's parents live nearby and we may be able to visit at or near airport.
PHL-DTW (not a factor with the decision)
Both of these returns have an overnight. One in Frankfurt (Business) and one in London (First).
Then there's the possible savings on the return in coach. Not glamorous but easy itinerary. No overnighting at an airport no long layover. Daytime so we shouldn't be sleeping.
VCE-PHL 11:30 A.M. - 2:55 P.M. U.S. Air 333
PHL-DTW 5:55 P.M. - 7:50 P.M.
Seat Guru says coach has decent seats. Our AA Gold status gets us seats in front of coach. Tonight 11 A,B were available.
Thoughts are appreciated,
Quilter
P.S. I've never flown a 747 or in First on TALT
P.S.S. I found even another option. My DH wanted to visit London. When I went to find a hotel for the overnight I came across a Cat 6 Heathrow/Windsor Marriott. We could use our 5 night certificate and fly home LHR-PHL (See in-laws) the PHL-DTW. It would be Business milesaver on BA 777.
Using miles with United I have a hold for 2:
Outbound Business Saver Award 280K (70K each direction, each ticket) $310 fees
DTW-YYZ 7:18 A.M. - 8:30 A.M.
YYZ-BOS 11:O5 A.M. - 12:38 P.M.
BOS-FRA 4:40 P.M. - 5:40 A.M. (This is a 747-8 with LH)
FRA-MIL 7:40 A.M. - ?
Even with the crazy start I like this because we have friends in BOS and we're checking to see if they are available if we fly to BOS for a visit (possibly 24-36 hrs.) and then catch BOS-FRA departure.
Return
VCE-FRA 6:25 P.M. - 7:50 P.M. overnight at hotel and depart next day
FRA-EWR 1:20 P.M. - 3:45 P.M. (This is a 747-8 with LH)
EWR-DTW 5:21 P.M. 7:29 P.M.
Then with AA I have a hold for 2:
Return 135K miles (First Milesaver at 62.5K) and $409 fees
VCE-LGW getting into London after midnight. Have to change to LHR and overnight.
LHR-PHL 12:45 P.M. in First on 777. 6 hr. layover in PHL but our SIL's parents live nearby and we may be able to visit at or near airport.
PHL-DTW (not a factor with the decision)
Both of these returns have an overnight. One in Frankfurt (Business) and one in London (First).
Then there's the possible savings on the return in coach. Not glamorous but easy itinerary. No overnighting at an airport no long layover. Daytime so we shouldn't be sleeping.
VCE-PHL 11:30 A.M. - 2:55 P.M. U.S. Air 333
PHL-DTW 5:55 P.M. - 7:50 P.M.
Seat Guru says coach has decent seats. Our AA Gold status gets us seats in front of coach. Tonight 11 A,B were available.
Thoughts are appreciated,
Quilter
P.S. I've never flown a 747 or in First on TALT
P.S.S. I found even another option. My DH wanted to visit London. When I went to find a hotel for the overnight I came across a Cat 6 Heathrow/Windsor Marriott. We could use our 5 night certificate and fly home LHR-PHL (See in-laws) the PHL-DTW. It would be Business milesaver on BA 777.
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