Questions and Answers

Hi all,

I have to go to Tokyo late in the summer.

I’d like to fly bus class if possible.

I’ve got miles a few hundred thousand miles for American and Chase points.

What carriers do you recommend?

Best way to approach? I thought I could buy my economy ticket and then call up to upgrade.

Any recommendations. This will be my first time in a long time doing this.

Is it best to book economy ticket at same time as I indicate I’d like to upgrade? I know from reading that certain fare classifications don’t allow upgrades or maybe some flights only do a certain number of seats upgraded.

So I guess what I’m asking: is there a certain order of steps I should take?

And what about buying a ticket on a place like cheaptickets.com first and then calling the airline (provided it’s either American or one from which I can transfer Chase points).

Thanks for your help!

Why not check for award space for AAs flights from LAX? I think it’s 60k one way and very little in fees. Better than a cash ticket then 25k miles plus $350

[QUOTE=”David W, post: 56678, member: 29″]Why not check for award space for AAs flights from LAX? I think it’s 60k one way and very little in fees. Better than a cash ticket then 25k miles plus $350[/QUOTE]

Thanks David! Yes, might be better way than what I was looking at (basically $1000 ticket in economy) and then 35Kish each way with AA saver if I timed it right. I’ll certainly take another look at that.

I would also make sure to check BA’s website for JAL flights from LAX to Tokyo.. You need to call AA to use your miles on this flight but it’s 60k in business and 80k in first (not sure if JAL flies their 777 out of LAX with first class). First class in JAL opens up about 2 week before departure and you can call and switch your business tickets to First with no fees, just the additional 20k miles.

JAL business seats are going to be nicer than AA…