Questions and Answers

We’re getting a bit of a late start (for us!) in maybe going to Europe late June 2017. Looks like we’ll be joining my brother and sister-in-law to visit our niece who is studying in Manchester. We’ve flown to Europe on points a couple times, most recently in summer 2015 and flew over in OS business class and home first class on LH (which we loved and took full advantage of the FCT in FRA!). 10 years ago flew business on BA and not keen on that with lots of better options.

So, trying to figure out options, and want to experience again something like our LH experience. We’re based between SEA and YVR, so either airport works and can position elsewhere. I have seen availability for OS and Turkish, but wondering if there’s another option a bit more “over the top” that I’m not thinking of.

Preferably we’d do an open jaw and are pretty open to where to go, though one way to or from England might be convenient since we’ll be there to visit the niece. I looked at SQ out of IAH and only saw business class so think we missed out on that in first, and also looked on LH for a flight home and nothing in first (would love to experience the FCT again!). Haven’t flown Turkish, so not sure how much better it is than OS? Flight home last time on LH we had the Barclay’s LH card so supplemented that with SPG and booked through LH, which I’d be fine paying the premium to do that as wife probably wouldn’t be ok with waiting 14 days out to try through UA. We’re still a bit short with SPG points to transfer for that but didn’t see first class space (and not sure what routes still have it)

Anyways, we have the following point balances (combined between wife and I) and are looking for some options I’m not thinking of, that have a decent chance of availability. UR-400,000, SPG-116,000, AS-240,000, and AA-50,000 each. So, would love to hear some thoughts and ideas from you all on some other options that I’m missing. Thanks in advance and sorry for such a long post!

Honestly, there’s nothing comparable to Lufthansa in terms of transatlantic first.

Virgin Atlantic has terrific availability out of Seattle lately, so that could be a convenient option, and their Clubhouse is always fun, but with your mileage balances it’s probably not the most economical option.

Air France Business class might be fun as long as it with the new hard product. Though if you can manage to find an AF flight out of CDG back to the US with the new hard product and NO first class cabin, look into paying for the AF First ground service!

Thanks for the input Tiffany and David. AF might be an option. I’ll look into that. How is Turkish business compared to Austrian? Saw an option with an overnight, and can’t remember if I saw somewhere they provide lodging if your connection has an overnight?

Also, with LH, have you noticed a decrease in first availability on LH’s site? And I know they’ve cut first class from a number of flights to the US. Where do they still fly with first as of summer 2017?

Thanks again!

I always hear that Turkish business is excellent. Furthermore, they use the same gourmet catering company that Austrian uses for business class. Not sure about providing overnight lodging though – I always assume that it wont be provided.

I believe LH is removing F from almost all flights out of MUC. F out of FRA will remain so I’d try to route via FRA if possible.

[QUOTE=”David W, post: 22104, member: 29″]Air France Business class might be fun as long as it with the new hard product. Though if you can manage to find an AF flight out of CDG back to the US with the new hard product and NO first class cabin, look into paying for the AF First ground service![/QUOTE]
How would one find out if it’s with the new product or not?

Well, you can look at the seat map. The new version is 1-2-1, while the old versions are 2-3-2.