Using points to book flights with Oneworld not only requires more miles than it used to but reward seats are getting harder and harder to come by. But there are a few ways around this conundrum. Read on and see.
BA offers a 2 for 1 deal using miles if you have a UK American Express Card or a Chase Visa if you reside in the USA. This makes reward tickets much more palatable and reasonable. However finding available seats can be tiresome, but I found a trick. BA releases award inventory 72 hours before a flight. It may be last minute but it can really help you find space in the premium cabins.
I find that New York is always a good option for reward flights because there are several flights a day to the UK from the Big Apple. Boston is a good second choice as they give more of these away, Philly and sometimes Atlanta are also options, but Atlanta only has one flight a day.
The BOS to LHR route has 3 flights a day including an interesting daytime flight leaving early in the morning and arriving late at night on the same day. This is a great option as that sector is very fast, especially with tailwinds. My last flight was only 5 hours 40 minutes so it’s actually too short for a night flight if you plan on sleeping for a reasonable amount of time. Yes I realize this is a classic first world problem.
Boston is a pretty easy and swift airport to get around in even if you have a connection and BA has a Business and First Class Lounge there. But be aware, it is rather small and food at the Terraces has declined dramatically. Business Class passengers have a buffet that is bland and over cooked with salmon that is dried out along with a few other fish dishes like Mahi Mahi.
First Class pax have an ala carte restaurant dining option but again it could be improved with a simpler menu. Eating is a must in the lounge as the flight is far too short to have a 3 course dinner if you plan on any sleep.
On board you are offered juices, champagne, sleep suits and amenity kit for men or ladies. The First Class cabin is modern and mood lighting is great on BA. Window seats are especially nice as they have huge shutter blinds. But there are only 2 rows where couples can sit together, rows 4 E and F and 3 E and F.
As soon as you are up in the air, the crew gives you a pillow and duvet to snuggle up in, so I just put my seat back to a full 180 degrees and fell asleep.
Missing dinner and breakfast on such a short flight makes you think about flying Business Class rather than First as you really don’t get the benefits, unless you take the day flight and decide to eat and skip the sleep.
Daniel Green, the Model Cook is a Celebrity Chef known for his healthy approach to food and living well. With TV, books, magazines and live appearances, Daniel spends his time helping fans to cook better, feel better and live better. He’s also an avid traveler and a self-confessed Foodie.
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