ED Pickup : Flight Suggestions

[madsbmr]

Folks,
I know several threads mentioned about flights but thought of creating this thread just for flight tickets. I am doing ED (F83) on Aug 21st and would like to know if :

1. Lufthansa Preferred Pricing is better
2. Book on our own

Tickets are so expensive ($1600), any alternate airports where we can fly cheap and go back to Munich in train or something.

Please share your thoughts and need your help urgently.

[ZAGA_M3]

congrats, have you checked Delta? their pricing i thought is cheaper to Munich.
which dealer did you end up ordering from?

[madsbmr]

Thank You. I will try now. BMW of Sterling

[ben1233]

The Lufthansa discount is extremely paltry and is only offered when flying in and out of Munich. As for other cities....Frankfurt is of course the major German hub. Milan specifically has been cheap this year due in part to the Expo. You might check those two cities out.

It helps to book international flights well in advance. I read somewhere that statistically speaking 151 days out is the sweet spot although of course YMMV. I paid $1800 for Luffy Premium Econ for May 2015 travel. Well worth it (+$550 over Econ) considering you get to select your seats and a second free checked bag....Not to mention a MUCH better seat.

[///M///]

Use google flights. Look into flying in to another location and leaving out of there as well. For example I am considering flying into Zurich from Philly and taking a train to Munich. On way back I drop off the car in Zurich and fly home from there. Saves me $1800 in total for three people.

[Tuscan]

You can also try skyscanner. They have better pricing than google flights usually.

[schnell325]

Book a direct flight there. No need having a layover issue mess with you arrival

[IRNM4N]

I flew Delta. We upgraded to economy comfort and for two it was under $3k. Not cheap, but flying 10+ hours it is to be somewhat expected.

[Bluex]

Originally Posted by schnell325

Book a direct flight there. No need having a layover issue mess with you arrival

Agree with this part as well. Delays can and do happen......another reason to go non-stop.

[Miamiboyca]

So I am gonna chime in here with an idea for you. 2 ideas for you, well 3 actually.

1 - Goggle actually has map/pricing (see pics) for the area your going to, it might also make sense to fly into a place a few days early and then take a train to Munich.

2.a - If you have a FF account, see if you can purchase miles at a reasonable rate and use them for tickets. If you already have some then you just add what you need and it can reduce the overall cost although you lose some flexibility.

2b there are online merchants the sell other peoples miles for them. Same as above but usually much better rate.

I tend to do this to supplement my miles as I do everything in my power to fly business/first when going overseas. My back just can't take it anymore so I would rather pay $2500 (including taxes and fees - usually about 6K) to fly business rather than $1500 to fly coach, and its a very nice upgrade for a vacation experience.

[Miamiboyca]

Oh and check condor airlines... i know, I know... who? Just check them out specially from West coast.

[DBV]

If you have AMEX Platinum, check out their companion ticket. It amazes me how many people don't know about the program.

[nicknaz]

Originally Posted by DBV

If you have AMEX Platinum, check out their companion ticket. It amazes me how many people don't know about the program.

If you are buying a refundable biz class ticket anyway it is a good deal for sure

OP, I ended up flying united into Munich. Frankfurt + train wasn't any cheaper

Fly direct if you can for sure

[lawrenc967]

Flights to Munich from US for less than $800 roundtrip:

http://www.theflightdeal.com/2015/06...ing-all-taxes/

[Miamiboyca]

Lots of those fairs are gone... DFW At least from DFW. 2500 coach- yikes

[jayyp]

I flew Air New Zealand from LA to Munich for less than Lufthansa even with the discount. $1,100 which is pretty decent given the quality of service and how modern the interior of the cabin was ^^

[///M///]

Originally Posted by Miamiboyca

2.a - If you have a FF account, see if you can purchase miles at a reasonable rate and use them for tickets. If you already have some then you just add what you need and it can reduce the overall cost although you lose some flexibility.

What is FF account?

[Macheins]

Originally Posted by dsm918

What is FF account?

Frequent Flyer account

[Miamiboyca]

Originally Posted by dsm918

What is FF account?

Sorry-Frequent Flyer

[///M///]

Originally Posted by DBV

If you have AMEX Platinum, check out their companion ticket. It amazes me how many people don't know about the program.

Care to elaborate?

[Miamiboyca]

Originally Posted by dsm918

Care to elaborate?

https://www.google.com/webhp?sourcei...anion%20ticket

Google is your friend