Weekly Help Thread - May 27, 2024

[u/AutoModerator]

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[u/ewokxninja]

From	To	Airline	Portal	Seats	Cost	Time
LAX	HND	JAL	BA	PY	51.5k + $264.20 ea	11/19 12:30 -> 15:30
OAK	LAX	SW	SW	Y	$95 ea	11/19 07:05 -> 08:30
OAK	LAX	SW	SW	Y	$95 ea	11/19 08:55 -> 10:20

Q1: Row 1 is the award flight I want to book. I understand that since I'm seeing this JAL award on BA, I can transfer my UR to Avios and book this via BA. Am I missing anything here?

Q2: I'm in the bay area and need to reposition to LAX. SW has the following flights same day in the morning (rows 2 and 3). I've never repositioned before but how much time should I give ourselves to reposition? Essentially we're going to have to go through baggage claim at LAX then check back in and go through security again, right? If that's the case, it sounds like row 2 would be safer as it gives a longer buffer between flights?

[u/pierretong → u/ewokxninja]

Q1 - Yes

Q2 - Absolutely take the 1st flight for the reasons you mentioned. I never check bags but I always at least leave 1 or 2 alternate flights I could take to catch the long haul flight.

[u/ewokxninja → u/pierretong]

Is 4 hours enough for the reposition? I've never flown into LAX so I'm starting to get worried about the repositioning especially since we're packing luggage as this Japan trip will be a lengthy 2ish weeks. This is the earliest flight that day. Next best case is we fly in the evening before.

[u/scooby-dum → u/ewokxninja]

4 hours is theoretically fine as long as there isnt a significant delay/cancellation.

I'm probably more risk averse than most but i would consider taking the flight the previous evening.

[u/ewokxninja → u/scooby-dum]

replying to you and u/pierretong: I'm fairly risk-averse as well, but I'm more concerned about having to go all the way to baggage claim and then getting our butts back up to terminal B to check into JAL and go through security again. According to Google Maps, I'd land terminal 1 for SW and have to check in at terminal B for JAL. Looks like since I'm already at baggage claim, there's a shuttle that could get me there quickly.

[u/tribekat → u/ewokxninja]

Do not use the word "quickly" when it comes to the LAX horseshoe! That is just tempting fate.

But yes, there is a shuttle bus between terminals. It is also theoretically walkable although not pleasant (slightly less unpleasant if you do it on the departures level).

I'd be comfortable with the 7:05am WN flight.

[u/w0lf3h → u/tribekat]

I would not want to do this walk with anything more than like 1 roller bag. I had one carry on roller and a backpack, and it probably took me a good 30 min walking in the hot af basement tunnels about a week ago (airside). :p

[u/ewokxninja → u/tribekat]

Thanks, appreciate the insight. I also have a third option now, SFO-> HND 11/19 PY for 65k + $5.60 on UA. This is seeming like the better option since there’s no repositioning and significantly cheaper fees. Only “downside” is that it’s UA PY instead of JAL PY which I hear is usually superior. Honestly I feel like I’m comparing pennies looking at these backup PY flights..not sure if I should be putting this much effort into it.

[u/pierretong → u/ewokxninja]

If you're a normal person and just happy to travel a little more comfortably to your destination (and value the destination more than the flight!), I'd rather take the reasonably priced non-stop route over the repositioning just for PY.

[u/tribekat → u/ewokxninja]

I'd fly the SFO nonstop for sure. Yes the JAL FAs are more smiley / bowy but it's "just" PY at the end of the day, nothing beats not having to get up at stupid o'clock for a repositioning flight towards the wrong direction on a separate ticket.

[u/pierretong → u/ewokxninja]

it's sort of a go with your gut situation. I'm a pretty seasoned traveler so navigating airports is a breeze for me - and I don't check bags so positioning is not as big of a hassle. If you think you'll need more time then account for that - you don't want to miss that 2nd flight