I don't know anything about frequent flyer miles

I've never done this before. We have over 150,000 American miles and two of us want to get airline tickets to Greece. We want to stay there two weeks and either come straight back home or go to France for a third week.

I know American doesn't fly to Europe, but their partner airlines are British Airways, Iberia and Swiss Air.
I would appreciate any suggestions or advice before I start this process. We want to go in Sept. or Oct.
Should I try to book the flight online or by telephone? Is there a charge for either one?

Anything you can tell me is more than I already know.
Thanks so very much.

Re: I don't know anything about frequent flyer miles

I've always done it by phone. GL!

ETA: no charge -- it's just like booking any other trip.

Message edited 4/25/2006 11:04:18 PM.

Re: I don't know anything about frequent flyer miles

I have used points to fly before - you can fly on the partner flights - sometimes it costs more points sometimes it doesn't - It might be tricky to get tickets now for Sept/Oct. But I would still call and see what they can do - try to be a little flexible with the dates it will help.

Usually they put aside a small amount of seats for point flyers and once they are gone they are gone. I have found in the past that if I did it in less than 9 months to a year many of the popular places are taken.

Re: I don't know anything about frequent flyer miles

You should be able to book it through the American website if you log in as a frequent flyer and choose Book Award Travel or something similar (when you request a destination they don't fly to, it should just indicate that the flight is operated by another carrier), but if you call, they'll talk you through it.

Sept/Oct is usually a good time to fly to Europe, prices start to go donw then, so I don't imagine you'll have a problem.

Have a great trip.

Re: I don't know anything about frequent flyer miles

Be sure to discuss all seating options upfront with FF miles. If you want first class seats - talk to them about your options because sometimes the airlines (not all but some) put restrictions on FF tickets and don't allow for upgrades. Just talk through all the options with them that you foresee wanting to have available to you.

Re: I don't know anything about frequent flyer miles

I am attempting the same thing right now. Basically I just called each airline gave them my dates and asked them how many miles it would cost to book if available. I'm finding that because of the dates (I'm looking for July) and the short notice it's about 100,000 miles rountrip per person. Normally they said it's about half that.

Good Luck!

Re: I don't know anything about frequent flyer miles

Re: I don't know anything about frequent flyer miles

Thanks so much. I will get on the phone and ask, ask, ask the very next chance I get.