I recently redeemed a chunk of my British Midland International (bmi) points for an intra-Europe award that includes Iceland and Armenia. The trip is coming up soon, but the more I think about the itinerary, the more I think my points and money would be better allocated elsewhere.
First, the itinerary:
- Frankfurt to Oslo in SAS Business Class
- Oslo to Reykjavik, Iceland in SAS Business Class [one night in Iceland]
- Reykjavik to Oslo in SAS Business Class [one-night in Oslo]
- Oslo to Vienna in Austrian Business Class
- Vienna to Yerevan in Austrian Business Class [three nights in Armenia/Georgia]
- Yerevan to London in British Midland Business Class
- London to Frankfurt on Lufthansa Business Class
I like the itinerary, but I would like an extra day in Iceland and this trip would be at the end of October–when the days will be cooler and darker.
The cost of the ticket was 55K miles–bmi charges for intra-Europe awards on a per-segment basis, so I was charged for a o/w from Frankfurt to Reykjavik via Oslo, a o/w from Reykjavik to Yerevan via Oslo and Vienna, and a o/w from Yerevan to Frankfurt via London.
Then there was notorious taxes plus fuel surcharges on the award, which you can see below.
I checked Continental Airlines and the taxes would have been roughly half, through $300 for taxes on an intra-Europe award is stil quite high.
True, I am in Europe now and this trip would allow me to visit two countries where tickets price are generally very high. It would also give me a chance to try out Austrian Airlines and bmi, two Star Alliance carriers I have not had the chance to fly on.
But I think I will save the award for next May when the weather will be more pleasant and I can have a few more days to explore Iceland. Perhaps I’ll book it with Continental as well. $650 in taxes alone just does not set well with me (which reminds me I have some British Airways miles to burn…)
Any thoughts?
There’s no point in going anywhere for just one night. Seriously, give Iceland at least 2-3 days to see the sights. May is a good time of year to visit.
That’s quite a tax hit.
@Michael–One night would be enough for KEF (Reykjavik), but not for the whole of Iceland. But I am strongly leaning toward May!
@Ted–Indeed. Yet I don’t know what else to use the BD miles for…
Well, if by KEF you just mean the area around Keflavik airport, there’s nothing to do there. Take the time to explore Reykjavik and do the Golden Circle tour – I promise you won’t regret it.
I traveled to Iceland recently and found the most interesting sights to be in the northern part of the country, around Lake Myvatn. This can be done in a day trip if you decide to stay an extra night. http://www.airiceland.is/
Looking forward to the report next year.