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Hello, I’m looking for advice on how to get to Calgary on 1st or 2nd June on points – harder now that BA don’t fly there. I have decent balances of Amex points and Avios (and a random 10k in United thanks to a boozy afternoon in the Mayfair). Grateful for any advice before I bite the bullet and pay cash.
Take a look at what’s available via Singapore Airlines (you may need to search on another Star airline and then book through chat/phone). They have access to United and Air Canada I think. Singapore Kris is a transfer partner from HSBC and Amex. Unfortunately the Amex rate to Kris is poor; but the charges are low, which helps.
There’s probably a route from Amex via Marriott for booking with Aeroplan miles or United miles. Might be more efficient use of miles. But a lot miles are lost in the conversion process via Marriott.
If you like paying ludicrous charges by all means consider BA/AA or Virgin/Delta.
KLM via AMS is a possible route, bookable via Flying Blue or Virgin using Amex points. I was once delayed by 36 hours in AMS on that route, though, and KLM treated me appallingly badly, so I cannot recommend it.
WestJet has direct flights from Gatwick, but not every day. You may be able to book via Delta, another Amex partner.
You may also be able to book Air Canada via Singapore Airlines using Amex points. Air Canada fly direct and offer a range of connecting options, both in Canada (principally Vancouver, Toronto) and Europe via Lufthansa.
BA is a theoretical possibility, but you’ll probably have to route via Dallas, a huge detour, or fly to Vancouver/Toronto with BA and risk a connecting flight with Air Canada on a separate booking reference. I really wish BA would bring back direct flights, as Calgary gives access to some of the world’s best skiing, but I sadly can’t see that happening any time soon.
Despite all these options, I’ve personally never managed a points booking to Canada.
One way only? Economy?
Avios redemption to Toronto and a cash flight on to Calgary the next day.
Get to Toronto either direct on BA or on Aer Lingus via Dublin.
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