Vancouver / Portland

[frasermcj]

Hi – We are family of 4 looking to fly out from Glasgow to Vancouver (economy) via Heathrow and return from Portland (Biz). My wife has valid Amex 241 in her name, as do I.
– Am I right in thinking we can’t combine 241 vouchers in 1 booking so have to do separate booking for each of us + 1 child each.
– I understand we book outbound singles and then phone to add Open Jaw return bookings from Portland. We are standard blue members. What phone number do I call to get return booking and when is quietest time to call (I’m not expecting high demand for Portland biz return).
– Does call require her to be on phone to confirm her booking or can I do on behalf?
– Any particular seat recommendations for biz seats on way back from Portland to LHR?

Thanks in advance!

[1958]

Here’s what I did:
Set yourself up as a nominated / authorised user on your wife’s BA account. This makes things easier.
Just accept that the £35 charge (per person) for phone bookings (rather than online bookings) is a service fee, and good value in the scheme of things.
Do a dummy run a few days before you want to make the actual booking. You can see Avios availability by class, etc.
You will probably be OK to book the leg to Vancouver on line. But for the return leg, I advise calling up at midnight GMT. Read the topic, “How to book the return leg using 241”. It has lots of advice and data points.
Good luck – and be aware that driving from Canada to the USA (as a UK citizen) is a pain, as you’re likely to be stopped at the border for a long time. (2 hours for us).