New York holiday help?

southend1112

Hello,
This is my first post apologies if its in the wrong section, but I know its about travel.
In December we are planning on 4 of us, 2 adults 2 children, for a birthday, we have searched up for a few days and want to stay in the Marriott mid town (the one on Broadway) and with flights we have come to £4300 with BA holidays.
We are wondering what the cheapest way to upgrade is to first class, because I'm a bit lost, as our flight is been ran by American airlines, and not sure what air miles means to them? Also would it be possible to go there in economy on the way there and first class on the way back?
I searched air miles up and American express looks like a quick way in for BA air-miles, but is there anyone on here to give me guidance?
Thanks

dmg24

Are you booked in economy? Do you mean first class, or do you mean business?

southend1112

We haven't booked yet, we're just comparing other company's and trying to figure out things like air miles ect..
We are thinking in booking economy class, and upgrading to first class.

dmg24

If AA allow upgrades from economy to first (some airlines only allow a one class upgrade), it will cost you many thousands each. You might be better to tell us your total budget and see what we can suggest.

southend1112

okay, well BA gave us the full quote of £4300, so I think it could be around £4000-6000 , which I don't think would be enough for first class?

dmg24

southend1112 wrote: »

okay, well BA gave us the full quote of £4300, so I think it could be around £4000-6000 , which I don't think would be enough for first class?

Yep, £6000 will probably get you one ticket in first! Do you really need to travel in first?

southend1112

oh, never mind that then haha, its just to celebrate really because we've never been in first before.
thanks for your help though

dmg24

OK, if you have never flown in a premium class before you don't need to fly in first, business would be more than enough for you. You might be able to get that within your budget, but it will take some work. If you book premium economy tickets direct from BA (not BA Holidays) they can be upgraded with 12,500 BAEC miles per sector, so the four of you could go business in one direction for 50,000 BAEC miles.

Do you are your wife both have good credit scores? The easiest way to do this would be to get the Amex MR card.

phatbear

To give you an idea AA are showing a single price of £340 one way in cattle class and £2850 one way in 1st, so roughly a jump up of roughly £20000, assuming the kids are over 12 years old.

Nice to see a fellow southend'er has a taste for the finer things in life

dmg24

phatbear wrote: »

To give you an idea AA are showing a single price of £340 one way in cattle class and £2850 one way in 1st, so roughly a jump up of roughly £20000, assuming the kids are over 12 years old.

Nice to see a fellow southend'er has a taste for the finer things in life

£400 an hour ... That would be one very expensive mile high club! :eek:

phatbear

Ermmmm, for decency reasons i've decided not to post my 1st thoughts when I read your post Ms G