Award travel is a ever-changing landscape. These days it’s difficult to snag one not to mention two… let alone three seats in First Class especially with partner airlines. When you do find them, it feels like you’re Mario discovering a hidden treasure chest in a role playing game.
With this challenge, it’s generally better to book these ultra premium experiences with airline programs on its own metal. When that doesn’t work, you can get creative and do something called “waitlist” if you’re willing to gamble. If successful, it’s like finding the ultimate secret of the secret treasure chest.
Strategy
It’s important not to waitlist blindly. Since it’s based on capacity, you should always monitor how empty the cabin is for your desired flight. As a general rule of thumb if the cabin looks like it’s going to sell out, your waitlist will not clear. On the other hand, if it’s less than 50% capacity, you have a much better chance of it clearing.
For All Nippon Airways, you need to have the available mileage in your account. You can even do it for Business Class. If it clears, you will get the most exciting email that will make you rush to your phone and computer to snag the confirmed waitlist flight.
For Singapore Airlines, you similarly need to have the miles transferred into your account. Typically, it’s good to waitlist for “Saver” rates since it’s much cheaper than “Advantage” rates for the same exact First Class.
If it clears, your eyes will be like Miki when you board the plane.
Overall, this is a high level overview in how you can creatively snag and manifest an ultra travel experience many people can only dream of. Waitlist is a bit of a gamble, but it’s like playing blackjack — you can improve your odds by seeing what the dealer’s hand has. When it’s empty, that’s when you bet big. And boy… it sure pays off when you win.
Chai Bear World 