Nonrevving through Brazil, visas, and other wondering

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23-Dec-2017, 09:29 AM
wills

Nonrevving through Brazil, visas, and other wondering

Greetings Nonrevvers,
I was just wondering if anyone had experience with a couple of things. I plan to be non revving a lot in 2018 and I have run across routings that go from the US through Brazil onto Asia/ middle east. Seems a little convoluted, but maybe the flights tend to be more open? Anyone done this? Is it intensely painful? For US citizens that means visas. Anybody have a really good visa expediting company? Airliners can't give up their passports for very long but I can manage two weeks stateside waiting :o.

Alternatively, does anyone routinely use FF miles in conjuction with nonrevving? I find that the RETURN is usually problematic, not the departure. Out of the US it's pretty easy to get a jumpseat, less so from outside the US for my airline. If you do use FF miles, do you use an expediter? Meaning a service that maxes your miles available and finds you award tickets for the best mileage output, for a fee. Any recommendations?

Thanks very much for any and all info! Much appreciated!

Wills
23-Dec-2017, 09:58 AM
vulindlela

I have nonreved to Brazil 4 times, and love it there!
Rio is one of my top cities visited.
The visa was easy to get, and is valid 10 years.
I flew to ORD on a Thursday, dropped off my stuff, and the picked it up Monday.

I don't have FF miles, or pay for tickets ever.
I nonrev 100%, and am always successful.
23-Dec-2017, 11:31 AM
Migflanker

Uh-oh!

Quote:

Originally Posted by vulindlela

I don't have FF miles, or pay for tickets ever.
I nonrev 100%, and am always successful.

Now you've done it-called down the thunder, challenged the non-rev gods. Good luck non-revving to Vegas on a Friday night now. Better start reciting the non-rev prayer right now. http://www.4smileys.com/smileys/cool...-glasses32.gif
23-Dec-2017, 11:39 AM
mrs767er

CIBT is the one we use for DL emps. DL has special # but can suggest Haifa, if she still works there.
We have used my miles on KE about 10 yrs ago for business class from ICN to DPS. With 300K between us, I'm not sure they have much value today, which is why many earners call them sky pesos.
Our Brasil trip was weird routing because we were going to Amazonas. ATL/PTY then Copa to Manaus. The Panama Canal part was fun and worthwhile.
We've done one leg on EK to get from JNB/DXB on refundable NR tkts. When possible our buddies use LCCs.
24-Dec-2017, 05:40 PM
vulindlela

Quote:

Originally Posted by Migflanker

Now you've done it-called down the thunder, challenged the non-rev gods. Good luck non-revving to Vegas on a Friday night now. Better start reciting the non-rev prayer right now. http://www.4smileys.com/smileys/cool...-glasses32.gif

Hahaha....just got back from LAS.
Wide open each direction, so wide open that all nonrevs had to sit way in the back due to the plane being nose heavy.
No Comfort + and free drinks...
26-Dec-2017, 03:50 PM
ddagencylv

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrs767er

CIBT is the one we use for DL emps. DL has special # but can suggest Haifa, if she still works there.
We have used my miles on KE about 10 yrs ago for business class from ICN to DPS. With 300K between us, I'm not sure they have much value today, which is why many earners call them sky pesos.
Our Brasil trip was weird routing because we were going to Amazonas. ATL/PTY then Copa to Manaus. The Panama Canal part was fun and worthwhile.
We've done one leg on EK to get from JNB/DXB on refundable NR tkts. When possible our buddies use LCCs.

Flown Copa many times to POS, GYE, AND AUA.
27-Dec-2017, 02:20 AM
isppilot

Re: the Brazil visa, according to this article https://thepointsguy.com/2017/10/brazil-e-visas/, effective January 28, it will be possible to apply for an e-visa, eliminating the need to visit a Brazilian consulate/embassy and tying up your passport for several days.

As far as miles, I once used AA miles for the outbound segment of a trip to BKK on Cathay Pacific and then some leftover UA miles to get to NRT (nonrevved back to the US from NRT on AA). I called to see what was available and booked. Miles seem harder to use nowadays and the amount of miles needed has gone up so don't have recent experience. We do get a 20% discount on AA miles if booked on AA metal. Depending where in Asia you plan to go, I would try to go direct as AA has more flights to Asia than they did a few years ago (although I'm very upset they got rid of the JFK-NRT nonstop - used to always be able to get F!). First Japan trip nonrevved both ways with backup zeds. It's much easier to book zeds now that everything is electronic. Once you get to Asia, there are LCCs that seem reasonably priced. Depending on where you are flying from, I would try AA with backups on UA, DL, JL, CX and a handful of others we have agreements with. If your intent is to include South America in your travels, QF and LA fly to SYD and AKL from SCL and NZ from EZE to AKL. That said, those are long flights to be stuck in the back. Hope this helps!