Beware of Unticketed Award Tickets
Feb 23, 2016, 8:17 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2012
Programs: SPG Platinum, FPC Platinum, Marriott/Ritz-Carlton Platinum Elite, Accor Platinum, AC SE, MPC SL
Posts: 450
Beware of Unticketed Award Tickets
Booked a J award ticket YYZ-SIN-YYZ with the following dates and routing (CAD$532 in taxes):
Apr 7
YYZ-PEK AC31
PEK-SIN SQ801
Apr 19
SIN-PEK CA976
PEK-YYZ AC32
After 2 weeks I noticed I don't have a ticket number yet, when in my experience it's usually either immediate or in 24 hours. I called Aeroplan and of course they're not taking calls because they "currently have a higher volumes of calls" and disconnected the line. I called again at 6am EST and got through after a modest 15 minutes wait.
They told me the Air China portion SIN-PEK has dropped their availability due to a technical issue that they're resolving with no ETA and therefore the seat is no longer bookable. She offered me an alternate flight leaving 6 hours earlier on Apr 18 so I can make the PEK-YYZ flight (CAD$750 taxes). I said yes but I don't want to absorb the extra tax as a result, as well as the change fee. She spoke to her manager and I don't have to pay anything extra.
She made a note as well on the file saying that I will call back before my flight to see if I can get back my original reservation (if the Air China issue is fixed) and allow the change with no change fee.
I also asked about the unticketed status and she said to be honest there's a good change that I would've gone to the airport on Apr 7 (had I not called in) and I do not have a flight.
Hope my experience is helpful.
Apr 7
YYZ-PEK AC31
PEK-SIN SQ801
Apr 19
SIN-PEK CA976
PEK-YYZ AC32
After 2 weeks I noticed I don't have a ticket number yet, when in my experience it's usually either immediate or in 24 hours. I called Aeroplan and of course they're not taking calls because they "currently have a higher volumes of calls" and disconnected the line. I called again at 6am EST and got through after a modest 15 minutes wait.
They told me the Air China portion SIN-PEK has dropped their availability due to a technical issue that they're resolving with no ETA and therefore the seat is no longer bookable. She offered me an alternate flight leaving 6 hours earlier on Apr 18 so I can make the PEK-YYZ flight (CAD$750 taxes). I said yes but I don't want to absorb the extra tax as a result, as well as the change fee. She spoke to her manager and I don't have to pay anything extra.
She made a note as well on the file saying that I will call back before my flight to see if I can get back my original reservation (if the Air China issue is fixed) and allow the change with no change fee.
I also asked about the unticketed status and she said to be honest there's a good change that I would've gone to the airport on Apr 7 (had I not called in) and I do not have a flight.
Hope my experience is helpful.
Feb 23, 2016, 9:23 am
#2
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,830
Booked a J award ticket YYZ-SIN-YYZ with the following dates and routing (CAD$532 in taxes):
Apr 7
YYZ-PEK AC31
PEK-SIN SQ801
Apr 19
SIN-PEK CA976
PEK-YYZ AC32
After 2 weeks I noticed I don't have a ticket number yet, when in my experience it's usually either immediate or in 24 hours. I called Aeroplan and of course they're not taking calls because they "currently have a higher volumes of calls" and disconnected the line. I called again at 6am EST and got through after a modest 15 minutes wait.
They told me the Air China portion SIN-PEK has dropped their availability due to a technical issue that they're resolving with no ETA and therefore the seat is no longer bookable. She offered me an alternate flight leaving 6 hours earlier on Apr 18 so I can make the PEK-YYZ flight (CAD$750 taxes). I said yes but I don't want to absorb the extra tax as a result, as well as the change fee. She spoke to her manager and I don't have to pay anything extra.
She made a note as well on the file saying that I will call back before my flight to see if I can get back my original reservation (if the Air China issue is fixed) and allow the change with no change fee.
I also asked about the unticketed status and she said to be honest there's a good change that I would've gone to the airport on Apr 7 (had I not called in) and I do not have a flight.
Hope my experience is helpful.
Apr 7
YYZ-PEK AC31
PEK-SIN SQ801
Apr 19
SIN-PEK CA976
PEK-YYZ AC32
After 2 weeks I noticed I don't have a ticket number yet, when in my experience it's usually either immediate or in 24 hours. I called Aeroplan and of course they're not taking calls because they "currently have a higher volumes of calls" and disconnected the line. I called again at 6am EST and got through after a modest 15 minutes wait.
They told me the Air China portion SIN-PEK has dropped their availability due to a technical issue that they're resolving with no ETA and therefore the seat is no longer bookable. She offered me an alternate flight leaving 6 hours earlier on Apr 18 so I can make the PEK-YYZ flight (CAD$750 taxes). I said yes but I don't want to absorb the extra tax as a result, as well as the change fee. She spoke to her manager and I don't have to pay anything extra.
She made a note as well on the file saying that I will call back before my flight to see if I can get back my original reservation (if the Air China issue is fixed) and allow the change with no change fee.
I also asked about the unticketed status and she said to be honest there's a good change that I would've gone to the airport on Apr 7 (had I not called in) and I do not have a flight.
Hope my experience is helpful.
Feb 23, 2016, 12:45 pm
#3
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Canada
Programs: *void
Posts: 2,408
Beware of Unticketed Award Tickets
Booked a J award ticket YYZ-SIN-YYZ with the following dates and routing (CAD$532 in taxes):
Apr 7
YYZ-PEK AC31
PEK-SIN SQ801
Apr 19
SIN-PEK CA976
PEK-YYZ AC32
After 2 weeks I noticed I don't have a ticket number yet, when in my experience it's usually either immediate or in 24 hours. I called Aeroplan and of course they're not taking calls because they "currently have a higher volumes of calls" and disconnected the line. I called again at 6am EST and got through after a modest 15 minutes wait.
They told me the Air China portion SIN-PEK has dropped their availability due to a technical issue that they're resolving with no ETA and therefore the seat is no longer bookable. She offered me an alternate flight leaving 6 hours earlier on Apr 18 so I can make the PEK-YYZ flight (CAD$750 taxes). I said yes but I don't want to absorb the extra tax as a result, as well as the change fee. She spoke to her manager and I don't have to pay anything extra.
She made a note as well on the file saying that I will call back before my flight to see if I can get back my original reservation (if the Air China issue is fixed) and allow the change with no change fee.
I also asked about the unticketed status and she said to be honest there's a good change that I would've gone to the airport on Apr 7 (had I not called in) and I do not have a flight.
Hope my experience is helpful.
Apr 7
YYZ-PEK AC31
PEK-SIN SQ801
Apr 19
SIN-PEK CA976
PEK-YYZ AC32
After 2 weeks I noticed I don't have a ticket number yet, when in my experience it's usually either immediate or in 24 hours. I called Aeroplan and of course they're not taking calls because they "currently have a higher volumes of calls" and disconnected the line. I called again at 6am EST and got through after a modest 15 minutes wait.
They told me the Air China portion SIN-PEK has dropped their availability due to a technical issue that they're resolving with no ETA and therefore the seat is no longer bookable. She offered me an alternate flight leaving 6 hours earlier on Apr 18 so I can make the PEK-YYZ flight (CAD$750 taxes). I said yes but I don't want to absorb the extra tax as a result, as well as the change fee. She spoke to her manager and I don't have to pay anything extra.
She made a note as well on the file saying that I will call back before my flight to see if I can get back my original reservation (if the Air China issue is fixed) and allow the change with no change fee.
I also asked about the unticketed status and she said to be honest there's a good change that I would've gone to the airport on Apr 7 (had I not called in) and I do not have a flight.
Hope my experience is helpful.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/air-c...ma-follow.html
Often quoted ViewFromTheWing blog post about this:
How To Make Sure You Really Have a Ticket When You Redeem Your Miles
Reminder for us all to not only check that you have valid tickets issued after booking, even if you DID get a confirmation email, but also check back often to re-validate every month or so while you are waiting to travel, on that itinerary you've worked so hard to carve out, nearly a year in advance.
Feb 23, 2016, 6:37 pm
#4
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: YLW
Programs: AC- SE100 1MM, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Platinum, National Executive, Nexus/GE
Posts: 4,307
There was another thread on this about two months ago. This also happened to me twice in a row with an AP reward ticket booked on a total of three airlines.
You always need to keep an eye on bookings for these silly things and and equipment changes!
You always need to keep an eye on bookings for these silly things and and equipment changes!
Feb 24, 2016, 5:55 am
#5
Join Date: May 2012
Location: YOW
Programs: UA*1K, Marriott Titanium (LTP), Hilton Gold, Hertz PC
Posts: 1,665
Very common with CA, and is why AE claims to have removed the ability to book on them a couple of times. There's a thread out there about CA talking about being unticketed.
Mar 12, 2016, 3:18 am
#6
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: YVR
Programs: SE 100K
Posts: 935
On the topic of ticketing speeds... Just booked an AE Business Reward MAN - FRA - YUL - YVR yesterday. Still haven't received a confirmation email so I assume it still hasn't been ticketed?
Anyone else experience the same delay with AE Business Reward tix?
Anyone else experience the same delay with AE Business Reward tix?
Mar 12, 2016, 5:14 am
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: YYC
Posts: 23,803
I have had ugly scenarios whereby after a week the reservation would be canceled, and the next agent did not even see that the itinerary was not the requested one.
Mar 12, 2016, 5:58 am
#8
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: YVR
Programs: SE 100K
Posts: 935
I doubt that there this being a business reward would make a difference. That there is a leg on another airline probably does. Might need confirmation actually.
I have had ugly scenarios whereby after a week the reservation would be canceled, and the next agent did not even see that the itinerary was not the requested one.
I have had ugly scenarios whereby after a week the reservation would be canceled, and the next agent did not even see that the itinerary was not the requested one.
Should I call in and confirm or is it out of AE's control and I just have to wait it out and see if LH approves the first leg?
Mar 12, 2016, 6:18 am
#9
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: YYC
Posts: 23,803
Keep checking and don't let a week pass. If it gets somewhat close, ask for the ticket to be put in priority for ticketing.
Mar 12, 2016, 6:57 am
#10
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: YVR
Programs: SE 100K
Posts: 935
Booking is for 13 days from now so hoping it gets sorted out fast... I'll call Monday if I haven't got a confirmation by then.
Mar 12, 2016, 8:06 am
#11
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2014
Programs: AC SE100K-1MM, NH, DL, AA, BA, Global Entry/Nexus, APEC..
Posts: 18,877
I tend to book my Aeroplan award travel less than 2 weeks out and, as has been the case with the 24left's versions of RTWs, at less than 6 days out.
Given the experiences of some others FTers who posted on this forum either like above - not being ticketed, or not having a valid ticket or other issues, I am rather insistent about getting the ticket and the partner airlines' PNRs. All of my international reward trips include at least 2 other *A carriers and I am not keen on panic while in transit. And yes, stuff happens.
Once Aeroplan gives me the partner PNRs, I go to their site and add in the missing info in Manage my Bookings. I have noticed that not all of the partners have a seamless process and sometimes, I do not have access on the site but have to call in.
I just booked another one of these adventures and there was a problem the other day with their payment system and therefore issuing the ticket. It took hours for them to solve it and I was happy to be patient.
I am not sure I could manage waiting a week or more and not be ticketed or worse, find out that the booking was cancelled before ticketing.
Given the experiences of some others FTers who posted on this forum either like above - not being ticketed, or not having a valid ticket or other issues, I am rather insistent about getting the ticket and the partner airlines' PNRs. All of my international reward trips include at least 2 other *A carriers and I am not keen on panic while in transit. And yes, stuff happens.
Once Aeroplan gives me the partner PNRs, I go to their site and add in the missing info in Manage my Bookings. I have noticed that not all of the partners have a seamless process and sometimes, I do not have access on the site but have to call in.
I just booked another one of these adventures and there was a problem the other day with their payment system and therefore issuing the ticket. It took hours for them to solve it and I was happy to be patient.
I am not sure I could manage waiting a week or more and not be ticketed or worse, find out that the booking was cancelled before ticketing.
Mar 12, 2016, 9:26 am
#12
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: YVR
Programs: SE 100K
Posts: 935
Called just now (booked online yesterday).
They said it's in the queue to be ticketed and to call back on Tuesday if I still haven't got a Ticket by then. Gave me the LH PNR though..... which then didn't work when I went onto their website haha. I'll give it a few days.
They said it's in the queue to be ticketed and to call back on Tuesday if I still haven't got a Ticket by then. Gave me the LH PNR though..... which then didn't work when I went onto their website haha. I'll give it a few days.
Mar 12, 2016, 9:27 am
#13
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Canada
Programs: AC E50k, A3*G, UA*S, MR Titanium, HHonors Gold, Carlson Gold, NEXUS
Posts: 3,669
Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (BB10; Touch) AppleWebKit/537.35+ (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/10.3.1.2576 Mobile Safari/537.35+)
Did it work on check my trip?
Originally Posted by CanadianMike
Called just now (booked online yesterday).
They said it's in the queue to be ticketed and to call back on Tuesday if I still haven't got a Ticket by then. Gave me the LH PNR though..... which then didn't work when I went onto their website haha. I'll give it a few days.
They said it's in the queue to be ticketed and to call back on Tuesday if I still haven't got a Ticket by then. Gave me the LH PNR though..... which then didn't work when I went onto their website haha. I'll give it a few days.
Mar 12, 2016, 9:30 am
#14
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2014
Programs: AC SE100K-1MM, NH, DL, AA, BA, Global Entry/Nexus, APEC..
Posts: 18,877
Called just now (booked online yesterday).
They said it's in the queue to be ticketed and to call back on Tuesday if I still haven't got a Ticket by then. Gave me the LH PNR though..... which then didn't work when I went onto their website haha. I'll give it a few days.
They said it's in the queue to be ticketed and to call back on Tuesday if I still haven't got a Ticket by then. Gave me the LH PNR though..... which then didn't work when I went onto their website haha. I'll give it a few days.
That is very odd with LH. OF all the carriers, they were the only ones where the PNR worked perfectly the first time and every time since. BR was also decent. SQ was a no go. Twice. (I enjoy tech mysteries. LOL). At least the SQ call centre people in Cebu are very nice.
Mar 12, 2016, 9:45 am
#15
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: YVR
Programs: SE 100K
Posts: 935
This delay in ticketing hasn't ever happened to me before and I already called so best I can do is wait and hope and call again in a couple days if it doesn't!
One would think /hope after AE accepts / confirms a booking they would be responsible for getting you from Point A to Point B on said date of booking in the class booked...
