What's the big deal anyway?. Have her get an AAdvantage number, get the miles, and keep it all in the family.
20k bonus miles upfront and potential for 20k more over the next 2 years is the big deal. All our spending already goes into my account and I'm the only one with AA cards. So if she can open a couple and I can get a bunch of extra bonus miles that would be nice (working on 1MM).
I'll be the guinea pig and will report back what happens.
what if you opened her account, put you as a secondary user, and had it going to your AA account? They may verify at least one of the cardholders matches up with the AA account
what if you opened her account, put you as a secondary user, and had it going to your AA account? They may verify at least one of the cardholders matches up with the AA account
The authorized user does not get any mile. Only the primary account holder receives miles from any source.
I got a pair of tix under the AMEX plat 2-1 coach deal and saved a few bucks. After I had a PNR I called to upgrade using miles. I was told that I could get a sticker upgrade only, no mile upgrades. Today for the heck of it I called again. I was told by two Advantage desk employees, no problem at all but they wanted $125.00 to upgrade with 2 days notice. I knew I was getting the shaft so I pressed for a supervisor.
A supervisor put me on hold for 10 minutes and told me no upgrading these tickets with miles only sticker upgrades were allowed. I can only wonder why such a policy. She did not know anything about it and had to call other people. However I feel that since the Advantage desk did not know about this today when I called, that others have been able to upgrade these tickets.
You would figure AA would be happy to burn some miles for a domestic upgrade. Has anyone been able to upgrade these tickets by calling the AA desk?
Programs: AA EXP 1MM, Silver CO, BA Blue, Silver MR, Gold SPG
Posts: 2,874
I used one a few weeks ago. I declined the upgrade (as an EXP) because I was traveling with my little boy and did not want to spend the stickers on him...
API (the agency for AMEX) is very clear about the fact that you may not be able to upgrade or earn miles on the companion ticket.
__________________
You can now make your own Whisky in Texas with this cool Whisky making kit from Wasmund's.
The relevant factor as to whether an AA ticket can be upgraded using miles is the fare code, not how the ticket was obtained. It sounds like your tickets were purchased by AMEX in O class, which makes them ineligible for mileage upgrades, period.
The $125 fee that you were told about is the award expedite fee, which is not "getting the shaft," considering a) it's a normal fee that is charged to non-EXPs, and b) that they were willing to upgrade you on non-upgradable tickets.
I used one a few weeks ago. I declined the upgrade (as an EXP) because I was traveling with my little boy and did not want to spend the stickers on him...
API (the agency for AMEX) is very clear about the fact that you may not be able to upgrade or earn miles on the companion ticket.
AMEX was not clear at all with me about the upgrades or earning miles on the companion ticket. They spent quite a while on the phone with me and were basically confirming the dats/flights and times and nothing else. I have not been too impressed with Plat travel services in the past and had issues with them previously. When AMEX sent me a bill for $450 to renew the plat card I declined.
The relevant factor as to whether an AA ticket can be upgraded using miles is the fare code, not how the ticket was obtained. It sounds like your tickets were purchased by AMEX in O class, which makes them ineligible for mileage upgrades, period.
The $125 fee that you were told about is the award expedite fee, which is not "getting the shaft," considering a) it's a normal fee that is charged to non-EXPs, and b) that they were willing to upgrade you on non-upgradable tickets.
Mike
Fare code was S class and you would never know under normal means that these could not be upgraded. And it never ceased to amaze me tha people on flyertalk know more than the airlines themselves when it comes to many of these questions or issues. I am sure somebody here was able to use miles to upgrade especially with the fare code showing S class.
I've seen the description of the Amex plat travel services, and I have to say that, as an AA elite who rarely purchases premium class tickets, it doesn't offer much. I think the real benefits of the program are for at your destination, including hotel rooms, shows, restaurant reservations, etc.
Location: Ezekiel 25:1-17. It's his house. I'm just renting.
Posts: 7,337
I recall seeing mention anywhere I've seen the 2 for 1 benefit advertised that one or neither tickets may earn mileage nor be eligible for upgrades etc. I didn't know they did 2 for 1 for coach, I thought it was just business! Invariably I find I can do better than 2 for 1 purchasing tix outright. I've ALWAYS been able to beat their price.
Programs: AA EXP 1MM, Silver CO, BA Blue, Silver MR, Gold SPG
Posts: 2,874
Quote:
Originally Posted by robertw477
AMEX was not clear at all with me about the upgrades or earning miles on the companion ticket. They spent quite a while on the phone with me and were basically confirming the dats/flights and times and nothing else. I have not been too impressed with Plat travel services in the past and had issues with them previously. When AMEX sent me a bill for $450 to renew the plat card I declined.
From the API FAQ... seems pretty clear to me
Will my elite status still be honored by the airline (i.e., accelerated mileage, free upgrades, priority line, etc.)?
While we are not able to confirm or book upgrades or ensure frequent flier mile accrual, in most cases, the airlines will honor upgrades and provide mileage accruals just as if you had booked through any other provider. For example, if you have elite status on an airline and have upgrades available in your account, the airline will likely honor your upgrades. However, we cannot guarantee upgrades and frequent flyer miles accruals on any bookings made with this program. Please contact the airline with any specific questions or concerns.
__________________
You can now make your own Whisky in Texas with this cool Whisky making kit from Wasmund's.
Programs: AA EXP 1MM, Silver CO, BA Blue, Silver MR, Gold SPG
Posts: 2,874
Quote:
Originally Posted by kanebear
I recall seeing mention anywhere I've seen the 2 for 1 benefit advertised that one or neither tickets may earn mileage nor be eligible for upgrades etc. I didn't know they did 2 for 1 for coach, I thought it was just business! Invariably I find I can do better than 2 for 1 purchasing tix outright. I've ALWAYS been able to beat their price.
The international 2-1 program is for F or J, the domestic program is Y only
The domestic program has a floor of $299, so any fare under $150 is useless...
But this could be help with a MR if the spouse wants to come along and understand the concept and obsession...
__________________
You can now make your own Whisky in Texas with this cool Whisky making kit from Wasmund's.
The Domestic program is next to useless......not only it MUST be purchased in Y, the 2-for-1 usually end up being about $50-$100 MAX cheaper than buying directly from AA.com. To Hawaii, the fares have to be a minimum of a ridiculous $600+ from CA......
However, the international program is OK....I got some really good deals on CI and CX (in the past)......
Upgrading AMEX Plat 2-1 coach tix?
