US Airways Dividend Miles - Award redeemption success: US DM for THY First

Just wanted to share a very positive experience with the Preferred desk. I spoke to a delightful agent who had no trouble finding me "O" (award first class) availability on all four legs of my itinerary--JFK-IST-HKG-IST-JFK departing next month. I did run a quick search using the ANA tool, but it would only display the JFK-IST-JFK legs. I think flying the THY B77W First Class Suites is definitely worth the 125,000 dividend miles and $117.68 in taxes/fees. Kudos to US Airways' Preferred desk for managing to complete my reservation with high levels of customer service and under 20 minutes. ^

Congratulations!!! ^

Enjoy.

.... Kudos to US Airways' Preferred desk for managing to complete my reservation with high levels of customer service and under 20 minutes. ^

Wow, that's a great use of 125k Miles :)

They're beefing up Customer Service across the board (I've always had efficient service through my Preferred line too) and hopefully in time everybody would benefit...

Should have been 120k miles, not 125k ;)

ANA website absolutely displays all the segments, it just won't suggest JFK-IST-HKG to you given the connection time, you have to search the segments separately.

TK F is very vey very available.

Only risk, much less so for the JFK segments, is aircraft substitution for a 2-cabin Airbus.

GOOD LUCK AND ENJOY!

Should have been 120k miles, not 125k ;) ...


You're correct that N America to N Asia is 120k for FC. However, N America to Europe is 125k; it may be that since OP was routing N America-Europe-N Asia that the higher level prevailed.

Is is your experience that it should always be 120k, no matter routing transAtlantic or tranPacific N America to N Asia?

Thanks.

Should have been 120k miles, not 125k ;)

ANA website absolutely displays all the segments, it just won't suggest JFK-IST-HKG to you given the connection time, you have to search the segments separately.

TK F is very vey very available.

Only risk, much less so for the JFK segments, is aircraft substitution for a 2-cabin Airbus.

GOOD LUCK AND ENJOY!

Actually, that's exactly what I did, i.e., sector by sector. However, when you request IST-HKG on the ANA tool, you get the following error message: "*There is no applicable class on internet for the sector. Please contact ANA International Flight Reservation and Information Center.(A_AV_1A_002A)."

The issuing agent was correct to charge me 125K. Whenever you cross different award zones, even if it is just to connect, the highest amount applies. In this case, Turkey is considered Europe and hence the required 125K.

As you pointed out, TK F is extremely easy to get. The carrier often has 2 "O" awards available per flight.

I heard that THY is trying hard to send the B77Ws to JFK and ORD so hopefully I won't experience any equipment subs.

You're correct that N America to N Asia is 120k for FC. However, N America to Europe is 125k; it may be that since OP was routing N America-Europe-N Asia that the higher level prevailed.

Is is your experience that it should always be 120k, no matter routing transAtlantic or tranPacific N America to N Asia?

Thanks.

It's definitely 125K when you connect in Europe, though sometimes agents don't know the rules well and give you the lowest amount. About a year ago, I got an F award for 120K when it really should have been 160K.

Most reports are US to Asia via the Atlantic not incurring an upcharge.

Most reports are US to Asia via the Atlantic not incurring an upcharge.

I guess US Airways is not following its own policy. To confirm that the highest mileage of awards apply, ask to speak to an international reservations supervisor. Either way, I had plenty of miles so the extra 5K meant nothing to me.

US never follows its own policies.

This morning I ticketed US to South Asia via the Atlantic in F. First agent held the award and quoted taxes of nearly $600! 20 minutes with the rate desk to get the taxes down below $150. Phone ticketing fee waived.

Agent wanted to book the award for 60k miles :D Was about to process and then realized that probably wasn't right :(

US never follows its own policies.

This morning I ticketed US to South Asia via the Atlantic in F. First agent held the award and quoted taxes of nearly $600! 20 minutes with the rate desk to get the taxes down below $150. Phone ticketing fee waived.

Agent wanted to book the award for 60k miles :D Was about to process and then realized that probably wasn't right :(

lol