Please report your successful redemptions using Diamond Club miles (2011)
Mar 3, 2011, 4:58 pm
#271
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: midway between EDI and DND
Programs: BA Gold, AA Plat for Life, ex BD Gld (RIP)
Posts: 626
Not sure if this counts as a successful redemption or not.............
Tried to book EDI-LHR-NYC (wasn't fussed about which airport or which class) and return.
Checked ANA Sktweb and found availability in Y on dates I wanted. Called DC call centre. No availability. Asked then to check the flights (BD: EDI - LHR and then CO: LHR-EWR) I'd identified as being available. Ah, yes - these are available; shall I book them? Yes please.
Total time about 3 minutes. So far so good.
Then came the tax and fees calculation (C+M) - 443. A quick check on Expedia showed that I could book a revenue ticket for less on KL!
Call centre response "But then you can't use your miles". My reply "True - but I won't be burning them and he will earn on SkyTeam"
Politely declined the reservation.
Tried to book EDI-LHR-NYC (wasn't fussed about which airport or which class) and return.
Checked ANA Sktweb and found availability in Y on dates I wanted. Called DC call centre. No availability. Asked then to check the flights (BD: EDI - LHR and then CO: LHR-EWR) I'd identified as being available. Ah, yes - these are available; shall I book them? Yes please.
Total time about 3 minutes. So far so good.
Then came the tax and fees calculation (C+M) - 443. A quick check on Expedia showed that I could book a revenue ticket for less on KL!
Call centre response "But then you can't use your miles". My reply "True - but I won't be burning them and he will earn on SkyTeam"
Politely declined the reservation.
Last edited by superscot; Mar 3, 2011 at 5:10 pm
Mar 3, 2011, 5:17 pm
#272
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: UK
Posts: 561
The base fare on KL is (for some random dates I checked) 114 whereas the base fare using C+M is 140. Doesn't seem suprising that KL is cheaper. Y is notoriously bad for redemptions, especially European and east coast US.
Mar 4, 2011, 12:06 pm
#273
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: DRS
Posts: 17
Z11-Z1 one way Biz x 2 seats in June
HNL-HND NH C
NRT-ZRH LX C
ZRH-TXL LX C
30,000 miles + 202,50 GBP + 111,20 GBP + 4,50 GBP each
Loads of availability on LX, none on LH A380. Easy decision.
HNL-HND NH C
NRT-ZRH LX C
ZRH-TXL LX C
30,000 miles + 202,50 GBP + 111,20 GBP + 4,50 GBP each
Loads of availability on LX, none on LH A380. Easy decision.
Last edited by BGCDE; Mar 10, 2011 at 2:50 pm Reason: added month
Mar 5, 2011, 4:11 am
#274
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: DUB-BOS
Programs: various
Posts: 3,710
August, 2 pax in C using BD/AC/NZ
DUB-LHR
LHR-YUL (stop)
YUL-LAX (23 hour stop)
LAX-AKL-SYD
37.5k + 255 + 210taxes each
First choice was to go via YVR but could not find TATL connection that worked. TATL seats were extremely scarce, must have checked all the hubs in North America. Happy enough with YUL stopover though. Taxes more or less in line with ITA (AC being the main offenders)
As with most recent calls, efficent service from ICC and no shennanigans. They really have stepped up their performance in the past year.
PS: Agent did mention checking MPM, but as I posted in the shennanigans thread, I think this is bogus. Either way he allowed the routing.
DUB-LHR
LHR-YUL (stop)
YUL-LAX (23 hour stop)
LAX-AKL-SYD
37.5k + 255 + 210taxes each
First choice was to go via YVR but could not find TATL connection that worked. TATL seats were extremely scarce, must have checked all the hubs in North America. Happy enough with YUL stopover though. Taxes more or less in line with ITA (AC being the main offenders)
As with most recent calls, efficent service from ICC and no shennanigans. They really have stepped up their performance in the past year.
PS: Agent did mention checking MPM, but as I posted in the shennanigans thread, I think this is bogus. Either way he allowed the routing.
Mar 5, 2011, 11:23 am
#275
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: LAF, VIE
Programs: A3 *G; AA EXP
Posts: 509
September, 1 pax C, Z3 to Z9 oneway part cash part miles
YVR-SFO (stop) AC
SFO-ICN OZ
ICN-BKK (8h stop) OZ
BKK-PER TG
30k miles + 202,5 + 142 taxes
Agent mentioned something about MPM and she had to check with her supervisor if this is a valid routing. At one time she said that she could only offer me the the Thai flight from LAX to BKK but in the end it all worked out. Flights are already ticketed and as a bonus I managed to get the new OZ business class on my SFO-ICN flight
YVR-SFO (stop) AC
SFO-ICN OZ
ICN-BKK (8h stop) OZ
BKK-PER TG
30k miles + 202,5 + 142 taxes
Agent mentioned something about MPM and she had to check with her supervisor if this is a valid routing. At one time she said that she could only offer me the the Thai flight from LAX to BKK but in the end it all worked out. Flights are already ticketed and as a bonus I managed to get the new OZ business class on my SFO-ICN flight
Last edited by LukasVIE; Mar 5, 2011 at 11:24 am Reason: Typo
Mar 5, 2011, 1:40 pm
#276
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: DUB-BOS
Programs: various
Posts: 3,710
September, 2 pax in C
MEL-BKK TG
Stopover for trip to Bali
SIN-HKG SQ (Y for now, hoping C will open up closer in)
HKG-IST TK, should be the new full flat 77w
IST-DUB TK
Cost 37.5k miles + 255 + 213 taxes (in line with ITA) each
Was plagued by SQ / ANA waitlist issues on this award. ANA showing seats on MEL-SIN and SIN-HKG but ICC cannot book. No mentions of MPM. Will keep an eye on LX or NZ seats from HKG as we get closer to the time. Agent was efficient although it took longer than usual to ticket (3 days)
MEL-BKK TG
Stopover for trip to Bali
SIN-HKG SQ (Y for now, hoping C will open up closer in)
HKG-IST TK, should be the new full flat 77w
IST-DUB TK
Cost 37.5k miles + 255 + 213 taxes (in line with ITA) each
Was plagued by SQ / ANA waitlist issues on this award. ANA showing seats on MEL-SIN and SIN-HKG but ICC cannot book. No mentions of MPM. Will keep an eye on LX or NZ seats from HKG as we get closer to the time. Agent was efficient although it took longer than usual to ticket (3 days)
Mar 5, 2011, 1:45 pm
#277
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: London, England
Programs: MUCCI -- What else matters?
Posts: 1,101
Two passengers, business class.
LHR-FRA-JNBx-MRU (LH connecting in FRA to SA)
MRU-JNB-LHR (SA)
Total per person of 602.56 taxes + 255.00 cash + 37500 miles.
Also paid 40 of change fees so far to get the LHR-FRA-JNB leg (originally booked LHR-IST-JNB with TK because it was available but SA via FRA opened up).
Would prefer to fly direct LHR-JNB but they only have one business class seat available on each of SA235 and SA237, and apparently there is nothing BMI can do to request that SA open up a second seat :-(. Seems that it would be in BMI's interest to save them paying for the business class FRA leg, but hey. I'm still most happy with my redemption!
Basically we're flying in business class and paying economy class money :-) - love BMI!
-simon
LHR-FRA-JNBx-MRU (LH connecting in FRA to SA)
MRU-JNB-LHR (SA)
Total per person of 602.56 taxes + 255.00 cash + 37500 miles.
Also paid 40 of change fees so far to get the LHR-FRA-JNB leg (originally booked LHR-IST-JNB with TK because it was available but SA via FRA opened up).
Would prefer to fly direct LHR-JNB but they only have one business class seat available on each of SA235 and SA237, and apparently there is nothing BMI can do to request that SA open up a second seat :-(. Seems that it would be in BMI's interest to save them paying for the business class FRA leg, but hey. I'm still most happy with my redemption!
Basically we're flying in business class and paying economy class money :-) - love BMI!
-simon
Mar 5, 2011, 4:40 pm
#279
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: London, England
Programs: MUCCI -- What else matters?
Posts: 1,101
No, the 255 is on top of the 602. They match up with ITA:
I guess it's just expensive to fly on SA - 305 per passenger YR!
-simon
Code:
LH YQ surcharge (YQ) 29.10 United Kingdom Air Passengers Duty (GB) 150.00 United Kingdom Passenger Service Charge (UB) 22.26 SA YR surcharge (YR) 305.00 German Passenger Service Charge (RA) 15.50 South Africa Passenger Service Charge (ZA) 35.20 South Africa Air Passenger Tax (WC) 13.30 South Africa Passenger Safety Charge (EV) 2.20 Mauritius Passenger Service Charge (MU) 10.70 Mauritius Terminal Expansion Fee (OV) 2.70 Mauritius Passenger Fee (HH) 14.90 Mauritius Passenger Solidarity Fee (JE) 1.70
-simon
Mar 5, 2011, 8:52 pm
#280
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: UK
Programs: BAEC Silver
Posts: 756
ABZ to LHR to FRA to SIN end of April. Only econ for first leg, the others in C
30000 miles + 202 cash + around 330taxes. Taxes seems high????
MEL to SIN in SQ C class mid May, 18750 miles + 102 cash + around 120 taxes.
All dealt with by a chap called Naman (sp) who was a bit dippy to be honest. He had to be prompted for even the basics.
Not ticketed yet but I'll keep a close eye and chase, especially the SQ one.
30000 miles + 202 cash + around 330taxes. Taxes seems high????
MEL to SIN in SQ C class mid May, 18750 miles + 102 cash + around 120 taxes.
All dealt with by a chap called Naman (sp) who was a bit dippy to be honest. He had to be prompted for even the basics.
Not ticketed yet but I'll keep a close eye and chase, especially the SQ one.
Mar 6, 2011, 1:39 am
#281
Join Date: May 2008
Location: ARN
Posts: 3,482
This is partly a "successful redemption" and partly a total failure.
I called the ICC and booked a one-way in business, ARN-ZRH-TLV, on SK and LX. Th booking went through with no problem, and I was quoted miles 11,250 plus 75 cash, and around 72 in taxes, plus in credit card charges, which sounds about right to me.
But the real fun started when they were going to charge the card. They charged it once, I got a confirmation about the charge by SMS and when I log in to my bank. But they couldn't confirm the charge, so they charged it again, but they still got some error message. After a 23 minute phone call I told them I would wait a couple of days and see if they get the confirmation. But five minutes after I hung up, lo and behold the card was charged once more. So, now the card has been charged three times, but there's still no e-ticket number. But they have managed to block more than 450 on my credit card, and my bank will probably not release it until 30 days have passed.
Any idea if refunds could do something about this?
I called the ICC and booked a one-way in business, ARN-ZRH-TLV, on SK and LX. Th booking went through with no problem, and I was quoted miles 11,250 plus 75 cash, and around 72 in taxes, plus in credit card charges, which sounds about right to me.
But the real fun started when they were going to charge the card. They charged it once, I got a confirmation about the charge by SMS and when I log in to my bank. But they couldn't confirm the charge, so they charged it again, but they still got some error message. After a 23 minute phone call I told them I would wait a couple of days and see if they get the confirmation. But five minutes after I hung up, lo and behold the card was charged once more. So, now the card has been charged three times, but there's still no e-ticket number. But they have managed to block more than 450 on my credit card, and my bank will probably not release it until 30 days have passed.
Any idea if refunds could do something about this?
Mar 6, 2011, 3:01 am
#282
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Programs: BA Silver, EY Gold, HH Diamond, IHG Plat
Posts: 12,214
I doubt it, you can try and let us know what happened.
However I rarely find that it takes 30 days, normally it clears up within 10 days or so. Happens to me all the time. Normally if I book a reward for say 2 people and its 1000 they will charge that while I am on the phone and then charge 2 x 500 when they actually bill my card blocking my limit for 2,000.
However I rarely find that it takes 30 days, normally it clears up within 10 days or so. Happens to me all the time. Normally if I book a reward for say 2 people and its 1000 they will charge that while I am on the phone and then charge 2 x 500 when they actually bill my card blocking my limit for 2,000.
Mar 6, 2011, 3:14 am
#283
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: London, U.K.
Programs: bmi British Midland International Diamond Club
Posts: 3,377
SGN-SIN-MEL for 2 pax on SIA. Miles & Cash in business, one-way. Breakdown of charges per pax, all of which are identical to ITA:
Miles redeemed: 18,750
Cash: 127.50
Airport taxes: 25.80
- Vietnamese Passenger Service Charge (Int'l) (JC) 11.20
- Singapore Passenger Service Charge (SG) 4.40
- Singapore Passenger Security Service Charge (OO) 1.50
- Australian Int'l Passenger Service Charge (WY) 8.70
Airline fuel surcharge: 92.20
Credit card fee: 4.50
Total cash per pax: 250.00
Total cost: 37,500 miles and 500
FARE CALCULATION : SGN SQ X/SIN SQ MEL000NUC000END ROE1.000000XT
6.2YQ0.8YR11.2JC4.4SG1.5OO8.7WY
AIR FARE : GBP 0.00
TAX : GBP 132.00DU 85.20YQ 32.8XT
TOTAL : GBP 250.00
DU = Cash and credit card component.
YQ split into three; 85.20 + 6.20 (premium cabin) plus 0.80 insurance = 92.20
Mar 6, 2011, 10:25 pm
#284
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Phuket
Programs: SQ *Gold, BA, QR, EY, Hilton Diamond, IHG Platinum, Marriott Gold, Amex Platinum
Posts: 5,292
BHX-FRA-AUH - LH J x 2 @ 15,000 miles/ea + 366.10 incl. + 4.50 CC/ea
DXB-MUC-BHX - LH Y (
) x 2 @ 10,000 miles /ea + 190.60 incl. + 4.50 CC/ea
Call took 28 minutes
The above is so that the "in-laws" can visit us. No, I wouldn't normally book anyone in Y (esp. longhaul, even them
) but we eschewed the idea of J as this was only avaialble on overnight flights on the way back to UK. Have learned that with 6 hours max flight time sleep possibilty is a joke and the flights leave at silly-o'clock in the a.m. There, justified
DXB-MUC-BHX - LH Y (
) x 2 @ 10,000 miles /ea + 190.60 incl. + 4.50 CC/eaCall took 28 minutes
The above is so that the "in-laws" can visit us. No, I wouldn't normally book anyone in Y (esp. longhaul, even them
) but we eschewed the idea of J as this was only avaialble on overnight flights on the way back to UK. Have learned that with 6 hours max flight time sleep possibilty is a joke and the flights leave at silly-o'clock in the a.m. There, justified
Mar 7, 2011, 7:42 am
#285
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: UK
Programs: Mucci, BA, AF
Posts: 10,142
BEY-LHR BD J
20000 miles + USD 125
LHR-FRA-SIN LH J
SIN-MEL SQ J
MEL-AKL NZ J
75000 miles + GBP 471.36
AKL-MEL NZ J
SYD-BKK TG F
BKK-LHR TG F
LHR-BEY BD J (seat released instantly by revenue management)
125000 miles + GBP 239
20000 miles + USD 125
LHR-FRA-SIN LH J
SIN-MEL SQ J
MEL-AKL NZ J
75000 miles + GBP 471.36
AKL-MEL NZ J
SYD-BKK TG F
BKK-LHR TG F
LHR-BEY BD J (seat released instantly by revenue management)
125000 miles + GBP 239
Last edited by BA6501; Mar 9, 2011 at 8:50 am