Partner Phantom Availability
Nov 3, 2014, 12:36 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: ORD
Programs: AA PLT
Posts: 2,781
Partner Phantom Availability
Let me preface my post by saying I'm aware of the occasional phantom availability when using the QF site to search for awards. When I find a date that has availability on QF, I'll generally search BA to confirm that it actually exists.
However, in searching for availability on a date next summer I found something odd: availability is shown on both QF and BA (and therefore EF, as expected), but not on IB's website. I'm in a position where I'd prefer to use Avios to book this ticket instead of AA miles, and would therefore prefer to book with IB directly instead of BA to reduce the cost of YQ.
Is this a known problem when trying to use IB's site? I may give them a call after work to verify that they do not show any availability on their end, but was wondering if anyone had insight into the problem.
However, in searching for availability on a date next summer I found something odd: availability is shown on both QF and BA (and therefore EF, as expected), but not on IB's website. I'm in a position where I'd prefer to use Avios to book this ticket instead of AA miles, and would therefore prefer to book with IB directly instead of BA to reduce the cost of YQ.
Is this a known problem when trying to use IB's site? I may give them a call after work to verify that they do not show any availability on their end, but was wondering if anyone had insight into the problem.
Nov 3, 2014, 1:52 pm
#2
Join Date: May 2013
Location: MAD
Programs: IB+, BAEC
Posts: 3,106
It may not be phantom but I believe partner rewards are a different bucket so it may be a period with a high demand from Spain but maybe not so much from elsewhere.
Just speculating so don't bank on anything I say.
Just speculating so don't bank on anything I say.
Nov 5, 2014, 3:00 am
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Barcelona, London, on a plane
Programs: BA Silver, TK E+, AA PP, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott LT Plat, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 13,047
IB+ is occasionally buggy. Sometimes it will only show Full Fare awards when there should be "Blue" or "Business Class".
You can also try searching for each leg as one ways, etc. Another good idea is to change your IB+ website location from the US to Spain.
Of course it might just be phantom availability. I seem to recall having seen that before with Business Class on Iberia. Before, a few years ago when BA Gold members could cancel for free, I occasionally would book an award to hold the seat, then cancel and rebook via IB+ when my plans were firm. But occasionally BA would error out as phantom availability...
You can also try searching for each leg as one ways, etc. Another good idea is to change your IB+ website location from the US to Spain.
Of course it might just be phantom availability. I seem to recall having seen that before with Business Class on Iberia. Before, a few years ago when BA Gold members could cancel for free, I occasionally would book an award to hold the seat, then cancel and rebook via IB+ when my plans were firm. But occasionally BA would error out as phantom availability...