SpammersAreScum

All available data points show that using TYPs sometimes triggers distance-based special fares use; maybe even most of the time, but definitely not always. There have been a couple reports for Amex, showing mixed results; not sure about Chase UR.

There are also indications that a ticket re-issue, for whatever reason, often triggers it. So you could try to improve your odds by getting an SDFC, for example.

trapped

SDFC?

For what its worth I recently purchased a special fare by using 1 UR point.

HLCinCOU

All that seems right on target. Also I guess right around the time I was posting TPG put out an article on buying special fares. The article really isn't explicit about it, but apparently for all three cards' portals the real question is whether they're selling you a bulk fare. If it's a consolidator ticket it'll post as a special fare, otherwise it won't. And this article at boardingarea explains how to tell.

Yep, this has happened to me a couple times already. Once when applying an SWU (though the other SWU I applied for the return didn't trigger it) and once for weather IRROPS. The SWU case was hugely beneficial, the weather one was the opposite. I called and had them re-do the weather one manually, which they did without a problem. On another thread there's talk that they sometimes go back and fix them retroactively though, so the SWU-based distance credit I got may not hold up. Anyway, be sure to call if you see a reticketing trigger a special fare that's not in your favor.

HLCinCOU

Same Day Flight Change

Yeah, makes sense. Based on the above, it ought to work whether you use all points or 1 or probably even none (the Chase portal appears to let you do simple cash transactions although I haven't tried it).

mmxbreaks

Trying to evaluate this on BA.

First ought to be 60+210TP e/w via DFW. So 540TP total.

Thought there was a policy change where AA domestic First dropped to business TP rewards, but even the BA official calculator is suggesting it would be as above.

MBS MillionMiler

I got UA to replicate the fare ($600) on an outbound to HNL, but couldn't find anything under $1200 O/W coming back. (My dates are somewhat limited). And the outbound wasn't bookable as a standalone one way--it jumped to triple the price.

a330300

This will earn into Business.

It's specifically mentioned here by BA:
https://www.britishairways.com/en-us...-avios/flights

AA operated flights flown with two-cabin aircraft within the United States (including Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands) may be branded as First Class, but will earn miles based on Business Class (J,D,I,R) booking codes.

Still a good routing, especially via CLT and LAX. (40+140+140) x 2 = 640TPs (though in domestic F the whole way)

BCH

That's GREAT! If the return works, I'd love to replicate that on UA. If you can share your dates and/or other details, I'll keep searching and share back, too. Thanks.

MBS MillionMiler

I was looking mid-July. I can't find it anymore--I had originally checked yesterday, but just posted about it today. Sorry for the false alarm--but keep checking, maybe there's hope!

ludocdoc

I see it from YUL and YYZ as well. Similar prices.

Was able to route it ATL - MIA - LAX - HNL/KOA and back for just a few dollars more, increases EQMs by almost 2000. In theory the MIA-LAX can be the 3 class transcon configured A321, but I cant find that on my flight dates in October. Maybe they'll swap them in by then..

Also as a data point, I booked with CITI TY points, and my AA account displays the price. Thus AA can see the price, which negates of the theories about getting distance based EQDs on these. I wont know till October if I get them by distance or fare.

Edgerfly

On the A321 is it J or F? Also is the 757 outta PHX any good?

ludocdoc

For schedule reasons, and maybe availability, I'm in what looks like a 2 class A321, so its domestic first. The citi portal called it business, and I'm in I class, so might be screwed even if they swap in one of the 3 class a321s.

They do run a 3 class 777 on the MIA-LAX route, but I think it's specifically excluded from this fare. I'll see if I can use a move up to sneak on!

I once used miles to upgrade on one of the US 757s phx to HNL. worst waste of 15000 miles ever.

Edgerfly

So best to choose the 767 through DFW, no wonder they're the hardest to book.

ludocdoc

Depends on if you want the extra EQMs that MIA generates. Through DFW is about 4500 miles each way (stopping in LA or not). ATL-MIA-LAX-HNL is about 5500. So thats 2000 EQMs extra each way.

Edgerfly

Meh, and miss out on the new 767 seats? I'll take the seats. I'm scheduled for a same day return and need it.

Thanks for this post! Great deal!