Why are US mileage redemptions so terribly customer unfriendly?
Jun 11, 2012, 10:30 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: SEA
Posts: 242
Why are US mileage redemptions so terribly customer unfriendly?
I love being on hold to try and book a multicity trip while the automated message tells me to use USAirways.com next time.
I finally had an itinerary I thought would finally use up my miles. SEA - EWN (20k), EWN - PVD (12.5k). That's multicity, right?
No, sorry, that's two one ways.
Why does US care?
I thought about flying back PVD-SEA, but the cheap and great BOS-SEA nonstops lure me away.
I finally had an itinerary I thought would finally use up my miles. SEA - EWN (20k), EWN - PVD (12.5k). That's multicity, right?
No, sorry, that's two one ways.
Why does US care?
I thought about flying back PVD-SEA, but the cheap and great BOS-SEA nonstops lure me away.
Jun 12, 2012, 5:00 am
#2
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: PHL
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, AA Gold, FB Gold, ITA Volare Executive
Posts: 3,294
If I thought that all of the hanging points and kludges in the US system were devilishly engineered to some maximum effect, I could, with grudging admiration, give them credit.
But, since for every inconsistency and seemingly pointless annoyance, there is also some other (seeming) inefficiency in the system that gives me access to something I value at something like a sub-market price, my sense is that:
It's a big, complex system with capital problems, cash flow problems, labor problems, and management problems -- hence lots of "kinks," annoyances, and inefficiencies. In that sense, it is wonderful that it gets me (and others) to as many places as it does, safely, and usually on time (although I still wouldn't dream of actually checking a bag on it
)
But, since for every inconsistency and seemingly pointless annoyance, there is also some other (seeming) inefficiency in the system that gives me access to something I value at something like a sub-market price, my sense is that:
It's a big, complex system with capital problems, cash flow problems, labor problems, and management problems -- hence lots of "kinks," annoyances, and inefficiencies. In that sense, it is wonderful that it gets me (and others) to as many places as it does, safely, and usually on time (although I still wouldn't dream of actually checking a bag on it
)
Jun 12, 2012, 5:19 pm
#3
Join Date: Dec 2010
Programs: US CP, MR Plat, SPG Plat, HHonors Gold, National X
Posts: 917
Originally Posted by StrandedinLA:18740628
I finally had an itinerary I thought would finally use up my miles. SEA - EWN (20k), EWN - PVD (12.5k). That's multicity, right?
No, sorry, that's two one ways.
No, sorry, that's two one ways.
US airways does not have one way awards!! I'm thankful that they are really flexible with OJs, otherwise your ticket would cost 62.5K miles..
Jun 12, 2012, 7:21 pm
#4
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: PHL
Posts: 350
From http://www.usairways.com/en-US/divid...mberguide.html
The distance between the two open jaw cities cannot exceed the distance of the outbound or return trip.
Jun 12, 2012, 7:46 pm
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: SEA
Posts: 242
Yet....if you go to US Airways and buy a multicity ticket, it will sell it this way.
My point is, why does this matter to US Airways?
I think I could have done SEA-EWN, BOS/PVD-SEA, but instead am flying SEA-RDU and dodging US this time.
Thanks for comments though!
My point is, why does this matter to US Airways?
I think I could have done SEA-EWN, BOS/PVD-SEA, but instead am flying SEA-RDU and dodging US this time.
Thanks for comments though!
Jun 12, 2012, 7:52 pm
#6
Join Date: Dec 2010
Programs: US CP, MR Plat, SPG Plat, HHonors Gold, National X
Posts: 917
[QUOTE=javacodeguy:18746333]
This is not an open jaw. The space between your open jaw segment cannot be more than either of the two flights. SEA-PVD is far more than PVD-EWN
From http://www.usairways.com/en-US/divid...mberguide.html
^ Good point!! My bad; didn't check the distances!!
This is not an open jaw. The space between your open jaw segment cannot be more than either of the two flights. SEA-PVD is far more than PVD-EWN
From http://www.usairways.com/en-US/divid...mberguide.html
The distance between the two open jaw cities cannot exceed the distance of the outbound or return trip.
Jun 12, 2012, 8:29 pm
#7
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: PHL
Programs: Former long-time US GP; now AA dirt
Posts: 4,904
I couldn't agree less with your title for this thread. See my signature...
Jun 12, 2012, 9:24 pm
#9
Suspended
Join Date: Mar 2012
Programs: United Mileage Plus Premier Executive, AmericanAdvantage Gold
Posts: 180
At least you can use your miles. On Delta it is almost impossible!
