Originally Posted by
ccqueenanne
I'm flying one-way JFK-LHR on July 19, and with my very tight schedule (must depart between 8-10am), there are only two flights I can take, one AA and one BA. I'd like to fly in C. If I don't want to pay big YQ I should avoid BA, correct?
Yes, awards on AA do not have the same high fees as BA. However, one clarification: "C" is the bucket for upgrade inventory on from coach to business. If you are looking for an in'tl milesaver award, then you are interested in "U" inventory (anytime int'l award = "J")
Originally Posted by
ccqueenanne
Currently the AA flight has an award seat in Y available, but none in C. Does AA tend to release more C seats closer to the travel date?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no.
Originally Posted by
ccqueenanne
The least expensive AA (Y) seat for purchase is currently about $1K, and it is refundable. I could book the refundable Y ticket, and cancel it if a C award becomes available. If C does't open up, I could still cancel the revenue ticket if the Y award remains available. Is there penalty fee for booking close to the travel date? And are there any logic flaws in this idea of purchasing a refundable ticket?
It would depend on when the seat opens up, they do charge a 75.00 fee for awards processed w/in 21 days of departure.
Originally Posted by
ccqueenanne
On a final note, I was surprised that the lowest cost tickets (still v. expensive) for both of the flights are refundable. Is that because the cheaper, non-refundable fares are all s/o, or is it something to do with my one-way ticket?
Quite likely due to the one way ticket.