Hi everyone,
I have been searching the OW forum for current info on the best carrier to ticket an ex-Japan RTW ticket and have found a small bit of helpful info, but nothing definitive that answers my underlying question of who is going to be the easiest to deal with in making changes? Specifically changes adding ANC and EGE to the itinerary once the schedules come out in Decembers. I've done 5 ACIR26 ex-HKG and a AONE3 and AONE4 ex-ICN and ex-AMM all throgh the AA RTW desk and purchased in Canada. It's been about 4 years since I've planned one of these and I noticed when pricing that AA now adds YQ/YR on its long haul flights which ends up with higher surcharges than flying CX.
I plan to book these using the online tool, but despite numerous people asking the question,"has anyone had success in booking using the online tool?", there have been virtually no affirmative responses to that question. So my other specific question, has anyone had success booking xONE3 ex-Japan on AA or CX using the oneworld booking tool? I have seen Himeno's posts about using email, so I'm aware of that. I also saw
pianoperson's post which implied that he has used the tool successfully in the past, but not with regard to ex-Japan:
Originally Posted by
pianoperson
Hi - I am planning to book ex Japan but am based in NZ and the online booking when it works which it has for many of my trips saves the hassle of getting ticketed in the country of origin
Have not orginated Japan but maybe AA have an agent there who will take over the booking if I set it up with AA RTW Desk ?
Usually orginate JNB and use MindPearl who have always been excellent but the changes to the rules ex Africa make it less attractive even with the decent base fares
I am planning either DONE3 on AA or an AONE3 on CX starting at the end of April 2016. Itinerary NRT or HND-HKG-DFW/DFW-ANC/ANC-DFW-EGE/EGE-DFW-IAD/IAD-LHR/LHR-LIS//MAD-LHR-HKG-HKT/HKT-HKG-NRT or HND. At the end I'm transiting HKG to possibly buy a ACIR26 on my way to HKT, and then when I return to HKG drop the last leg of my xONE3, stay 2 days in HKG and start the CIRPAC (just an option at this point). I would be ticketing NRT or HND-HKG-DFW/DFW-IAD/IAD-LHR/LHR-LIS//MAD-LHR-HKG-HKT/HKT-HKG-NRT or HND and then after I complete my first leg at the end of April 2016 add ANC and EGE segments.
Ticketing now with CX via the online tool where surcharges are less. I'd fly HND-HKG-US and I get to fly F on 3 long haul and 2 regional segments which is nice and what I've been used to in the past. But how is there service with regard to changing ($125) my ticket once summer schedules load? I also saw Himeno's posts where it appeared he had some issues getting xONEx changes reticketed through CX. Just looking for others' experiences, POC, CX RTW desk (not), etc?
Ticketing now with AA in business with AA upgrade on NRT-DFW flight, then D on IAD-LHR short TATL and D on much longer LHR-HKG. But I save about $2100 USD over purchasing the CX AONE3. Adding seasonal flights after completing my first leg would be a breeze with AA RTW desk. So there are the money, comfort level and convenience aspects I need to consider too. Again my problem, but any insight is welcome.
So summary of questions:
- Has anyone had success booking xONE3 ex-Japan on AA or CX using the oneworld booking tool?
- How is CX ticketing and their wherewith-all with handling schedule changes?
- Insight as to comfort level, cost, and convenience? Yeah, this one is really subjective, but I'd appreciate your input.
Thanks - Bob