Originally Posted by
guv1976
To get the free stopover, I think that both flights must be on the same partner carrier. So for DXB-MCT-SLL, that would mean travel on Oman Air. That sounds like a very good redemption for 7,500 AS miles.
I was able to get that Oman Air itinerary ticketed by Alaska for 7500 points. I had to call, as Alaska's website wouldn't process it (the agent waived the $15 call center fee). Even the agent commented on what a good deal I was getting.
Especially with the Middle East tensions, I also like Alaska's generous cancellation and change fees.
Given the Alaska stopover benefit, I'm thinking of flying Qatar back from Salalah, with a free stopover in Doha (I've never left the airport there), perhaps ending the trip in Abu Dhabi (and then taking the bus back to Dubai a couple days later). Alaska shows the necessary award inventory, but again I was unable to book it on the website. This time, though, the agent was also unable to get it ticketed, saying the inventory was "phantom," and that Qatar wasn't actually making the seats available. I'll have to get to the bottom of that, or find another way back to AUH or DXB.