MasterGeek

One must distinguish between the RBC Avion fixed points flight schedule (zone based) and the flexible travel redemptions (1 cent per point).

Perhaps, only the former are considered "reward flights"

Lish

Fair point. This was a fixed points redemption. I rarely booked outside of the fixed points fares unless I'm insistent on a particular itinerary.

trek604 will let us know what their results were. As my next flight with their rewards points won't be for some months.

codfather

Has anybody ever tried calling Avion to request that a case be opened so you can book a higher fare class? I know that Avion does not like it, but is it very difficult to do?

Ideally, I would like to book the flights on AC website and receive credit on my account for the value of the points.

Trying to make sure I will be able to use my eUpgrades on my next flights...

vernonc

Check the Avion thread in this forum. I have done this. You MUST call and get a reference number from RBC Avion. Then book your flights and call them back once it is posted on your account and they will issue a credit.

codfather

Hmmmm I wonder if it qualifies for AQD/AQM because it is booked on AC site. My unfortunate assumption is that Avion flags it in some manner so that it is still prevented from earning status miles.

Sunny Day

There was a recent update from someone on that Avion thread that they got AQS AQM AQD for their last Avion reward flight.

codfather

That is interesting! I wonder if it is because the regular cheap fares that Avion uses were sold out for the flights that person was on perhaps? Do you have a link to the Avion thread, I am noticing a lot of different threads for Avion tickets!

Sunny Day

YYCTraveller had posted a data point on Jan 3. Another person mentioned there could be a difference between fixed point redemption based on their chart vs. points converted to dollars redemption. I don't know for sure. But if you can get them to authorize you to book you own ticket and later credit you, that would be the safest way to getting AQS AQM AQD.

DrDogger

It is possible when booking through the Orbitz engine on the RBC Rewards page to find some fine print on branded fare and booking class, at least from what I remember last time I did an online Avion booking a few months ago. I have NEVER had a problem with an online Avion booking not being credit for AQS/AQM, though obviously if you read through the thread there are many cases of this happening.

I now almost always call RBC Rewards to get a "statement credit" and book directly with AC. This allows me to book a right up to the maximum base fare, e.g. Flex and once even PY on a Europe redemption. Recently the phone agents have tried to tell me it's not possible - they relent when I say that I need different booking classes for outbound vs return. The only annoying thing is that you end up on the phone forever while they say their spiel about the statement credit process. But this is seemingly the only way to guarantee no problems with AQS/AQM.

purelywasted

Booked a PY flight to europe, received my $1300, after following the steps outlined in this thread to make a phone call. They ran me through the ringer and tried to book my preferred routing for me, but they could not find it, so I got the spiel and some confirmation numbers, sent an email away, 4 days later, a $1300 statement credit showed up. Hopefully the miles credit to TK, fare classes look good (E,E,B,B,N,N) for the various segments.

It was an easy process and happy to earn 2%

vernonc

I did get AQM and AQD, its a normal AC booking.

MasterGeek

So one can book latitude, get the credit then cancel

Why is it 2% ? Avion earns 1% to 1.25%. Were you able to Avion harness the fixed points travel schedule while booking directly with airline ?

purelywasted

I kind of got that impression, as I asked about changes to the flight once booked, and the agent told me it was between the airline and me, but my miles used were not refundable. So I don't know if there is any kind of check/balance on this from either RBC or AC. It would suck to cancel flight, and RBC claws back the credit without refunding the point.


I should have said yield of 2% (probably a little higher with Avion bonus for travel, as I would not have spent $65k, for 65k points). It will be interesting to see my statement on mileage earning, if the $1300 is deducted from my spend or treated as a payment. If it is treated as a payments, I guess I would earn around 2%, as I spent $1400 for 2700 pts. Will have a look at that.

vernonc

[QUOTE=MasterGeek;30704726]So one can book latitude, get the credit then cancel

You probably could though you will be hard pressed to find a Latitude fare for the price of fixed mileage credit that RBC Avion offers.
I prefer to book on AC myself and get the credit as it gives me control of the picket by booking on AC - I can upfare after, change within 24 hrs, etc.

PointWeasel

[QUOTE=vernonc;30707020]+1

Dealing with RBC Rewards Travel for any changes is a hassle depending on which level of agent you get.

Not sure why some FTers would bother debating strategy with the RBC agents as they are an outsourced TA that could care less, plus I have had some ridiculous things said by the agents over the phone, which makes me question their training.