Earning and redeeming AA miles / upgrading on BA/IB; BA fuel surcharge (Oct 1, 2010)
Oct 1, 2010, 2:06 pm
#166
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: DFW
Programs: AA 1M
Posts: 31,475
Oct 1, 2010, 2:09 pm
#167
Join Date: Feb 2008
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 3,049
As noted on TB, EXPs now have access to the LHR T3 Arrivals Lounge when arriving on an AA flight:
http://www.aa.com/i18n/travelInforma...ungeAccess.jsp
(note the new London Heathrow Arrivals Lounge column on the right side of each of the tables)
http://www.aa.com/i18n/travelInforma...ungeAccess.jsp
(note the new London Heathrow Arrivals Lounge column on the right side of each of the tables)
Let's hope they didn't just miss the footnote excluding EXP as the benefit is for 'Emerald' rather than named as EXP.
Oct 1, 2010, 2:11 pm
#168
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 161
1 - you dont have to buy it from AA.com (only reason to do so is to avoid the fuel surcharge if possible..)
2 - you can call AA and have them book in W on BA
3 - book on ba.com in W and submit AA FF#...you will still get EQM/EQP - doesnt have to be a codeshare to get those EQM/EQP
2 - you can call AA and have them book in W on BA
3 - book on ba.com in W and submit AA FF#...you will still get EQM/EQP - doesnt have to be a codeshare to get those EQM/EQP
"At this time, you may use your AAdvantage miles to upgrade British Airways and Iberia flights as well as American Airlines codeshare flights operated by British Airways and Iberia which have been booked directly with American Airlines (via Reservations or AA.com).
However, British Airways and Iberia flights booked through other sources are not currently eligible for an upgrade using miles"
So that would leave AA reservations. Can they book premium economy? Has anyone ever tried?
Oct 1, 2010, 2:15 pm
#169
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Raleigh, NC
Programs: AAdvantage Platinum - Lifetime
Posts: 16
New Oneworld benefits for AAdvantage EXP and PLAT
American Airlines, British Airways and Iberia are now making the oneworld® Alliance even better by bringing you more flights, more convenience, and more opportunities to earn and redeem frequent flyer miles for your transatlantic travel. There has never been a better time to be an AAdvantage® member. Beginning October 1, 2010, you will be able to enjoy more rewards and privileges across all three airlines.
More Ways to Earn Miles
AAdvantage members can now earn AAdvantage miles on all American Airlines, British Airways and Iberia flights.* And the miles earned for flights on all three airlines count toward elite status qualification.
In addition, when you fly discount economy fares on any British Airways flight or any Iberia transatlantic flight, you will now earn 100% of the base miles flown — just like when you fly on American.
Plus, AAdvantage Executive Platinum® and AAdvantage Platinum® members will now earn their elite status bonus miles for all of their travel on British Airways. View the details on more ways to earn miles.
More Flights For Award Travel
Your miles can be redeemed for all flights on American Airlines, British Airways and Iberia.* The three carriers' combined route network serves over 400 destinations in more than 100 countries, to give you more convenient schedule options when you are ready to claim a well-deserved award.
More Premium Privileges
The new, expanded relationship will also bring you more opportunities to use miles to upgrade, and continue the reciprocal lounge access for transatlantic customers flying in First Class or Business Class, as well as oneworld Emerald® and oneworld Sapphire® status members. For complete details about upgrades and lounge privileges go to www.aa.com/upgrade and www.aa.com/loungeaccess.
As an AAdvantage member, over time you will see more benefits as we continue to work with oneworld airlines to collectively enhance our product offerings and network.
For more details, visit www.aa.com/nowmore.
Sincerely,
Maya Leibman
President
AAdvantage Loyalty Program
More Ways to Earn Miles
AAdvantage members can now earn AAdvantage miles on all American Airlines, British Airways and Iberia flights.* And the miles earned for flights on all three airlines count toward elite status qualification.
In addition, when you fly discount economy fares on any British Airways flight or any Iberia transatlantic flight, you will now earn 100% of the base miles flown — just like when you fly on American.
Plus, AAdvantage Executive Platinum® and AAdvantage Platinum® members will now earn their elite status bonus miles for all of their travel on British Airways. View the details on more ways to earn miles.
More Flights For Award Travel
Your miles can be redeemed for all flights on American Airlines, British Airways and Iberia.* The three carriers' combined route network serves over 400 destinations in more than 100 countries, to give you more convenient schedule options when you are ready to claim a well-deserved award.
More Premium Privileges
The new, expanded relationship will also bring you more opportunities to use miles to upgrade, and continue the reciprocal lounge access for transatlantic customers flying in First Class or Business Class, as well as oneworld Emerald® and oneworld Sapphire® status members. For complete details about upgrades and lounge privileges go to www.aa.com/upgrade and www.aa.com/loungeaccess.
As an AAdvantage member, over time you will see more benefits as we continue to work with oneworld airlines to collectively enhance our product offerings and network.
For more details, visit www.aa.com/nowmore.
Sincerely,
Maya Leibman
President
AAdvantage Loyalty Program
Oct 1, 2010, 2:24 pm
#171
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: AUS / DXB
Programs: BA Silver | AA LT Gold | EY Silver | Marriott LT Titanium
Posts: 1,838
I don't think so. You may have to buy a BA ticket from AA: AA can sell BA tickets that may have a fare class that doesn't exist on AA for that same route.
Example: R class business fares from the US West Coast to India via the North Atlantic. The cheapest upgradeable business class fare (for an upgrade to F) is a BA R class; this fare class doesn't exist on AA for the same route, at least not yet.
But you could buy the BA fare from AA, then upgrade it on BA metal using AA miles.
Example: R class business fares from the US West Coast to India via the North Atlantic. The cheapest upgradeable business class fare (for an upgrade to F) is a BA R class; this fare class doesn't exist on AA for the same route, at least not yet.
But you could buy the BA fare from AA, then upgrade it on BA metal using AA miles.
Oct 1, 2010, 2:28 pm
#172
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: People's Republic of HotTubistan
Posts: 1,408
Booking on aa.com does not work. Option 3, booking with BA, does not work. From the FAQ:
"At this time, you may use your AAdvantage miles to upgrade British Airways and Iberia flights as well as American Airlines codeshare flights operated by British Airways and Iberia which have been booked directly with American Airlines (via Reservations or AA.com).
However, British Airways and Iberia flights booked through other sources are not currently eligible for an upgrade using miles"
So that would leave AA reservations. Can they book premium economy? Has anyone ever tried?
"At this time, you may use your AAdvantage miles to upgrade British Airways and Iberia flights as well as American Airlines codeshare flights operated by British Airways and Iberia which have been booked directly with American Airlines (via Reservations or AA.com).
However, British Airways and Iberia flights booked through other sources are not currently eligible for an upgrade using miles"
So that would leave AA reservations. Can they book premium economy? Has anyone ever tried?
With the new JV, AA is revenue-neutral. What may happen as time goes on is that fare classes and prices get homongenized as between the two. When they do, you'll be able to book any specific fare on line, if it's available for the itinerary you want.
That, however, may take a while. Meantime, human beings at AA res can probably do what you want (I suppose it depends on what they think they're allowed to do).
What I see in the meantime is a whole bunch of AA fares that now say "not valid on AA 6125 - AA 6225", and an equal number of BA fares that say "not valid on BA 71xx etc..........In other words, each carrier, for the time being, is stuck with its existing array of discounted fares, so they're simply restricting their use on the new code-shares.
Oct 1, 2010, 2:52 pm
#173
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: global nomad
Programs: AA Exec Plat, United GS, Marriott Plat
Posts: 27
I am EXP, but fly Y most of the time(painful). I am heading from DUB-PEK in a few weeks on BA. With today's news I am looking for BA upgrade using miles. Using AA.com (in £), I can see W class on outbound, but not inbound. So it looks like it is there in the system, but a bit hit/miss. Oddly enough they show W in the Economy Saver option (at £889 - more expensive) and B in Economy Flexible (£666) -- strange. Might be a fluke, but putting it out there regardless.
Carrier Flight
Number Departing Arriving Aircraft
Type Cabin
Booking Code
Modify Your
Selection
City Date & Time City Date & Time
BRITISH AIRWAYS
OPERATED BY AER LINGUS 5966 DUB Dublin Oct 18, 2010
01:40 PM LHR London Oct 18, 2010
02:55 PM 320 Economy
Fare Class = B
BRITISH AIRWAYS 39 LHR London Oct 18, 2010
04:35 PM PEK Beijing Oct 19, 2010
09:30 AM 777 Economy
Fare Class = W
Carrier Flight
Number Departing Arriving Aircraft
Type Cabin
Booking Code
Modify Your
Selection
City Date & Time City Date & Time
BRITISH AIRWAYS
OPERATED BY AER LINGUS 5966 DUB Dublin Oct 18, 2010
01:40 PM LHR London Oct 18, 2010
02:55 PM 320 Economy
Fare Class = B
BRITISH AIRWAYS 39 LHR London Oct 18, 2010
04:35 PM PEK Beijing Oct 19, 2010
09:30 AM 777 Economy
Fare Class = W
Oct 1, 2010, 2:58 pm
#174
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: BLR
Programs: AA - EXP, Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, UK - Gold
Posts: 1,226
Oct 1, 2010, 3:01 pm
#175
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: BLR
Programs: AA - EXP, Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, UK - Gold
Posts: 1,226
Haven't tried, but since there's already an interline ticketing agreement between BA and AA, AA res can certainly make the booking and sell the ticket.
With the new JV, AA is revenue-neutral. What may happen as time goes on is that fare classes and prices get homongenized as between the two. When they do, you'll be able to book any specific fare on line, if it's available for the itinerary you want.
That, however, may take a while. Meantime, human beings at AA res can probably do what you want (I suppose it depends on what they think they're allowed to do).
What I see in the meantime is a whole bunch of AA fares that now say "not valid on AA 6125 - AA 6225", and an equal number of BA fares that say "not valid on BA 71xx etc..........In other words, each carrier, for the time being, is stuck with its existing array of discounted fares, so they're simply restricting their use on the new code-shares.
With the new JV, AA is revenue-neutral. What may happen as time goes on is that fare classes and prices get homongenized as between the two. When they do, you'll be able to book any specific fare on line, if it's available for the itinerary you want.
That, however, may take a while. Meantime, human beings at AA res can probably do what you want (I suppose it depends on what they think they're allowed to do).
What I see in the meantime is a whole bunch of AA fares that now say "not valid on AA 6125 - AA 6225", and an equal number of BA fares that say "not valid on BA 71xx etc..........In other words, each carrier, for the time being, is stuck with its existing array of discounted fares, so they're simply restricting their use on the new code-shares.
in the past (2+ yrs ago) - whenever i have booked Y/B from BOM-LHR...BA was generous enough to give me a seat in CW if available because of OW Emerald...so you might get lucky as well...Gluck!
Oct 1, 2010, 3:01 pm
#176
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: AUS / DXB
Programs: BA Silver | AA LT Gold | EY Silver | Marriott LT Titanium
Posts: 1,838
Oct 1, 2010, 3:02 pm
#177
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: LAX
Programs: AA Gold
Posts: 2,741
So no additional miles needed?
And aren't there more taxes/fees for LHR than the original route which had total tax/fee at about $45
What about the fuel charge? Was that added, or since the original tix were booked prior to the change were you able to avoid it?
And (lastly!) I forgot, did you end up booking 2 one-ways or a roundtrip? (I'm trying to determine my costs to do the same and I'm on 2 one-ways which I thought would incur a $150+25=$175 change fee).
Glad you're happy with your new route!
Oct 1, 2010, 3:04 pm
#178
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 44,624
Online , it was only possible if WT+ was the lowest fare class available since no option to specifically request WT+ but AA reservations have always been able to book specific classes. Have booked several BA WT+ tickets through AA reservations in the past
AA has just never had a WT+ award option
Dave
Oct 1, 2010, 3:08 pm
#179
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: BLR
Programs: AA - EXP, Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, UK - Gold
Posts: 1,226
I am EXP, but fly Y most of the time(painful). I am heading from DUB-PEK in a few weeks on BA. With today's news I am looking for BA upgrade using miles. Using AA.com (in £), I can see W class on outbound, but not inbound. So it looks like it is there in the system, but a bit hit/miss. Oddly enough they show W in the Economy Saver option (at £889 - more expensive) and B in Economy Flexible (£666) -- strange. Might be a fluke, but putting it out there regardless.
Carrier Flight
Number Departing Arriving Aircraft
Type Cabin
Booking Code
Modify Your
Selection
City Date & Time City Date & Time
BRITISH AIRWAYS
OPERATED BY AER LINGUS 5966 DUB Dublin Oct 18, 2010
01:40 PM LHR London Oct 18, 2010
02:55 PM 320 Economy
Fare Class = B
BRITISH AIRWAYS 39 LHR London Oct 18, 2010
04:35 PM PEK Beijing Oct 19, 2010
09:30 AM 777 Economy
Fare Class = W
Carrier Flight
Number Departing Arriving Aircraft
Type Cabin
Booking Code
Modify Your
Selection
City Date & Time City Date & Time
BRITISH AIRWAYS
OPERATED BY AER LINGUS 5966 DUB Dublin Oct 18, 2010
01:40 PM LHR London Oct 18, 2010
02:55 PM 320 Economy
Fare Class = B
BRITISH AIRWAYS 39 LHR London Oct 18, 2010
04:35 PM PEK Beijing Oct 19, 2010
09:30 AM 777 Economy
Fare Class = W
Oct 1, 2010, 3:23 pm
#180
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 4,115
I think fuel surcharges are bad enough when there is a sudden dramatic increase in fuel prices, but that hasn't been the case for awhile. Damn.. make it part of the ticket price already. These kinds of charges should be outlawed. Fuel is part of the normal requirements for operating an aircraft. What's next, a de-icing charge when de-icing is needed?
It's not a fuel surcharge. It's a CO-PAY. At least have the balls to call it what it is. Big, huge
.