Oct 31, 2012, 9:15 am
ARCHIVE: NEWBIE LOUNGE -.Ask Your AA-Related Questions Here
Jan 8, 2011, 4:41 pm
#76
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: SJC/VCE
Programs: AA PLT (2.9+ MM), HH GLD, Hyatt Diamond, SPG PLT
Posts: 10,161
I'm a fairly recent lurker, currently about to lose my Platinum status... I have imminent trips to the UK, Scotland (EDI or GLA) for family matters.
Since I'll lose my status in February, is my best bet to sign up for a platinum challenge in March, and look for a 1.0 ratio flight from LAX in late March / Early April? The outbound and return (even if LAX to LHR) should get me the required 10,000 EQM, right?
Any suggestions on what routing and fare classes would be most efficient if I will have two / perhaps three trips to the UK this year? (Spacing likely to be March/April, July, December)
Thank you for the wealth of information here... I only wish I'd found this at this time last year - I might have been able to keep my Platinum status!
ScottishBloke
Since I'll lose my status in February, is my best bet to sign up for a platinum challenge in March, and look for a 1.0 ratio flight from LAX in late March / Early April? The outbound and return (even if LAX to LHR) should get me the required 10,000 EQM, right?
Any suggestions on what routing and fare classes would be most efficient if I will have two / perhaps three trips to the UK this year? (Spacing likely to be March/April, July, December)
Thank you for the wealth of information here... I only wish I'd found this at this time last year - I might have been able to keep my Platinum status!
ScottishBloke
The bad news:
The Challenges are based on the accumulation of points, not miles, so to successfully complete a PLT challenge would require 10,000EQP (or 20K miles). [You mention 1.0 fares but then later mention miles, just want to be sure ]
Also, you wouldn't be eligible to do a challenge to maintain status, you have to wait
The good news:
AA has a "soft landing" policy for elites, so you won't actually lose status on AA, you'll drop down to GLD
You should also be eligible for a status "buy back" It is pricey- but you may find that it is worth it.
Jan 8, 2011, 5:17 pm
#77
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: NYC
Programs: AA EXP / LT PLT / 3MM, Marriott LT Gold
Posts: 35,383
Jan 8, 2011, 6:12 pm
#78
Join Date: Dec 2009
Programs: BA Gold; AA Lfe Time PLT ; Marriott Titanium, LFT GLD
Posts: 1,276
Last year I had booked 5 months ahead... at the gate in LA an hour from departure the gate agent told me F was full with paid F ticket holders, that I was first on the upgrade list and that I would get a seat only if someone didn't checkin.
I flew in coach.
This was my only upgrade failure last year on a flight that was not booked last minute.
So if AUS LAX is your only route I would not expect to many upgrades as a Gold elite. Even when F is not sold this is an EXP and PLT rich route.
Jan 8, 2011, 6:42 pm
#79
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 3
So as a Gold, I would be able to upgrade on any fare with these 500 mile upgrades?
Also is it true, that non-elite members may use these to upgrade, but only on B or Y fares?
Thanks!
Also is it true, that non-elite members may use these to upgrade, but only on B or Y fares?
Thanks!
Anyway, as you mention the aircraft are flying with available seats up front, as Gold you'd earn four 500 mile "upgrades" per 10,000 miles flown, and you can purchase others online for $30 each (more if it requires person-to-person interface). More here.
Even as Gold, with the conditions you state, it seems you'd have a reasonable chance at upgrading, and in fact would have 24 hours advance benefit over those showing up at the airport, and the "price" of three 500 mile upgrades for your 1,241 mile flight (essentially, $90 for a greater value).
Even as Gold, with the conditions you state, it seems you'd have a reasonable chance at upgrading, and in fact would have 24 hours advance benefit over those showing up at the airport, and the "price" of three 500 mile upgrades for your 1,241 mile flight (essentially, $90 for a greater value).
Jan 8, 2011, 6:49 pm
#80
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
Any published fares, yes, in line after Executive Platinum and Platinum members. And non-elites may upgrade only B and Y fares. Upgrades (for pay) may also be offered at the kiosk when one checks in, as well (but for money).
Jan 8, 2011, 7:09 pm
#81
Suspended
Join Date: Apr 2009
Programs: AAdvantage Gold
Posts: 1,615
As a fellow Gold, appreciate your Priority AAccess privileges, apply for upgrades just for the heck of it, if you get an upgrade, enjoy it, but don't be disappointed that you don't get one. I actually would've been upgraded on my last flight if I had waited around but I was tired and just wanted to board early and sit down as I had a bulkhead seat already so the upgrade to First wasn't that significant to me...
Jan 8, 2011, 7:59 pm
#82
Join Date: Dec 2009
Programs: BA Gold; AA Lfe Time PLT ; Marriott Titanium, LFT GLD
Posts: 1,276
Jan 9, 2011, 8:13 am
#83
Join Date: Jan 2008
Programs: AA EXP, AMEX Platinum, Global Entry, TSA PreCheck
Posts: 312
I was considering doing the gold challenge to get the elite gold status, but my main reason for wanting to do it is for potential upgrades. I saw on the website that complimentary upgrades are only on full-fare tickets which are way too expensive for me. I usually purchase the economy super saver (N) or economy saver (L) tickets.
I only fly about once a month, and maybe twice a month two times per year. The flights I take often times have empty seats in first class, and they're always calling people to the counter and upgrading them.
What do you guys think? Thanks for your knowledge. ^
I only fly about once a month, and maybe twice a month two times per year. The flights I take often times have empty seats in first class, and they're always calling people to the counter and upgrading them.
What do you guys think? Thanks for your knowledge. ^
If the plane goes out with empty F seats presumably you could have upgraded.
Check out AUS-LAX on AA (or ITA) and look at your routing options. I tried some random dates and there are non-stop, one stop and two stop options, all for about the same price. If you are flexible and amenable to the extra hops you will gain in segments and miles by not taking the non-stop and possibly have better luck on upgrades.
12-14 non-stops AUS-LAX is GLD flying. Doing this trip 14 times a year with just one connection will get you to PLT. Do some 2 hops for cushion/fun and you've space for NS when you need it.
Sign up for LASF2 and go AUS-DFW-LAX-DFW-AUS for an extra 2470 miles through Feb 2011.
If you pay for a challenge do the math 1st and make sure you have a plan to make it!
Jan 9, 2011, 12:08 pm
#84
Join Date: Nov 2010
Programs: Aadvantage, spg
Posts: 7
Need general advice on setting up JFK-AKL
Hi-
I've been saving up miles for something like the last 10 years and finally have around 375,000 so that I can *theoretically* take my wife and 6-year-old to New Zealand, going JFK-AKL. Realizing that a 6-year-old will likely go bananas from 22 hours of flying, our daydream has been to go business class so that she'd have a bit more room and a skybed--hence the need for 375,000 miles.
Talking to AA today, they essentially shut that down immediately, saying in so many words that there aren't 3 business class seats available from now until pretty much forever (We're talking even 11 months from now in November, there's nothing). We were hoping for some time in April, but apparently that was foolish to hope for. I looked around FT at the various threads that mention New Zealand hoping to find some advice on alternate ways to set it up and I only got more confused (in part due to jargon), because while I've been saving up miles forever, I haven't used 'em so I'm still basically a newbie at all this.
So-
-Any advice on how to find alternate intineraries to AKL?
-Has anyone flown it in either Business or Economy? If so, what was it like?
-Could a 6-year-old (or an adult for that matter) handle that long a trip in Economy?
Any insights would really be appreciated, because if I don't come up with something, we'll likely blow these hard-earned miles on domestic flights, which seems like a waste after all these years of saving them up. Thanks!
I've been saving up miles for something like the last 10 years and finally have around 375,000 so that I can *theoretically* take my wife and 6-year-old to New Zealand, going JFK-AKL. Realizing that a 6-year-old will likely go bananas from 22 hours of flying, our daydream has been to go business class so that she'd have a bit more room and a skybed--hence the need for 375,000 miles.
Talking to AA today, they essentially shut that down immediately, saying in so many words that there aren't 3 business class seats available from now until pretty much forever (We're talking even 11 months from now in November, there's nothing). We were hoping for some time in April, but apparently that was foolish to hope for. I looked around FT at the various threads that mention New Zealand hoping to find some advice on alternate ways to set it up and I only got more confused (in part due to jargon), because while I've been saving up miles forever, I haven't used 'em so I'm still basically a newbie at all this.
So-
-Any advice on how to find alternate intineraries to AKL?
-Has anyone flown it in either Business or Economy? If so, what was it like?
-Could a 6-year-old (or an adult for that matter) handle that long a trip in Economy?
Any insights would really be appreciated, because if I don't come up with something, we'll likely blow these hard-earned miles on domestic flights, which seems like a waste after all these years of saving them up. Thanks!
Jan 9, 2011, 12:20 pm
#85
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 109
I've flown with little ones many, many times. The key for a trip like this is to fly overnight. Then, your six year old will sleep like a baby...whether you are in economy or business class. I think most of the flights to New Zealand are night time flights anyway...which definitely works to your advantage.
Not sure about alternative itineraries. American flies to Tokyo...which gets you closer. But, you'd still have a very long flight to New Zealand even from there.
Good luck. We explored flying to Australia or New Zealand two years ago using miles. And, we had no luck whatsoever.
David
Last edited by dstan; Jan 9, 2011 at 12:27 pm Reason: repaired broken quote
Jan 9, 2011, 12:29 pm
#86
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: STL
Programs: AA 2MM, AS MVP Gold, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 12,966
Hi-
I've been saving up miles for something like the last 10 years and finally have around 375,000 so that I can *theoretically* take my wife and 6-year-old to New Zealand, going JFK-AKL. Realizing that a 6-year-old will likely go bananas from 22 hours of flying, our daydream has been to go business class so that she'd have a bit more room and a skybed--hence the need for 375,000 miles.
Talking to AA today, they essentially shut that down immediately, saying in so many words that there aren't 3 business class seats available from now until pretty much forever (We're talking even 11 months from now in November, there's nothing). We were hoping for some time in April, but apparently that was foolish to hope for. I looked around FT at the various threads that mention New Zealand hoping to find some advice on alternate ways to set it up and I only got more confused (in part due to jargon), because while I've been saving up miles forever, I haven't used 'em so I'm still basically a newbie at all this.
So-
-Any advice on how to find alternate intineraries to AKL?
-Has anyone flown it in either Business or Economy? If so, what was it like?
-Could a 6-year-old (or an adult for that matter) handle that long a trip in Economy?
Any insights would really be appreciated, because if I don't come up with something, we'll likely blow these hard-earned miles on domestic flights, which seems like a waste after all these years of saving them up. Thanks!
I've been saving up miles for something like the last 10 years and finally have around 375,000 so that I can *theoretically* take my wife and 6-year-old to New Zealand, going JFK-AKL. Realizing that a 6-year-old will likely go bananas from 22 hours of flying, our daydream has been to go business class so that she'd have a bit more room and a skybed--hence the need for 375,000 miles.
Talking to AA today, they essentially shut that down immediately, saying in so many words that there aren't 3 business class seats available from now until pretty much forever (We're talking even 11 months from now in November, there's nothing). We were hoping for some time in April, but apparently that was foolish to hope for. I looked around FT at the various threads that mention New Zealand hoping to find some advice on alternate ways to set it up and I only got more confused (in part due to jargon), because while I've been saving up miles forever, I haven't used 'em so I'm still basically a newbie at all this.
So-
-Any advice on how to find alternate intineraries to AKL?
-Has anyone flown it in either Business or Economy? If so, what was it like?
-Could a 6-year-old (or an adult for that matter) handle that long a trip in Economy?
Any insights would really be appreciated, because if I don't come up with something, we'll likely blow these hard-earned miles on domestic flights, which seems like a waste after all these years of saving them up. Thanks!
Business class / First Class awards to Australia/New Zealand are notoriously hard to get. The flights are so long that everybody wants them. Qantas is the only Oneworld carrier you can get them on. Qantas gives their own frequent flyers a 30-day head start on those booking with other miles, and their own people have a tendency to snap up the premium seats before we get a crack at them.
It is possible to route through Asia, but will cost extra miles and lengthen the trip by quite a bit, so I don't think that is a good option for you.
I have two suggestions. One is to keep looking yourself for award flights on dates that work for you. You can't see them on AA's site, but many other Oneworld airlines will show them on their sites.
The other option is to break the journey in the middle, time permitting. Fly NYC-HNL, stopover for a day, NYC-SYD-AUK. Since HNL becomes the North American gateway in this itinerary, a stopover is permitted. You can do the same on the return. If you have to go in coach, this is a lot easier way to do it, and gives you a chance to see a bit of Hawaii, go to the beach, whatever you like.
Jan 9, 2011, 12:50 pm
#87
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: PSP
Programs: AA Executive Platinum, United
Posts: 1,081
In the SE Travel Policy AA says that "original inventory" is required. For purposes of this policy what is "original inventory"?
Jan 9, 2011, 12:53 pm
#88
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: NYC
Programs: AA EXP / LT PLT / 3MM, Marriott LT Gold
Posts: 35,383
Jan 9, 2011, 7:48 pm
#89
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
If you get an agent who really sticks by this, you may want to experience "technical difficulties beyond your control" and find yourself forced to terminate the call and call again. Normally, with these kinds of disruptions, they will be more flexible (but not in every case, so they leave themselves some "wiggle room").
Normally, with these kinds of disruptions, they will be more flexible (but not in every case, so they leave themselves some "wiggle room").
Jan 9, 2011, 11:11 pm
#90
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: SJC
Programs: AA EXP, BA Silver, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton diamond, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 33,533
i flew through orlando a few times in 2010, and seem to remember in the AA terminal that the security line on the far far left was for elites, crew, staff, etc.
i may be confusing it with one of the TSA "expert traveler" lanes instead, but i always used it because it was normally the shortest, and full of business types and no baby carriages.
it's possible that the lane no longer exists, and it's also possible that it was for platinum or exec. platinum and not gold members (chuckle), but could be worth a shot.
i may be confusing it with one of the TSA "expert traveler" lanes instead, but i always used it because it was normally the shortest, and full of business types and no baby carriages.
it's possible that the lane no longer exists, and it's also possible that it was for platinum or exec. platinum and not gold members (chuckle), but could be worth a shot.
Even with what looked like a zoo, we made it from the ID-check-TSA-person onto the little train to gates 1-29 in about 15 minutes. There was a non-TSA guy taking folks with kids out of the two main lines and into a shorter central scanner line.
Cheers.