Yes, I see that too... Not used to that difference, though it's been a while since I've upfared. I looked at a couple of other random city pairs during that time and the difference was less pronounced (MKE-CLT went from lowest fare of $290 to $570; DAY-MCO went from lowest fare of $377 to $620). All I can think is that LAX-BOS is a more business and elite heavy route which can sustain higher fares? Pure supposition of course, but your findings appear correct.

I am trying to qualify for a Platinum challenge and would like to upfare from to V fare class. I am travelling with my young daughter. I need the points associated with V, she doesn't. Is it possible to split the fare classes on 2 tickets under the same record locator? Can the agent do this when I call to upfare on just one ticket? Or do I need to purchase my ticket separately? I would then need to call to have her PNR linked to mine (as she is a minor I cannot book her ticket alone) or purchase over the phone.

What do you value the EQP at vs EQM?
 

Called today to see about upfaring to V from Q/O - it was $652 RT vs $346 RT to DC from LA (Nonstop). I am going to requal on EQPs, but its only Feb… and for "Just" about 2300 extra EQPs, thats not worth it…. unless someone else has a different valuation I should know of?

As of now (before this flight), I have 26,628 EQP but only 17,752 EQM.

I'd need 50K EQP to Requal for Plat. Earning 1155 + 1144 for the Q/O bookings RT at putting me at 28,927 vs. 31,226 EQP - (and still 22,351 EQM)

Any thoughts or opinions on this? It is only February.

I am going to have to make this trip again in May, too, and possibly a run to Europe as well earning about another 10kEQP… so I don't think its worth it and am likely still "on track" for requal.

would this upfare be permitted?
 

I am planning for my summer trip to HKG during June and I would lke to complete my plat challenge during my trip returning (as it will be after june 16). Since this will be my first attempt, I am not sure about the rules.

My flight will be HKG-LAX-BOS and when i quote online on AA, it should the fare code as L and G. I learned that under L fare, max mileage allowed from HKG-BOS is 9895 and currently, my flight will give me 9871.

1)Now, if i upfare from G to any 1.0 earning fare (say V), I will have 9871EQP, and since the first half will be codeshared with CX, would i be able to upfare the second half?

2) Also, would it be possible for me to further upfare it to a 1.5 EQP earning fare (Y) and help me pass the 10k line? Since my fare code will then be partially L and partially Y, would it still violate the limit of 9895?

Thank you so much! Feel free to PM me if that is more comfortable to you.
-Pete

Regarding American Airlines fare or booking codes, AA provides a table of "fare class definitions." (http://www.aa.com/i18n/information/f...efinitions.jsp). Each fare class 'definition' is associated with number of EQPs for example Deep discounted economy = 0.5 points/mile, Discounted economy = 1.0 points/mile, and Full fare economy = 1.5 points/mile. The chart then says what booking codes are associated with each Fare Class. But when actually booking a flight, the Economy choices are With Restrictions, Without Restrictions, and Full Fare. Unlike at United.com, I don't see where I can request fares for specific booking codes (instead I have to make the res and then I'm told the code it was booked in). QUESTION: Is there a way on AA.com to request specific booking codes? Or at least is there a crosswalk that will show me that? Thank you!

You can't request a specific booking code online, but you can see it before you book -- click the + icon next to the flight number to see the booking code field for that fare. If you want to upfare, place the desired reservation and call AA Web Services with the desired fare code. They can change the held reservation, and you can complete the booking process online without having to pay a phone booking fee.

Perfect - thanks!! Aiming to qualify for AA elite on a status challenge. Hard to do with fares where 1 mile = 0.5 points.

Not quite so simple, as I just found out. I called to upfare a reservation, but when I went online to purchase it insisted on changing back to the deep discount fare. When I called, I got quickly transferred to web services, who seemed to regard the whole thing as a nuisance (this was a multi-leg open jaw), and explained that the website was set up to default to the lowest fare. He said I could either search for a new itinerary, or buy it over the phone from an international agent. I had to push a bit to get the phone fee waived.

I've got a similiar issue- can't book an N fare with only .5 pts per mile, need lowest fare class with 1pt per mile for status challenge. Frankly, not just a status challenge but even once I complete the challenge and begin flying AA regularly I would like control over my pts per mile? No? Mapping out status there are some trips that will be worth a higher fare class in terms of points...seems odd it's this complicated. Am I missing something?

Travel agent.....couple of bucks per trip. A good one, not the run of the mill agency typists...

So, does AA not charge a change fee on upfares?

I have a trip coming up where a domestic coach ticket is being bought for me on fairly short notice... Can I call AA and pay just the difference between the ticketed and F/P/A fare to upfare it? If so, that might be worth it. If there's an additional $250 change fee, perhaps not...

No charge for doing that.

I think if the upfare results in a conversion from a nonrefundable boking code to a refundable one the change fee will be assessed.

Leaving this here because it seems helpful, AA's agency info page on waiving the change fee for cabin upgrades, with the waiver code:

http://www.aa.com/i18n/agency/Bookin...t_exchange.jsp

Hello all,
Long time follower, first time poster. I recently put a flight on hold and called to change the fare class as I don't earn miles on O with Alaska. I was hassled from the web services staff and the domestic booking agents. They questioned why I was making the change and insisted on charging me a $25 phone booking fee.

Just last month, I did not experience this at all. I was not charged a fee and they were able to change the fare class so I could still book the flight online to use PayPal.

Has anyone else noticed this change or have any strategies for dealing with it in the future? Thank you.