JDiver

We have merged your query into the existing AirPass thread. Please be sure to read the Wikipost at the top of the page as well as the posts with members' experiences a nd contributions.

/Moderator

jmappleby

As said, there's lots of info already in this thread. A few thoughts based on my recent travel:

It is a fantastic scheme for people with very changeable travel needs, and who therefore pay a lot of change fees and full fare economy tickets. Note that a full fare economy ticket JFK-DFW is something like $1500... you may be buying heavily discounted tickets.

If you fall into that category, you can save ~25% with Airpass, and usually get a guaranteed one class upgrade at time of booking.

So for JFK-LHR RT, you will pay $2800 + taxes for Y-UP to J. Don't get on the flight? Don't pay.

Also, short hops 1-200 miles are super inexpensive.

You can also negotiate AAdvantage status, depending on how much you spend up front.

If you fall into this specific category of people, Airpass will save you money, and provide you the flexibility you always wanted.

Also note that I supplement Airpass with paid tickets - discount business for long-haul, discount domestic First sometimes when the price is right, and deep discount economy for vacation travel with the wife (SWUs FTW). It doesn't have to be a one stop shop.

If not, buy discount economy and pay the change fees from time to time :-)

Happy to answer any specific questions you might have.

ausstone

Hi all, I am thinking about joining AirPass before the end of the year and was wondering if someone could do a search for me? I'd like to know what TPA > NYC is in first on 12/17 for two people. Thanks!

869

TPA-NYC costs the same on 12/17 as any other day in each fare class (obviously depends on which NYC airport). The question for you i which option are you booking? AAirpass folks will provide you the pricing formula to use.

Microwave

I'm not sure what the current rates are, but as of 2013 the introductory Airpass package priced miles at 40 cents each. TPA-LGA is ~1010 miles, so if 40 cents is still accurate that would make a one-way between those cities ~$347 for a Plan Ahead ticket booked into H, and ~$464 for a fully flexible ticket booked into Y (or possibly instantly upgraded, if available).

Does anyone have any advice on the current package prices and mileage allotments available to individuals?

FullFare

Appreciate prior comments. I have a major concern on how AAirpass members are going to have their AAirpass usage credited for elite qualifying dollars (EQD) coming 2017. I have called AAirpass in Dallas twice, expressing concern on fair value for AAirpass mileage usage.

To be specific, AAirpass has said, in cryptic areas on the website that AAirpass usage for EQD would be credited as "20% of the mileage flown". All well and good. But I then asked about EQD credit for AAirpass travel in F and C classes, for which AAirpass members are subtracted premium amounts from their mileage banks. I asked, "Shouldn't there be a premium crediting for AAirpass pax for their EQD, if they are charged increased mileage?"

The answers ranged from "duh" to "don't worry" to "we'll see". I felt substantially blown off. I would encourage AAirpass members to engage AA on this and advocate for increased EQD credit when flying on a premium AAirpass trip (for which extra AAirpass miles are charged).

869

I've let my AAIrpass lapse right now but that sounds like par for the course over there.

RTW4

I also have NOT renewed my Airpass. There are many unanswered questions about EQD. First year in a long time I have decided not to renew...

jmappleby

This is as of Jan 2016... it may change next month.

The multipliers are available online here: https://airpass.aa.com/vt-cust/preLogin.do?pageName=howToWorks

For TPA the multiplier is 0.9 for Y-UP, which is how I usually book, so 1013 x 0.9 x 0.4 one way. $364.68 plus taxes.

I paid $0.40 on the mile all this year. AA offered CK for $50k up front spend.

On the rare occasion Y-UP into Business/First is not available, you book into full fare Y, and are therefore top of the upgrade list (provided you are EXP).

It's not the least expensive way to travel, but if flexibility is important to you, it's the most convenient.

jmappleby

My take is that the folks at Airpass have a tough time. They are a small business unit in a big company, and don't have a lot of influence with departments like Revenue Management and AAdvantage.

You can help them by talking to your sales rep and explaining you will take your business to United if they don't give you a reasonable answer before you have to renew.

Put it in writing in a nice, clearly explained email, which they can forward on up the management chain.

That's my advice, anyhow, based on experience working with them.

MGW2000

My understanding is that my company is, and has been for many, many years, AA's largest corporate account in terms of $ spend (we must have 10,000+ employees with AAirpass), and people will howl if the EQD issue isn't dealt with fairly...so hopefully large AAirpass users can help push the issue.

Another fun fact, we can use AAirpass for personal travel (just need to reimburse company), and the rates for both personal and work travel are similar to those for individual users (though assume there is a rebate on the back end, etc.).

daron4000

MGW it sounds like you work at the same bank that I used to - if so that Aairpass for personal use was about the best thing to happen to my last minute travel plans since I first discovered the points game!

MGW2000

And flights to Miami / Palm Beach during Christmas / New Year's!

Mister Nice

I looked at the Airpass site and then read this thread and am even more confused . I can't believe the whole EQD hasn't been sorted. I have a few DCA-HKG trips this year and am trying to figure out whether Airpass makes sense - not sure I really get it . Can some kind soul , in the spirit of the holidays, give me an idea how much I would pay with Airpass for DCA-HKG in J or F ? thank you

Bttc

Anyone have any tips for finding Y-Up fares valid for Asia? I can find them pretty easily for Europe, but they seem to be virtually absent from Asia.