Last edit by: JDiver
WIKI POST: Using US Dividend Miles for oneworld Award Flights
As further details become available, please fill in this wikipost.
As further details become available, please fill in this wikipost.
N.B. Booking opportunities for new Dividend Miles awards of all kinds ended 11:59 PM Wednesday, 25 March 2015. Please continue using this thread for trips booked or in progress through 24 March 2016.
Changes on USDM oneworld award tickets
This is the only official statement about changing issued USDM award tickets:
If I need to make changes to a Dividend Miles award reservation, which program’s rules will apply?
Minor changes such as date/time can be made provided seats are available without requiring a new award to be claimed. More substantive changes such as changes to stopovers or origin/destination may result in the need to reinstate the previously claimed Dividend Miles award, then claiming a new AAdvantage award under the existing AAdvantage program rules.
The old membership rules do 'generally' still appy to USDM tickets.
For awards ticketed / reticketed on 001- ticket stock, go to the AA Refunds site with your ticket number at hand (unsure if it works with 037- stock at this time)to:
- Print a receipt with ticket number (instead of Request a refund)
- See total fees, taxes, etc. attached to your ticket
- See applicable detailed fare rules
- Request a refund (may not be useful for awards)
- Some were able to change their ticket without beeing charged the USD 150.- changing fee.
- No chance to change a ticket after the first flight segment has been flown.
- ...
Old stuff
oneworld member airlines - airberlin, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, LAN, Malaysia Airlines, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Royal Jordanian, S7 Airlines (Sibir), SriLankan Airlines, TAM Airlines, US Airways and their affiliates.
Award Chart for oneworld awards using US Dividend Miles:
http://shopping.usairways.com/en-US/...wardtravel.pdf
You can use the American Airlines, British Airways, JAL, or Qantas sites to search for oneworld award inventory. AA and QF also allows you to search for award inventory using a handy 30 day calendar view. However, availability on the calendar is dependent on site coverage (e.g. QF does not include JL or MH, AA does not include CX and others). Also, the calendar view may not be completely accurate on all partners, so use it as a guide but do not rely on it fully.
One of the easiest ways to search for oneworld availability is through the use of an outside tool such as Award Nexus, ExpertFlyer, KVS Tool, or The Wandering Aramean oneworld Search.
Award Nexus has a free community membership for flyertalk members, and award email alert with premium membership. ExpertFlyer has email alerts and direct GDS access to select oneworld award inventories, such as AA, QF, and US. ExpertFlyer can also search J class certificate upgrade inventory. With KVS Tool, you can search QF, BA, JL and CX's search engines, in addition to other alliances, on your PC (Mac / Linux with CrossOver). You can also set up an alert via The Wandering Aramean oneworld Search. This tool will automatically search on QF for your alert once per day with a free account and four times per day with a paid account.
N.B. With all of the above tools, it is best to search one segment at a time. Most oneworld search engines have difficulty marrying segments.
For route searching with itinerary information, use the interactive oneworld map and timetable.
For searching Intra-North America availability, the best tool is AA.com. Unlike the other oneworld engines, AA is pretty good at marrying segments, so you can search origin to destination.
Regarding availability, the strategy that has been most effective for people looking to book award travel on oneworld is to start searching right at 330 days prior to departure. This is generally when availability is at its best. After that, availability tends to be sporadic until starting 8 weeks prior to departure where some airlines open up availability, and will vary all the way up until the day of departure.
If you're having trouble finding availability, it may be best to look at alternate airports (JL, for example, serves SAN, YVR, and BOS, in addition to the larger markets of SFO, LAX, YYZ, ORD, and JFK).
(N.B. Although US was not adding fuel surcharges to awards, there are reports that they have started doing this for awards containing BA flights.) With the exception of BA & IB, no oneworld carriers require you to pay a fuel surcharge for awards. With BA, be aware that you may have to pay both a fuel surcharge as well as the UK Air Passenger Duty departure tax for intercontinental J and F flights out of UK. These fees vary with class of service and length of flight and are determined by BA; the Air Passenger Duty (see specific thread) is due for all UK departures not under 24 hour connecting flights. APD applies to coach tickets, too, but at a reduced rate. The fuel /YQ surcharge with IB is generally considered minimal.
Known Problems / Workaround:
- Dep 00:00AM : Some agents have difficulty finding flights leaving between midnight and 2 AM. This is because the US systems show it leaving the day before. If the agent cannot find it, please ask to look at the day before. > source <
- LA : Flights put on hold will be cancelled after 24h. Workaround: Issue the ticket immediately. > source <
- JL : US Rep cannot find available seats. Workaround: "Always have to remind Rep to open JL reservations on a new screen". > source <
- MH : US Rep cannot find awards in First Class. Workaround: First class needs to be booked in P-cl instead of Z-cl (as on most other OW carriers). > source < booking classes: > KVS <
- All : If you are booking outbound flights at the US Air 335 day window US Air will often allow you to put your reservation on a longer than 3 day hold to capture the return seats once they open up at T+335. There is a report of this for 30 days here, and FT user beofotch was successful in getting a 13 day hold here. Workaround: Huaca until you get an agent who is competent enough to do this. It may help to act naive and ask for your return flight on your preferred date even if it is after T+335 days. Once they get an error from the computer may be a good time to bring it up.
- ...
Fixed Problems:
- CX : US Rep cannot find seats on flight CX 645 HKG-DOH. Workaround: none so far, search for different routing/carrier (CMB/DXB/...?)... > source < > fixed <
> fixed < - CX : US Rep cannot find seats on flight CX 640 DOH-HKG. They admit, the flight exists, but are unable to book <source>. Workaround: none so far, search for different routing/carrier
> fixed < - BA/Comair : US rep could not see / or unable to book intra-South Africa flights in BA flight number operated by Comair despite AA treats Comair a full fledged oneworld member under BA, in the same context as KA under CX. Only one reported success booking - poster reported agent had trouble at first but on consulting a supervisor was told "where to look"; the agent did not give any further information. Most everyone else reported unable to book Comair flights.
> fixed < - IB : Flights will be cancelled after ticket issued. Workaround: None yet... > source <
> fixed <
LUS: USDM oneworld Award Bookings - (Closed to new bookings) [Master FAQ and Help]
#2206
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: CLT
Programs: AA ExPlat, Hyatt Globalist, Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 1,551
I successfully booked 2x F for a friend:
CLT - LHR (Stopover) - MEL (23 hour layover) - SYD (Destination)
SYD - MNL - HKG - LAX - CLT
The LHR - MEL and HKG - LAX are in F, the rest in Business.
The challenge I found was the MPM. They originally did not allow the outbound to be CLT - MIA - MAD - LHR due to MPM. They also did not allow the return to be SYD - CGK - HKG - LAX - CLT due to MPM. We were just barely under.
We were eventually successful - just keep trying.
CLT - LHR (Stopover) - MEL (23 hour layover) - SYD (Destination)
SYD - MNL - HKG - LAX - CLT
The LHR - MEL and HKG - LAX are in F, the rest in Business.
The challenge I found was the MPM. They originally did not allow the outbound to be CLT - MIA - MAD - LHR due to MPM. They also did not allow the return to be SYD - CGK - HKG - LAX - CLT due to MPM. We were just barely under.
We were eventually successful - just keep trying.
Hi,
Trying to burn my ~140k dividend miles in the longest possible routing in F. Wanted to try the Qantas A380, JAL sky suite and CX F product.
I tried to book the below itinerary but the US rep said routing on the return isn't valid. When I pressed her for more info, she said you cannot route via Asia. My understanding is you can? and I have seen quite a few posts here stating that.
JKF - LHR - MEL (destination) - SYD(stopover <24hrs) - NRT (stopover <24hrs) // HND - HKG (stopover <24hrs) - ORD (stopover <24hrs) - LGA
My concerns:
1) Too many segments: 7 segments possibly raised an alarm?
2) ORD stopover: There is no award availability on the day I arrive in ORD. The next available flight is the following day; still less than 24 hours
Any insight would be greatly appreciated! Thanks
Trying to burn my ~140k dividend miles in the longest possible routing in F. Wanted to try the Qantas A380, JAL sky suite and CX F product.
I tried to book the below itinerary but the US rep said routing on the return isn't valid. When I pressed her for more info, she said you cannot route via Asia. My understanding is you can? and I have seen quite a few posts here stating that.
JKF - LHR - MEL (destination) - SYD(stopover <24hrs) - NRT (stopover <24hrs) // HND - HKG (stopover <24hrs) - ORD (stopover <24hrs) - LGA
My concerns:
1) Too many segments: 7 segments possibly raised an alarm?
2) ORD stopover: There is no award availability on the day I arrive in ORD. The next available flight is the following day; still less than 24 hours
Any insight would be greatly appreciated! Thanks
#2207
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: SEA, but up and down the coast a lot
Programs: Oceanic Airlines Gold Elite
Posts: 20,397
I successfully booked 2x F for a friend:
CLT - LHR (Stopover) - MEL (23 hour layover) - SYD (Destination)
SYD - MNL - HKG - LAX - CLT
The LHR - MEL and HKG - LAX are in F, the rest in Business.
The challenge I found was the MPM. They originally did not allow the outbound to be CLT - MIA - MAD - LHR due to MPM. They also did not allow the return to be SYD - CGK - HKG - LAX - CLT due to MPM. We were just barely under.
.
CLT - LHR (Stopover) - MEL (23 hour layover) - SYD (Destination)
SYD - MNL - HKG - LAX - CLT
The LHR - MEL and HKG - LAX are in F, the rest in Business.
The challenge I found was the MPM. They originally did not allow the outbound to be CLT - MIA - MAD - LHR due to MPM. They also did not allow the return to be SYD - CGK - HKG - LAX - CLT due to MPM. We were just barely under.
.
OP needs to ditch it to have a shot at getting under MPM. If they really REALLY want CX F, maybe do this: SYD-NRT-YVR-JFK. They'll be flying JL C TPAC (so IMO kind of silly if they want max time in F), but CX F on YVR-JFK.
#2208
Join Date: Jul 2012
Programs: AA EXP, BAEC Gold, *Gold, Skyteam E+
Posts: 62
......
Last edited by LAXR202W; Feb 3, 2016 at 2:43 pm
#2209
Join Date: Jul 2012
Programs: AA EXP, BAEC Gold, *Gold, Skyteam E+
Posts: 62
......
Last edited by LAXR202W; Feb 3, 2016 at 2:42 pm
#2210
Join Date: Jul 2012
Programs: AA EXP, BAEC Gold, *Gold, Skyteam E+
Posts: 62
......
Last edited by LAXR202W; Feb 3, 2016 at 2:42 pm
#2211
Join Date: Jul 2012
Programs: AA EXP, BAEC Gold, *Gold, Skyteam E+
Posts: 62
.....
Last edited by LAXR202W; Feb 3, 2016 at 2:42 pm
#2212
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: CLT
Programs: AA ExPlat, Hyatt Globalist, Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 1,551
#2213
Join Date: Jul 2012
Programs: AA EXP, BAEC Gold, *Gold, Skyteam E+
Posts: 62
......
Last edited by LAXR202W; Feb 3, 2016 at 2:43 pm
#2214
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 3,725
I successfully booked 2x F for a friend:
CLT - LHR (Stopover) - MEL (23 hour layover) - SYD (Destination)
SYD - MNL - HKG - LAX - CLT
The LHR - MEL and HKG - LAX are in F, the rest in Business.
The challenge I found was the MPM. They originally did not allow the outbound to be CLT - MIA - MAD - LHR due to MPM. They also did not allow the return to be SYD - CGK - HKG - LAX - CLT due to MPM. We were just barely under.
We were eventually successful - just keep trying.
CLT - LHR (Stopover) - MEL (23 hour layover) - SYD (Destination)
SYD - MNL - HKG - LAX - CLT
The LHR - MEL and HKG - LAX are in F, the rest in Business.
The challenge I found was the MPM. They originally did not allow the outbound to be CLT - MIA - MAD - LHR due to MPM. They also did not allow the return to be SYD - CGK - HKG - LAX - CLT due to MPM. We were just barely under.
We were eventually successful - just keep trying.
#2215
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: ZRH/SFO
Programs: A3*G - AZ CFP- HH DIA
Posts: 3,666
[KVS Availability Tool 7.4.4 - Reference: Maximum Permitted Mileage [MPM]: JFK-SYD]
Code:
GI M 5M 10M 15M 20M 25M MPM PA 11947 12544 13141 13739 14336 14933
Inbound: SYD-NRT-ORD-JFK : 11871 mi
#2216
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 44,624
MEL-SYD-NRT-ORD-JFK is 12298 miles ; the MPM+25 is 14532 miles , so is within the allowed mileage
MEL-SYD-HND-NRT-ORD-LGA is 15681 which is way over the MPM
#2217
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: SEA, but up and down the coast a lot
Programs: Oceanic Airlines Gold Elite
Posts: 20,397
#2218
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 2
So I have an award on hold, but got some interesting pricing.
AUS-DFW-HKG (destination)-DOH-FRA (stopover)-CLT-AUS all in economy
It priced out at 65,000 miles. Agent said the extra 5,000 was because of the stopover in Europe.
Anyone ever heard this before?
Should I just go ahead and pay for the award, and be happy they allowed my HKG-FRA to go through DOH, or should I try to get it down to 60k per person?
AUS-DFW-HKG (destination)-DOH-FRA (stopover)-CLT-AUS all in economy
It priced out at 65,000 miles. Agent said the extra 5,000 was because of the stopover in Europe.
Anyone ever heard this before?
Should I just go ahead and pay for the award, and be happy they allowed my HKG-FRA to go through DOH, or should I try to get it down to 60k per person?
#2219
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: AU
Programs: former Olympic Airways Gold (yeah - still proud of that!)
Posts: 14,408
So I have an award on hold, but got some interesting pricing.
AUS-DFW-HKG (destination)-DOH-FRA (stopover)-CLT-AUS all in economy
It priced out at 65,000 miles. Agent said the extra 5,000 was because of the stopover in Europe.
Anyone ever heard this before?
Should I just go ahead and pay for the award, and be happy they allowed my HKG-FRA to go through DOH, or should I try to get it down to 60k per person?
AUS-DFW-HKG (destination)-DOH-FRA (stopover)-CLT-AUS all in economy
It priced out at 65,000 miles. Agent said the extra 5,000 was because of the stopover in Europe.
Anyone ever heard this before?
Should I just go ahead and pay for the award, and be happy they allowed my HKG-FRA to go through DOH, or should I try to get it down to 60k per person?
edited below: as Europe and NA are the same price there should be no extra charge involved.
Last edited by LHR/MEL/Europe FF; Oct 3, 2014 at 8:11 am