Mar 30, 2014, 12:53 pm
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]
Oct 21, 2014, 7:12 pm
#2341
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Bergen, Norway
Programs: AA PLT, CC Concierge, A3*G
Posts: 291
Really no chance at all, even with an involuntary downgrade? Would that also apply if it was a cash ticket?
I just realized that I potentially could try this twice - both at LHR check-in, since they would check me in all the way to EZE, and at JFK check-in after US customs. Although the BA staff can't do anything directly, they could possibly call the TAM staff/ticketing office at Heathrow? I have no idea if my chances are 0,1%, 5% or 50%, though at that point I'll have nothing to lose. Best case: I'll get rebooked (and earn miles
), worst case: status quo.
I'm already on BA flights on BGO-LHR-JFK and GIG-LHR-BGO on the return. The change in terms of BA flights could be having LHR-GRU-EZE instead of LHR-JFK-GRU-EZE. But I suppose the entire ticket would be repriced, even if I just change the JJ part of it (for instance to AA F) and keep the BA flights?
I know that at least back in the *A days, USDM could call partners and have them open up extra seats in situations like this one. Isn't that the case anymore?
I just realized that I potentially could try this twice - both at LHR check-in, since they would check me in all the way to EZE, and at JFK check-in after US customs. Although the BA staff can't do anything directly, they could possibly call the TAM staff/ticketing office at Heathrow? I have no idea if my chances are 0,1%, 5% or 50%, though at that point I'll have nothing to lose. Best case: I'll get rebooked (and earn miles
), worst case: status quo.
(a) If there is no availability, then you will likely be out of luck ; if you can get rebooked onto a BA flight, then pretty sure that you will be assessed the curent fees
I know that at least back in the *A days, USDM could call partners and have them open up extra seats in situations like this one. Isn't that the case anymore?
Oct 21, 2014, 9:40 pm
#2342
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 44,624
If the flights are not what is desired , then you need to rebook based on availability
You have nothing to lose asking for a $1000 cash handout , but the likelihood of success is about the same
Oct 22, 2014, 5:46 am
#2343
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 3,725
Anyone else having trouble finding availability in F on CX from major European cities like LHR, CDG, FRA, MXP to HKG, from Sept. 10 onwards?
Seems like no F awards are being loaded at all, which is odd. Usually there's at least 1 or 2 seats available. C is just as spotty. Checking using KVS Powersearch up until +354 day mark.
Seems like no F awards are being loaded at all, which is odd. Usually there's at least 1 or 2 seats available. C is just as spotty. Checking using KVS Powersearch up until +354 day mark.
Oct 22, 2014, 7:04 am
#2344
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Berlin, Germany
Programs: Hyatt Privé
Posts: 17
I just booked 2 seperate tickets with exactly the same itinerary, all in F all on the same day and booked and ticketed at the same time:
TXL-LHR-JFK-LAX
LAX-ATL-LHR-TXL
Ticket one states Taxes: USD 591,17
Ticket two is: USD 839,09
Would any of you know, which is the correct amount of taxes / YQ for this routing?
Thanks so much!
TXL-LHR-JFK-LAX
LAX-ATL-LHR-TXL
Ticket one states Taxes: USD 591,17
Ticket two is: USD 839,09
Would any of you know, which is the correct amount of taxes / YQ for this routing?
Thanks so much!
Oct 22, 2014, 7:42 am
#2345
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Puget Sound
Programs: Delta Diamond, Marriott Plat Premier, SPG Plat
Posts: 228
Award Availability Asia - Europe (CX)
**First, I apologize if this is in the wrong forum. I read the merger rules and looked around for where this made sense to be placed. Since it's an award booked with US Air miles and concerning availability viewable to US Air I think this is the pertinent place.
I have one of the great North Asia F mileage awards booked for early next year. When I booked it a few months ago CX was flying an aircraft (A340) that only had J/Y on my route from HKG-CDG. Now they have an aircraft (77W) that was F/J/Y so I would like to switch. However, despite availability showing F6 on my day and most others, there does not seem to be any award availability. For US-HKG flights it seems they release seats when the cabin is completely open. Does anyone have experience with their release pattern of seats from HKG-Europe as I'm not seeing anything released to CDG, LHR, etc.
I have one of the great North Asia F mileage awards booked for early next year. When I booked it a few months ago CX was flying an aircraft (A340) that only had J/Y on my route from HKG-CDG. Now they have an aircraft (77W) that was F/J/Y so I would like to switch. However, despite availability showing F6 on my day and most others, there does not seem to be any award availability. For US-HKG flights it seems they release seats when the cabin is completely open. Does anyone have experience with their release pattern of seats from HKG-Europe as I'm not seeing anything released to CDG, LHR, etc.
Oct 22, 2014, 8:07 am
#2346
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2001
Programs: DL 1 million, AA 1 mil, HH lapsed Diamond, Marriott Plat
Posts: 28,190
There is a very extensive thread on CX F and J award redemptions in the AA sub-forum.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...ilability.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...ilability.html
Oct 22, 2014, 8:17 am
#2347
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Puget Sound
Programs: Delta Diamond, Marriott Plat Premier, SPG Plat
Posts: 228
Thanks, 3Cforme!
Oct 22, 2014, 2:21 pm
#2348
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: ZRH/SFO
Programs: A3*G - AZ CFP- HH DIA
Posts: 3,666
If there is no more F between JFK and GRU, you maybe could try the JJ flight LHR - GRU, it seems that there is still a 773 flying...
Oct 22, 2014, 2:37 pm
#2349
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: ZRH/SFO
Programs: A3*G - AZ CFP- HH DIA
Posts: 3,666
I just booked 2 seperate tickets with exactly the same itinerary, all in F all on the same day and booked and ticketed at the same time:
TXL-LHR-JFK-LAX
LAX-ATL-LHR-TXL
Ticket one states Taxes: USD 591,17
Ticket two is: USD 839,09
Would any of you know, which is the correct amount of taxes / YQ for this routing?
Thanks so much!
TXL-LHR-JFK-LAX
LAX-ATL-LHR-TXL
Ticket one states Taxes: USD 591,17
Ticket two is: USD 839,09
Would any of you know, which is the correct amount of taxes / YQ for this routing?
Thanks so much!
Code:
BA YQ surcharge (YQ)................................588,80 $ German Airport Security Tax (DE)......................7,70 $ German Passenger Service Charge (RA).................19,40 $ German Air Transport Tax (OY)........................54,00 $ USDA APHIS Fee (XA)...................................5,00 $ US Immigration Fee (XY)...............................7,00 $ US Customs Fee (YC)...................................5,50 $ United Kingdom Passenger Service Charge (UB).........93,90 $ US International Arrival Tax (US)....................17,50 $ US September 11th Security Fee (AY)..................11,20 $ US Passenger Facility Charge (XF)....................13,50 $ US International Departure Tax (US)..................17,50 $ --- Total...............................................841.20 $ BER BA X/E/LON BA X/E/NYC AA LAX M 1457.32IR28AP AA X/ATL BA X/E/LON BA BER M 1457.32IR28AP NUC 2914.64 END ROE 0.771963 XT 5.50YC 7.00XY 5.00XA 35.00US 11.20AY 7.70DE 54.00OY 19.40RA 93.90UB 588.80YQ 13.50XF JFK4.50 LAX4.50 ATL4.50
Oct 22, 2014, 3:05 pm
#2350
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Berlin, Germany
Programs: Hyatt Privé
Posts: 17
Thank you so much Air Rarotonga!^
Oct 23, 2014, 2:36 am
#2351
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 32
Does anyone know if this award itinerary is possible or not?
LAX-HKG-TPE(Destination)
TPE-NRT(Open Jaw)
TPE-HKG-LAX
And second question: if I saw award availability on JL award site, but US rep says not visible. If this is the case, does it mean I have nothing to do with it or any possible to let customer service to use alternative method to find it (if there is any)
Thanks in advance for the comment
LAX-HKG-TPE(Destination)
TPE-NRT(Open Jaw)
TPE-HKG-LAX
And second question: if I saw award availability on JL award site, but US rep says not visible. If this is the case, does it mean I have nothing to do with it or any possible to let customer service to use alternative method to find it (if there is any)
Thanks in advance for the comment
Oct 23, 2014, 6:55 am
#2352
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: SEA, but up and down the coast a lot
Programs: Oceanic Airlines Gold Elite
Posts: 20,397
LAX-HKG-TPE//NRT-LAX might work (and is an actual open jaw).
Oct 23, 2014, 7:08 am
#2353
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Canada
Programs: UA*1K MM SK EBG LATAM BL
Posts: 23,314
And second question: if I saw award availability on JL award site, but US rep says not visible. If this is the case, does it mean I have nothing to do with it or any possible to let customer service to use alternative method to find it (if there is any)
Thanks in advance for the comment
Thanks in advance for the comment
The agent needs to open a new window.
Had same issue with MH, booking classes are different, its described a couple pages back
Oct 23, 2014, 2:38 pm
#2354
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: ZRH/SFO
Programs: A3*G - AZ CFP- HH DIA
Posts: 3,666
Oct 23, 2014, 3:09 pm
#2355
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 13
Hello All,
Am I likely to be able to visit the Falkland Islands (Las Malvinas) using my Dividend Miles? I was thinking of something from LAX - SCL (stopover) - PSY (Destination). LanChile fly once a week from Santiago. Does an award ticket sound realistic?
Am I likely to be able to visit the Falkland Islands (Las Malvinas) using my Dividend Miles? I was thinking of something from LAX - SCL (stopover) - PSY (Destination). LanChile fly once a week from Santiago. Does an award ticket sound realistic?