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]
Nov 5, 2014, 9:20 pm
#2461
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Australia
Programs: QF Platinum
Posts: 361
Have USDM booking on hold as didn't have the last leg, found it on BA, QF, CX and Award Nexus called up they couldn't see it, what a waste of time, surely they could have a better system than currently.
Nov 5, 2014, 9:47 pm
#2462
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Programs: Flying: VA; Buying: AA, AS, AV, BA, UA!
Posts: 2,349
It is what it is. The operating airline can potentially limit the point of sale depending on the reservation system so it could be perfectly correct that US can't access these seats (in addition to JL also not seeing them as in this case).
Nov 5, 2014, 10:28 pm
#2463
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 166
Niki awards available?
Hi! I'm about to book a trip to Europe on miles and would love to include a segment on Niki. Is this airline available with dividend miles? Thanks very much!
Nov 6, 2014, 5:46 am
#2464
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Worldwide
Posts: 12,949
Nov 6, 2014, 11:20 am
#2466
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 49
Question CX J to CX F
Hello Everyone,
How are you guys doing? I have a question, I already flew CX F from LAX-HKG and my return is on CX J and it was 120K miles + taxes.
I see availability in First for my return. Will the agent be willing to change it to CX F or not because I already flew one of the segments?
How are you guys doing? I have a question, I already flew CX F from LAX-HKG and my return is on CX J and it was 120K miles + taxes.
I see availability in First for my return. Will the agent be willing to change it to CX F or not because I already flew one of the segments?
Nov 6, 2014, 12:27 pm
#2467
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: ZRH/SFO
Programs: A3*G - AZ CFP- HH DIA
Posts: 3,666
Hello Everyone,
How are you guys doing? I have a question, I already flew CX F from LAX-HKG and my return is on CX J and it was 120K miles + taxes.
I see availability in First for my return. Will the agent be willing to change it to CX F or not because I already flew one of the segments?
How are you guys doing? I have a question, I already flew CX F from LAX-HKG and my return is on CX J and it was 120K miles + taxes.
I see availability in First for my return. Will the agent be willing to change it to CX F or not because I already flew one of the segments?
I found the following point in the USDM Rules:
Award travel: Ticket changes, transfers & redeposit
Change rules
Change rules
- Contact Reservations to change award travel. The change fee is $150.
- ...
- You cannot change award levels, airline carrier or city pairs once travel has begun.
You can argue, that USDM now charges mixed class tickets. In your case they charge now a half F-cl award (outbound) and a half C-cl award (inbound). Then, definitely no change will be possible after departure...
Try it, you have nothing to loose! It will be a hard one, but I would let it escalate to the supervisor with the argumentaion above. Be prepaired to be charged USD 150 / ticket, but that would be a good investment! Good luck!
Nov 6, 2014, 1:54 pm
#2468
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 44,624
There are no changes permitted to partner award travel at all after travel commences
Nov 6, 2014, 2:14 pm
#2469
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: AU
Programs: former Olympic Airways Gold (yeah - still proud of that!)
Posts: 14,407
A General USDM rule is: no (voluntary) changes after travel has begun...
I found the following point in the USDM Rules:
You've already paid both ways in F-cl. So you don't want to change award level (of your ticket), but you want to modify your reservation to the class of service that you paid for!
You can argue, that USDM now charges mixed class tickets. In your case they charge now a half F-cl award (outbound) and a half C-cl award (inbound). Then, definitely no change will be possible after departure...
Try it, you have nothing to loose! It will be a hard one, but I would let it escalate to the supervisor with the argumentaion above. Be prepaired to be charged USD 150 / ticket, but that would be a good investment! Good luck!
I found the following point in the USDM Rules:
You've already paid both ways in F-cl. So you don't want to change award level (of your ticket), but you want to modify your reservation to the class of service that you paid for!
You can argue, that USDM now charges mixed class tickets. In your case they charge now a half F-cl award (outbound) and a half C-cl award (inbound). Then, definitely no change will be possible after departure...
Try it, you have nothing to loose! It will be a hard one, but I would let it escalate to the supervisor with the argumentaion above. Be prepaired to be charged USD 150 / ticket, but that would be a good investment! Good luck!
Travel on partner airlines
Changes to origin, destinations, class of service, award level, dates and times are not permitted once travel has begun.
Changes to origin, destinations, class of service, award level, dates and times are not permitted once travel has begun.
Nov 6, 2014, 6:27 pm
#2470
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Australia
Programs: QF Platinum
Posts: 361
Yes aware they only get part of what available. One would think in this day and age it could be done online.
Nov 7, 2014, 2:32 pm
#2471
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: YYZ
Programs: Super Elite 100K, Mariott Ambassador Elite,
Posts: 231
Hi Everyone,
I have 160,000 US Miles that I purchased during various promo periods. I typically collect Aeroplan miles and use Star Alliance. I purchased the miles because I wanted to experience some One World Carriers in First Class.
I'm looking to do a last minute trip YYZ-BKK, but can not find good availability. And since this is my one shot at flying one-world, I really wanted to get the full experience. I had hoped to fly Emirates and Cathay Pacific, possibly doing a stopover in Dubai.
My question is, when exactly do our US miles turn over to AA Miles? And will we still have access to one world first class?
Do you think I can save these miles to use at a later time? Or should I use them now before the miles programs merge.
Thank you in advance for your advice.
I have 160,000 US Miles that I purchased during various promo periods. I typically collect Aeroplan miles and use Star Alliance. I purchased the miles because I wanted to experience some One World Carriers in First Class.
I'm looking to do a last minute trip YYZ-BKK, but can not find good availability. And since this is my one shot at flying one-world, I really wanted to get the full experience. I had hoped to fly Emirates and Cathay Pacific, possibly doing a stopover in Dubai.
My question is, when exactly do our US miles turn over to AA Miles? And will we still have access to one world first class?
Do you think I can save these miles to use at a later time? Or should I use them now before the miles programs merge.
Thank you in advance for your advice.
Nov 7, 2014, 2:35 pm
#2472
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: DCA
Programs: Bonvoy Ambassador, AA Plat Pro, DL Gold, UA*S, Hilton Gold, Hyatt Explorist
Posts: 631
Hi Everyone,
I have 160,000 US Miles that I purchased during various promo periods. I typically collect Aeroplan miles and use Star Alliance. I purchased the miles because I wanted to experience some One World Carriers in First Class.
I'm looking to do a last minute trip YYZ-BKK, but can not find good availability. And since this is my one shot at flying one-world, I really wanted to get the full experience. I had hoped to fly Emirates and Cathay Pacific, possibly doing a stopover in Dubai.
My question is, when exactly do our US miles turn over to AA Miles? And will we still have access to one world first class?
Do you think I can save these miles to use at a later time? Or should I use them now before the miles programs merge.
Thank you in advance for your advice.
I have 160,000 US Miles that I purchased during various promo periods. I typically collect Aeroplan miles and use Star Alliance. I purchased the miles because I wanted to experience some One World Carriers in First Class.
I'm looking to do a last minute trip YYZ-BKK, but can not find good availability. And since this is my one shot at flying one-world, I really wanted to get the full experience. I had hoped to fly Emirates and Cathay Pacific, possibly doing a stopover in Dubai.
My question is, when exactly do our US miles turn over to AA Miles? And will we still have access to one world first class?
Do you think I can save these miles to use at a later time? Or should I use them now before the miles programs merge.
Thank you in advance for your advice.
Of course we'll still have access to Oneworld first class. US joined Oneworld to align with AA for the merger. The redemption levels might go up, but probably not in 2015, at least.
Nov 7, 2014, 2:43 pm
#2473
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Programs: UA, QF, VS, AA, US, HH, SPG
Posts: 974
Hi Everyone,
I have 160,000 US Miles that I purchased during various promo periods. I typically collect Aeroplan miles and use Star Alliance. I purchased the miles because I wanted to experience some One World Carriers in First Class.
I'm looking to do a last minute trip YYZ-BKK, but can not find good availability. And since this is my one shot at flying one-world, I really wanted to get the full experience. I had hoped to fly Emirates and Cathay Pacific, possibly doing a stopover in Dubai.
My question is, when exactly do our US miles turn over to AA Miles? And will we still have access to one world first class?
Do you think I can save these miles to use at a later time? Or should I use them now before the miles programs merge.
Thank you in advance for your advice.
I have 160,000 US Miles that I purchased during various promo periods. I typically collect Aeroplan miles and use Star Alliance. I purchased the miles because I wanted to experience some One World Carriers in First Class.
I'm looking to do a last minute trip YYZ-BKK, but can not find good availability. And since this is my one shot at flying one-world, I really wanted to get the full experience. I had hoped to fly Emirates and Cathay Pacific, possibly doing a stopover in Dubai.
My question is, when exactly do our US miles turn over to AA Miles? And will we still have access to one world first class?
Do you think I can save these miles to use at a later time? Or should I use them now before the miles programs merge.
Thank you in advance for your advice.
Nov 7, 2014, 2:59 pm
#2474
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: YYZ
Programs: Super Elite 100K, Mariott Ambassador Elite,
Posts: 231
You can use them now (or when the programs merge) on OW however you will not be able to use your US (or AA) miles for Emirates as they are neither a OW member or a partner of US or AA (they are a partner of QF but you need QF miles for that). Unfortunately F class is very hard to get on OW - your best bet for F availability is BA (but you will pay fuel surcharges) and sometimes CX (particularly close in). Once the US program merges with AA you can also use these miles of Etihad (which is a partner of AA but not US).
So back to the drawing board. Most of my plans all revolved around using emirates.
Any recommendations on what the best carriers would be, YYZ - BKK. I'm not worried about fuel surcharge, or multiple connections. Looking to experience OW first class, as this will likely be my only time.
Thank you.
Nov 7, 2014, 3:10 pm
#2475
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Programs: UA, QF, VS, AA, US, HH, SPG
Posts: 974
Thank you for the quick replies. I'm on the phone now with an agent and just found out about the emirates flights! I've been using Qantas to search, and wrongly just assumed Emirates was OW. That's what I get for assuming.
So back to the drawing board. Most of my plans all revolved around using emirates.
Any recommendations on what the best carriers would be, YYZ - BKK. I'm not worried about fuel surcharge, or multiple connections. Looking to experience OW first class, as this will likely be my only time.
Thank you.
So back to the drawing board. Most of my plans all revolved around using emirates.
Any recommendations on what the best carriers would be, YYZ - BKK. I'm not worried about fuel surcharge, or multiple connections. Looking to experience OW first class, as this will likely be my only time.
Thank you.
or better consider
YYZ-JFK (AA) then JFK-HKG on CX and HKG-BKK on CX (no fuel surcharges on CX) and CX has 4 fights per day to HKG --- but F is a bit elusive on CX (also try ex-ORD or LAX) Check the CX route map they fly to several US cities as well as YVR.
If you don't have one of the paid search tools (e.g. KVS or AwardNexus) then join BA and use it to search for awards - you can use QF (ignoring Emirates) but QF dose not show all OW airlines.