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 7, 2014, 3:30 pm
#2476
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: YYZ
Programs: Super Elite 100K, Mariott Ambassador Elite,
Posts: 231
You can consider: YYZ-LHR (on BA - depending on date you can get F) the LHR-BKK on BA as well
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.
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.
Thanks your help.
Nov 7, 2014, 11:12 pm
#2477
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Florida
Posts: 29,767
You can consider: YYZ-LHR (on BA - depending on date you can get F) the LHR-BKK on BA as well
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.
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.
Last edited by Happy; Nov 8, 2014 at 10:57 am
Nov 8, 2014, 8:05 am
#2478
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: FLL
Programs: US CP, AA Plat, DL Silver, EY Gold, Kimpton IC, SPG Plat
Posts: 409
I just received a schedule change for my January flight LAX-MIA. Originally AA28 operated by a 777 3-class plane, now moved to a A321 2-class 3-hours later. Same flight number.
I booked it as a US award and I'm getting the run around between US and AA as there is no Saver F space now on the 3-class flight.
I don't want to arrive in miami after the trains stop running and I really don't want to spend 3 more hours (7 total) in LAX. Not to mention I've never tried AA 3-class service!
Anyone have advice for recourse? Don't accept the schedule change and wait/pray for a F saver seat to open up?
This whole operating as two airlines business is frustrating. I've been transferred between companies half a dozen times only to hear "we can't do anything."
Advanced thanks!
I booked it as a US award and I'm getting the run around between US and AA as there is no Saver F space now on the 3-class flight.
I don't want to arrive in miami after the trains stop running and I really don't want to spend 3 more hours (7 total) in LAX. Not to mention I've never tried AA 3-class service!
Anyone have advice for recourse? Don't accept the schedule change and wait/pray for a F saver seat to open up?
This whole operating as two airlines business is frustrating. I've been transferred between companies half a dozen times only to hear "we can't do anything."
Advanced thanks!
Nov 8, 2014, 12:10 pm
#2479
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: ZRH/SFO
Programs: A3*G - AZ CFP- HH DIA
Posts: 3,666
Would have been too nice to find a loophole in the USDM rules for a change after departure
...
Nov 10, 2014, 6:29 am
#2480
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: BWI
Programs: Everyone!
Posts: 1,024
I am just starting to work on my next trip and first since our transition to OW. The whole stopover verbiage in the membership guide is pretty vague ("One stopover per US Airways gateway or international destination, or in a partner hub city..") and there is currently nothing in the WIKI. Searching this thread I did find a reference to this posting:
http://onemileatatime.boardingarea.c...oneworld-hubs/
As far as getting a list of permissable stopver cities, is this still accurate and the best source, and should we add it to the WIKI?
http://onemileatatime.boardingarea.c...oneworld-hubs/
As far as getting a list of permissable stopver cities, is this still accurate and the best source, and should we add it to the WIKI?
Nov 10, 2014, 7:15 am
#2481
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: AU
Programs: former Olympic Airways Gold (yeah - still proud of that!)
Posts: 14,408
I am just starting to work on my next trip and first since our transition to OW. The whole stopover verbiage in the membership guide is pretty vague ("One stopover per US Airways gateway or international destination, or in a partner hub city..") and there is currently nothing in the WIKI. Searching this thread I did find a reference to this posting:
http://onemileatatime.boardingarea.c...oneworld-hubs/
As far as getting a list of permissable stopver cities, is this still accurate and the best source, and should we add it to the WIKI?
http://onemileatatime.boardingarea.c...oneworld-hubs/
As far as getting a list of permissable stopver cities, is this still accurate and the best source, and should we add it to the WIKI?
That's pretty much the capital city (and maybe another major city depending on the airline) in each of the countries of oneworld partners. the list you linked seems fairly accurate, with the exception that Sri Lankan airlines is now a member, so you can stop in Colombo.
Nov 10, 2014, 8:01 am
#2482
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: FLL
Programs: US CP, AA Plat, DL Silver, EY Gold, Kimpton IC, SPG Plat
Posts: 409
Has anyone successfully dealt with an AA schedule change for a USDM ticket?
I've HAUCA'ed four times so far and supervisors at both US and AA point the finger to the other company. I've asked them to conference in each other and they simply refuse. I've also sent letters to AA asking them to open F saver inventory but no response yet.
I've HAUCA'ed four times so far and supervisors at both US and AA point the finger to the other company. I've asked them to conference in each other and they simply refuse. I've also sent letters to AA asking them to open F saver inventory but no response yet.
Nov 11, 2014, 9:19 pm
#2483
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: NYC
Programs: Gold DL, Silver UA, Hyatt Platinum
Posts: 255
What is the best way to look for availability on Qatar Airways? AA doesn't show it.
Nov 11, 2014, 10:16 pm
#2484
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Programs: Flying: VA; Buying: AA, AS, AV, BA, UA!
Posts: 2,349
Nov 11, 2014, 10:22 pm
#2485
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: YYZ-HKT-CWL
Programs: aeroplan E .HH.
Posts: 994
Book then change Rtn. dates ? 330 days out
We hope to travel Nov2015 and return April2015. Our old strategy with US. Was to ticket avl 'wanted 'out bound seats and 'any ' return. Then wait the 60-150days for the pos release of suitable 'wanted' return flights ( willingly paying the$150 change fees) We wish to fly F Nov1-15. 2015. yyz-jfk-hkg . Hkg-hkt s/o hkt-doh-cdg-ord-Yyz. 120,000 miles . Rtn Apl 10-20. 2015. What strategy would Fters recommend ?
Nov 11, 2014, 10:53 pm
#2486
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: NYC
Programs: Gold DL, Silver UA, Hyatt Platinum
Posts: 255
Nov 11, 2014, 11:21 pm
#2487
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Programs: Flying: VA; Buying: AA, AS, AV, BA, UA!
Posts: 2,349
Similarly, DOH-JFK showed up 16th June also.
Nov 12, 2014, 3:23 am
#2488
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Programs: BA Silver, EY Gold, HH Diamond, IHG Plat
Posts: 12,210
Qatar is really bad at giving award seats. Some routes they give 4 seats everyday and some routes a patchy few seats all year. Also remember BA.com is bad at showing awards with connections. Better to search segment by segment.
Nov 12, 2014, 3:25 am
#2489
Join Date: Aug 2011
Programs: A3 *S
Posts: 87
Involuntary Schedule Change on Partner Flight on US Airways Award Ticket
I have a USDM award itinerary booked, and travel has already begun. All flights are on Air Berlin and Cathay Pacific.
Now one of the Air Berlin flights have had an involuntary change which doesn't work with my schedule.
I called USDM to try and book an alternative flight, but the agent told me to call Air Berlin instead as they couldn't do anything about it.
This doesn't seem correct to me, as USDM is the ticketing entity. I doubt AirBerlin will do anything for me at all.
How should I deal with this? What do I say to USDM?
My thanks in advance for any help.
Now one of the Air Berlin flights have had an involuntary change which doesn't work with my schedule.
I called USDM to try and book an alternative flight, but the agent told me to call Air Berlin instead as they couldn't do anything about it.
This doesn't seem correct to me, as USDM is the ticketing entity. I doubt AirBerlin will do anything for me at all.
How should I deal with this? What do I say to USDM?
My thanks in advance for any help.
Nov 12, 2014, 4:06 am
#2490
Moderator: American AAdvantage, Signatures
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: London, England
Programs: UA 1K, Hilton Diamond, IHG Diamond Ambassador, National Exec, AA EXP Emeritus
Posts: 9,765
As Dividend Miles is still operating as a distinct programme, this question is being moved over to the pre-merger US Airways forum.
Please note the announcement at the top of the consolidated thread which is titled PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING: NEW AMERICAN / AA and US Pre-Merger FORUM STRUCTURE. With all of the changes about, it is important to know where to post, and reading that thread before posting (as the title suggests
) will help get you in the right place.
~Moderator
Please note the announcement at the top of the consolidated thread which is titled PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING: NEW AMERICAN / AA and US Pre-Merger FORUM STRUCTURE. With all of the changes about, it is important to know where to post, and reading that thread before posting (as the title suggests
) will help get you in the right place.~Moderator