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]
Feb 18, 2015, 1:55 am
#3466
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 44,624
Class used for award flights depends on the airline. Qantas does indeed use P for 1st Class awards
Feb 18, 2015, 9:52 am
#3467
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 17
Well, not through the Japan number, as it turned out to be an AA only call center. Not sure why US even lists the number on their website. I'm planning to try the standard reservations line later, but I've been stuck in meetings all day. ugh. Let me know if you try another call center. Would lkve to hear about it. According to the thread in this forum, it works like a charm for most.
Feb 18, 2015, 10:28 am
#3468
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 5
Well, not through the Japan number, as it turned out to be an AA only call center. Not sure why US even lists the number on their website. I'm planning to try the standard reservations line later, but I've been stuck in meetings all day. ugh. Let me know if you try another call center. Would lkve to hear about it. According to the thread in this forum, it works like a charm for most.
I've tried the UK and Canada numbers so far -- just keeps ringing and then disconnecting (I'm trying to use Rebtel-- which appears to be having issues of its own)
If anyone has any tips on calling international centers, that would be much appreciated!
Feb 18, 2015, 10:30 am
#3469
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Between AMS and BRU
Posts: 8,852
I called the Belgium number yesterday....
Feb 18, 2015, 10:55 am
#3470
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 5
Update.
Dug around the forums a little, and found this info.
I tried this and got through instantly to someone. We went through the entire itinerary, was placed on hold for 10 minutes, and he came back and said he was unable to get approval to book the ticket because the booking offices are closed (?).
Received a confirmation number however and he advised me to call back tomorrow. I may try mumbling my way through the main number to see if I can get an agent that'll book it...
Dug around the forums a little, and found this info.
Received a confirmation number however and he advised me to call back tomorrow. I may try mumbling my way through the main number to see if I can get an agent that'll book it...
Feb 18, 2015, 12:37 pm
#3471
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,900
Does anyone have any idea for a creative routing from CGK -> LAX?
I need to extend my trip by a day and theres no availability on Cathay, Currently going CGK->HKG-> LAX.
I already have 2 seats in Cathay First class so I may just keep that if I cant find something comparable
I need to extend my trip by a day and theres no availability on Cathay, Currently going CGK->HKG-> LAX.
I already have 2 seats in Cathay First class so I may just keep that if I cant find something comparable
Feb 18, 2015, 12:51 pm
#3472
Join Date: Nov 2006
Programs: AA MM PP, MR LT Plat, Globalist
Posts: 1,004
Lax-pvg mpm?
I posted earlier about my successful booking SNA-DFW-LHR-CDG/ORY-LHR-PVG (12155 miles). Last year, I made another US-Europe-Asia booking totaling 12672 miles.
It seems both routings exceed the MPM, even though US accepts routings < 125% of MPM. Can anyone with EF or KVS subscription provide the MPM for LAX-PVG?
It seems both routings exceed the MPM, even though US accepts routings < 125% of MPM. Can anyone with EF or KVS subscription provide the MPM for LAX-PVG?
Feb 18, 2015, 1:12 pm
#3473
Join Date: Aug 2004
Programs: AA (EP), Hilton (Diamond), Marriott Bonvoy (Titanium)
Posts: 8,937
I posted earlier about my successful booking SNA-DFW-LHR-CDG/ORY-LHR-PVG (12155 miles). Last year, I made another US-Europe-Asia booking totaling 12672 miles.
It seems both routings exceed the MPM, even though US accepts routings < 125% of MPM. Can anyone with EF or KVS subscription provide the MPM for LAX-PVG?
It seems both routings exceed the MPM, even though US accepts routings < 125% of MPM. Can anyone with EF or KVS subscription provide the MPM for LAX-PVG?
Results from ExpertFlyer.com
Code:
Maximum Permitted Mileage:
Airports: LAX-PVG
Maximum Permitted Mileage
LAXSHA-YY 18FEB15
TICKETED POINT SURCHARGES APPLY.
GI M 5M 10M 15M 20M 25M
MPM AT 14432 15153 15875 16596 17318 18040
MPM PA 7778 8166 8555 8944 9333 9722
.
Calculated Sector Mileage
LAX YY SHA /18FEB15
*************************************************************
CTY GI TPM CUM MPM EMS DED LAST NEXT 25M
LAX 1
1. SHA 3 PA 6482 6482 7778 0M 0 0 1296 9722
Feb 18, 2015, 3:40 pm
#3474
Suspended
Join Date: Apr 2011
Programs: RIP
Posts: 506
Tried booking a simple MAN-LHR-KUL return on Malaysian F. (BA feeder)
Seats found on expertflyer, US agents could see them, but first two incl multiple holds had all flights come back unavailable. That was actually all booking classes, all dates.
3rd agent said he had to access regular inventory, and use P, and not look via the regular awards inventory. After quite a few holds, he managed to ticket it, gave MH booking ref and e-ticket number. Saudi site shows all good, US sent e-mail conf with all good. Booking not found on MH site. Called MH to get seats. Booking ref shows waitlisted. It sounded though that he could see e-ticket and it showed confirmed. Advised me to call US, ask them to confer with One World help desk, and have ticket revalidated.
Called US and agent talked to OW helpdesk. Couldnt book it. Suggested skipping MH altogether. Trying new dates, found seats, same procedure.
Wait.
But immediately came back as unavailable. She couldnt say what would have happened if I showed up at airport with confirmed e-ticket and possibly even flown into LHR!?
Do we have success stories with MH here? The one post linked in wiki is the only I found suggesting it.
Seats found on expertflyer, US agents could see them, but first two incl multiple holds had all flights come back unavailable. That was actually all booking classes, all dates.
3rd agent said he had to access regular inventory, and use P, and not look via the regular awards inventory. After quite a few holds, he managed to ticket it, gave MH booking ref and e-ticket number. Saudi site shows all good, US sent e-mail conf with all good. Booking not found on MH site. Called MH to get seats. Booking ref shows waitlisted. It sounded though that he could see e-ticket and it showed confirmed. Advised me to call US, ask them to confer with One World help desk, and have ticket revalidated.
Called US and agent talked to OW helpdesk. Couldnt book it. Suggested skipping MH altogether. Trying new dates, found seats, same procedure.
Wait.
But immediately came back as unavailable. She couldnt say what would have happened if I showed up at airport with confirmed e-ticket and possibly even flown into LHR!?
Do we have success stories with MH here? The one post linked in wiki is the only I found suggesting it.
Last edited by skaya; Feb 18, 2015 at 5:01 pm
Feb 18, 2015, 4:10 pm
#3475
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: AU
Programs: former Olympic Airways Gold (yeah - still proud of that!)
Posts: 14,408
Tried booking a simple MAN-LHR-KUL return on MH F. (BA feeder)
Seats found on expertflyer, US agents could see them, but first two incl multiple holds had all flights come back unavailable. That was actually all booking classes, all dates.
3rd agent said he had to access regular inventory, and use P, and not look via the regular awards inventory. After quite a few holds, he managed to ticket it, gave MH booking ref and e-ticket number. Saudi site shows all good, US sent e-mail conf with all good. Booking not found on MH site. Called MH to get seats. Booking ref shows waitlisted. It sounded though that he could see e-ticket and it showed confirmed. Advised me to call US, ask them to confer with One World help desk, and have ticket revalidated.
Called US and agent talked to OW helpdesk. Couldnt book it. Suggested skipping MH altogether. Trying new dates, found seats, same procedure.
Wait.
But immediately came back as unavailable. She couldnt say what would have happened if I showed up at airport with confirmed e-ticket and possibly even flown into LHR!?
Do we have success stories with MH here? The one post linked in wiki is the only I found suggesting it.
Seats found on expertflyer, US agents could see them, but first two incl multiple holds had all flights come back unavailable. That was actually all booking classes, all dates.
3rd agent said he had to access regular inventory, and use P, and not look via the regular awards inventory. After quite a few holds, he managed to ticket it, gave MH booking ref and e-ticket number. Saudi site shows all good, US sent e-mail conf with all good. Booking not found on MH site. Called MH to get seats. Booking ref shows waitlisted. It sounded though that he could see e-ticket and it showed confirmed. Advised me to call US, ask them to confer with One World help desk, and have ticket revalidated.
Called US and agent talked to OW helpdesk. Couldnt book it. Suggested skipping MH altogether. Trying new dates, found seats, same procedure.
Wait.
But immediately came back as unavailable. She couldnt say what would have happened if I showed up at airport with confirmed e-ticket and possibly even flown into LHR!?
Do we have success stories with MH here? The one post linked in wiki is the only I found suggesting it.
This is the third time I have read agents 'requesting flights' and on each occasion they have come back 'unavailable' (ie after a period of waiting for MH to respond).
It would seem if the agent wants to request seats, you're better off saving the wait and just looking for something else.
Booking MH is certainly possible - lots of people have. But the 'request' process seems to be causing at least some people issues.
Last edited by LHR/MEL/Europe FF; Feb 19, 2015 at 12:05 am Reason: edited post to reflect it has been moved over from the star alliance thread.
Feb 18, 2015, 4:18 pm
#3476
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: WLG/BKK
Programs: TG*G, NZ*GE, QF G, Accor Gold
Posts: 10,212
open-jaw at origin, from different regions
Hi all, amongst the excellent info here (as at recent *A escapee) I'm struggling to find if it is possible to book an award which is open-jaw at origin, with two different geographic areas.
Specifically, is the following (sample) routing allowable:
ICN-HKG-AKL//AKL-HKG-BKK
The Nth Asia to Pacific (ICN-AKL) and Pacific to South Asis (AKL-BKK) both have the same points cost in all classes.
Bring on the AA one-way awards, I say!
Thanks, TK
Specifically, is the following (sample) routing allowable:
ICN-HKG-AKL//AKL-HKG-BKK
The Nth Asia to Pacific (ICN-AKL) and Pacific to South Asis (AKL-BKK) both have the same points cost in all classes.
Bring on the AA one-way awards, I say!
Thanks, TK
Feb 18, 2015, 4:23 pm
#3477
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: AU
Programs: former Olympic Airways Gold (yeah - still proud of that!)
Posts: 14,408
Hi all, amongst the excellent info here (as at recent *A escapee) I'm struggling to find if it is possible to book an award which is open-jaw at origin, with two different geographic areas.
Specifically, is the following (sample) routing allowable:
ICN-HKG-AKL//AKL-HKG-BKK
The Nth Asia to Pacific (ICN-AKL) and Pacific to South Asis (AKL-BKK) both have the same points cost in all classes.
Bring on the AA one-way awards, I say!
Thanks, TK
Specifically, is the following (sample) routing allowable:
ICN-HKG-AKL//AKL-HKG-BKK
The Nth Asia to Pacific (ICN-AKL) and Pacific to South Asis (AKL-BKK) both have the same points cost in all classes.
Bring on the AA one-way awards, I say!
Thanks, TK
Feb 18, 2015, 4:33 pm
#3478
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Canada
Programs: UA*1K MM SK EBG LATAM BL
Posts: 23,314
Feb 18, 2015, 4:39 pm
#3479
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: WLG/BKK
Programs: TG*G, NZ*GE, QF G, Accor Gold
Posts: 10,212
TK
Feb 18, 2015, 10:40 pm
#3480
Join Date: Nov 2006
Programs: AA MM PP, MR LT Plat, Globalist
Posts: 1,004
For LAX-PVG routing across atlantic, it appears MPM * 125% is 18K miles. That's quite a high limit. So MPM wasn't a factor when agent rejected my original routing: LA-DFW-LHR-PAR-HKG-PVG(dest.)-HKG-LA. Rather it appears to be the backtracking thru HKG. But then how did the 2nd agent accept and ticket LA-DFW-LHR-PAR-LHR-PVG(dest.)-HKG-LA?
Here's what EF says:
Results from ExpertFlyer.com
Results from ExpertFlyer.com
Code:
Maximum Permitted Mileage:
Airports: LAX-PVG
Maximum Permitted Mileage
LAXSHA-YY 18FEB15
TICKETED POINT SURCHARGES APPLY.
GI M 5M 10M 15M 20M 25M
MPM AT 14432 15153 15875 16596 17318 18040
MPM PA 7778 8166 8555 8944 9333 9722
.
Calculated Sector Mileage
LAX YY SHA /18FEB15
*************************************************************
CTY GI TPM CUM MPM EMS DED LAST NEXT 25M
LAX 1
1. SHA 3 PA 6482 6482 7778 0M 0 0 1296 9722