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 30, 2015, 1:35 pm
#4382
Join Date: Aug 2004
Programs: AA (EP), Hilton (Diamond), Marriott Bonvoy (Titanium)
Posts: 8,937
Nov 30, 2015, 5:00 pm
#4384
Join Date: Aug 2004
Programs: AA (EP), Hilton (Diamond), Marriott Bonvoy (Titanium)
Posts: 8,937
Dec 1, 2015, 12:26 am
#4385
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: USA
Programs: AA LT Plat, UA LT Gold, HH Diamond, Marriott LT Gold
Posts: 956
I wonder if the time out of your life you're going to spend arguing your federal case with AA and the DOT is going to be more than the extra 3 hours you'd spend going to and from Midland instead of Amarillo.
You're arguing over pretty small potatoes. But I suppose it's a matter of principle as you see it, despite what has been pointed out (that AA stated it wasn't going to allow certain changes to US ticketed awards after the US program was shut down in March).
You're arguing over pretty small potatoes. But I suppose it's a matter of principle as you see it, despite what has been pointed out (that AA stated it wasn't going to allow certain changes to US ticketed awards after the US program was shut down in March).
Dec 1, 2015, 12:30 am
#4386
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: USA
Programs: AA LT Plat, UA LT Gold, HH Diamond, Marriott LT Gold
Posts: 956
Today, I received an e-mail from the DOT and really impressed on how quickly my complaint was attended. Let's see how AA will respond now that the DOT is involved.
Dec 1, 2015, 1:44 am
#4387
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 44,605
USDM no longer exists and only limited changes are permitted without reissuing a new award
Dec 1, 2015, 9:19 am
#4388
Join Date: Aug 2004
Programs: AA (EP), Hilton (Diamond), Marriott Bonvoy (Titanium)
Posts: 8,937
How many more miles would it cost if the award were reissued using AA award charts?
Dec 15, 2015, 9:20 pm
#4389
Join Date: Mar 2011
Programs: Marriott LT Platinum+Titanium Elite, Hyatt Globalist, AA EXP, Delta Plat, United Silver, AX Biz Cent
Posts: 705
I have an upcoming First Class "Mini-RTW" from a US Airways award, MIA-LHR-CDG-HND-JFK-MIA.
Originally this was booked as MIA-LHR-CDG-DOH-HND-JFK-MIA. A few months ago, Qatar airways did an equipment change on CDG-DOH which eliminated first class ... At that point, I had AA change it to MIA-LHR-CDG-HEL-NRT-JFK-MIA as the reviews for Qatar's business class on that route was pretty terrible, and the JAL 787 from HEL-NRT looked far better, but still not first class.
I was told at the time that I made that change, that if a first class routing did open up, I would be able to make a change to that again without problems or fees. I asked the AA agent to note that in the reservation.
Yesterday, nonstop F on CDG-HND opened up, and I called to get it changed. Was given a lot of resistance, but ultimately, I was able to get this change done.
I think the only reason they allowed it was because they saw the notes from the prior agent said that they would.
Originally this was booked as MIA-LHR-CDG-DOH-HND-JFK-MIA. A few months ago, Qatar airways did an equipment change on CDG-DOH which eliminated first class ... At that point, I had AA change it to MIA-LHR-CDG-HEL-NRT-JFK-MIA as the reviews for Qatar's business class on that route was pretty terrible, and the JAL 787 from HEL-NRT looked far better, but still not first class.
I was told at the time that I made that change, that if a first class routing did open up, I would be able to make a change to that again without problems or fees. I asked the AA agent to note that in the reservation.
Yesterday, nonstop F on CDG-HND opened up, and I called to get it changed. Was given a lot of resistance, but ultimately, I was able to get this change done.
I think the only reason they allowed it was because they saw the notes from the prior agent said that they would.
Dec 18, 2015, 12:02 pm
#4390
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: USA
Programs: AA LT Plat, UA LT Gold, HH Diamond, Marriott LT Gold
Posts: 956
So after involving DOT, here's what AA is now saying that the original rules have not change. As of this posting, I am on hold waiting for AA to make the change.
So finally, my departure city was changed and I even got a better routing with the help of a former US Airways Supervisor. However, before the change, she asked me where I found the US Airways rules and I gave the link, thanks to LBJ .
...........................................
December 16, 2015
Dear Mr. Blueslip:
The Department of Transportation Aviation Consumer Protection Division has forwarded your recent correspondence regarding your booking experience with us. On behalf of American Airlines, I appreciate the opportunity to address the issues you encountered while booking with American Airlines.
We regret any trouble you have encountered in making changes to your reward ticket. We would like to confirm that the policy to make changes to your ticket has not changed. In normal circumstances you are permitted to make changes to any of your flights as long as the carrier is within the oneworld® alliance and the change is made prior to departure. I understand that our AAdvantage® desk has denied you the ability to do this with you reservation XXXXXX. ..... We apologize for any inconvenience this has caused you.
For more information or to review your options regarding this reservation, please contact our AAdvantage® Executive Platinum Help Desk at 1-800-843-6200.
Mr. Blueslip, we appreciate your giving us the opportunity to explain our position. Please travel with us again soon -- it would be our privilege to welcome you aboard.
Sincerely,
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
Customer Relations
American Airlines
So finally, my departure city was changed and I even got a better routing with the help of a former US Airways Supervisor. However, before the change, she asked me where I found the US Airways rules and I gave the link, thanks to LBJ .
...........................................
December 16, 2015
Dear Mr. Blueslip:
The Department of Transportation Aviation Consumer Protection Division has forwarded your recent correspondence regarding your booking experience with us. On behalf of American Airlines, I appreciate the opportunity to address the issues you encountered while booking with American Airlines.
We regret any trouble you have encountered in making changes to your reward ticket. We would like to confirm that the policy to make changes to your ticket has not changed. In normal circumstances you are permitted to make changes to any of your flights as long as the carrier is within the oneworld® alliance and the change is made prior to departure. I understand that our AAdvantage® desk has denied you the ability to do this with you reservation XXXXXX. ..... We apologize for any inconvenience this has caused you.
For more information or to review your options regarding this reservation, please contact our AAdvantage® Executive Platinum Help Desk at 1-800-843-6200.
Mr. Blueslip, we appreciate your giving us the opportunity to explain our position. Please travel with us again soon -- it would be our privilege to welcome you aboard.
Sincerely,
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
Customer Relations
American Airlines
Last edited by blueslip; Dec 18, 2015 at 2:50 pm Reason: Updated resolution
Dec 18, 2015, 3:44 pm
#4391
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: SEA, but up and down the coast a lot
Programs: Oceanic Airlines Gold Elite
Posts: 20,394
- shrug -
Dec 20, 2015, 8:13 am
#4392
Join Date: Mar 2011
Programs: Marriott LT Platinum+Titanium Elite, Hyatt Globalist, AA EXP, Delta Plat, United Silver, AX Biz Cent
Posts: 705
Chance of an award getting changed at the airport to a different same-day flight?
I have an upcoming Oneworld award (mini-rtw from USAir) for my wife and me on one booking, and a friend on another. The award is Saver First, with all legs confirmed first for me, and most legs confirmed first for my friend, except for the very first leg.
On that first leg (MIA-LHR), my wife and I are on one flight (772) in First, and friend is on another (77W) flight 2 hours earlier in Business. There appears to be a wide-open First cabin on both flights in First based on what will sell for revenue and seatmap. The Business cabins are not wide-open but do have availability on both flights.
Is there any chance if I show up to the airport 2 hours earlier than I normally would to ask the Flagship First check-in desk to put the three of us together in a first class cabin on either flight, that they would accommodate it? The second version we would probably accept is the three of us in business on the 77W -- I don't want to put anyone on the 772 Business if I can avoid it.
I of course don't want to risk breaking anything later on in the trip, as it continue on to JAL F.
Thanks in advance for your advice!
On that first leg (MIA-LHR), my wife and I are on one flight (772) in First, and friend is on another (77W) flight 2 hours earlier in Business. There appears to be a wide-open First cabin on both flights in First based on what will sell for revenue and seatmap. The Business cabins are not wide-open but do have availability on both flights.
Is there any chance if I show up to the airport 2 hours earlier than I normally would to ask the Flagship First check-in desk to put the three of us together in a first class cabin on either flight, that they would accommodate it? The second version we would probably accept is the three of us in business on the 77W -- I don't want to put anyone on the 772 Business if I can avoid it.
I of course don't want to risk breaking anything later on in the trip, as it continue on to JAL F.
Thanks in advance for your advice!
Dec 20, 2015, 8:32 am
#4393
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2001
Programs: DL 1 million, AA 1 mil, HH lapsed Diamond, Marriott Plat
Posts: 28,190
AA's same day flight change page describes the opportunity to re-ticket award flights. Standby is rather limited on international itins.
Dec 21, 2015, 8:38 am
#4394
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: SFO
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 62
Finally wrapping up my final US Airways award in F - the gift that keeps giving with each call to the EXP desk:
JFK-LHR on AA 77W
(layover)
LHR-DXB-MEL on QF A380
(dest)
MEL-SYD on QF, was able to SDC to the reconfig'ed A330
(technicality: SDC made this 23.5 hr layover a 24 hr stopover)
SYD-HKG on QF A380 (operated as 2 class, but assigned F seat)
(stopover)
HKG-SFO on CX
(now a stopover after sched. change)
SFO-JFK on AA 321T
Originally, the SFO-JFK was a dummy leg to complete the itin, but a schedule change allowed me to push it back two weeks to when I actually need to fly it.
Thank you US Airways for this amazing 3 stop RTW for 140k+$200 in taxes, for all the PJs and amenity kits, and for the ever incompetent agents that made this all possible!
JFK-LHR on AA 77W
(layover)
LHR-DXB-MEL on QF A380
(dest)
MEL-SYD on QF, was able to SDC to the reconfig'ed A330
(technicality: SDC made this 23.5 hr layover a 24 hr stopover)
SYD-HKG on QF A380 (operated as 2 class, but assigned F seat)
(stopover)
HKG-SFO on CX
(now a stopover after sched. change)
SFO-JFK on AA 321T
Originally, the SFO-JFK was a dummy leg to complete the itin, but a schedule change allowed me to push it back two weeks to when I actually need to fly it.
Thank you US Airways for this amazing 3 stop RTW for 140k+$200 in taxes, for all the PJs and amenity kits, and for the ever incompetent agents that made this all possible!
Dec 22, 2015, 8:24 am
#4395
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: US
Programs: AAdvantage
Posts: 1,753
If the award is MileSAAver First and there is Z inventory available on the flight, they should be able to confirm the three of you.
Award tickets are not my forte, but I don't think that there's any penalty for changing to a different flight on the same day if the routing and inventory don't change.
Award tickets are not my forte, but I don't think that there's any penalty for changing to a different flight on the same day if the routing and inventory don't change.