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]
May 14, 2014, 5:49 pm
#916
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: SEA, but up and down the coast a lot
Programs: Oceanic Airlines Gold Elite
Posts: 20,397
Just booked award travel and wanted to take advantage of the 120K North Asia in F going around the world before it disappears forever.
ORF-JFK-HKG (destination) -BKK-CMB (stopover) - DOH-PHL-ORF. All legs are in J right now except HKG-BKK is in F and I'm hoping more seats open up in first. (I'm CP so there is no fee to change dates, etc. later). The problem is the rate desk wants to charge me 160K claiming CMB is the destination and HKG is the stopover. It's on hold for 72 hours. I need advice beyond HUACA. If it's going to be that much I would rather do First to Australia/NZ for only 140K!
ORF-JFK-HKG (destination) -BKK-CMB (stopover) - DOH-PHL-ORF. All legs are in J right now except HKG-BKK is in F and I'm hoping more seats open up in first. (I'm CP so there is no fee to change dates, etc. later). The problem is the rate desk wants to charge me 160K claiming CMB is the destination and HKG is the stopover. It's on hold for 72 hours. I need advice beyond HUACA. If it's going to be that much I would rather do First to Australia/NZ for only 140K!
http://www.gcmap.com/mapui?P=ORF-CMB,ORF-HKG
The rate desk is correct, HKG is the stopover, CMB is the destination.
Use DOH as your stopover and you'll be OK. (I can't imagine CX or UL segments would be THAT hard to redo on BKK-CMB-DOH. SE Asia in C is usually wide-open.)
May 15, 2014, 2:09 am
#917
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Berlin, Germany
Programs: Hyatt Privé
Posts: 17
This changed a couple of years ago. A change of cabin once the ticket is issued is considered a change to your ticket, just like a date or routing change; they don't have to redeposit (this is baloney, as long as you paid for F they can reissue in an F cabin), but they will charge $150. The fee will be waived for CP.
Then again, I've had US CS reps say they need to redeposit when I've tried to make changes. Thank them for your time and don't have them do anything, HUACA.
Then again, I've had US CS reps say they need to redeposit when I've tried to make changes. Thank them for your time and don't have them do anything, HUACA.
Even if they found the seats again, the high YQ would be charged, plus an additional 150 USD.
Last edited by Provocateur Travel; May 15, 2014 at 4:29 am
May 15, 2014, 6:16 am
#918
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: 10^7 mm from Ȱ
Programs: Hyatt D/HHonors D/ SPG P/ Marriott P/ IHG P/ UA 1K/ AA EXP/ DL D
Posts: 1,976
OK, tried it again. Agent was supernice - yes no problem, wow there are two F Seats available... - OH NO, you are ticketed, please wait. Supervisor / Tax Desk says it is not possible, miles have to be redeposited and each and ever flight has to be booked again.
Even if they found the seats again, the high YQ would be charged, plus an additional 150 USD.
Even if they found the seats again, the high YQ would be charged, plus an additional 150 USD.
May 15, 2014, 7:36 am
#919
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 224
Perhaps you can rearrange world geography?
http://www.gcmap.com/mapui?P=ORF-CMB,ORF-HKG
The rate desk is correct, HKG is the stopover, CMB is the destination.
Use DOH as your stopover and you'll be OK. (I can't imagine CX or UL segments would be THAT hard to redo on BKK-CMB-DOH. SE Asia in C is usually wide-open.)
http://www.gcmap.com/mapui?P=ORF-CMB,ORF-HKG
The rate desk is correct, HKG is the stopover, CMB is the destination.
Use DOH as your stopover and you'll be OK. (I can't imagine CX or UL segments would be THAT hard to redo on BKK-CMB-DOH. SE Asia in C is usually wide-open.)
So let me be more specific. Should I call back to ticket and hope another agent will book it at the North Asia rate, or should I cancel the itinerary and start over?
May 15, 2014, 8:10 am
#920
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Berlin, Germany
Programs: Hyatt Privé
Posts: 17
May 15, 2014, 8:23 am
#921
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 411
Thanks but I really didn't need a geography lecture. I have award travel coming up IAD-NRT-HAN-HND/NRT-IAD which they only charged me 90K in J (pre devaluation on *A). This forum is full of other itineraries as well where the mileage charge is - shall we say - creative. Besides changing the stopover to DOH doesn't work as a) I want to spend time on a stopover in Sri Lanka, not Qatar, and b) that still would not get me the present sweet spot of 120K for North Asia. in F.
So let me be more specific. Should I call back to ticket and hope another agent will book it at the North Asia rate, or should I cancel the itinerary and start over?
So let me be more specific. Should I call back to ticket and hope another agent will book it at the North Asia rate, or should I cancel the itinerary and start over?
May 15, 2014, 8:34 am
#922
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: 10^7 mm from Ȱ
Programs: Hyatt D/HHonors D/ SPG P/ Marriott P/ IHG P/ UA 1K/ AA EXP/ DL D
Posts: 1,976
Sri Lanka is South Asia as per US airways chart.So as long as you stop there (destination/stop over), you will be charged 160k in F. If you really want to go there, the best thing is make HKG as destination and just buy the HKG-CMB segment and you would be able to get it for 120k in F.
May 15, 2014, 10:05 am
#923
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: SEA, but up and down the coast a lot
Programs: Oceanic Airlines Gold Elite
Posts: 20,397
Thanks but I really didn't need a geography lecture. I have award travel coming up IAD-NRT-HAN-HND/NRT-IAD which they only charged me 90K in J (pre devaluation on *A). This forum is full of other itineraries as well where the mileage charge is - shall we say - creative. Besides changing the stopover to DOH doesn't work as a) I want to spend time on a stopover in Sri Lanka, not Qatar, and b) that still would not get me the present sweet spot of 120K for North Asia. in F.
So let me be more specific. Should I call back to ticket and hope another agent will book it at the North Asia rate, or should I cancel the itinerary and start over?
So let me be more specific. Should I call back to ticket and hope another agent will book it at the North Asia rate, or should I cancel the itinerary and start over?
Well, good luck to you then. Let us know how HUACA or throwing away the award/reticketing a new one/HUACA works out, because it looks like you need to play the "keep calling until you find the US CS rep who doesn't bother with maps, and costs their company money" game.
I'd guess that if your itinerary goes to the rate desk, your odds go down a lot. They might have an actual map or two.
Also, I'd guess your current ticket price is stored.
Last edited by eponymous_coward; May 15, 2014 at 10:16 am
May 15, 2014, 10:27 am
#924
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 224
Ah, you're asking for advice to get something you're very clearly not entitled to by rule, and US is well within their rights to not issue.
Well, good luck to you then. Let us know how HUACA or throwing away the award/reticketing a new one/HUACA works out, because it looks like you need to play the "keep calling until you find the US CS rep who doesn't bother with maps, and costs their company money" game.
I'd guess that if your itinerary goes to the rate desk, your odds go down a lot. They might have an actual map or two.
Also, I'd guess your current ticket price is stored.
Well, good luck to you then. Let us know how HUACA or throwing away the award/reticketing a new one/HUACA works out, because it looks like you need to play the "keep calling until you find the US CS rep who doesn't bother with maps, and costs their company money" game.
I'd guess that if your itinerary goes to the rate desk, your odds go down a lot. They might have an actual map or two.
Also, I'd guess your current ticket price is stored.
May 15, 2014, 11:54 am
#925
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: SEA, but up and down the coast a lot
Programs: Oceanic Airlines Gold Elite
Posts: 20,397
Anyways, you're wasting valuable time when you could be HUACA to try and get what you want. It seems straightforward: dump the existing award, HUACA until you get what you want. Cheers.
May 15, 2014, 11:58 am
#926
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: 10^7 mm from Ȱ
Programs: Hyatt D/HHonors D/ SPG P/ Marriott P/ IHG P/ UA 1K/ AA EXP/ DL D
Posts: 1,976
May 15, 2014, 1:27 pm
#927
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: ZRH/SFO
Programs: A3*G - AZ CFP- HH DIA
Posts: 3,666
Ah, you're asking for advice to get something you're very clearly not entitled to by rule, and US is well within their rights to not issue.
Well, good luck to you then. Let us know how HUACA or throwing away the award/reticketing a new one/HUACA works out, because it looks like you need to play the "keep calling until you find the US CS rep who doesn't bother with maps, and costs their company money" game.
I'd guess that if your itinerary goes to the rate desk, your odds go down a lot. They might have an actual map or two.
Well, good luck to you then. Let us know how HUACA or throwing away the award/reticketing a new one/HUACA works out, because it looks like you need to play the "keep calling until you find the US CS rep who doesn't bother with maps, and costs their company money" game.
I'd guess that if your itinerary goes to the rate desk, your odds go down a lot. They might have an actual map or two.
So the superlative of HUACA will be KCUYFUSCSRWDBWMACTCM... ???
May 15, 2014, 1:50 pm
#928
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 7
Hello, I am asking whether this one is a valid iterney or not.
Chicago -> Berlin, Germany (one stop for 2 days) - > Warsaw, Poland (long stay)
and finally Munich, Germany -> Chicago.
It seems that it is one stop + a open jaw, right? I do not think it is allowed in US Airway award ticket, right?
Chicago -> Berlin, Germany (one stop for 2 days) - > Warsaw, Poland (long stay)
and finally Munich, Germany -> Chicago.
It seems that it is one stop + a open jaw, right? I do not think it is allowed in US Airway award ticket, right?
May 15, 2014, 2:19 pm
#929
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: SEA, but up and down the coast a lot
Programs: Oceanic Airlines Gold Elite
Posts: 20,397
May 15, 2014, 3:44 pm
#930
Moderator: American AAdvantage & Marriott Bonvoy
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: PHX
Programs: American ExPlat; Marriott/SPG Lifetime Plat; Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 8,116
Hello, I am asking whether this one is a valid iterney or not.
Chicago -> Berlin, Germany (one stop for 2 days) - > Warsaw, Poland (long stay)
and finally Munich, Germany -> Chicago.
It seems that it is one stop + a open jaw, right? I do not think it is allowed in US Airway award ticket, right?
Chicago -> Berlin, Germany (one stop for 2 days) - > Warsaw, Poland (long stay)
and finally Munich, Germany -> Chicago.
It seems that it is one stop + a open jaw, right? I do not think it is allowed in US Airway award ticket, right?