anabolism

Just curious, what wording did you use when asking? E.g., did you ask the agent to make q QMAX request, did you ask them to check the automated revenue management tool, ask them to check with revenue management, or ... ?

FlyerBeek

I never used the term "QMAX." I simply asked if they could send a request to revenue management to consider opening up a seat. They mentioned they weren't able to automatically open up a seat, but they'd be happy to send the request over for manual review. In fact, one agent took a look at the exact F loads all the afternoon flights and suggested the best flight to request (my schedule was fairly flexible). Hope that helps.

-FlyerBeek

anabolism

This is exactly what I do as well. I was curious if you used the same phrasing. Only difference is that before I call I usually use EF to pick flights that are wide open in discount categories as well as mid-week, to make things easier.

AwardBee

Sorry to bump an older thread, but just had a couple questions for those in the know:

1. Is this benefit available to PLAT to only EXP?

2. Do you have to book the ticket immediately, or can you request a seat, get it released and keep the itinerary on hold for 5 days?

JonNYC

Definitely not status-specific. As to the 2nd question, dunno for sure.

sukn

No need to ticket immediately. Besides, what is "immediately" in this situation anyway? It is whenever you call back to find out if your request was granted. I've had seats released, left on hold, and then canceled the reservation as plans changed.

AwardBee

I was under the impression that it was an automated process that would give an answer right away, and if that was the case, whether it's necessary to ticket immediately, or the option to hold the released seat.

anabolism

There is an automated process, but most of this discussion is about a manual appeal of the automated system's denial of a request.

AwardBee

Just a follow-up. I asked three agents in the last 24 hours to make a request for a saver award seat LAX-LAS (after returning from Singapore). All three said they couldn't make such requests anymore, although I know this isn't strictly true, because I tried last week on a different itinerary where a request was made and it was denied.

I will probably try again a few more times, but it's getting tiresome.

I just wanted to share that not all agents know they're still allowed, it almost seems like most don't. One even suggested that I just buy a revenue ticket for that last leg, although it is the holidays and such tickets are getting expensive. Not that I could have booked much earlier, because CX seats are often unavailable to till the last minute.

anabolism

Agents have told me that they have been repeatedly reminded that they are not supposed to make such requests except in certain limited circumstances (such as schedule changes). One agent told me she will make a request when asked, but that RM often scolds her for doing so.

JonNYC

Gt a PM just 3 hours ago from a FTer from this forum who had a rather surprising success with a QMAX request just this week.

It definitely still exists and still works, depends on a lot of variables, needless to say.

Jimgotkp

Yup, I was the one who PMed Jon with the update.

I booked an award ticket for two people on the following itinerary: SEA-MSY-MIA-XXX-DFW-LAS-SEA. I wanted to avoid the overnights in MIA and LAS, so I contacted AA for a QMAX request 7 and 12 days before departure. I was told that the request was put in and to follow up with them the following day. I called them the following day and was told that RM denied the request. That same night I put another QMAX request in and noticed it was approved the following day. This meant I was able to get an approval 8 and 11 days before departure.

AwardBee

Called again tonight and got an agent willing to send a QMAX request for an LAX-LAS segment. It came back denied. She then started searching USAirways, Alaska, etc. and then I asked her if I could appeal and she submitted an appeal request for me. I'll call back tomorrow night to see if it was approved.

mediator

Tomorrow's AA1096 (BOS-JFK) shows : F6 A5 P5 Y7 B7 H7 K7 M7 L7 W7 V7 G7 S7 N7 Q5 O1 but nada in award inventory. Asked agent to try QMAX and request the RM to release saver space but no dice. The only way I could do is to change to an earlier flight, then pay $75 for SDC

anabolism

My experience is that much depends on how far out the flight date is, and what the loads are. RM used to be good about releasing award space to complete an itinerary or party, even 11 months out, and even on transcon. Now, JFK-LAX is quite difficult, and many flights more than 10 days away is hard. For flights within 10 days, RM has been willing to open space but rarely on the flights I want (e.g., arriving on CX or QF or EY, they won't give me space on a flight that leaves 3-4 hours after I land, but may on flights that are 7-9 hours later).