Award travel on Etihad or Qatar?
Apr 14, 2015, 8:28 am
#1
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Join Date: May 2014
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Award travel on Etihad or Qatar?
Hey guys, trying to book a trip to Dubai using AAdvantage miles but cant decide between Etihad J and Qatar J (took aadvantage of BA F fare "mistake" on the way back). Both look like they'd be on the 777-300ER or 200LR. Etihad obviously lands at AUH and QR connects via Doha to DXB.
DFW based, but unfortunately both will require connects within the US. I like 1-2-1 on EY but QR's rep seems to be better. I've flown EK J so this isnt my first go-around with the Gulf longhaul.
DFW based, but unfortunately both will require connects within the US. I like 1-2-1 on EY but QR's rep seems to be better. I've flown EK J so this isnt my first go-around with the Gulf longhaul.
Apr 14, 2015, 11:49 am
#2
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: BKK
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Since this question specifically concerns an AAdvantage award redemption, it is more appropriate here in the dedicated American Airlines forum.
Thanks.
Moderator, Information Desk
Thanks.
Moderator, Information Desk
Apr 14, 2015, 3:00 pm
#4
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: SFO
Programs: AA PLT, Marriott Gold
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Flew Etihad J on my honeymoon from AUH-JFK....stellar.
Between the black car service that is included (we used it both in AUH and NYC), and all the trimmings on board and pre-departure, hard to do much better.
I have not flown Qatar yet.
Between the black car service that is included (we used it both in AUH and NYC), and all the trimmings on board and pre-departure, hard to do much better.
I have not flown Qatar yet.
Apr 14, 2015, 3:42 pm
#6
Join Date: Sep 2011
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I'm in a similar boat and leaning towards EY F for the chauffuer service and because I'm planning to spend the bulk of my time in AUH rather than DXB.
I do wish the EY flight was daily because I'm planning to depart on a Wednesday night flight that doesn't arrive until late Thursday and return super early Sunday morning.
One question that I thought of is if I fly DFW-DOH-AUH and book DOH-AUH in "first" is the award cost 62.5k or 90k?
I do wish the EY flight was daily because I'm planning to depart on a Wednesday night flight that doesn't arrive until late Thursday and return super early Sunday morning.
One question that I thought of is if I fly DFW-DOH-AUH and book DOH-AUH in "first" is the award cost 62.5k or 90k?
Apr 14, 2015, 4:08 pm
#7
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: DFW/LAX
Programs: HH Diamond, AA EXP
Posts: 534
My wife and I flew DFW-DOH in QR J last year and loved it, though it is much better suited for 2 people than 1, since otherwise window has to crawl over to get to aisle and there's little to no privacy from your seatmate.
One thing to note is that even if you think you need a connection at the moment in the US, the DFW-DOH could open up later (we got ours booked about 6 days before departure) saving you the connection.
One thing to note is that even if you think you need a connection at the moment in the US, the DFW-DOH could open up later (we got ours booked about 6 days before departure) saving you the connection.
Apr 14, 2015, 4:38 pm
#8
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Apr 14, 2015, 4:40 pm
#9
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Join Date: May 2014
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I'm in a similar boat and leaning towards EY F for the chauffuer service and because I'm planning to spend the bulk of my time in AUH rather than DXB.
I do wish the EY flight was daily because I'm planning to depart on a Wednesday night flight that doesn't arrive until late Thursday and return super early Sunday morning.
One question that I thought of is if I fly DFW-DOH-AUH and book DOH-AUH in "first" is the award cost 62.5k or 90k?
I do wish the EY flight was daily because I'm planning to depart on a Wednesday night flight that doesn't arrive until late Thursday and return super early Sunday morning.
One question that I thought of is if I fly DFW-DOH-AUH and book DOH-AUH in "first" is the award cost 62.5k or 90k?
Last edited by shgroamer; Apr 14, 2015 at 4:42 pm Reason: Misread
Apr 14, 2015, 4:44 pm
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2014
Location: DFW
Programs: AA EXP (probably nothing w/ AA next year :)), Delta Platinum, Marriott Titanium, Hilton Gold
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My connection in JFK is a pain to get to (connect w 3 hr layover in Raleigh, all in Y), but there's availability from dfw-lga. Wonder if the black car will do an airport transfer?
Apr 14, 2015, 4:49 pm
#11
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Yeah I just am worried waiting that long. If I book awards now, can I change at no charge later if more availability opens up? I know if origin and destination are the same you can but not sure about eliminating connections.
Apr 14, 2015, 4:59 pm
#12
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If it's a J award, you will be able to ticket it at 62.5k, just make sure the AAgent understands that the DOH-AUH segment is a 2 class flight where F is really J, similar to most domestic flights in the USA. I ran into this last year on an award and it wasn't a problem.
Apr 14, 2015, 5:04 pm
#13
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QR doesn't offer chauffeur drive.
EY would let you go LGA-JFK for the pickup, though the main issue will be that the driver has to meet you at a certain time, usually not more than 5 hours in advance of your JFK flight. The driver also does not stay indefinitely. And with how delay prone LGA can be, it would be tough to say you'll be there at a particular 20-30 minute window if flying in, without planning to get in well before the pickup time, which results in a lot of sitting around for you at LGA.
EY would let you go LGA-JFK for the pickup, though the main issue will be that the driver has to meet you at a certain time, usually not more than 5 hours in advance of your JFK flight. The driver also does not stay indefinitely. And with how delay prone LGA can be, it would be tough to say you'll be there at a particular 20-30 minute window if flying in, without planning to get in well before the pickup time, which results in a lot of sitting around for you at LGA.
Apr 14, 2015, 5:07 pm
#14
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However if you tried to switch to EY DFW-AUH or DFW-JFK-AUH etc. you would be charged the $150 fee since EY is not oneworld and you're changing your destination to AUH.
Apr 14, 2015, 5:12 pm
#15
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