Sep 8, 2017, 4:48 pm
Last edit by: thorofare
American Airlines "Special Fares" and EQD Earning
Link to aa.com Special fares: Earning Award Miles and Elite Qualifying Credits
"Special Fares" include some fares sold by other than AA, such as those sold in conjunction with a travel lodging package by AA Vacations, and those purchased with credit card points, such as Thank You Points and Membership Rewards points.
Like oneworld partner (and Alaska Airlines through 31 Dec 2017) fares, these earn Elite Qualifying Dollars based on a percentage of base miles / miles flown / flight distance and the fare class purchased.
Flights booked using Thank You Points, Membership Rewards, etc. where the cardholder is essentially buying your ticket most often are special fares as well.
NOTE: EQD credit varies for "Special Fares" (e.g. AA Vacations), and the chart for those changed on 1 Jan 2019. See here.
Link to aa.com Special fares: Earning Award Miles and Elite Qualifying Credits
"Special Fares" include some fares sold by other than AA, such as those sold in conjunction with a travel lodging package by AA Vacations, and those purchased with credit card points, such as Thank You Points and Membership Rewards points.
Like oneworld partner (and Alaska Airlines through 31 Dec 2017) fares, these earn Elite Qualifying Dollars based on a percentage of base miles / miles flown / flight distance and the fare class purchased.
Flights booked using Thank You Points, Membership Rewards, etc. where the cardholder is essentially buying your ticket most often are special fares as well.
NOTE: EQD credit varies for "Special Fares" (e.g. AA Vacations), and the chart for those changed on 1 Jan 2019. See here.
AA "Special Fare" (AA Vacations, TYP, MR, etc.) Questions, EQD, Issues (merged)
Dec 12, 2018, 8:09 am
#376
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,483
Yes, if you click Advanced Search on the main page, on the next page you'll see a check-box for "Hotel dates different from flight dates."
Dec 12, 2018, 5:37 pm
#377
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 27
I got the a reply to my request. Looks like I was wrong on my booking being special fare, the reply confirmed the ticket should be fare based and cannot be changed to be distance based.
Thanks for all the reply and help, I guess I need to ask my travel agent for all the fare rules when I book in the future.
Thanks for all the reply and help, I guess I need to ask my travel agent for all the fare rules when I book in the future.
The travel agent also suggest AA flight out of certain airport will never have special fare and that varies from year to year.
Dec 12, 2018, 9:35 pm
#378
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Everywhere
Programs: AA EXP - 3.7MM, Bonv LIFETIME Titan, HH Dmd, Hyatt Glob., Priority Clb Dmd, Ntnl Exec El., Sixt PLT
Posts: 1,680
I found out something I hadn't anticipated. EQD's posted as a percentage of miles flown do NOT reflect a 500-mile minimum.
On a recent trip I flew a 236-mile segment in I*, and it posted as 47 EQD rather than the 100 I had expected. It could have been catastrophic because it left me 11 EQD short of the next tier, but I have credit card dollars posting next week.
On a recent trip I flew a 236-mile segment in I*, and it posted as 47 EQD rather than the 100 I had expected. It could have been catastrophic because it left me 11 EQD short of the next tier, but I have credit card dollars posting next week.
Dec 22, 2018, 5:20 pm
#379
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: SJC
Programs: AA EXP, Hilton Diamond, Hertz PC
Posts: 181
I cannot find any bulk/wholesale fares on the Citi TYP. Can anyone confirm whether this is also the case with Chase/Amex? If so, it would seem that AA has stopped distributing wholesale fares through credit card portals.
Dec 22, 2018, 7:26 pm
#380
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: NYC/PHX
Programs: IATA, Sabre, AvgeekAgent
Posts: 1,958
I don't use these portals and cannot confirm, but it's maybe it's possible that existing contracts have been deactivated while they are in the process up uploading 2019 contract data. But, it's also possible that these portals are moving to a different pricing approach with the airline, with everything based on published fares.
Last edited by NYC Flyer; Dec 22, 2018 at 7:41 pm Reason: grammar/clarification
Dec 28, 2018, 9:54 am
#381
Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 32
EQM/EQD earning comparison
I'm booking PAID Business class flights on Qatar for Nov 2019 PHL-DOH-SYD round-trip. Right now, the price to book directly on qatar.com is about $1200 more than booking via Expedia Air+Hotel package (3 hotel nights booked, but not actually staying in the hostel). Obviously, from a price perspective, the Exedia booking is the smart choice. But, I wondered about earning rates (credited to AA).
If i'm reading the AA earning charts properly (this is a big "if") booking via Qatar (used this chart: https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/...ines/qatar.jsp) J class will earn 1.5 EQM, 25% EQD and 150% miles, whereas I class will earn 1.5 EQM, 20% EQD and 100% miles. Booking via Expedia would use the "Special Fares" chart (is that correct?) (https://www.aa.com/i18n/aadvantage-p...cial-fares.jsp) and would earn J class: 3 EQM, 40% EQD, and 200% miles, or I class: 2 EQM, 20% EQD and 100% miles.
So, not only is the Expedia fare much cheaper, it also earn EQMs and EQDs at a better rate.
Can this be right? Help!
If i'm reading the AA earning charts properly (this is a big "if") booking via Qatar (used this chart: https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/...ines/qatar.jsp) J class will earn 1.5 EQM, 25% EQD and 150% miles, whereas I class will earn 1.5 EQM, 20% EQD and 100% miles. Booking via Expedia would use the "Special Fares" chart (is that correct?) (https://www.aa.com/i18n/aadvantage-p...cial-fares.jsp) and would earn J class: 3 EQM, 40% EQD, and 200% miles, or I class: 2 EQM, 20% EQD and 100% miles.
So, not only is the Expedia fare much cheaper, it also earn EQMs and EQDs at a better rate.
Can this be right? Help!
Dec 28, 2018, 10:01 am
#382
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: GNV
Programs: AA EP (life Gold), Global Entry, TSA Pre-Check, Marriott Plat, IHG Plat
Posts: 392
I'm booking PAID Business class flights on Qatar for Nov 2019 PHL-DOH-SYD round-trip. Right now, the price to book directly on qatar.com is about $1200 more than booking via Expedia Air+Hotel package (3 hotel nights booked, but not actually staying in the hostel). Obviously, from a price perspective, the Exedia booking is the smart choice. But, I wondered about earning rates (credited to AA).
If i'm reading the AA earning charts properly (this is a big "if") booking via Qatar (used this chart: https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/...ines/qatar.jsp) J class will earn 1.5 EQM, 25% EQD and 150% miles, whereas I class will earn 1.5 EQM, 20% EQD and 100% miles. Booking via Expedia would use the "Special Fares" chart (is that correct?) (https://www.aa.com/i18n/aadvantage-p...cial-fares.jsp) and would earn J class: 3 EQM, 40% EQD, and 200% miles, or I class: 2 EQM, 20% EQD and 100% miles.
So, not only is the Expedia fare much cheaper, it also earn EQMs and EQDs at a better rate.
Can this be right? Help!
If i'm reading the AA earning charts properly (this is a big "if") booking via Qatar (used this chart: https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/...ines/qatar.jsp) J class will earn 1.5 EQM, 25% EQD and 150% miles, whereas I class will earn 1.5 EQM, 20% EQD and 100% miles. Booking via Expedia would use the "Special Fares" chart (is that correct?) (https://www.aa.com/i18n/aadvantage-p...cial-fares.jsp) and would earn J class: 3 EQM, 40% EQD, and 200% miles, or I class: 2 EQM, 20% EQD and 100% miles.
So, not only is the Expedia fare much cheaper, it also earn EQMs and EQDs at a better rate.
Can this be right? Help!
Dec 28, 2018, 4:27 pm
#383
Join Date: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,701
First. Double che k what class of service the qr flights are booked in. Usually the deep discounted business fares are R.
My guess that it will be based on the qr earning chart as special fares are usually for AA flights. AA won’t see any of your fares paid an just wait for an authorization to post c flights on x dates and x miles.
My guess that it will be based on the qr earning chart as special fares are usually for AA flights. AA won’t see any of your fares paid an just wait for an authorization to post c flights on x dates and x miles.
I'm booking PAID Business class flights on Qatar for Nov 2019 PHL-DOH-SYD round-trip. Right now, the price to book directly on qatar.com is about $1200 more than booking via Expedia Air+Hotel package (3 hotel nights booked, but not actually staying in the hostel). Obviously, from a price perspective, the Exedia booking is the smart choice. But, I wondered about earning rates (credited to AA).
If i'm reading the AA earning charts properly (this is a big "if") booking via Qatar (used this chart: https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/...ines/qatar.jsp) J class will earn 1.5 EQM, 25% EQD and 150% miles, whereas I class will earn 1.5 EQM, 20% EQD and 100% miles. Booking via Expedia would use the "Special Fares" chart (is that correct?) (https://www.aa.com/i18n/aadvantage-p...cial-fares.jsp) and would earn J class: 3 EQM, 40% EQD, and 200% miles, or I class: 2 EQM, 20% EQD and 100% miles.
So, not only is the Expedia fare much cheaper, it also earn EQMs and EQDs at a better rate.
Can this be right? Help!
If i'm reading the AA earning charts properly (this is a big "if") booking via Qatar (used this chart: https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/...ines/qatar.jsp) J class will earn 1.5 EQM, 25% EQD and 150% miles, whereas I class will earn 1.5 EQM, 20% EQD and 100% miles. Booking via Expedia would use the "Special Fares" chart (is that correct?) (https://www.aa.com/i18n/aadvantage-p...cial-fares.jsp) and would earn J class: 3 EQM, 40% EQD, and 200% miles, or I class: 2 EQM, 20% EQD and 100% miles.
So, not only is the Expedia fare much cheaper, it also earn EQMs and EQDs at a better rate.
Can this be right? Help!
Last edited by 777lover; Dec 29, 2018 at 7:13 am
Dec 28, 2018, 6:49 pm
#384
Join Date: Jan 2012
Programs: AY+ Plat, Marriott Plat, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 2,846
I'm booking PAID Business class flights on Qatar for Nov 2019 PHL-DOH-SYD round-trip. Right now, the price to book directly on qatar.com is about $1200 more than booking via Expedia Air+Hotel package (3 hotel nights booked, but not actually staying in the hostel). Obviously, from a price perspective, the Exedia booking is the smart choice. But, I wondered about earning rates (credited to AA).
If i'm reading the AA earning charts properly (this is a big "if") booking via Qatar (used this chart: https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/...ines/qatar.jsp) J class will earn 1.5 EQM, 25% EQD and 150% miles, whereas I class will earn 1.5 EQM, 20% EQD and 100% miles. Booking via Expedia would use the "Special Fares" chart (is that correct?) (https://www.aa.com/i18n/aadvantage-p...cial-fares.jsp) and would earn J class: 3 EQM, 40% EQD, and 200% miles, or I class: 2 EQM, 20% EQD and 100% miles.
So, not only is the Expedia fare much cheaper, it also earn EQMs and EQDs at a better rate.
Can this be right? Help!
If i'm reading the AA earning charts properly (this is a big "if") booking via Qatar (used this chart: https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/...ines/qatar.jsp) J class will earn 1.5 EQM, 25% EQD and 150% miles, whereas I class will earn 1.5 EQM, 20% EQD and 100% miles. Booking via Expedia would use the "Special Fares" chart (is that correct?) (https://www.aa.com/i18n/aadvantage-p...cial-fares.jsp) and would earn J class: 3 EQM, 40% EQD, and 200% miles, or I class: 2 EQM, 20% EQD and 100% miles.
So, not only is the Expedia fare much cheaper, it also earn EQMs and EQDs at a better rate.
Can this be right? Help!
Dec 29, 2018, 5:21 am
#385
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,483
Yea, special fares are only for AA marketed flights.
QR flights will post according to the QR earning table at aa.com, doesn't matter if you buy direct from QR or via a package from Expedia, etc. etc.
QR flights will post according to the QR earning table at aa.com, doesn't matter if you buy direct from QR or via a package from Expedia, etc. etc.
Dec 29, 2018, 3:30 pm
#386
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: COU
Programs: AA EXP, Bonvoy Ambassador, Hertz PC
Posts: 499
I'm booking PAID Business class flights on Qatar for Nov 2019 PHL-DOH-SYD round-trip. Right now, the price to book directly on qatar.com is about $1200 more than booking via Expedia Air+Hotel package (3 hotel nights booked, but not actually staying in the hostel). Obviously, from a price perspective, the Exedia booking is the smart choice. But, I wondered about earning rates (credited to AA).
Also, if you do need a place to stay, you might see if you can play with that deal to put yourself in something more appropriate than the hostel while still being cheaper than the accommodations you'd have booked otherwise. I've done the throwaway-hostel thing, but generally only when I was staying with friends, as the hotel selections are usually wide enough to find something you like and keep the crazy flight discount.
Jan 1, 2019, 1:47 pm
#387
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: SJC
Programs: AA EXP, Hilton Diamond, Hertz PC
Posts: 181
I don't use these portals and cannot confirm, but it's maybe it's possible that existing contracts have been deactivated while they are in the process up uploading 2019 contract data. But, it's also possible that these portals are moving to a different pricing approach with the airline, with everything based on published fares.
Jan 1, 2019, 3:46 pm
#388
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: NYC/PHX
Programs: IATA, Sabre, AvgeekAgent
Posts: 1,958
Perhaps, but they are still selling bulk fares through other channels (i.e, consolidators, which are unlikely to go away). I've also seen private fares our agency offers credit as special fares very recently (surprisingly). Even if Citi is no longer offering *EQD, there are enough other channels out there that a deliberate effort to curb the hunt for more efficient paths to EXP seems unlikely here.
Jan 2, 2019, 6:42 pm
#389
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: London (~75% of the year).
Programs: AA PPro
Posts: 477
Note: you can save a few $$s by selecting the don't need a hotel for all my nights option and cutting the hotel booking to 1 night. It'll still use the combo fare -- or at least it works that way when I book on Expedia for AA flights to NYC.
And yes: only AA flight coded flights might use the special fare table.
And yes: only AA flight coded flights might use the special fare table.
Jan 8, 2019, 5:57 pm
#390
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: LAX
Programs: SPG Gold, HH Gold
Posts: 280
Does this still work?
Hi all,
Kind of confused by all of this. I am trying to book a "special fare" for LAX-ATL (nonstop) including a car rental on AA vacations in order to earn more EQDs than just straight out buying the fare on AA.com. I found a package with rental car for $691 and it says the fare class is G*. Is this what I need to do? How many EQDs would I earn for this flight or how do I calculate this? Also other than seeing G* how to I look at the fare terms to make sure it is a special fare? Please help!
Thanks!
Kind of confused by all of this. I am trying to book a "special fare" for LAX-ATL (nonstop) including a car rental on AA vacations in order to earn more EQDs than just straight out buying the fare on AA.com. I found a package with rental car for $691 and it says the fare class is G*. Is this what I need to do? How many EQDs would I earn for this flight or how do I calculate this? Also other than seeing G* how to I look at the fare terms to make sure it is a special fare? Please help!
Thanks!