EXP Award Ticket - Rebook later for less miles
Mar 19, 2018, 12:07 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2018
Posts: 7
EXP Award Ticket - Rebook later for less miles
I am EXP and I'm trying to find the most cost-effective way of me booking a business class or higher DFW > FCO (Rome) direct flight around the dates Sept 15-22.
To purchase with miles I'd have to dole out a whopping 280K for each RT ticket. I looked at departure dates in the next 2 weeks for this route and saw that the miles required was far less, in the 110K range. I'm wondering if I can book the flight I want today for the 280K, then keep an eye on award tickets and cancel/rebook if I see that less miles are required for the same flight. I assume so, but just want to confirm there aren't any hidden fees or other "gotchas". How far ahead of the flight do you think I can rebook/ask for the difference in miles to be deposited into my account?
I also have SWUs available and that would be my preference, but in my research, they rarely come available for this direct route. I've already talked to the EXP line and checked ExpertFlyer. No dice. I haven't looked at upgrading with miles, assuming it's the same issue with the A/C seat buckets.
I'm open to other ideas... our final destination is Florence, so I am trying to limit layovers and take the longest direct flight possible.
To purchase with miles I'd have to dole out a whopping 280K for each RT ticket. I looked at departure dates in the next 2 weeks for this route and saw that the miles required was far less, in the 110K range. I'm wondering if I can book the flight I want today for the 280K, then keep an eye on award tickets and cancel/rebook if I see that less miles are required for the same flight. I assume so, but just want to confirm there aren't any hidden fees or other "gotchas". How far ahead of the flight do you think I can rebook/ask for the difference in miles to be deposited into my account?
I also have SWUs available and that would be my preference, but in my research, they rarely come available for this direct route. I've already talked to the EXP line and checked ExpertFlyer. No dice. I haven't looked at upgrading with miles, assuming it's the same issue with the A/C seat buckets.
I'm open to other ideas... our final destination is Florence, so I am trying to limit layovers and take the longest direct flight possible.
Mar 19, 2018, 12:20 pm
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2004
Location: DFW/DAL
Programs: AA Lifetime PLT, AS MVPG, HH Diamond, NCL Platinum Plus, MSC Diamond
Posts: 21,422
I am EXP and I'm trying to find the most cost-effective way of me booking a business class or higher DFW > FCO (Rome) direct flight around the dates Sept 15-22.
To purchase with miles I'd have to dole out a whopping 280K for each RT ticket. I looked at departure dates in the next 2 weeks for this route and saw that the miles required was far less, in the 110K range. I'm wondering if I can book the flight I want today for the 280K, then keep an eye on award tickets and cancel/rebook if I see that less miles are required for the same flight. I assume so, but just want to confirm there aren't any hidden fees or other "gotchas". How far ahead of the flight do you think I can rebook/ask for the difference in miles to be deposited into my account?
I also have SWUs available and that would be my preference, but in my research, they rarely come available for this direct route. I've already talked to the EXP line and checked ExpertFlyer. No dice. I haven't looked at upgrading with miles, assuming it's the same issue with the A/C seat buckets.
I'm open to other ideas... our final destination is Florence, so I am trying to limit layovers and take the longest direct flight possible.
To purchase with miles I'd have to dole out a whopping 280K for each RT ticket. I looked at departure dates in the next 2 weeks for this route and saw that the miles required was far less, in the 110K range. I'm wondering if I can book the flight I want today for the 280K, then keep an eye on award tickets and cancel/rebook if I see that less miles are required for the same flight. I assume so, but just want to confirm there aren't any hidden fees or other "gotchas". How far ahead of the flight do you think I can rebook/ask for the difference in miles to be deposited into my account?
I also have SWUs available and that would be my preference, but in my research, they rarely come available for this direct route. I've already talked to the EXP line and checked ExpertFlyer. No dice. I haven't looked at upgrading with miles, assuming it's the same issue with the A/C seat buckets.
I'm open to other ideas... our final destination is Florence, so I am trying to limit layovers and take the longest direct flight possible.
Have you considered alternatives, or do you have to fly nonstop DFW-FCO?
For example, AA flies PHL-VCE (seasonal), or some other routing into Italy. (Rome Tiburtina to Florence train is under 1 1/2 hours). Venice to Florence is about 2 hours)
Mar 19, 2018, 12:38 pm
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2018
Posts: 7
EXP's have no fee for redepositing miles, so you are safe if awards open up for fewer miles.
Have you considered alternatives, or do you have to fly nonstop DFW-FCO?
For example, AA flies PHL-VCE (seasonal), or some other routing into Italy. (Rome Tiburtina to Florence train is under 1 1/2 hours). Venice to Florence is about 2 hours)
Have you considered alternatives, or do you have to fly nonstop DFW-FCO?
For example, AA flies PHL-VCE (seasonal), or some other routing into Italy. (Rome Tiburtina to Florence train is under 1 1/2 hours). Venice to Florence is about 2 hours)
Mar 19, 2018, 1:01 pm
#5
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: DCA/IAD/WAS
Programs: MAR AMB, WOH Explorist, AA EXP, UA 2P
Posts: 2,138
So right now that is the AAnytime price - I don't think that will go up or down for those dates and you can book into the last seat for that price, so you don't need to book it right away. If you wanted to book it now and later a Saaver seat was released, you could call in and get your miles back for free (as EXP) and then book at the lower rate. But for an AAnytime award, I think the price stays the same once it is loaded, but may be different depending on date (as you see for the next few weeks).
Keep in mind AA flies to FCO from ORD, PHL, CLT, and JFK also during the summer (plus to MXP from JFK and MIA), so those are all options too for SWUs or Saaver availability.
Keep in mind AA flies to FCO from ORD, PHL, CLT, and JFK also during the summer (plus to MXP from JFK and MIA), so those are all options too for SWUs or Saaver availability.
Mar 19, 2018, 1:06 pm
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2018
Posts: 7
So right now that is the AAnytime price - I don't think that will go up or down for those dates and you can book into the last seat for that price, so you don't need to book it right away. If you wanted to book it now and later a Saaver seat was released, you could call in and get your miles back for free (as EXP) and then book at the lower rate. But for an AAnytime award, I think the price stays the same once it is loaded, but may be different depending on date (as you see for the next few weeks).
Keep in mind AA flies to FCO from ORD, PHL, CLT, and JFK also during the summer (plus to MXP from JFK and MIA), so those are all options too for SWUs or Saaver availability.
Keep in mind AA flies to FCO from ORD, PHL, CLT, and JFK also during the summer (plus to MXP from JFK and MIA), so those are all options too for SWUs or Saaver availability.
Mar 19, 2018, 1:23 pm
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,466
September is still a ways away, given that you have some flexibility in dates I'd say it's very likely that better options will open up before then at the sAAver rate (57.5k miles per person, each way). The busy summer season to Europe really starts to die down after about mid August and completely tanks after Labor Day in September.
As mentioned above, there is no need to book the AAnytime award now, unless the flight is close to selling out in business. An AAnytime seat will be available as long as there's at least one seat for sale. I'd just keep an eye on it, if it starts to fill up close to 100% then you could pull the trigger, but until then as an EXP there's really no need.
As to the timing, there is no time limit or requirement for canceling and re-depositing miles from an award. And there are no other "gotchas." If you're making last minute changes, the only real requirement is that you book with enough time before that the award has time to ticket, usually 2-4 hrs. depending if you have partner carriers on your itinerary.
As mentioned above, there is no need to book the AAnytime award now, unless the flight is close to selling out in business. An AAnytime seat will be available as long as there's at least one seat for sale. I'd just keep an eye on it, if it starts to fill up close to 100% then you could pull the trigger, but until then as an EXP there's really no need.
As to the timing, there is no time limit or requirement for canceling and re-depositing miles from an award. And there are no other "gotchas." If you're making last minute changes, the only real requirement is that you book with enough time before that the award has time to ticket, usually 2-4 hrs. depending if you have partner carriers on your itinerary.
Mar 19, 2018, 2:37 pm
#8
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2004
Location: DFW/DAL
Programs: AA Lifetime PLT, AS MVPG, HH Diamond, NCL Platinum Plus, MSC Diamond
Posts: 21,422
So right now that is the AAnytime price - I don't think that will go up or down for those dates and you can book into the last seat for that price, so you don't need to book it right away. If you wanted to book it now and later a Saaver seat was released, you could call in and get your miles back for free (as EXP) and then book at the lower rate. But for an AAnytime award, I think the price stays the same once it is loaded, but may be different depending on date (as you see for the next few weeks).
Keep in mind AA flies to FCO from ORD, PHL, CLT, and JFK also during the summer (plus to MXP from JFK and MIA), so those are all options too for SWUs or Saaver availability.
Keep in mind AA flies to FCO from ORD, PHL, CLT, and JFK also during the summer (plus to MXP from JFK and MIA), so those are all options too for SWUs or Saaver availability.
Mar 19, 2018, 3:19 pm
#9
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: PHX, SEA
Programs: Avis President's Club, Global Entry, Hilton/Marriott Gold. No more DL/AA status.
Posts: 4,422
The root of your question was already answered - you are EXP so no fee to redeposit. But I thought I'd point out (or remind you) that even if a saver rate shows up, you need to watch out because my experience has been USA-Europe awards often book on BA metal which transits through Heathrow, resulting in some pretty high carrier surcharges.
Mar 19, 2018, 3:44 pm
#10
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: DCA
Posts: 7,769
I mean, you can see what flights you're gonna get and what it'll cost before you book it...it's not a grand conspiracy or scam.
Mar 19, 2018, 5:25 pm
#11
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2018
Posts: 7
Right, I wouldn't re-book on a different route. I think I'll probably go ahead and just book for (SO's) peace of mind, since there's really no downside other than not having the miles in my account. Thank you all for the help.
Mar 19, 2018, 5:31 pm
#12
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 44,584
My only pondering on booking now is the consideration that the airline will have sold 2 more seats than otherwise ; is such a situation likely to lead to a lower chance of U class availability being released
Mar 19, 2018, 7:17 pm
#13
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Madison WI
Programs: AA Lifetime PLT - 2.9MM, Lifetime AC, HHonors Gold, Marriott Gold, IHG Plat Amb, Hertz Precs Crcl
Posts: 2,213
Not sure what you mean - but if you mean you don't have the miles NOW to book - clearly you can't. I suspect you mean you will have far fewer miles in you account for other use - but are you planning another trip before then? If not, why care?
Mar 19, 2018, 9:20 pm
#14
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Live: IWI; Work: DCA/Everywhere; Play: LAS/SJU/MLE
Programs: AA EXP, DL PM, Hyatt Glob, Marriott Ambassador/LTP, Nat'l Exec Elite, LEYE Gold
Posts: 6,670
The only "gotcha" I would add is that you can't do the change online, you'll have to call. Once you have the 280k tickets booked, if you try to book the saver tickets, AA.com will recognize the double-booking and tell you no. Of course, you could cancel the 280k tickets first and then book the savers, but you risk having the availability go away during the intervening few minutes.
I'd also add that getting an expertflyer subscription and setting alerts is well worth the time & money for a situation like this. You can easily set it so that you'll get an email whenever 2 saver seats open up on your desired flight(s), and you can set lots of different alerts for different routings.
I'd also add that getting an expertflyer subscription and setting alerts is well worth the time & money for a situation like this. You can easily set it so that you'll get an email whenever 2 saver seats open up on your desired flight(s), and you can set lots of different alerts for different routings.
Mar 19, 2018, 11:27 pm
#15
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: PHX, SEA
Programs: Avis President's Club, Global Entry, Hilton/Marriott Gold. No more DL/AA status.
Posts: 4,422
OP - sounds like you're booking for now for peace of mind. You may also want to review the AAvacations thread. Plenty of reports, myself included, of 2 business class tickets + hotel for ~$3000/person. I know that's not the same as "points plus taxes" but compared to the cost of 560,000 AAdvantage miles, I thought it worth mentioning.