Colleague applied SWU to my flight, but AA withdrew them from *my* account (to merge)
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2016
Programs: AA EXP, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Premier Plat
Posts: 174

Another day, another screwup by AA :/
I had a economy PVG -> DFW leg for two passengers on December 30th. My colleague had spare SWUs he couldn't burn so he generously waitlisted them for my flights. They clear, and I fly happily in Business.
Lo and behold, as I log in to my account I realize I'm left with 2 SWUs for 2019, and that apparently the SWUs were cleared from *my* account instead of my colleague's. Call into AAdvantage customer service to no avail, they couldn't see anything wrong, even though the upgrades were requested on October 30th (While I had 0 SWUs in my account, since I didn't even requalify until November 17th of last year).
Only option available is to talk to my colleague again to have him call in to explain the situation, so AA can retroactively withdraw his SWUs and credit me back mine. Not looking forward to subjecting him to that call.
I had a economy PVG -> DFW leg for two passengers on December 30th. My colleague had spare SWUs he couldn't burn so he generously waitlisted them for my flights. They clear, and I fly happily in Business.
Lo and behold, as I log in to my account I realize I'm left with 2 SWUs for 2019, and that apparently the SWUs were cleared from *my* account instead of my colleague's. Call into AAdvantage customer service to no avail, they couldn't see anything wrong, even though the upgrades were requested on October 30th (While I had 0 SWUs in my account, since I didn't even requalify until November 17th of last year).
Only option available is to talk to my colleague again to have him call in to explain the situation, so AA can retroactively withdraw his SWUs and credit me back mine. Not looking forward to subjecting him to that call.
#2
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: DFW
Programs: AA - EXP
Posts: 1,223
Another day, another screwup by AA :/
I had a economy PVG -> DFW leg for two passengers on December 30th. My colleague had spare SWUs he couldn't burn so he generously waitlisted them for my flights. They clear, and I fly happily in Business.
Lo and behold, as I log in to my account I realize I'm left with 2 SWUs for 2019, and that apparently the SWUs were cleared from *my* account instead of my colleague's. Call into AAdvantage customer service to no avail, they couldn't see anything wrong, even though the upgrades were requested on October 30th (While I had 0 SWUs in my account, since I didn't even requalify until November 17th of last year).
Only option available is to talk to my colleague again to have him call in to explain the situation, so AA can retroactively withdraw his SWUs and credit me back mine. Not looking forward to subjecting him to that call.
I had a economy PVG -> DFW leg for two passengers on December 30th. My colleague had spare SWUs he couldn't burn so he generously waitlisted them for my flights. They clear, and I fly happily in Business.
Lo and behold, as I log in to my account I realize I'm left with 2 SWUs for 2019, and that apparently the SWUs were cleared from *my* account instead of my colleague's. Call into AAdvantage customer service to no avail, they couldn't see anything wrong, even though the upgrades were requested on October 30th (While I had 0 SWUs in my account, since I didn't even requalify until November 17th of last year).
Only option available is to talk to my colleague again to have him call in to explain the situation, so AA can retroactively withdraw his SWUs and credit me back mine. Not looking forward to subjecting him to that call.
#4
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
Programs: UA US CO AA DL FL
Posts: 48,815
This is something better handled in writing and not over the phone as it will need to be researched. Make sure to include your colleague's name as it appears on his account as well as his AA #.
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Benicia CA
Programs: Alaska MVP Gold 75K, AA 3.8MM, UA 1.1MM, enjoying the retired life
Posts: 31,648
I had the same thing happen a few years ago, though I was the donor for someone else and they took the systemwides from his account instead. Sent an e-mail to AA providing all the information on the two parties involved (both EXP) and they resolved it eventually. They even offered to temporarily place two systemwides in the account of the person I gave the systemwides to, but he did not have an immediate need for those. Have your colleague/donor send an e-mail and it will get resolved.
#7
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Dallas/Orlando
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 2,622
I’ve had this happen before and find you have to be over-the-top explicit (to the point it almost makes me feel patronizing) about whose SWUs are to be used (lots of repetition and requests for verbal confirmation). Getting it rectified after the fact takes a lot of work which accordingly makes it an unrewarding activity for phone agents.
#9
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: NYC
Posts: 24,201
You can make this easier for him if you draft an email (or commentary for the web form) and then either have him log onto his account to send the complaint in, or sit with him and do it. Should only take a couple of minutes of his time and easier than calling in.