Jan 5, 2019, 6:11 pm
Last edit by: JDiver
Voluntary Award Changes Questionsfor carrier, co-terminal, date, destination, add / drop a segment, origin, routing, cancellation AAnytime <-> MileSAAver and other changes
See the current thread here, please.
NOTE: For involuntary award changes (caused by the operating carriers), see Involuntary Award Changes / What To Do (merged threads).
Ordinarily, one must call to request or make changes to award tickets.
Award changes, ordinary
NOTE: More extensive listing of terms and conditions are listed in oneworld and other all partner awards rules, Information 2015 on
Award carrier, connection, date or routing changes: As long as origin and destination (but read on for exceptions such as first / last segment) remain the same, change / award redeposit fees are usually waived for awards under certain circumstances when date, connection, routing or carrier changes are made But:
Award cancellations can be by phone or online, but online cancellation requires separate action to reinstate the miles. Canceling online does not request or result in miles redeposit.
Award miles reinstatement: Redeposit fees are waived for Executive Platinum members. See here for more information on award miles reinstatement.
"Upgrading" class of service by using miles requires redepositing the original award and issuing a new one for the higher class if service. AA will waive the deposit fee on the redeposited award, and will not charge for this. (However, taxes may differ, such as going from the discounted U.K. Air Passenger Duty to the full APD if upgrading from Y / PE to J; if there are higher taxes and fees imposed by the new fare, the passenger is charged for those.)
Co-terminals: For award purposes, there are no co-terminals; changing co-terminal airports (MIA and FLL, PBI; JFK, LGA, EWR etc.) will incur a $150 change fee. See this thread for detail on award miles redeposit.
An award using AS, FJ, HA or TN to South Pacific (e.g. AKL, SYD) can not be changed to AA or QF without requiring award redeposit (or vice versa).
Dropping segments: Awards made on AA or / and "all partner" carriers will allow changes mentioned above without requiring redeposit fees. Instances of dropping an origin segment can be allowed, or a final segment - as long as doing so does not change the destination zone (or sub-zone, in the case of intra-North America awards); changing the mileage (miles required) of the award claimed or the number of awards claimed.
Segments can be dropped as long as doing so does not change the destination zone (or sub-zone, in the case of intra-North America awards). If you are refused, refer agents to the in-house memo/advisory dated 02/03/11 entitled "Dropping OWFA segments." (guv1976)
As JonNYC posted:
This document was current as of December 2014:
For permitted changes and fees, see this post in the airline partner award thread.
See TravelingBetter.com here and illustrations here.
If the award is AA and oneworld, changes may be made as long as the main / governing /Most Significant Carrier makes an unconstructed fare on the award routing and the governing fare's carrier is not changed to one not offering such a fare.
Close-in booking fee: Changes made to bring travel to under 21 days from award issue will incur close-in booking fees of $75.
Schedule changes: On international awards, schedule changes of two hours or longer, or those breaking connections by bringing them below MCT / minimum connection times, flight cancellations, generally may be cancelled and redeposited without fees, or engender greater flexibility in changes. With AA awards, it is possible award seating may be opened when there is none; with partners, AA can appeal to the Liaison to the partner to open seating in these cases (the partner airline may or may not grant the exception requested). Equipment change constitutes a schedule change and you will be able to get the fee waived pre this thread: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...solidated.html
Partner changes: If the award includes non-oneworld partners such as AS, EY, FJ or TN, or a oneworld carrier award is changed to include a non-oneworld carrier, or vice versa, significant fees will be incurred ($150).
"Upgrading" class of service by using miles requires redepositing the original award and issuing a new one for the higher class if service. AA will waive the deposit fee on the redeposited award, and will not charge for this. (However, taxes may differ, such as going from the discounted U.K. Air Passenger Duty to the full APD if upgrading from Y / PE to J; if there are higher taxes abd fees imposed by the new fare, the passenger is charged for those.)
Changes that require different award type -
Changes to the itinerary which involve different AAdvantage award(s) than originally ticketed require a reinstatement of the original award ticket, payment of the applicable award reinstatement charge (see below), and a new award ticket issued (waived for AAdvantage Executive Platinum members using miles from their account). However, SAAver awards canceled for AAnytime awards, or changing to a higher class of service, will not incur redeposit fees.
Changes to your outbound travel date, resulting in a departure within 21 days -
Close-in booking fee: A $75 USD award processing charge will apply for a confirmed change to the date on an AAdvantage MileSAAver and AAnytime award ticket if the change results in a new outbound travel date that is within 21 days of the original booking date (waived for AAdvantage elite members using miles from their account).
Contact AAdvantage Reservations to change your itinerary, pay the applicable charge and have your ticket reissued prior to travel.
Canceling Awards / Reinstating Award Tickets
(Waived for AAdvantage Executive Platinum members using miles from their account)
Award class changes: MileSAAver to AAnytime changes generally incur no fees; conversely, AAnytime to MileSAAver awards generally will.
Award cabin class "upgrades" (e.g. Y to J): If the change made is an increase of miles to another cabin class, fees are not normally charged (but some government required fees such as UK Air Passenger Duty, airport passenger facility fees, etc. may change).
Redepositing awards incurs a fee of $150 other than for Executive Platinum members redepositing to their accounts. If two or more awards are being redeposited to the same account at the same time, the fees are $150 for the first award, $25 for every award thereafter. Note the awards do not have to share the same PNR, though some less knowledgeable agents will insist so.
Note: given a 120 hr / 5 day hold is offered, there is no right to “Free” cancellation (without redeposit) within 24 hours of securing the award. OTOH, mere date changes to a year from Booking are free of charge in most instances.
Please see: State of the award reinstatement fee (Nov 2015 - clarifying)
FAQ: Cancel award ticket / cancellation (time frame, taxes, etc.) (merged threads)
Link to 2012-2014 archive of older posts on this topic
See the current thread here, please.
NOTE: For involuntary award changes (caused by the operating carriers), see Involuntary Award Changes / What To Do (merged threads).
Ordinarily, one must call to request or make changes to award tickets.
Award changes, ordinary
NOTE: More extensive listing of terms and conditions are listed in oneworld and other all partner awards rules, Information 2015 on
Award carrier, connection, date or routing changes: As long as origin and destination (but read on for exceptions such as first / last segment) remain the same, change / award redeposit fees are usually waived for awards under certain circumstances when date, connection, routing or carrier changes are made But:
Airline / carrier changes incur no change or redeposit fees as long as you do not try to change between all AA oneworld airlines and non-oneworld airlines or vice versa.
E.g. an AA award such as SEA-HNL-SYD using AS can not be changed to use JL without requiring award redeposit. An award using AA LAX-HKG can be changed to JL via NRT or CX Without redeposit ing miles.
If Maximum Permitted Miles (usually 125% of the most direct available routing) for an award is exceeded, two awards may be charged
or
MSC fare requirements: The most significant or prevailing carrier, usually the one with the transoceanic sector, must offer an unconstructed fare between desired origin and destination; if a fare would require "married segments", two awards may be required.
Award validity: Awards must be used within one year of original booking. For travel beyond that, the award miles will have to be redeposited and new awards secured.E.g. an AA award such as SEA-HNL-SYD using AS can not be changed to use JL without requiring award redeposit. An award using AA LAX-HKG can be changed to JL via NRT or CX Without redeposit ing miles.
If Maximum Permitted Miles (usually 125% of the most direct available routing) for an award is exceeded, two awards may be charged
or
MSC fare requirements: The most significant or prevailing carrier, usually the one with the transoceanic sector, must offer an unconstructed fare between desired origin and destination; if a fare would require "married segments", two awards may be required.
Award cancellations can be by phone or online, but online cancellation requires separate action to reinstate the miles. Canceling online does not request or result in miles redeposit.
Award miles reinstatement: Redeposit fees are waived for Executive Platinum members. See here for more information on award miles reinstatement.
"Upgrading" class of service by using miles requires redepositing the original award and issuing a new one for the higher class if service. AA will waive the deposit fee on the redeposited award, and will not charge for this. (However, taxes may differ, such as going from the discounted U.K. Air Passenger Duty to the full APD if upgrading from Y / PE to J; if there are higher taxes and fees imposed by the new fare, the passenger is charged for those.)
Co-terminals: For award purposes, there are no co-terminals; changing co-terminal airports (MIA and FLL, PBI; JFK, LGA, EWR etc.) will incur a $150 change fee. See this thread for detail on award miles redeposit.
An award using AS, FJ, HA or TN to South Pacific (e.g. AKL, SYD) can not be changed to AA or QF without requiring award redeposit (or vice versa).
Dropping segments: Awards made on AA or / and "all partner" carriers will allow changes mentioned above without requiring redeposit fees. Instances of dropping an origin segment can be allowed, or a final segment - as long as doing so does not change the destination zone (or sub-zone, in the case of intra-North America awards); changing the mileage (miles required) of the award claimed or the number of awards claimed.
Segments can be dropped as long as doing so does not change the destination zone (or sub-zone, in the case of intra-North America awards). If you are refused, refer agents to the in-house memo/advisory dated 02/03/11 entitled "Dropping OWFA segments." (guv1976)
As JonNYC posted:
This document was current as of December 2014:
For permitted changes and fees, see this post in the airline partner award thread.
See TravelingBetter.com here and illustrations here.
If the award is AA and oneworld, changes may be made as long as the main / governing /Most Significant Carrier makes an unconstructed fare on the award routing and the governing fare's carrier is not changed to one not offering such a fare.
Close-in booking fee: Changes made to bring travel to under 21 days from award issue will incur close-in booking fees of $75.
Schedule changes: On international awards, schedule changes of two hours or longer, or those breaking connections by bringing them below MCT / minimum connection times, flight cancellations, generally may be cancelled and redeposited without fees, or engender greater flexibility in changes. With AA awards, it is possible award seating may be opened when there is none; with partners, AA can appeal to the Liaison to the partner to open seating in these cases (the partner airline may or may not grant the exception requested). Equipment change constitutes a schedule change and you will be able to get the fee waived pre this thread: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...solidated.html
Partner changes: If the award includes non-oneworld partners such as AS, EY, FJ or TN, or a oneworld carrier award is changed to include a non-oneworld carrier, or vice versa, significant fees will be incurred ($150).
"Upgrading" class of service by using miles requires redepositing the original award and issuing a new one for the higher class if service. AA will waive the deposit fee on the redeposited award, and will not charge for this. (However, taxes may differ, such as going from the discounted U.K. Air Passenger Duty to the full APD if upgrading from Y / PE to J; if there are higher taxes abd fees imposed by the new fare, the passenger is charged for those.)
Changes that require different award type -
Changes to the itinerary which involve different AAdvantage award(s) than originally ticketed require a reinstatement of the original award ticket, payment of the applicable award reinstatement charge (see below), and a new award ticket issued (waived for AAdvantage Executive Platinum members using miles from their account). However, SAAver awards canceled for AAnytime awards, or changing to a higher class of service, will not incur redeposit fees.
Changes to your outbound travel date, resulting in a departure within 21 days -
Close-in booking fee: A $75 USD award processing charge will apply for a confirmed change to the date on an AAdvantage MileSAAver and AAnytime award ticket if the change results in a new outbound travel date that is within 21 days of the original booking date (waived for AAdvantage elite members using miles from their account).
Contact AAdvantage Reservations to change your itinerary, pay the applicable charge and have your ticket reissued prior to travel.
Canceling Awards / Reinstating Award Tickets
(Waived for AAdvantage Executive Platinum members using miles from their account)
Award class changes: MileSAAver to AAnytime changes generally incur no fees; conversely, AAnytime to MileSAAver awards generally will.
Award cabin class "upgrades" (e.g. Y to J): If the change made is an increase of miles to another cabin class, fees are not normally charged (but some government required fees such as UK Air Passenger Duty, airport passenger facility fees, etc. may change).
Redepositing awards incurs a fee of $150 other than for Executive Platinum members redepositing to their accounts. If two or more awards are being redeposited to the same account at the same time, the fees are $150 for the first award, $25 for every award thereafter. Note the awards do not have to share the same PNR, though some less knowledgeable agents will insist so.
Note: given a 120 hr / 5 day hold is offered, there is no right to “Free” cancellation (without redeposit) within 24 hours of securing the award. OTOH, mere date changes to a year from Booking are free of charge in most instances.
Please see: State of the award reinstatement fee (Nov 2015 - clarifying)
FAQ: Cancel award ticket / cancellation (time frame, taxes, etc.) (merged threads)
Link to 2012-2014 archive of older posts on this topic
ARCHIVE: 2015-16 Award change date change route all changes
Aug 20, 2016, 12:04 pm
#1201
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Virginia, USA
Posts: 4,510
I was told by an agent today (and she confirmed with the Help desk) that it costs $150 per award ticket to redeposit miles from multiple award tickets to the same account at the same time if each ticket was booked at a different time.
This "booked at a different time" condition seems new to me. In the past I have intentionally redeposited cancelled award tickets to my account in groups of two or more to take advantage of the $150 for the 1st ticket and $25 for each additional ticket rule. I've never had an issue with the tickets having been booked at different times.
Is this something new or have I just been lucky in the past?
This "booked at a different time" condition seems new to me. In the past I have intentionally redeposited cancelled award tickets to my account in groups of two or more to take advantage of the $150 for the 1st ticket and $25 for each additional ticket rule. I've never had an issue with the tickets having been booked at different times.
Is this something new or have I just been lucky in the past?
Aug 20, 2016, 4:34 pm
#1202
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Not here; there!
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 29,588
I was told by an agent today (and she confirmed with the Help desk) that it costs $150 per award ticket to redeposit miles from multiple award tickets to the same account at the same time if each ticket was booked at a different time.
This "booked at a different time" condition seems new to me. In the past I have intentionally redeposited cancelled award tickets to my account in groups of two or more to take advantage of the $150 for the 1st ticket and $25 for each additional ticket rule. I've never had an issue with the tickets having been booked at different times.
Is this something new or have I just been lucky in the past?
This "booked at a different time" condition seems new to me. In the past I have intentionally redeposited cancelled award tickets to my account in groups of two or more to take advantage of the $150 for the 1st ticket and $25 for each additional ticket rule. I've never had an issue with the tickets having been booked at different times.
Is this something new or have I just been lucky in the past?
What does aa.com currently say about redeposit fees?
Aug 21, 2016, 11:52 pm
#1203
Join Date: Apr 2007
Programs: QF, VA, AC, Hyatt, Marriott
Posts: 3,784
I'm preparing for my fall from EXP to nada on 1 January and I'd like to brush up on my award fees knowledge.
I originally had an award HKG-xMEL-PER with CX and QF (which, incidentally, is significantly over the MPM+25% but was ticketed without issue). I've now had to change dates and could only get HKG-xKUL-PER with CX and MH.
Ideally I'd like to move back to the original routing (or HKG-xSYD-PER) if and when availability opens up.
If I understood correctly there should be no AA fees charged for making such a change. Is this correct? I'm concerned that although the original and destination remain the same the governing carrier would change and that may trigger the $150 fee (in addition to what will almost certainly be the $75 close-in fee).
I originally had an award HKG-xMEL-PER with CX and QF (which, incidentally, is significantly over the MPM+25% but was ticketed without issue). I've now had to change dates and could only get HKG-xKUL-PER with CX and MH.
Ideally I'd like to move back to the original routing (or HKG-xSYD-PER) if and when availability opens up.
If I understood correctly there should be no AA fees charged for making such a change. Is this correct? I'm concerned that although the original and destination remain the same the governing carrier would change and that may trigger the $150 fee (in addition to what will almost certainly be the $75 close-in fee).
Aug 22, 2016, 5:04 am
#1204
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Virginia, USA
Posts: 4,510
I've sent an email to Aadvantage CS asking for clarification.
Aug 26, 2016, 3:23 pm
#1205
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: ADL
Programs: QFF, AAdvantage, All
Posts: 1,137
AA has agreed to my request.
Aug 26, 2016, 4:20 pm
#1206
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: NYC,MIA,XFL
Programs: AA EXP, B6 Mosaic, DL PM
Posts: 863
Want to confirm with folks here--
Pre-deval CX award connecting through HKG, ticketed in March. I know there's the new HKD$180 airport tax that went into effect this summer... if we change the dates on an existing award ticket (no changes to class, routing, origin/destination), does this new airport tax get collected? Is it supposed to?
I'm asking because recently made a few changes to an award like this, and it was even exchange miles and no change in taxes/fees. Then on my last (and final change) agent insisted on $23.20 (which is ~HKD$180) add/collect. Tried HUCA, this time the agent came back with $17.30 or something. Decided to just f* it and pay the difference, not a lot of money but annoying nonetheless. What's the official word on this?
Pre-deval CX award connecting through HKG, ticketed in March. I know there's the new HKD$180 airport tax that went into effect this summer... if we change the dates on an existing award ticket (no changes to class, routing, origin/destination), does this new airport tax get collected? Is it supposed to?
I'm asking because recently made a few changes to an award like this, and it was even exchange miles and no change in taxes/fees. Then on my last (and final change) agent insisted on $23.20 (which is ~HKD$180) add/collect. Tried HUCA, this time the agent came back with $17.30 or something. Decided to just f* it and pay the difference, not a lot of money but annoying nonetheless. What's the official word on this?
You were charged correctly.
Aug 26, 2016, 4:25 pm
#1207
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: ADL
Programs: QFF, AAdvantage, All
Posts: 1,137
Dave Noble and others have been beyond patient trying to troubleshoot this issue with you, despite the piecemeal dribbling of relevant information (and in one case, outright refusal to provide relevant information). And now you resort to blaming strangers on a forum for your problem.
My suspicion is that perhaps there were also long connections built in to the original itinerary, and if you had to go directly to MEL then you would have to skip ADL and SYD or purchase tickets to visit those cities, and that is why you are so upset about this change.
Unfortunately, stuff like this happens. Perhaps a more gracious attitude would go a long way to getting your miles back without a redeposit fee, should you desire it, or finding a routing that works. That alternative itinerary that you have your heart set on? Not gonna happen. Everyone here is telling you why. Focus on finding a solution.
As mentioned above, flights between MEL and SYD / ADL are very inexpensive ($60-100) and you might even find Avios availability.
My suspicion is that perhaps there were also long connections built in to the original itinerary, and if you had to go directly to MEL then you would have to skip ADL and SYD or purchase tickets to visit those cities, and that is why you are so upset about this change.
Unfortunately, stuff like this happens. Perhaps a more gracious attitude would go a long way to getting your miles back without a redeposit fee, should you desire it, or finding a routing that works. That alternative itinerary that you have your heart set on? Not gonna happen. Everyone here is telling you why. Focus on finding a solution.
As mentioned above, flights between MEL and SYD / ADL are very inexpensive ($60-100) and you might even find Avios availability.
Dave Noble avoided issues that I clearly stated.
All the relevant information needed to make an accurate assessment was posted.
No blame for the problem was made, outside the airline. I stand by the criticism of Dave Noble, in that the airline's error was obvious and that the requested change to the itinerary was not outside the rules.
"a more gracious attitude" ?? You have no idea what my demeanour was in dealing with the airline.
As with a lot of responses on this forum, yours deals with irrelevant components as well as manufacturing extraneous components. The essence of my question was "what is my standing here?". This clearly designates the enquiry as to what position I have in dealing with the airline on this matter. My question did not relate to any alternate arrangement(s) in consequence of the refusal to honor the original itinerary. Rather, it was clearly specific to my position in regard to keeping the original itinerary, and if not, the resulting financial liability.
The responses I challenged were those that suggested a fault on my part, which portrayed a discouragement in demanding the ticketed itinerary or some form of compensation.
The final outcome of my issue is posted above. My demands were met through several correspondences (without "attitude"). I urge all responders to questions to focus on the issue presented and most definitely refrain from discouraging posters from pressuring airlines for compensation when circumstances are never going to be definitively apparent in such a forum as this.
Aug 30, 2016, 6:37 pm
#1208
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: LAX, SNA, LGB
Posts: 42
Hi,
I have a R/T award ticket, and the outbound half has a departure date 2 weeks from tomorrow. Unfortunately it looks like I won't be able to go.
If I change the reservation to a departure date that's, say, 45 or 60 days from today...
and the origin and destination (nor anything else) does not change...
am I correct that I will pay no change fee?
It seems a $75 change fee would only apply if my new departure date was within 21 days from the day I requested the change.
I have a R/T award ticket, and the outbound half has a departure date 2 weeks from tomorrow. Unfortunately it looks like I won't be able to go.
If I change the reservation to a departure date that's, say, 45 or 60 days from today...
and the origin and destination (nor anything else) does not change...
am I correct that I will pay no change fee?
It seems a $75 change fee would only apply if my new departure date was within 21 days from the day I requested the change.
Aug 30, 2016, 7:27 pm
#1209
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Not here; there!
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 29,588
Hi,
I have a R/T award ticket, and the outbound half has a departure date 2 weeks from tomorrow. Unfortunately it looks like I won't be able to go.
If I change the reservation to a departure date that's, say, 45 or 60 days from today...
and the origin and destination (nor anything else) does not change...
am I correct that I will pay no change fee?
It seems a $75 change fee would only apply if my new departure date was within 21 days from the day I requested the change.
I have a R/T award ticket, and the outbound half has a departure date 2 weeks from tomorrow. Unfortunately it looks like I won't be able to go.
If I change the reservation to a departure date that's, say, 45 or 60 days from today...
and the origin and destination (nor anything else) does not change...
am I correct that I will pay no change fee?
It seems a $75 change fee would only apply if my new departure date was within 21 days from the day I requested the change.
Sep 4, 2016, 12:15 pm
#1210
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 376
so if my SQ waitlist on 12/31 is confirmed on 12/29 from hkg-sfo can i push my hkg-sfo on cx via aa miles to another trip... say like in march 2017 without any fees?
Sep 4, 2016, 12:24 pm
#1211
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Not here; there!
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 29,588
Yes, as long as the new departure date is not more than than one year from the award's original ticketing date, and you can find award space on the new departure date.
Sep 8, 2016, 1:06 am
#1212
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Little dot in Asia
Programs: AA-EP, TK-*G, HL-DM, HY-GLO, MR-LTP
Posts: 25,932
Up to when can I change my booking?
I have an award flight booked on 11th Sept at 8am (PEK-HKG). Up to when can I change the booking? Is 6 hours prior to departure to late? AA Plat member here.
Sep 8, 2016, 10:47 pm
#1213
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: SFO
Programs: OZ *G; HH Diamond;
Posts: 1,644
People say about 4 hours. But there is no real cutoff per se. Just need to leave enough time for AA to re-issue the ticket before you can check in. Then you need to meet CX/KA's check in cutoff time.
Sep 9, 2016, 5:34 am
#1214
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Virginia, USA
Posts: 4,510
You can reinstate your unused AAdvantage award ticket by contacting
AAdvantage Reservations at 800-882-8880. The charge is $150 for the
first ticket, plus $25 for each additional ticket reinstated to the same
account at the same time. Be sure to request reinstatement before the
ticket expires, which is generally one year from the date of issue, not
the date of travel.
Sep 9, 2016, 9:17 am
#1215
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 88
Is there a way to avoid fees by canceling AA flight?
I booked a round trip flight to Asia for Dec 16 - Jan 17 (before they raised the mileage for first class Asia trips). I just found out that a family member was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and this may be their last christmas. I would plan to go to Asia in April but the tickets must be used before March 21. I tried calling and discussing it with AA, the rep said I would have to pay a $175 cancellation fee to get all my points back. Is there any way around this?