Feb 12, 2020, 9:58 am
Last edit by: JDiver
American Airlines AAdvantage miles awards may be placed on “hold” for five days in most circumstances.
Link to AAdvantage FAQs page
How long can I hold my AAdvantage award reservation?
The time we'll hold an award reservation depends on how many days before departure you book:
The time we'll hold an award reservation depends on how many days before departure you book:
- 5 days: When you book 15 –331 days before departure
- 1 day: When you book 1–14 days before departure
- Up to 2 hours before departure: When you book within 24 hours of departure
Link to AAdvantage FAQs page
AAdvantage Award Five Day Hold Questions
May 20, 2019, 3:09 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: DCA/IAD & BUF
Posts: 1,380
AAdvantage Award Five Day Hold Questions
I have read on the board there is a 5 day hold on Award Travel. Where do I activate this? I am almost through the process online to secure a ticket --- at least I think I am almost through the process - but nothing has come up asking if I want to hold. Will that option be on the final screen? I am concerned to keep pushing forward and accidentally commit the miles not on a "hold". Thanks!
May 20, 2019, 3:24 pm
#4
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: JFK/LGA
Programs: AA EXP/5 MM, BA Blue Bayou, HH LT Diamond
Posts: 5,824
Last edited by pauleeepaul; May 20, 2019 at 11:43 pm Reason: Apparently i was mistaken, better not to post if not 100% certain,.
May 20, 2019, 3:25 pm
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: DCA/IAD & BUF
Posts: 1,380
Thank You! Thank you!!
Well, after my miles being dormant forever, I seem to successfully (fingers crossed) have a Qantas LAX-MEL First flight held for February 2020. There has been one lone day available of First Saver for this route, in February no less, for the last couple days showing up in the searches. Thought for sure I would get the 'phantom' error others have mentioned, but so far it seems to have gone through OK. Now I just have to see if it is confirmed, pull the rest of the trip together around the February date, and cobble some half decent routing out for the return trip.
The forum wiki's have been really helpful. Appreciate all the inputs from folks.
Well, after my miles being dormant forever, I seem to successfully (fingers crossed) have a Qantas LAX-MEL First flight held for February 2020. There has been one lone day available of First Saver for this route, in February no less, for the last couple days showing up in the searches. Thought for sure I would get the 'phantom' error others have mentioned, but so far it seems to have gone through OK. Now I just have to see if it is confirmed, pull the rest of the trip together around the February date, and cobble some half decent routing out for the return trip.
The forum wiki's have been really helpful. Appreciate all the inputs from folks.
May 20, 2019, 3:41 pm
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: DCA/IAD & BUF
Posts: 1,380
Yes, I was able to execute the Hold without any fees. The button was on the last page, very last option, as ShortDog and Wanderlust described.
From my confirmation email, there will be a $20.10 payment for Total Taxes and Carrier-Imposed Fees when ticket is committed/purchased.
From my confirmation email, there will be a $20.10 payment for Total Taxes and Carrier-Imposed Fees when ticket is committed/purchased.
May 20, 2019, 3:53 pm
#8
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: MEL CHC
Posts: 20,993
Well, after my miles being dormant forever, I seem to successfully (fingers crossed) have a Qantas LAX-MEL First flight held for February 2020.
<snip>
Now I just have to see if it is confirmed, pull the rest of the trip together around the February date, and cobble some half decent routing out for the return trip.
<snip>
Now I just have to see if it is confirmed, pull the rest of the trip together around the February date, and cobble some half decent routing out for the return trip.
Getting an (award?) flight back may be hard but not impossible. May take time
If you cannot get something in the hold period you could confirm/pay $20 and sort something out in the next ~9 months. Awards are easier to cancel than get.
Several airlines/routes/departure airports :- AA QF HA FJ TN and BNE/SYD/MEL or even AKL to SFO LAX DFW JFK. Flexibility is the key.
Australia New Zealand AA forum ---> AAdvantage award to / from Australia, New Zealand (master thread)
May 20, 2019, 5:19 pm
#9
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Thousand Oaks, Ca., USA
Programs: AA Lifetime Plat; Bonvoy Titanium Lifetime Elite;Hyatt Globalist; HHonors Diamond; United Silver
Posts: 8,304
Feb 12, 2020, 1:22 am
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: DCA/IAD & BUF
Posts: 1,380
Five Day Hold Award Question
I just tried to put an Award flight on Hold and was surprised to only be offered a 24 hour hold instead of the 5 day hold. Is this because I'm within a short booking window timeframe? The flight is in 12 days.
Thanks. I don't book award travel within a short window and couldn't find the answer. I'm 0 for 3 finding answers in Wiki's and the AA website this morning. Too early or operator error. or Both. :-)
Thanks. I don't book award travel within a short window and couldn't find the answer. I'm 0 for 3 finding answers in Wiki's and the AA website this morning. Too early or operator error. or Both. :-)
Feb 12, 2020, 1:31 am
#11
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: DTW / SJC
Programs: AA EXP, DL DM, Marriott Titanium, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 764
https://www.aa.com/i18n/customer-ser...ntage-faqs.jsp
"How long can I hold my AAdvantage award reservation?"
"How long can I hold my AAdvantage award reservation?"
Feb 12, 2020, 1:56 am
#12
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: DCA/IAD & BUF
Posts: 1,380
Thanks aacar. A bit embarrassed I didn't find that myself!
Folks who book a lot of Award travel probably know this stuff like the back of their hands. For others, here's the answers:The time we'll hold an award reservation depends on how many days before departure you book:
Folks who book a lot of Award travel probably know this stuff like the back of their hands. For others, here's the answers:The time we'll hold an award reservation depends on how many days before departure you book:
- 5 days: When you book 15 –331 days before departure
- 1 day: When you book 1–14 days before departure
- Up to 2 hours before departure: When you book within 24 hours of departure