Combining paid and award tickets
Jan 6, 2020, 9:26 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2011
Programs: Marriott Ambassador, AA ExecPlat, Amtrak Select Exec, former WN apologist
Posts: 1,425
Combining paid and award tickets
Hi, I feel like this must be a common question, but I couldn’t find much through searching.
I am booking a trip for my family of 6. I don’t have enough points to book all as award travel, so it will be 3 award tix and 3 cash tix, all on same itinerary. I am Platinum but no others have status. I would like to merge the reservations so we can all benefit from MCE seat selection and free baggage. Is there a way to do this?
I am booking a trip for my family of 6. I don’t have enough points to book all as award travel, so it will be 3 award tix and 3 cash tix, all on same itinerary. I am Platinum but no others have status. I would like to merge the reservations so we can all benefit from MCE seat selection and free baggage. Is there a way to do this?
Jan 6, 2020, 9:40 am
#2
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: New York City + Vail, CO
Programs: American Airlines Executive Platinum, Marriott Bonvoy Ambassador Elite
Posts: 3,224
Hi, I feel like this must be a common question, but I couldn’t find much through searching.
I am booking a trip for my family of 6. I don’t have enough points to book all as award travel, so it will be 3 award tix and 3 cash tix, all on same itinerary. I am Platinum but no others have status. I would like to merge the reservations so we can all benefit from MCE seat selection and free baggage. Is there a way to do this?
I am booking a trip for my family of 6. I don’t have enough points to book all as award travel, so it will be 3 award tix and 3 cash tix, all on same itinerary. I am Platinum but no others have status. I would like to merge the reservations so we can all benefit from MCE seat selection and free baggage. Is there a way to do this?
Jan 6, 2020, 10:07 am
#3
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
Programs: UA US CO AA DL FL
Posts: 50,262
No such thing as "merging" for these purposes.
The policy is that they don't get included MCE or bags, but many agents will do it for you. As to seat assignments, try calling AA. They are generally helpful. Same thing with bags at check-in.
Alternatively, as PLT, you ought to be able to check 2 bags. If each of the three people on your PNR check 2 bags, won't that work?
The policy is that they don't get included MCE or bags, but many agents will do it for you. As to seat assignments, try calling AA. They are generally helpful. Same thing with bags at check-in.
Alternatively, as PLT, you ought to be able to check 2 bags. If each of the three people on your PNR check 2 bags, won't that work?
Jan 6, 2020, 11:23 am
#6
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: DAY
Programs: Rapid Rewards, Skymiles, Hilton HHonors, SPG/Marriott Rewards
Posts: 4,941
Jan 6, 2020, 11:23 am
#7
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: DFW
Programs: AA EXP/2.7MM
Posts: 42
I did something similar this summer - initial tickets (3x) booked with $ then added another person on same itinerary with an award ticket.
Once the PNRs were linked, I was able to select MCE seats for the award ticket using the web site - no need to call in for that, only to link.
The award ticket did not get free checked bags but we had up to 9 available with original booking, so was not an issue.
Once the PNRs were linked, I was able to select MCE seats for the award ticket using the web site - no need to call in for that, only to link.
The award ticket did not get free checked bags but we had up to 9 available with original booking, so was not an issue.
Jan 6, 2020, 12:11 pm
#8
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
I did something similar this summer - initial tickets (3x) booked with $ then added another person on same itinerary with an award ticket.
Once the PNRs were linked, I was able to select MCE seats for the award ticket using the web site - no need to call in for that, only to link.
The award ticket did not get free checked bags but we had up to 9 available with original booking, so was not an issue.
Once the PNRs were linked, I was able to select MCE seats for the award ticket using the web site - no need to call in for that, only to link.
The award ticket did not get free checked bags but we had up to 9 available with original booking, so was not an issue.