Searching for MileSAAver award inventory
Nov 14, 2022, 7:19 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: San Jose, CA
Posts: 460
Searching for MileSAAver award inventory
How do I search for MileSAAver award availability on aa.com so that I can then call BA to book said flights using Avios? Apparently this is a recommended method to get around the fact thatthe ba.com search engine isn't that great for partner flights.
I haven't done this in a while but seem to remember that the calendar view gave you various award classes to choose from. Now when I do an award search, all it shows me are the number of miles needed and I have to click on specific fares to see what the award basis is. I'm hoping that someone knows a better way .
Thanks
I haven't done this in a while but seem to remember that the calendar view gave you various award classes to choose from. Now when I do an award search, all it shows me are the number of miles needed and I have to click on specific fares to see what the award basis is. I'm hoping that someone knows a better way .
Thanks
Nov 14, 2022, 7:41 pm
#2
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Are you looking for just one flight, or do you need connecting flights for your trip? Have you tried searching on ba.com or the BA app for the flights you want?
In general, I would first determine the MileSAAver redemption rate for the route in question from the AA award charts. Then, search aa.com for your particular route, and look for dates with redemption rates at or below the MileSAAver rate. If you see any, click on the date, and then sort the flights by lowest cost. This should enable you to spot MileSAAver flights if they exist.
In general, I would first determine the MileSAAver redemption rate for the route in question from the AA award charts. Then, search aa.com for your particular route, and look for dates with redemption rates at or below the MileSAAver rate. If you see any, click on the date, and then sort the flights by lowest cost. This should enable you to spot MileSAAver flights if they exist.
Nov 14, 2022, 8:19 pm
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: San Jose, CA
Posts: 460
Probably noonstop flights on AA though it could be connecting flights since I'm trying to burn off BA Avios miles that I've had for a long time. Unfortunately, ba.co shows no availability regardless of route or how far out I look :-(
I will try looking at the award chart as a reference since any awards at aa.com seem to be either at regular award levels at popular times or Web Specials.
Thanks
I will try looking at the award chart as a reference since any awards at aa.com seem to be either at regular award levels at popular times or Web Specials.
Thanks
Nov 14, 2022, 9:08 pm
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: San Jose, CA
Posts: 460
MileSAAver awards for domestic flights >500 miles are 12500 miles so I did a search for one way SJC to PHX and most flights were below or above that amount. When I finally found a award flight that requires 12500 miles; it doesn't say anything about being a MileSAAver :-(
Fare page
Fare details
Fare page
Fare details
Nov 14, 2022, 9:19 pm
#6
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 7,875
Yes, AA shows you it is Milesaver when you go to book it (it will tell you it cannot be changed, only refunded). At least from my experience (don't know if your login makes a difference).
(edit, got web special and milesaver mixed up)
(edit, got web special and milesaver mixed up)
Last edited by s0ssos; Nov 15, 2022 at 7:19 am
Nov 14, 2022, 9:31 pm
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: San Jose, CA
Posts: 460
Good to know about the relevant booking codes. And ba.com does show that flight available for 7500 Avios!
Now if aa.com would let me filter searches by booking codes
Thanks
Now if aa.com would let me filter searches by booking codes
Thanks
Last edited by unmesh; Nov 14, 2022 at 9:36 pm
Nov 14, 2022, 9:45 pm
#8
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I'm afraid that you've got that backwards. MileSAAver awards are changeable; it's only Web Special awards that are non-changeable. And aa.com (or the AA app) will warn you when you have selected a Web Special award.
Nov 14, 2022, 9:57 pm
#9
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The above shows a MileSAAver award: the redemption amount matches the MileSAAver mileage on AA's redemption chart, and the display includes the language, "Changes are allowed."
By contrast, here are the initial and subsequent displays for a Web Special:
(Note the "Only on aa.com" language in the initial display for the Web Special.)
Nov 14, 2022, 10:11 pm
#10
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The only useful way I know of to use aa.com to search for sAAver inventory is to use the calendar feature after you've selected your city pairs and date. I usually do it in one way segments since that's how they're priced anyway.
Nov 14, 2022, 10:16 pm
#11
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Unfortunately, milesaver awards are rarer by the day now. I used to use Avios for AA domestic flights a lot, and that's largely not an option anymore.
Nov 14, 2022, 10:18 pm
#12
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Location: San Jose, CA
Posts: 460
Thanks