Changing or dropping last segment of a AA partner award...Possible?
May 4, 2024 | 3:04 pm
#16
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: PHL
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 841
Instead of taking the train from EWR to DC, I want to cancel the last segment after arriving in ORD and fly on a separate ticket to DC. I will check 1 bag in HND, but since I have to collect the bag in ORD, is there an issue if I then cancel the last segment after collecting my bag?
May 5, 2024 | 7:45 am
#17
Join Date: Jun 2002
Posts: 580
I searched for an award on JAL, HND-ORD. No go. But there was an award HND-ORD-EWR on the date in question. I booked it since any award to the DC metro area does not route on JAL. Instead of taking the train from EWR to DC, I want to cancel the last segment after arriving in ORD and fly on a separate ticket to DC. I will check 1 bag in HND, but since I have to collect the bag in ORD, is there an issue if I then cancel the last segment after collecting my bag?
May 28, 2024 | 5:25 pm
#18
Join Date: Dec 2022
Posts: 326
Hi all, I have a similar question to those posted above, but to be thorough I'll ask it anyway:
Currently booked a partner award in J routing JFK-LHR-ATH, all on BA metal. This routing has an 11h 20m connection at LHR and arrives in ATH at 2:05am. I like the JFK-LHR leg, as it arrives to LHR early enough to catch an earlier direct flight to ATH (or possibly JTR instead). I'd therefore rather skip my LHR-ATH leg on the award ticket and book a cash ticket instead. I will not have checked bags and am not worried about changing the routing of the first leg since the partner award is using all BA metal.
I'm a longtime EP and have a decent balance of AAdvantage miles I don't want to jeopardize. I've never skiplagged on AA/partners nor would make a habit of doing so. But still...I'd rather not sacrifice a whole day in London when we want to maximize our time in Greece, and would prefer not to pay upwards of twice the miles just to get part way to my intended destination.
I'm hoping that in the coming weeks an award becomes available to ATH without the long layover. However, in the event that this does not come up, I gather that on partner awards you actually can just drop the last leg ahead of time?
Currently booked a partner award in J routing JFK-LHR-ATH, all on BA metal. This routing has an 11h 20m connection at LHR and arrives in ATH at 2:05am. I like the JFK-LHR leg, as it arrives to LHR early enough to catch an earlier direct flight to ATH (or possibly JTR instead). I'd therefore rather skip my LHR-ATH leg on the award ticket and book a cash ticket instead. I will not have checked bags and am not worried about changing the routing of the first leg since the partner award is using all BA metal.
I'm a longtime EP and have a decent balance of AAdvantage miles I don't want to jeopardize. I've never skiplagged on AA/partners nor would make a habit of doing so. But still...I'd rather not sacrifice a whole day in London when we want to maximize our time in Greece, and would prefer not to pay upwards of twice the miles just to get part way to my intended destination.
I'm hoping that in the coming weeks an award becomes available to ATH without the long layover. However, in the event that this does not come up, I gather that on partner awards you actually can just drop the last leg ahead of time?
May 28, 2024 | 5:31 pm
#19
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: PHL
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 841
Hi all, I have a similar question to those posted above, but to be thorough I'll ask it anyway:
Currently booked a partner award in J routing JFK-LHR-ATH, all on BA metal. This routing has an 11h 20m connection at LHR and arrives in ATH at 2:05am. I like the JFK-LHR leg, as it arrives to LHR early enough to catch an earlier direct flight to ATH (or possibly JTR instead). I'd therefore rather skip my LHR-ATH leg on the award ticket and book a cash ticket instead. I will not have checked bags and am not worried about changing the routing of the first leg since the partner award is using all BA metal.
I'm a longtime EP and have a decent balance of AAdvantage miles I don't want to jeopardize. I've never skiplagged on AA/partners nor would make a habit of doing so. But still...I'd rather not sacrifice a whole day in London when we want to maximize our time in Greece, and would prefer not to pay upwards of twice the miles just to get part way to my intended destination.
I'm hoping that in the coming weeks an award becomes available to ATH without the long layover, or just to LHR with an early enough (before 10:00 am) arrival so I can just terminate the award there and catch an earlier flight to ATH or JTR. However, in the event that this does not come up, I should not expect any repercussions with AA if I simply cancel the last leg on arrival to LHR?
Currently booked a partner award in J routing JFK-LHR-ATH, all on BA metal. This routing has an 11h 20m connection at LHR and arrives in ATH at 2:05am. I like the JFK-LHR leg, as it arrives to LHR early enough to catch an earlier direct flight to ATH (or possibly JTR instead). I'd therefore rather skip my LHR-ATH leg on the award ticket and book a cash ticket instead. I will not have checked bags and am not worried about changing the routing of the first leg since the partner award is using all BA metal.
I'm a longtime EP and have a decent balance of AAdvantage miles I don't want to jeopardize. I've never skiplagged on AA/partners nor would make a habit of doing so. But still...I'd rather not sacrifice a whole day in London when we want to maximize our time in Greece, and would prefer not to pay upwards of twice the miles just to get part way to my intended destination.
I'm hoping that in the coming weeks an award becomes available to ATH without the long layover, or just to LHR with an early enough (before 10:00 am) arrival so I can just terminate the award there and catch an earlier flight to ATH or JTR. However, in the event that this does not come up, I should not expect any repercussions with AA if I simply cancel the last leg on arrival to LHR?
May 28, 2024 | 5:49 pm
#20
Join Date: Dec 2022
Posts: 326
I dont think there will be any consequence. Id wait and see if an award opens up on the flight you want, and see if you can book that. If not, Id risk it. (And Im sitting on ~600k miles.) When you land at LHR simply go to the BA transfer desk and tell them an emergency popped up and you need to cancel the onward leg. I doubt theyll care (even if you have a paid onward flight with BA) and I doubt theyll report anything to AA.
May 28, 2024 | 6:11 pm
#21
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 13,098
Thanks for the quick reply. Although, I edited my question probably while you were responding, LOL. My understanding per post #17 above, and per View From the Wing, that I should be able to drop the last leg of a partner award redemption without violating T&C. Is that right? I'm (as per usual) having a hard time finding that exact stipulation in AA's T&C. I've read a bit more here on FT and the blogosphere that dropping a partner award segment is allowed.
If not, I really wouldn't worry about it. Just book the earlier LHR-ATH flight via BA. As soon as you land at LHR pull up your award reservation at aa.com and cancel it, this will eventually remove you from the later LHR-ATH flight and no one will ever look at that record again. If anyone from BA were to ask (they won't) just say you cancelled that ticket and booked a new one, end of story.
Then just make sure you check in online for the early LHR-ATH flight and use that boarding pass to go through the BP check prior to security. Then enjoy your much longer day in Greece as opposed to Heathrow.
I've had to do similar things once or twice in the past when the cost to change the ticket was exorbitant but you could buy a separate LHR-XXX flight that I needed for $150.
May 30, 2024 | 5:11 pm
#22
Join Date: Dec 2022
Posts: 326
Follow up to my original question:
If I can drop the last leg of my partner award (LHR-ATH of a currently booked JFK-LHR-ATH), and pay cash for a BA fare from LHR-JTR, could I then have them marry the segments? All legs would be on BA. Or am I expecting too much from BA, given that the JFK-LHR is booked with AAdvantage miles?
And if this can be done, would I have to deal with customs at Heathrow regardless? I would only have an hour and 10 minute connection time, given a 9:05 arrival from JFK and 10:15 departure to JTR. No checked bags, but would presumably need to transfer terminals.
If I can drop the last leg of my partner award (LHR-ATH of a currently booked JFK-LHR-ATH), and pay cash for a BA fare from LHR-JTR, could I then have them marry the segments? All legs would be on BA. Or am I expecting too much from BA, given that the JFK-LHR is booked with AAdvantage miles?
And if this can be done, would I have to deal with customs at Heathrow regardless? I would only have an hour and 10 minute connection time, given a 9:05 arrival from JFK and 10:15 departure to JTR. No checked bags, but would presumably need to transfer terminals.
May 31, 2024 | 4:41 am
#23
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 13,098
Follow up to my original question:
If I can drop the last leg of my partner award (LHR-ATH of a currently booked JFK-LHR-ATH), and pay cash for a BA fare from LHR-JTR, could I then have them marry the segments? All legs would be on BA. Or am I expecting too much from BA, given that the JFK-LHR is booked with AAdvantage miles?
And if this can be done, would I have to deal with customs at Heathrow regardless? I would only have an hour and 10 minute connection time, given a 9:05 arrival from JFK and 10:15 departure to JTR. No checked bags, but would presumably need to transfer terminals.
If I can drop the last leg of my partner award (LHR-ATH of a currently booked JFK-LHR-ATH), and pay cash for a BA fare from LHR-JTR, could I then have them marry the segments? All legs would be on BA. Or am I expecting too much from BA, given that the JFK-LHR is booked with AAdvantage miles?
And if this can be done, would I have to deal with customs at Heathrow regardless? I would only have an hour and 10 minute connection time, given a 9:05 arrival from JFK and 10:15 departure to JTR. No checked bags, but would presumably need to transfer terminals.
But whether you have 1 reservation or 2 reservations, with no checked bags there is no customs or immigration you have to deal with during a connection at LHR.
For JFK-LHR then LHR-JTR, both flights would arrive and depart from T5. You simply get off the JFK-LHR flight, follow the signs for T5 flight connections, clear security again then head to the lounge or gate.
May 31, 2024 | 6:57 am
#25
Join Date: Sep 2009
Programs: AA Executive Platinum, Marriott Lifetime Titanium, IHG Platinum
Posts: 1,811
I have a somewhat related question:
I'm looking at booking partner award USA-LHR-AUH. USA-LHR is operated by AA, LHR-AUH is operated by EY. Looking far out, I've seen J available for 70K, and F available for 115K. But in each case, the EY segment is in coach. I am guessing this is because EY only releases J or F close-in to the travel date (I believe I read 30 days someplace). The desire would be to book it, and if within 30 days of travel F or J opens up, have the class of service on the EY leg adjusted accordingly. This would seem fair, as I've already paid the full J/F point values for the award. In speaking with an agent about this earlier this week, she clearly stated she cannot change an award. I would need to cancel it, and start from scratch. But from reading this thread, it seems like this may not be accurate.
Any advice?
I'm looking at booking partner award USA-LHR-AUH. USA-LHR is operated by AA, LHR-AUH is operated by EY. Looking far out, I've seen J available for 70K, and F available for 115K. But in each case, the EY segment is in coach. I am guessing this is because EY only releases J or F close-in to the travel date (I believe I read 30 days someplace). The desire would be to book it, and if within 30 days of travel F or J opens up, have the class of service on the EY leg adjusted accordingly. This would seem fair, as I've already paid the full J/F point values for the award. In speaking with an agent about this earlier this week, she clearly stated she cannot change an award. I would need to cancel it, and start from scratch. But from reading this thread, it seems like this may not be accurate.
Any advice?
Jun 6, 2024 | 2:54 pm
#26
Join Date: Dec 2022
Posts: 326
As an update, I called the EXP desk and they dropped LHR-ATH for me without issue and it took about 15 seconds. Easiest call with AA I've had in ages. I didn't expect it to be so easy, as for whatever reason my JFK-LHR routing alone did not show up on AA.com using miles with the trip terminating in London. This is a nice little trick to keep in the back pocket.
This is great - thanks for the info. Glad to know I won't need to clear customs, as long as we can fit everything into carryons.
Makes sense. Now I just need to determine whether I want to chance it with this tight connection on two separate tickets. I'll likely rethink this and book a later flight that connects through Athens or perhaps fly into JMK instead, which provides for a nearly 3-hour connection.
Hmm...I think it only counts as a partner award if all legs are on partner airlines. I'm not positive, but I think they'll reprice the USA-LHR leg if you wanted to drop LHR-AUH.
It's not possible to 'marry the segments' or combine PNR's like that.
But whether you have 1 reservation or 2 reservations, with no checked bags there is no customs or immigration you have to deal with during a connection at LHR.
For JFK-LHR then LHR-JTR, both flights would arrive and depart from T5. You simply get off the JFK-LHR flight, follow the signs for T5 flight connections, clear security again then head to the lounge or gate.
But whether you have 1 reservation or 2 reservations, with no checked bags there is no customs or immigration you have to deal with during a connection at LHR.
For JFK-LHR then LHR-JTR, both flights would arrive and depart from T5. You simply get off the JFK-LHR flight, follow the signs for T5 flight connections, clear security again then head to the lounge or gate.
I have a somewhat related question:
I'm looking at booking partner award USA-LHR-AUH. USA-LHR is operated by AA, LHR-AUH is operated by EY. Looking far out, I've seen J available for 70K, and F available for 115K. But in each case, the EY segment is in coach. I am guessing this is because EY only releases J or F close-in to the travel date (I believe I read 30 days someplace). The desire would be to book it, and if within 30 days of travel F or J opens up, have the class of service on the EY leg adjusted accordingly. This would seem fair, as I've already paid the full J/F point values for the award. In speaking with an agent about this earlier this week, she clearly stated she cannot change an award. I would need to cancel it, and start from scratch. But from reading this thread, it seems like this may not be accurate.
Any advice?
I'm looking at booking partner award USA-LHR-AUH. USA-LHR is operated by AA, LHR-AUH is operated by EY. Looking far out, I've seen J available for 70K, and F available for 115K. But in each case, the EY segment is in coach. I am guessing this is because EY only releases J or F close-in to the travel date (I believe I read 30 days someplace). The desire would be to book it, and if within 30 days of travel F or J opens up, have the class of service on the EY leg adjusted accordingly. This would seem fair, as I've already paid the full J/F point values for the award. In speaking with an agent about this earlier this week, she clearly stated she cannot change an award. I would need to cancel it, and start from scratch. But from reading this thread, it seems like this may not be accurate.
Any advice?
Jun 6, 2024 | 3:07 pm
#27
Join Date: Sep 2009
Programs: AA Executive Platinum, Marriott Lifetime Titanium, IHG Platinum
Posts: 1,811
Not wanting to drop the leg- Just have it upgraded to the higher class of service that I conceptually already paid for.
Jun 6, 2024 | 3:13 pm
#28
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 13,098
This still should be possible but many agents now mistakenly claim that no changes are allowed on any awards and that you have to cancel everything and rebook.
Jun 6, 2024 | 4:02 pm
#29
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 733
How do we know that it isn't the other way around, that not allowing changes on awards is the new AA policy that some agents mistakenly don't follow?
Jun 7, 2024 | 6:17 am
#30
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 13,098
But Partner Awards did not change. In theory it's still possible to make changes, drop a segment, etc.
The problem is that AA being AA, they did not train their agents properly on the Flight Award vs Partner Award changes. Many agents don't know the difference, just assume they're all the same thing, same rules apply, no changes, must cancel and rebook.
Gary wrote a bit on this a while ago, AA even came out and said that Partner Awards haven't changed and that changes are still allowed. Someone at AA just needs to tell their agents this.
VFTW - HUCA Changing AA Partner Awards