Oct 28, 2012, 8:27 pm
Last edit by: Microwave
Moderator Wikipost
For AA's announcement of their new One-Way Flex Awards, see: http://www.aa.com/i18n/amrcorp/newsr...FlexAwards.jsp
For AA's FAQ on the new One-Way Flex Awards, including the new stopover rule, see: http://www.aa.com/aa/i18nForward.do?...award_faqs.jsp
Note that free stopovers have been eliminated as of 8 April 2014, so that portion of this discussion is no longer current.
/AA Moderator Team
For AA's announcement of their new One-Way Flex Awards, see: http://www.aa.com/i18n/amrcorp/newsr...FlexAwards.jsp
For AA's FAQ on the new One-Way Flex Awards, including the new stopover rule, see: http://www.aa.com/aa/i18nForward.do?...award_faqs.jsp
Q: Do one-way awards include any stopovers?
A: Awards between North America and Europe, India, Asia, and Central / South America allow a stopover at the North American gateway. However, other one-way awards do not allow stopovers.
A: Awards between North America and Europe, India, Asia, and Central / South America allow a stopover at the North American gateway. However, other one-way awards do not allow stopovers.
/AA Moderator Team
New One-Way Flex Award / Awards, <NO> Stopover Rule, and Booking Engine (May 9, 2009)
Oct 20, 2011, 2:41 pm
#661
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Not here; there!
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 29,585
Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry8530/5.0.0.601 Profile/MIDP-2.1 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/417)
Also, I called and tried to add a flight to MEX or Caribbean and they said it will require more miles too.
Did you try to add the flight to the Caribbean/Mexico from SFO, or from LAX?
Originally Posted by mmjaysee
The rate desk is correct. HKG-SFO-LAX-HNL (9820 mi.) exceeds the maximum permitted mileage HKG-HNL (6784 mi.) by more than the 25% (8480 mi.) AA permits on AAdvantage partner awards. Consider traveling to Mexico or the Caribbean after your stopover in SFO, destinations that would likely not exceed MPM on any reasonable routings. I hope you understand why this isn't allowed, considering how ridiculous it is to fly HKG to HNL via the west coast.
Oct 20, 2011, 2:45 pm
#662
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Seattle
Programs: AS MVPG 75K
Posts: 2,574
The issue with many Caribbean/Mexican destinations is that CX does not publish a fare HKG-Destination. There may be some options, but the only one I found right away is MEX (Mexico City).
Oct 20, 2011, 5:04 pm
#663
Suspended
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 4,861
Cancun, Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos, San Jose (Costa Rica), Liberia (Costa Rica), Panama City
Last edited by Austinrunner; Oct 20, 2011 at 6:47 pm
Oct 20, 2011, 10:03 pm
#664
Join Date: May 2004
Location: San Francisco, CA
Programs: AA EXP 1MM, UA 1K, Marriott/SPG Platinum Elite
Posts: 774
Thanks! Appreciate the tips, had no clue the awards were that complicated... I assumed it was just origin region to destination region and as long as it fell within that it was fine.
Oct 21, 2011, 4:14 pm
#665
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: LAX
Programs: AA 2MM, SPG Gold, HH Diamond
Posts: 110
Just found out about this, what a deal. What's the best way to pre-plan trips? Based at LAX, let's say I want to take 2 trips a year.
Assuming availability, here's an example of what I'm thinking:
1. Buy or book award one way ticket LAX -> HNL, let's say for Jan 1, 2012
2. Book award ticket HNL -> LAX (Jan 8, 2012) -> LHR (July 1, 2012)
Then, ~Feb 2012
3. Book award ticket LHR (Jul 8, 2012) -> LAX; LAX -> HNL (Jan 1, 2013)
Repeat #2-#3 every 6 months.
Is this the best way to do this? Are there any restrictions about travelling on AA during the extended stopover? Anything else I should be aware of?
Thanks!
Assuming availability, here's an example of what I'm thinking:
1. Buy or book award one way ticket LAX -> HNL, let's say for Jan 1, 2012
2. Book award ticket HNL -> LAX (Jan 8, 2012) -> LHR (July 1, 2012)
Then, ~Feb 2012
3. Book award ticket LHR (Jul 8, 2012) -> LAX; LAX -> HNL (Jan 1, 2013)
Repeat #2-#3 every 6 months.
Is this the best way to do this? Are there any restrictions about travelling on AA during the extended stopover? Anything else I should be aware of?
Thanks!
Oct 23, 2011, 9:54 am
#666
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Seattle
Programs: AS MVPG 75K
Posts: 2,574
Oct 28, 2011, 11:41 pm
#668
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 3
"Just found out about this, what a deal. What's the best way to pre-plan trips? Based at LAX, let's say I want to take 2 trips a year.
Assuming availability, here's an example of what I'm thinking:
1. Buy or book award one way ticket LAX -> HNL, let's say for Jan 1, 2012
2. Book award ticket HNL -> LAX (Jan 8, 2012) -> LHR (July 1, 2012)
Then, ~Feb 2012
3. Book award ticket LHR (Jul 8, 2012) -> LAX; LAX -> HNL (Jan 1, 2013)
Repeat #2-#3 every 6 months.
Is this the best way to do this? Are there any restrictions about travelling on AA during the extended stopover? Anything else I should be aware of?
Thanks!"
I am so lost....
I want to do the same exact thing as poster above. so if anyone could verify that the above would work on 60k or so it would be greatly appreciated.
could i also just book one way from say LAX -LHR then do a return one way of LHR - HNL with a 6 month stop in LAX?
also, what is the maximum gap one can have before having to start the second trip? (is it six months like the above example or can it be longer?)
and when i call AA how do i ask for the above? do i just say i want help with a one-way flex?
thanks in advance,
ben
EDIT: better yet can someone please direct me to a website, a blog, or anything that helps someone new understand this because the more i read, the more i become confused. I am clicking on all of the links on this site to no avail.
Assuming availability, here's an example of what I'm thinking:
1. Buy or book award one way ticket LAX -> HNL, let's say for Jan 1, 2012
2. Book award ticket HNL -> LAX (Jan 8, 2012) -> LHR (July 1, 2012)
Then, ~Feb 2012
3. Book award ticket LHR (Jul 8, 2012) -> LAX; LAX -> HNL (Jan 1, 2013)
Repeat #2-#3 every 6 months.
Is this the best way to do this? Are there any restrictions about travelling on AA during the extended stopover? Anything else I should be aware of?
Thanks!"
I am so lost....
I want to do the same exact thing as poster above. so if anyone could verify that the above would work on 60k or so it would be greatly appreciated.
could i also just book one way from say LAX -LHR then do a return one way of LHR - HNL with a 6 month stop in LAX?
also, what is the maximum gap one can have before having to start the second trip? (is it six months like the above example or can it be longer?)
and when i call AA how do i ask for the above? do i just say i want help with a one-way flex?
thanks in advance,
ben
EDIT: better yet can someone please direct me to a website, a blog, or anything that helps someone new understand this because the more i read, the more i become confused. I am clicking on all of the links on this site to no avail.
Last edited by lilbenny34; Oct 29, 2011 at 12:06 am
Oct 29, 2011, 12:05 am
#669
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Not here; there!
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 29,585
Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry8530/5.0.0.601 Profile/MIDP-2.1 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/417)
Yes, it works, as long as you can find MileSAAver/Partner availability on all segments.
There is no maximum length of stay at the North American gateway, but all travel on an award must be completed within one year of award-ticket issuance.
If all segments are on AA metal, there's no need to call AA: you can book the stopover award at aa.com by using the multi-city option. On the other hand, if you want to use a partner carrier for one or more segments, you would have to call AA and say that you want to book an award from A to C, with a gateway stopover at B.
Originally Posted by lilbenny34
"Just found out about this, what a deal. What's the best way to pre-plan trips? Based at LAX, let's say I want to take 2 trips a year.
Assuming availability, here's an example of what I'm thinking:
1. Buy or book award one way ticket LAX -> HNL, let's say for Jan 1, 2012
2. Book award ticket HNL -> LAX (Jan 8, 2012) -> LHR (July 1, 2012)
Then, ~Feb 2012
3. Book award ticket LHR (Jul 8, 2012) -> LAX; LAX -> HNL (Jan 1, 2013)
Repeat #2-#3 every 6 months.
Is this the best way to do this? Are there any restrictions about travelling on AA during the extended stopover? Anything else I should be aware of?
Thanks!"
I am so lost....
I want to do the same exact thing as poster above. so if anyone could verify that the above would work on 60k or so it would be greatly appreciated.
could i also just book one way from say LAX -LHR then do a return one way of LHR - HNL with a 6 month stop in LAX?
also, what is the maximum gap one can have before having to start the second trip? (is it six months like the above example or can it be longer?)
and when i call AA how do i ask for the above? do i just say i want help with a one-way flex?
thanks in advance,
ben
EDIT: better yet can someone please direct me to a website, a blog, or anything that helps someone new understand this because the more i read, the more i become confused. I am clicking on all of the links on this site to no avail.
Assuming availability, here's an example of what I'm thinking:
1. Buy or book award one way ticket LAX -> HNL, let's say for Jan 1, 2012
2. Book award ticket HNL -> LAX (Jan 8, 2012) -> LHR (July 1, 2012)
Then, ~Feb 2012
3. Book award ticket LHR (Jul 8, 2012) -> LAX; LAX -> HNL (Jan 1, 2013)
Repeat #2-#3 every 6 months.
Is this the best way to do this? Are there any restrictions about travelling on AA during the extended stopover? Anything else I should be aware of?
Thanks!"
I am so lost....
I want to do the same exact thing as poster above. so if anyone could verify that the above would work on 60k or so it would be greatly appreciated.
could i also just book one way from say LAX -LHR then do a return one way of LHR - HNL with a 6 month stop in LAX?
also, what is the maximum gap one can have before having to start the second trip? (is it six months like the above example or can it be longer?)
and when i call AA how do i ask for the above? do i just say i want help with a one-way flex?
thanks in advance,
ben
EDIT: better yet can someone please direct me to a website, a blog, or anything that helps someone new understand this because the more i read, the more i become confused. I am clicking on all of the links on this site to no avail.
There is no maximum length of stay at the North American gateway, but all travel on an award must be completed within one year of award-ticket issuance.
If all segments are on AA metal, there's no need to call AA: you can book the stopover award at aa.com by using the multi-city option. On the other hand, if you want to use a partner carrier for one or more segments, you would have to call AA and say that you want to book an award from A to C, with a gateway stopover at B.
Last edited by guv1976; Oct 29, 2011 at 12:13 am
Oct 29, 2011, 12:15 am
#670
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Not here; there!
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 29,585
Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry8530/5.0.0.601 Profile/MIDP-2.1 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/417)
You can also get the free gateway stopover on AA's AAnytime awards, but they require more miles, and limit you to flights on AA metal only.
You can also get the free gateway stopover on AA's AAnytime awards, but they require more miles, and limit you to flights on AA metal only.
Oct 29, 2011, 12:15 am
#671
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Not here; there!
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 29,585
Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry8530/5.0.0.601 Profile/MIDP-2.1 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/417)
(Duplicate post.)
(Duplicate post.)
Last edited by guv1976; Oct 29, 2011 at 12:19 am
Oct 29, 2011, 12:09 pm
#673
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Not here; there!
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 29,585
Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry8530/5.0.0.601 Profile/MIDP-2.1 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/417)
"AA metal" refers to flights operated by AA, as opposed to flights operated by partner carriers like AS, BA, FJ, IB, etc.
Originally Posted by lilbenny34
thank you very much for your prompt response. i think i am getting the hang of it.
one more question: what is AA metal?
one more question: what is AA metal?
Nov 3, 2011, 9:05 am
#674
Join Date: May 2004
Location: San Francisco, CA
Programs: AA EXP 1MM, UA 1K, Marriott/SPG Platinum Elite
Posts: 774
Not sure if this is the right thread to ask this on, but if I have a friend (with no AA status) book a flight for me with his miles, and I am EXP, do I still get the EXP benefit of free changes to routing, etc.?
Nov 4, 2011, 10:02 pm
#675
Join Date: Apr 2004
Programs: AA, UA, SQ, VA, QF, AF, BA
Posts: 2,865
AA requires that a fare published by the overwater carrier exists origin to destination, and that the chosen routing is permitted by that fare. Fares can restrict routing to specific sequences of airports (e.g. SEA-JFK must be nonstop or connect in ORD or DFW) or can state a maximum permitted mileage. The vast majority of intercontinental fares on AA partners (actually every one I've ever seen) are mileage based, and with mileage based fares AA allows you to exceed MPM by 25% on Partner Awards. There are a number of websites to find fares (and the associated MPM). I use Expert Flyer, a paid service, but there may be free options that I am unfamiliar with.
The issue with many Caribbean/Mexican destinations is that CX does not publish a fare HKG-Destination. There may be some options, but the only one I found right away is MEX (Mexico City).
The issue with many Caribbean/Mexican destinations is that CX does not publish a fare HKG-Destination. There may be some options, but the only one I found right away is MEX (Mexico City).
I am trying to work out the best use of my AA miles vs the best use of my US miles and since AA seems to be stricter on routing I want to budget my AA miles for a more easily "gettable" trip. The trips I am planning are Brisbane to Brazil in Sept 2012 and Brisbane to Costa Rica, returning from Belize with a stopover in LAX on the return for Sept 2013.
Fare 1: Carrier QF MKSSOW BNE to SJO (rules)
Passenger type ADT, ONE-WAY-ONLY fare, booking code M
Covers BNE-SYD (Coach), SYD-DFW (Coach), DFW-SJO (Coach)
$2,377.84
Costa Rica Security Fee (IK) $1.42
Costa Rica Tourism Tax (NW) $15.00
US September 11th Security Fee (AY) $2.50
QF YQ surcharge (YQ) $250.00
USDA APHIS Fee (XA) $5.00
US Immigration Fee (XY) $7.00
US Customs Fee (YC) $5.50
Australian Int'l Passenger Service Charge (WY) $26.60
Australian Domestic Passenger Service Charge (QR) $4.40
Australian Domestic Passenger Service Charge (QR) $3.70
Australian Safety & Security Surcharge (WG) $3.60
Australian Passenger Movement Charge (AU) $49.50
US Passenger Facility Charge (XF) $4.50
Subtotal per passenger $2,756.72
Number of passengers x1
Total airfare & taxes $2,756.72
Changes to this ticket will incur a penalty fee.
Fare construction (can be useful to travel agents)
BNE QF X/SYD QF X/DFW AA SJO 2185.83MKSSOW NUC 2185.83 END ROE 1.033012 XT 5.50YC 7.00XY 5.00XA 2.50AY 49.50AU 8.10QR 3.60WG 26.60WY 1.42IK 15.00NW 250.00YQ 4.50XF DFW4.50
Passenger type ADT, ONE-WAY-ONLY fare, booking code M
Covers BNE-SYD (Coach), SYD-DFW (Coach), DFW-SJO (Coach)
$2,377.84
Costa Rica Security Fee (IK) $1.42
Costa Rica Tourism Tax (NW) $15.00
US September 11th Security Fee (AY) $2.50
QF YQ surcharge (YQ) $250.00
USDA APHIS Fee (XA) $5.00
US Immigration Fee (XY) $7.00
US Customs Fee (YC) $5.50
Australian Int'l Passenger Service Charge (WY) $26.60
Australian Domestic Passenger Service Charge (QR) $4.40
Australian Domestic Passenger Service Charge (QR) $3.70
Australian Safety & Security Surcharge (WG) $3.60
Australian Passenger Movement Charge (AU) $49.50
US Passenger Facility Charge (XF) $4.50
Subtotal per passenger $2,756.72
Number of passengers x1
Total airfare & taxes $2,756.72
Changes to this ticket will incur a penalty fee.
Fare construction (can be useful to travel agents)
BNE QF X/SYD QF X/DFW AA SJO 2185.83MKSSOW NUC 2185.83 END ROE 1.033012 XT 5.50YC 7.00XY 5.00XA 2.50AY 49.50AU 8.10QR 3.60WG 26.60WY 1.42IK 15.00NW 250.00YQ 4.50XF DFW4.50
It's proving difficult to get the routing on QF and LA so now I am thinking of using US miles for Brazil and the AA miles to SJO and BZE. I do need to know what tools to use though, preferably free ones since I only do this once a year.
I have also heard that AA will be offering award bookings on partners soon with AS being the first one, hoping someone more experienced than I knows more about this? Would be great to be able to book awards on QF online at aa.com!