Fully refundable BOM-JFK
 

Hey guys, I am planning to fly using Chase or Amex point transfers to other airlines to book an award reservation during a busy period of January. In case I am not successful finding a last-minute award seat, I would like to have a back up reservationthat is fully refundable. Can someone comment on which airlines have a very seamless process for refunds? I see some India based airlines like indigo have decent fares but I’m just wary what the refund process could look like . Thanks

The only India based airline on that route would be AI. Refunds can take anywhere from 5 business days to 3 weeks.

United would be better. But one stop on LH or similar.

AI would be direct but refunds can sometimes require lots of follow ups and chasing.

Appreciate both your responses. What do you think are the chances to score 4 last minut award tickets using America or Chase miles (united, etc) on this route between Jan 4-8? We will accept coach or any other class as well

AI doesn't release last minute awards so your options are limited to LH/LX. 4 tickets is going to be pretty hard on the same flight.

Do things ease off after Jan 8 when most people are back to US?

You MIGHT get 4 Y on AF or VS... but chances are slim and who can guarantee that. So it depends where your Amex & Chase points transfer.

Just FYI, ET and MS have 4Y seats around your dates available right now via Aeroplan.

FT's email notification system didn't alert me to your post so just checking now and see 4 seats on Jan 8 but only on 40 hour long flights for 70k points on Egypt Air and Ethiopian. Do you recall which airlines did you see earlier today?

Also, I had no idea Etihad inventory would show on Air France but I see some and I'm guessing it's possible it could be different from the inventory on AA. I'm now loaded with apps from Aeroplan, Flying Blue, United, American, Virgin - will check each individually few times a day, especially few days before the needed date. Any other options I should be ready to check on please advise - thx!

Yeah the same ones. Can always squeeze some sightseeing in Cairo if that helps :)

Alternatively you can book the flex fare on Aeroplan which will allow you to cancel without a fee and rebook to LH/LX if that shows up later.

Thanks for that tip too!

I logged in Air Canada USA website but got directed to Canadian website so guessing taxes would be in CAD? (You will be redirected to the Canadian edition of aircanada.com as no local website edition is available for Aeroplan flight bookings based on the country/region of residence you selected)

Also, have you noticed any changes in award seats if you log in or not?

Well if you have enough transferrable miles... book ET & MS through UA. Free cancellation and all that good stuff.

Terrible routing. Do your family a favor and look for something more tolerable. Maybe check with an Indian TA also as sometimes good fares are available ex-India that do not show up on google flights et al.