How do I check reward flight availability?
Dec 13, 2010 | 2:08 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: SCL, MCT, LGW and a variety of 1W lounges in between.
Programs: BA Mucci (Seigneur et Ingenieur des Appareils Volants (Gold)), QF (WP and LTG), AA EXP, GF Gold
Posts: 3,931
How do I check reward flight availability?
Is there any chance that a reward guru could put together a concept of how to check reward flights on partner airlines within 1W without using a telephone.
For example, I would like to check reward availability from LON to KIV and this route is served by Malev. I cannot check this on AA without a phone call. I cannot check this on QF as the route is not listed, without a phone call. I cannot check this on BA as the partner route bit is down (again).
It might not even be possible, because the final part might be a Malev codeshare on Air Moldova metal. This becomes interesting as a marketing ploy for 1W and all the destinations that they count as being available for flights.
I am the world's worst 1W redeemer of miles. I had 3 million expire in the old days and my only recent redemption was 100,000 BA miles for a MAN-LGW single.
One reason for choosing to redeem to KIV is the high ticket price from LON.
I am aware that it might be a complicated matrix but I am sure that someone on the board knows how to do some of it!
For example, I would like to check reward availability from LON to KIV and this route is served by Malev. I cannot check this on AA without a phone call. I cannot check this on QF as the route is not listed, without a phone call. I cannot check this on BA as the partner route bit is down (again).
It might not even be possible, because the final part might be a Malev codeshare on Air Moldova metal. This becomes interesting as a marketing ploy for 1W and all the destinations that they count as being available for flights.
I am the world's worst 1W redeemer of miles. I had 3 million expire in the old days and my only recent redemption was 100,000 BA miles for a MAN-LGW single.
One reason for choosing to redeem to KIV is the high ticket price from LON.
I am aware that it might be a complicated matrix but I am sure that someone on the board knows how to do some of it!
Dec 13, 2010 | 3:37 pm
#3
Moderator, OneWorld
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: SEA
Programs: RAA RIP; AA ExEXP
Posts: 12,557
I have a hearing-impaired friend who I helped book a rather elaborate AA Oneworld award itinerary, all in J (F for US domestic) for him and his wife, to wit:
MIA-xBOS-MAD-ATH-xAMM-BKK-HKG-PVG-xHKG-CMB-SIN-PER-BNE-LAX-xORD-BOS-MIA
Resources deployed in order to see availability, all online:
Expert Flyer for AA segments
Iberia FF program for IB segments
BA Exec. Club for RJ segments
Qantas FF for QF segments
Asiamiles/MPC for CX/KA segments
I couldn't see RJ or CX sectors on the QF site, nor any but their own on the CX, IB or AA sites. But put them all together and I hit 100% - if the flight was shown as available on the other airlines' sites, the AA rep had no trouble booking them on the phone. (She was rather shocked that I could walk her through a 16 segment, 6 carrier itinerary in rapid fire pace - the whole thing took 15 min. on the phone once I had everything lined up.)
ETA: MA flights show up fine on the QF website, unfortunately KIV doesn't. I doubt that Moldavian Airlines is eligible for use with any OW mileage plan, but could be wrong.
MIA-xBOS-MAD-ATH-xAMM-BKK-HKG-PVG-xHKG-CMB-SIN-PER-BNE-LAX-xORD-BOS-MIA
Resources deployed in order to see availability, all online:
Expert Flyer for AA segments
Iberia FF program for IB segments
BA Exec. Club for RJ segments
Qantas FF for QF segments
Asiamiles/MPC for CX/KA segments
I couldn't see RJ or CX sectors on the QF site, nor any but their own on the CX, IB or AA sites. But put them all together and I hit 100% - if the flight was shown as available on the other airlines' sites, the AA rep had no trouble booking them on the phone. (She was rather shocked that I could walk her through a 16 segment, 6 carrier itinerary in rapid fire pace - the whole thing took 15 min. on the phone once I had everything lined up.)
ETA: MA flights show up fine on the QF website, unfortunately KIV doesn't. I doubt that Moldavian Airlines is eligible for use with any OW mileage plan, but could be wrong.
Last edited by Gardyloo; Dec 13, 2010 at 3:47 pm
Dec 13, 2010 | 3:42 pm
#4
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: London, UK
Programs: BA Gold(OWE), QF LTG, MR Plat, IHG Spire, Hertz PC
Posts: 8,156
I have a hearing-impaired friend who I helped book a rather elaborate AA Oneworld award itinerary, all in J (F for US domestic) for him and his wife, to wit:
MIA-xBOS-MAD-ATH-xAMM-BKK-HKG-PVG-xHKG-CMB-SIN-PER-BNE-LAX-xORD-BOS-MIA
Resources deployed in order to see availability, all online:
Expert Flyer for AA segments
Iberia FF program for IB segments
BA Exec. Club for RJ segments
Qantas FF for QF segments
Asiamiles/MPC for CX/KA segments
I couldn't see RJ or CX sectors on the QF site, nor any but their own on the CX, IB or AA sites. But put them all together and I hit 100% - if the flight was shown as available on the other airlines' sites, the AA rep had no trouble booking them on the phone. (She was rather shocked that I could walk her through a 16 segment, 6 carrier itinerary in rapid fire pace - the whole thing took 15 min. on the phone once I had everything lined up.)
MIA-xBOS-MAD-ATH-xAMM-BKK-HKG-PVG-xHKG-CMB-SIN-PER-BNE-LAX-xORD-BOS-MIA
Resources deployed in order to see availability, all online:
Expert Flyer for AA segments
Iberia FF program for IB segments
BA Exec. Club for RJ segments
Qantas FF for QF segments
Asiamiles/MPC for CX/KA segments
I couldn't see RJ or CX sectors on the QF site, nor any but their own on the CX, IB or AA sites. But put them all together and I hit 100% - if the flight was shown as available on the other airlines' sites, the AA rep had no trouble booking them on the phone. (She was rather shocked that I could walk her through a 16 segment, 6 carrier itinerary in rapid fire pace - the whole thing took 15 min. on the phone once I had everything lined up.)
The other option for the OP is his BA account as BA's new online award booking engine is pretty good. BA picked up their act fairly recently and you can now see most OW availability using their tool.
Dec 13, 2010 | 11:53 pm
#5
Moderator: Asiana & Qantas Frequent Flyer
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: STR/SYD/SMF
Programs: QF LTG / P1 , LH LT SEN / HON, OZ LT Diamond +, Marriott LT PT, HH Diamond,
Posts: 15,159
Malev doesn't serve this route. They only code share to KIV. But don't despair, S7 is flying to KIV 1-2 times daily. But to check this award availability you will need to pick up the phone. Or join S7. And you have some experience with them IIRC.
Dec 14, 2010 | 6:58 pm
#6
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 9
i've been trying to use the FF tool on the qantas website. I only get Qantas flights, how do I get flights from other airlines like Cathay?
Dec 15, 2010 | 4:34 am
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: SCL, MCT, LGW and a variety of 1W lounges in between.
Programs: BA Mucci (Seigneur et Ingenieur des Appareils Volants (Gold)), QF (WP and LTG), AA EXP, GF Gold
Posts: 3,931
Well the QF site does not have my home airport in the Middle East, or my new home airport in South America.
Used the BA site to check getting to LHR via AMM and of course there is availability to AMM but none to LHR. The ticket to LHR from AMM is more expensive than the ticket including the flight to AMM.
As for KIV, well I know that it is operated by Moldovan on the Saab. Boo hoo, missed the Tu 134 on this route.
Can anyone answer the question about destinations served by oneworld and if these exclude codeshares on non 1W airlines. Is the number claimed including non 1W members. They seem to imply that you can redeem miles to any destination "served".
Used the BA site to check getting to LHR via AMM and of course there is availability to AMM but none to LHR. The ticket to LHR from AMM is more expensive than the ticket including the flight to AMM.
As for KIV, well I know that it is operated by Moldovan on the Saab. Boo hoo, missed the Tu 134 on this route.
Can anyone answer the question about destinations served by oneworld and if these exclude codeshares on non 1W airlines. Is the number claimed including non 1W members. They seem to imply that you can redeem miles to any destination "served".
Dec 15, 2010 | 5:20 am
#8
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: BOS/UTH
Programs: AA LT PLT; QRPC PLT/OW EMD; Bonvoy LT Titanium
Posts: 14,600
I find that the best way to check reward seat availability, by far, is the KVS Tool. A small annual donation is required (and I mean small, -- I'm in the top tier, Diamond, for USD$75/year), but it's worth every penny.
Dec 15, 2010 | 11:01 am
#9
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Worldwide
Posts: 12,952
I find that the best way to check reward seat availability, by far, is the KVS Tool. A small annual donation is required (and I mean small, -- I'm in the top tier, Diamond, for USD$75/year), but it's worth every penny.
Is there any chance that a reward guru could put together a concept of how to check reward flights on partner airlines within 1W without using a telephone.
For example, I would like to check reward availability from LON to KIV and this route is served by Malev. I cannot check this on AA without a phone call. I cannot check this on QF as the route is not listed, without a phone call. I cannot check this on BA as the partner route bit is down (again).
For example, I would like to check reward availability from LON to KIV and this route is served by Malev. I cannot check this on AA without a phone call. I cannot check this on QF as the route is not listed, without a phone call. I cannot check this on BA as the partner route bit is down (again).
http://Help.KVSTool.com/#Classes
[KVS Availability Tool 6.0.2/Diamond - Amadeus: Awards/OneWorld/AU-QFA-SP1]
Code:
LON London Metro UK = LHR LGW STN LTN LCY IEV Kiev Metro / Kiev Zhulyany UA = KBP IEV [UKKK] FRI 01 Apr 2011 | 1 Seat Carrier Flight From Depart To Arrive A/C St Availability --------- ------ ---- -------- ---- -------- --- -- ------------ BA 840 LHR 07:00 KBP 12:15 320 CS+ YS+ BA 882 LHR 09:50 KBP 15:05 320 CS+ YS+ MA 613 LGW 08:55 BUD 12:15 736 CS+ YS+ -> MA 110 BUD 12:50 KBP 15:25 736
[KVS Availability Tool 6.0.2/Diamond - Amadeus: Timetable/NL-BCDF]
Code:
BUD Budapest Ferihegy HU [LHBP] IEV Kiev Metro / Kiev Zhulyany UA = KBP IEV [UKKK] MON 03 Jan 2011 - 10 Jan 2011 Carrier Flight From Depart To Arrive A/C St Frequency | Dur'n | Dep T | Arr T | Effect | Ending | Exceptions --------- ------ ---- -------- ---- -------- --- -- ---------------------------------------------------------------- MA/VV 6114 BUD 08:40 KBP 11:25 ER4 0 1-3-56- 01:45 2B B 03 Jan 21 Mar MA 110 BUD 12:50 KBP 15:25 EQV 0 1234567 01:35 2B B 03 Jan 10 Jan MA/VV 6114 BUD 15:45 KBP 18:30 ER4 0 -2-4--7 01:45 2B B 23 Nov 22 Mar MA/VV 6112 BUD 15:45 KBP 18:30 ER4 0 --3-5-- 01:45 2B B 05 Jan 25 Mar
Dec 15, 2010 | 11:36 pm
#11
Moderator: Asiana & Qantas Frequent Flyer
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: STR/SYD/SMF
Programs: QF LTG / P1 , LH LT SEN / HON, OZ LT Diamond +, Marriott LT PT, HH Diamond,
Posts: 15,159
Well the QF site does not have my home airport in the Middle East, or my new home airport in South America.
Used the BA site to check getting to LHR via AMM and of course there is availability to AMM but none to LHR. The ticket to LHR from AMM is more expensive than the ticket including the flight to AMM.
As for KIV, well I know that it is operated by Moldovan on the Saab. Boo hoo, missed the Tu 134 on this route.
Can anyone answer the question about destinations served by oneworld and if these exclude codeshares on non 1W airlines. Is the number claimed including non 1W members. They seem to imply that you can redeem miles to any destination "served".
Used the BA site to check getting to LHR via AMM and of course there is availability to AMM but none to LHR. The ticket to LHR from AMM is more expensive than the ticket including the flight to AMM.
As for KIV, well I know that it is operated by Moldovan on the Saab. Boo hoo, missed the Tu 134 on this route.
Can anyone answer the question about destinations served by oneworld and if these exclude codeshares on non 1W airlines. Is the number claimed including non 1W members. They seem to imply that you can redeem miles to any destination "served".
Also, in general you can't redeem miles on none OW airlines unless your Frequent Flyer Program has some special arrangements. So all those codeshares need to be operated on OW metal.
It's easy:
http://Help.KVSTool.com/#Classes
[KVS Availability Tool 6.0.2/Diamond - Amadeus: Awards/OneWorld/AU-QFA-SP1]
They do have seasonal codeshares with Aerosvit, and no, those flights are not eligible for OneWorld award redemptions:
[KVS Availability Tool 6.0.2/Diamond - Amadeus: Timetable/NL-BCDF]
http://Help.KVSTool.com/#Classes
[KVS Availability Tool 6.0.2/Diamond - Amadeus: Awards/OneWorld/AU-QFA-SP1]
Code:
LON London Metro UK = LHR LGW STN LTN LCY IEV Kiev Metro / Kiev Zhulyany UA = KBP IEV [UKKK] FRI 01 Apr 2011 | 1 Seat Carrier Flight From Depart To Arrive A/C St Availability --------- ------ ---- -------- ---- -------- --- -- ------------ BA 840 LHR 07:00 KBP 12:15 320 CS+ YS+ BA 882 LHR 09:50 KBP 15:05 320 CS+ YS+ MA 613 LGW 08:55 BUD 12:15 736 CS+ YS+ -> MA 110 BUD 12:50 KBP 15:25 736
They do have seasonal codeshares with Aerosvit, and no, those flights are not eligible for OneWorld award redemptions:
[KVS Availability Tool 6.0.2/Diamond - Amadeus: Timetable/NL-BCDF]
Code:
BUD Budapest Ferihegy HU [LHBP] IEV Kiev Metro / Kiev Zhulyany UA = KBP IEV [UKKK] MON 03 Jan 2011 - 10 Jan 2011 Carrier Flight From Depart To Arrive A/C St Frequency | Dur'n | Dep T | Arr T | Effect | Ending | Exceptions --------- ------ ---- -------- ---- -------- --- -- ---------------------------------------------------------------- MA/VV 6114 BUD 08:40 KBP 11:25 ER4 0 1-3-56- 01:45 2B B 03 Jan 21 Mar MA 110 BUD 12:50 KBP 15:25 EQV 0 1234567 01:35 2B B 03 Jan 10 Jan MA/VV 6114 BUD 15:45 KBP 18:30 ER4 0 -2-4--7 01:45 2B B 23 Nov 22 Mar MA/VV 6112 BUD 15:45 KBP 18:30 ER4 0 --3-5-- 01:45 2B B 05 Jan 25 Mar
Dec 16, 2010 | 12:01 am
#12
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Worldwide
Posts: 12,952
[KVS Availability Tool 6.0.2/Diamond - Amadeus: Timetable/NL-BCDF]
Code:
MOW Moscow Metro RU = SVO DME VKO BKA KIV Chisinau MD [LUKK] TUE 29 Mar 2011 - 05 Apr 2011 Carrier Flight From Depart To Arrive A/C St Frequency | Dur'n | Dep T | Arr T | Effect | Ending | Exceptions --------- ------ ---- -------- ---- -------- --- -- ---------------------------------------------------------------- 9U 174 DME 10:40 KIV 11:40 320 0 1234567 02:00 - - 27 Mar 29 Oct S7 157 DME 14:20 KIV 15:15 319 0 1234567 01:55 - - 27 Mar 29 Oct
Code:
BUD Budapest Ferihegy HU [LHBP] KIV Chisinau MD [LUKK] TUE 29 Mar 2011 - 05 Apr 2011 Carrier Flight From Depart To Arrive A/C St Frequency | Dur'n | Dep T | Arr T | Effect | Ending | Exceptions --------- ------ ---- -------- ---- -------- --- -- ---------------------------------------------------------------- MA/2M 6124 BUD 13:00 KIV 15:30 S20 0 123456- 01:30 2B - 28 Mar 28 Oct 2M 124 BUD 13:00 KIV 15:30 S20 0 123456- 01:30 2B - MA/2M 6134 BUD 21:45 KIV 00:15 +1 S20 0 ----5-7 01:30 2B - 27 Mar 03 Apr 2M 134 BUD 21:45 KIV 00:15 +1 S20 0 ----5-7 01:30 2B -
Dec 16, 2010 | 1:25 pm
#13
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: SORT OF HOMELESS
Programs: 14 years AA exp, but no more; & 1MM+, QR-PLT (ow EMD) MR-LTT, HH Gold
Posts: 8,106
Dec 17, 2010 | 1:41 am
#14
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: SCL, MCT, LGW and a variety of 1W lounges in between.
Programs: BA Mucci (Seigneur et Ingenieur des Appareils Volants (Gold)), QF (WP and LTG), AA EXP, GF Gold
Posts: 3,931
Many thanks, just remember there is a difference between wanting to go somewhere and needing to go somewhere too! Moldova usually falls into the need category for the business visitors of their 15,000 foreign visitors last year. The want category might be more appropriately stated as "wanton" with the Italian males visiting the local sex dens.
I am not Italian!
I have a feeling that an S7 redemption using QF miles might not be that efficient given the charge per sector length. Anyway, I cannot book anything without using the phone and have to wait for S7 on that route or buy via Malev
I am not Italian!
I have a feeling that an S7 redemption using QF miles might not be that efficient given the charge per sector length. Anyway, I cannot book anything without using the phone and have to wait for S7 on that route or buy via Malev