Which is the best airline to speak to - booking a DONE4 ex JNB?
Feb 9, 2015, 5:10 pm
#46
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: ORD
Programs: AA ExPlat (2MM), Marriott LT Titanium
Posts: 291
Not able to get the tool to price properly becuase QR on the first flight... and I actually could not find the JNB-DOH flights using the tool... that the agents were able to.
Feb 10, 2015, 1:39 am
#47
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: SFOSJCOAK
Programs: AA-EXP & 1MM+, AS, MR-LTT, HH Gold
Posts: 7,581
1. See if rate desk offers a different fare (could be wishful thinking),
2. I want to make sure AA to issue ticket instead of the carrier of the first flight. By calling and asking AA RTW desk to forward the validated itin to MindPearl for subsequent ticketing.
Feb 10, 2015, 1:42 am
#48
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: SFOSJCOAK
Programs: AA-EXP & 1MM+, AS, MR-LTT, HH Gold
Posts: 7,581
I found the same problem, even though QR web site clearly has flight loaded. Ditto for CPT-DOH. These are bugs that the ow system has yet to resolve
Feb 10, 2015, 1:48 am
#49
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: London
Posts: 17,007
Feb 10, 2015, 6:14 am
#51
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: ORD
Programs: AA ExPlat (2MM), Marriott LT Titanium
Posts: 291
As a side question... if I ticket with the SAW flights but then, for some reason, need/want to change to the LHR flights through IST instead, is that considered a change that would cost $125? Is there a fee if changing airport within the same city?
Feb 10, 2015, 3:48 pm
#52
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: London
Programs: AA Executive Platinum
Posts: 779
Yes, I could not find QR availability in the online tool even for flights which were available if you were to just search for one-way flights on the QR website. I have no other knowledge about making QR the first carrier, but given that AA are very knowledgeable about RTWs and QR are a recent entrant to One World, I know who I'd prefer to issue my ticket even if you did make QR the first carrier.
BA business class was pretty good when it came out but these days is has lagged behind a bit. It's a bit dormitory style. The QR hard product is probably better (haven't tried it) but I've heard many reports of robotic QR flight attendants whereas I've always had a good experience with BA service. Obvs you have found out about BA's fuel surcharges which have pushed the BA option up by $300.
My reading is you are transiting in either LHR or DOH rather than stopping. AFAIK changing DOH to LHR or v/v even as a transit will mean ticket reissue which will mean $125, but others on this thread are more knowledgeable about xONEx rules than me. I don't know what service BA operates LHR-IST but if you do this option I'd make sure it is not Club Europe as that is really just economy class with a table cloth and a curtain to separate you from the rest of the cabin (all intra-Europe biz class on any European airline is like this).
BA business class was pretty good when it came out but these days is has lagged behind a bit. It's a bit dormitory style. The QR hard product is probably better (haven't tried it) but I've heard many reports of robotic QR flight attendants whereas I've always had a good experience with BA service. Obvs you have found out about BA's fuel surcharges which have pushed the BA option up by $300.
My reading is you are transiting in either LHR or DOH rather than stopping. AFAIK changing DOH to LHR or v/v even as a transit will mean ticket reissue which will mean $125, but others on this thread are more knowledgeable about xONEx rules than me. I don't know what service BA operates LHR-IST but if you do this option I'd make sure it is not Club Europe as that is really just economy class with a table cloth and a curtain to separate you from the rest of the cabin (all intra-Europe biz class on any European airline is like this).
Feb 10, 2015, 4:44 pm
#53
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: London
Posts: 17,007
I don't know what service BA operates LHR-IST but if you do this option I'd make sure it is not Club Europe as that is really just economy class with a table cloth and a curtain to separate you from the rest of the cabin (all intra-Europe biz class on any European airline is like this).
There is at least a blocked middle seat, which helps if you have papers or files or something but it's not a great experience.
If you have a sector to spare go via RJ or even QR.
Feb 10, 2015, 4:48 pm
#54
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: ORD
Programs: AA ExPlat (2MM), Marriott LT Titanium
Posts: 291
1. Change flights but same connection and same destination: JNB-DOH-SAW to JNB-DOH-SAW (just different flight times). My guess: No charge.
2. Change connecting airport but same stop: JNB-DOH-SAW to JNB-LHR-SAW. My guess: No charge.
3. Change destination but it is a co-terminal: JNB-DOH-SAW to JNB-DOH-IST (both Instanbul airports). My guess: $125 charge (but not sure!).
4. Change in connection and change to co-terminal. Example: JNB-DOH-SAW to JNB-LHR-IST. My guess: $125 charge.
Can someone confirm/refute any of the above???
Feb 10, 2015, 4:59 pm
#55
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: London
Posts: 17,007
Can someone help confirm or refute this? I was under the impression that only changing stops/destinations would cause a $125 charge... so I see actually 4 scenarios and I'm hoping to understand WHEN the $125 would be charged. I know in all cases - the ticket would need to be reissued and subject to changed in tax/surcharges but I'm asking specifically about the $125 change fee:
1. Change flights but same connection and same destination: JNB-DOH-SAW to JNB-DOH-SAW (just different flight times). My guess: No charge.
2. Change connecting airport but same stop: JNB-DOH-SAW to JNB-LHR-SAW. My guess: No charge.
3. Change destination but it is a co-terminal: JNB-DOH-SAW to JNB-DOH-IST (both Instanbul airports). My guess: $125 charge (but not sure!).
4. Change in connection and change to co-terminal. Example: JNB-DOH-SAW to JNB-LHR-IST. My guess: $125 charge.
Can someone confirm/refute any of the above???
1. Change flights but same connection and same destination: JNB-DOH-SAW to JNB-DOH-SAW (just different flight times). My guess: No charge.
2. Change connecting airport but same stop: JNB-DOH-SAW to JNB-LHR-SAW. My guess: No charge.
3. Change destination but it is a co-terminal: JNB-DOH-SAW to JNB-DOH-IST (both Instanbul airports). My guess: $125 charge (but not sure!).
4. Change in connection and change to co-terminal. Example: JNB-DOH-SAW to JNB-LHR-IST. My guess: $125 charge.
Can someone confirm/refute any of the above???
2. Is a change in the ticketed points. 125 USD.
3. I am not sure. However, it looks to me like a change in the ticketed points. 125 USD.
4. Is a change in the ticketed points. 125 USD.
Code:
PENALTIES NOTE - TEXT BELOW NOT VALIDATED FOR AUTOPRICING.
FEES AS DESCRIBED BELOW MAY BE WAIVED IN CASE OF
CERTIFIED DEATH/ILLNESS OF THE PASSENGER OR
PASSENGERS IMMEDIATE FAMILY MEMBER OR
ACCOMPANYING PASSENGER.
---
LOCAL SERVICE FEES MAY APPLY ON REBOOKING /
REROUTING /REISSUE OR REFUND.
--------------------------------------------------
CHANGES BEFORE DEPARTURE
A/ CHANGES ARE PERMITTED PROVIDED TICKETED POINTS
REMAIN THE SAME. IF THE FIRST FLIGHT COUPON IS
BEING CHANGED AND THE FARE LEVEL HAS INCREASED
SINCE THE TICKET ISSUANCE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN
THE OLD AND NEW FARE BE CHARGED. IF THE FARE
LEVEL HAS DECREASED SINCE TICKET ISSUANCE NO
REFUND WILL APPLY.
-
B/ CHANGES TO TICKETED POINTS ARE PERMITTED AT A
CHARGE OF USD125.00 PER TRANSACTION. IF THE FARE
LEVEL HAS INCREASED SINCE TICKET ISSUANCE THE
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE OLD AND THE NEW FARE WILL
ALSO BE CHARGED. IF THE FARE LEVEL HAS DECREASED
SINCE TICKET ISSUANCE NO REFUND WILL APPLY.
---
CHANGES AFTER DEPARTURE
A/ CHANGES ARE PERMITTED PROVIDED TICKETED POINTS
REMAIN THE SAME.
-
B/ CHANGES TO TICKETED POINTS ARE PERMITTED AT A
CHARGE OF USD125.00 PER TRANSACTION.
-
C/ NO SHOW REQUIRES REBOOKING AT CHARGE OF USD
125.00.
-
D/ IF THE REROUTING RESULTS IN AN INCREASE TO THE
NUMBER OF THE CONTINENTS OR EXTRA FLIGHT SEGMENTS
PREVIOUSLY CHARGED THE TICKET SHALL RECALCULATED.
TICKET MAY BE REISSUED TO ANY APPLICABLE EXPLORER
FARE VALIDATING ALL RULES OF THE NEW FARE EXCEPT
FOR RESTRICTIONS ON RETROACTIVE USE. REROUTING
FEE APPLIES WHEN THE RESULTING FARE IS LESS THAN
OR EQUAL TO THE ORIGINAL FARE. NO REFUND APPLIES.
SEE UPGRADING PROVISIONS WHEN RECALCULATION
RESULTS IN A NEW FARE BASIS AT A HIGHER VALUE.
---
CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS
1/ AFTER TICKET ISSUE -
FORFEIT 10PCT OF TICKETED FARE FOR ECONOMY CLASS
FARES.
FORFEIT 5PCT OF TICKETED FARE FOR BUSINESS/FIRST
CLASS FARES.
EXCEPTION -
FOR SALES IN RUSSIA FOR TRAVEL COMMENCING IN
RUSSIA FULL REFUND LESS 1000 RUB IF CANCELLED
MORE THAN 24HOURS BEFORE DEPARTURE.
-
2/ IN CASE OF REFUSAL OF OFFICAL DOCUMENTS/ENTRY
PERMIT/VISA A FULL REFUND WILL APPLY PROVIDED
OFFICIAL DOCUMENTATION FROM THE APPROVED AUTHORITY
IS PRODUCED AND ATTACHED TO THE REFUND REQUEST.
-
3/ FOR PARTIALLY USED TRANSPORTATION THE REFUND IF
ANY WILL BE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE FARE PAID AND
THE FARE FOR THE TRANSPORTATION USED LESS THE
FEE AMOUNT SPECIFIED IN 1/ ABOVE.
NOTE - FOR TICKETS SOLD IN VENEZUELA ANY FULL OR
PARTIAL REFUND MUST BE PROCESSED THROUGH THE
ORIGINAL ISSUING LOCATION IN VENEZUELA.
----------
UPGRADING
1/ AN ECONOMY ONEWORLD EXPLORER FARE MAY BE
UPGRADED TO A HIGHER TIERED OR FIRST/BUSINESS
CLASS ONEWORLD EXPLORER FARE WITHOUT FEE.
-
2/ A BUSINESS ONEWORLD EXPLORER FARE MAY BE
UPGRADED TO A HIGHER TIERED OR FIRST CLASS
ONEWORLD EXPLORER FARE WITHOUT FEE.
-
3/ A FIRST CLASS ONEWORLD EXPLORER FARE MAY BE
UPGRADED TO A HIGHER TIERED ONEWORLD EXPLORER FARE
WITHOUT FEE.
-
4/ UPGRADING BY SECTOR TO BUSINESS/FIRST CLASS IS
NOT PERMITTED.
-
5/ AT ANY TIME THE ONEWORLD EXPLORER FARE MAY BE
USED AS CREDIT TOWARDS PAYMENT OF ANY HIGHER FARE
FROM THE POINT OF ORIGIN PROVIDED THE CONDITIONS
OF THE HIGHER FARE HAVE BEEN MET. NO FEE WILL
APPLY. WHERE SUCH CREDIT IS TOWARDS ANOTHER
EXPLORER FARE RETROACTIVE USE WILL BE PERMITTED.
REISSUED TICKETS MUST BE ENDORSED - NONREF/XXX -
WHERE XXX EQUALS ONEWORLD EXPLORER FARE BASIS CODE
- AND THE ORIGINAL NON-REFUNDABLE AMOUNT REMAINS
NON-REFUNDABLE. IF THE UPGRADED TICKETS IS
SUBSEQUENTLY CANCELLED THE ORIGINAL FEE WILL
APPLY.
VOLUNTARY CHANGES IN THE EVENT OF CHANGES TO TICKETED FLIGHTS
BEFORE DEPARTURE OF JOURNEY AND WITHIN TICKET VALIDITY
CERTAIN DOMESTIC REISSUE PROVISIONS MAY BE OVERRIDDEN
BY THOSE OF AA INTERNATIONAL FARES
CHARGE USD 125.00 OR HIGHEST FEE OF ALL FARE
COMPONENTS - INFANT/CHILD DISCOUNTS APPLY AND
REPRICE USING FARES IN EFFECT WHEN TKT WAS ISSUED
PROVIDED ALL OF THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS ARE MET-
1. NO CHANGE TO 1ST FLIGHT COUPON
2. WHEN NO INTL COUPONS REMAIN - ALL NEW TRAVEL
MUST BE DOMESTIC
3. ANY CARRIER FARES ARE USED
4. ALL RULE AND BOOKING CODE PROVISIONS ARE MET
5. ADV RES IS MEASURED FROM ORIGINAL TKT DATE TO
DEPARTURE OF PRICING UNIT
OR -
REPRICE
A. BEFORE JOURNEY DEPARTURE USE FARES IN EFFECT
TODAY
B. AFTER JOURNEY DEPARTURE USE HISTORICAL FARES
BASED ON TRAVEL COMMENCEMENT
PROVIDED ALL OF THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS ARE MET-
1. WHEN NO INTL COUPONS REMAIN - ALL NEW TRAVEL
MUST BE DOMESTIC
2. ANY CARRIER FARES ARE USED
3. ADV RES IS MEASURED FROM REISSUE DATE TO
DEPARTURE OF PRICING UNIT
WHEN CHANGE RESULTS IN LOWER FARE SUBTRACT RESIDUAL
FROM THE PENALTY THEN ADD-COLLECT/REFUND
ENDORSEMENT BOX - HIGHER NON-REF AMT AND NEW
ENDORSEMENTS.
OR -
AFTER DEPARTURE OF JOURNEY AND WITHIN TICKET VALIDITY
CERTAIN DOMESTIC REISSUE PROVISIONS MAY BE OVERRIDDEN
BY THOSE OF AA INTERNATIONAL FARES
CHARGE USD 125.00 OR HIGHEST FEE OF ALL FARE COMPONENTS
- INFANT/CHILD DISCOUNTS APPLY AND
REPRICE USING FARES IN EFFECT WHEN TKT WAS ISSUED
PROVIDED ALL OF THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS ARE MET-
1. NO CHANGE TO 1ST FLIGHT COUPON
2. WHEN NO INTL COUPONS REMAIN - ALL NEW TRAVEL
MUST BE DOMESTIC
3. ANY CARRIER FARES ARE USED
4. ALL RULE AND BOOKING CODE PROVISIONS ARE MET
5. ADV RES IS MEASURED FROM ORIGINAL TKT DATE TO
DEPARTURE OF PRICING UNIT
WHEN CHANGE RESULTS IN LOWER FARE SUBTRACT RESIDUAL
FROM THE PENALTY THEN ADD-COLLECT/REFUND
ENDORSEMENT BOX - HIGHER NON-REF AMT AND NEW
ENDORSEMENTS.
OR -
BEFORE DEPARTURE OF JOURNEY AND WITHIN TICKET VALIDITY
IN THE CASE OF DEATH OF PASSENGER OR FAMILY MEMBER -
CERTAIN DOMESTIC REISSUE PROVISIONS MAY BE OVERRIDDEN
BY THOSE OF AA INTERNATIONAL FARES CHARGE HIGHEST FEE
OF ALL CHANGED FARE COMPONENTS
REPRICE USING FARES IN EFFECT WHEN TKT WAS ISSUED
PROVIDED ALL OF THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS ARE MET-
1. NO CHANGE TO 1ST FLIGHT COUPON
2. WHEN NO INTL COUPONS REMAIN - ALL NEW TRAVEL
MUST BE DOMESTIC
3. ANY CARRIER FARES ARE USED
4. ALL RULE AND BOOKING CODE PROVISIONS ARE MET
5. ADV RES IS MEASURED FROM ORIGINAL TKT DATE TO
DEPARTURE OF PRICING UNIT
OR -
REPRICE
A. BEFORE JOURNEY DEPARTURE USE FARES IN EFFECT
TODAY
B. AFTER JOURNEY DEPARTURE USE HISTORICAL FARES
BASED ON TRAVEL COMMENCEMENT
PROVIDED ALL OF THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS ARE MET-
1. WHEN NO INTL COUPONS REMAIN - ALL NEW TRAVEL
MUST BE DOMESTIC
2. ANY CARRIER FARES ARE USED
3. ADV RES IS MEASURED FROM REISSUE DATE TO
DEPARTURE OF PRICING UNIT
WHEN CHANGE RESULTS IN LOWER FARE SUBTRACT RESIDUAL
FROM THE PENALTY THEN ADD-COLLECT/REFUND
ENDORSEMENT BOX - HIGHER NON-REF AMT AND NEW
ENDORSEMENTS.
OR -
AFTER DEPARTURE OF JOURNEY AND WITHIN TICKET VALIDITY
IN THE CASE OF DEATH OF PASSENGER OR FAMILY MEMBER -
CERTAIN DOMESTIC REISSUE PROVISIONS MAY BE OVERRIDDEN
BY THOSE OF AA INTERNATIONAL FARES CHARGE HIGHEST FEE
OF ALL CHANGED FARE COMPONENTS
REPRICE USING FARES IN EFFECT WHEN TKT WAS ISSUED
PROVIDED ALL OF THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS ARE MET-
1. NO CHANGE TO 1ST FLIGHT COUPON
2. WHEN NO INTL COUPONS REMAIN - ALL NEW TRAVEL
MUST BE DOMESTIC
3. ANY CARRIER FARES ARE USED
4. ALL RULE AND BOOKING CODE PROVISIONS ARE MET
5. ADV RES IS MEASURED FROM ORIGINAL TKT DATE TO
DEPARTURE OF PRICING UNIT
WHEN CHANGE RESULTS IN LOWER FARE SUBTRACT RESIDUAL
FROM THE PENALTY THEN ADD-COLLECT/REFUND
ENDORSEMENT BOX - HIGHER NON-REF AMT AND NEW
ENDORSEMENTS.
OR -
BEFORE DEPARTURE OF JOURNEY AND WITHIN TICKET VALIDITY
CERTAIN DOMESTIC REISSUE PROVISIONS MAY BE OVERRIDDEN
BY THOSE OF AA INTERNATIONAL FARES CHARGE HIGHEST FEE
OF ALL CHANGED FARE COMPONENTS
REPRICE USING CURRENT FARES - ONLY BOOKING CODE
CHANGES PERMITTED
PROVIDED ALL OF THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS ARE MET-
1. WHEN NO INTL COUPONS REMAIN - ALL NEW TRAVEL
MUST BE DOMESTIC
2. AA FARES ARE USED
3. ADV RES IS MEASURED FROM ORIGINAL TKT DATE TO
DEPARTURE OF PRICING UNIT
4. TKT REISSUE RESTRICTED TO AA
WHEN CHANGE RESULTS IN LOWER FARE SUBTRACT RESIDUAL
FROM THE PENALTY THEN ADD-COLLECT/REFUND
ENDORSEMENT BOX - HIGHER NON-REF AMT AND NEW
ENDORSEMENTS.
.
Feb 10, 2015, 5:41 pm
#56
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: London
Programs: AA Executive Platinum
Posts: 779
Just goes to show certain markets of any kind can reach an equilibrium position which isn't necessarily best for the consumer.
Feb 10, 2015, 6:54 pm
#57
Join Date: Jul 2007
Programs: QFF
Posts: 5,304
3. Change destination but it is a co-terminal: JNB-DOH-SAW to JNB-DOH-IST (both Instanbul airports). My guess: $125 charge (but not sure!).
4. Change in connection and change to co-terminal. Example: JNB-DOH-SAW to JNB-LHR-IST. My guess: $125 charge.
Can someone confirm/refute any of the above???
Feb 11, 2015, 1:43 am
#58
Join Date: Aug 2004
Programs: AA (EP), Hilton (Diamond), Marriott Bonvoy (Titanium)
Posts: 8,937
Yes. Any change to ticketed points (adding, deleting, or reordering) incurs the $125 fee. It doesn't matter if the city is the same.
Feb 13, 2015, 7:33 am
#59
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: ORD
Programs: AA ExPlat (2MM), Marriott LT Titanium
Posts: 291
Thanks everyone for your advice, suggestions, etc. I just got off the phone with Mindpearl (AA JNB) and they have taken payment and per AA.com (Status: Ticketed Feb 13, 2015). The agent I spoke to was efficient and knowledgeable and the call took about 10 minutes and the status changed to ticketed after about 30 minutes (still waiting on the email).
I decided to pay with Chase Sapphire Preferred (for no forex fee and 2x on travel). The first time they tried to run payment, it was declined. But while still on the line I received the Chase Fraud Protection email asking me to confirm the charge. I confirmed while on the phone (via the email link) and then had the agent run the card again. The charge was approved and the agent then said it may take a few minutes to ticket and that she'll let me go and I should receive the email within an hour but I just checked AA.com.
Ticketed itinerary:
JNB-LHR-IST-LHR-ORD-SJU-ORD-JAC-DFW-ORD-LAX-MEL-AKL-SYD-CNS-SYD-JNB
April: Position to JNB and visit Istanbul "on the way home" to ORD
June: Puerto Rico for anniversary trip
Aug: Jackson Hole / Yellowstone / Tetons for summer hiking trip
Dec/Jan: Australia/NZ (including Great Barrier Reef), then Capetown and safari in South Africa
After which I either use miles to get home... or perhaps start the next ex-JNB ticket.
I decided to pay with Chase Sapphire Preferred (for no forex fee and 2x on travel). The first time they tried to run payment, it was declined. But while still on the line I received the Chase Fraud Protection email asking me to confirm the charge. I confirmed while on the phone (via the email link) and then had the agent run the card again. The charge was approved and the agent then said it may take a few minutes to ticket and that she'll let me go and I should receive the email within an hour but I just checked AA.com.
Ticketed itinerary:
JNB-LHR-IST-LHR-ORD-SJU-ORD-JAC-DFW-ORD-LAX-MEL-AKL-SYD-CNS-SYD-JNB
April: Position to JNB and visit Istanbul "on the way home" to ORD
June: Puerto Rico for anniversary trip
Aug: Jackson Hole / Yellowstone / Tetons for summer hiking trip
Dec/Jan: Australia/NZ (including Great Barrier Reef), then Capetown and safari in South Africa
After which I either use miles to get home... or perhaps start the next ex-JNB ticket.
Feb 13, 2015, 7:48 am
#60
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: London
Posts: 17,007
Thanks everyone for your advice, suggestions, etc. I just got off the phone with Mindpearl (AA JNB) and they have taken payment and per AA.com (Status: Ticketed Feb 13, 2015). The agent I spoke to was efficient and knowledgeable and the call took about 10 minutes and the status changed to ticketed after about 30 minutes (still waiting on the email).
I decided to pay with Chase Sapphire Preferred (for no forex fee and 2x on travel). The first time they tried to run payment, it was declined. But while still on the line I received the Chase Fraud Protection email asking me to confirm the charge. I confirmed while on the phone (via the email link) and then had the agent run the card again. The charge was approved and the agent then said it may take a few minutes to ticket and that she'll let me go and I should receive the email within an hour but I just checked AA.com.
Ticketed itinerary:
JNB-LHR-IST-LHR-ORD-SJU-ORD-JAC-DFW-ORD-LAX-MEL-AKL-SYD-CNS-SYD-JNB
April: Position to JNB and visit Istanbul "on the way home" to ORD
June: Puerto Rico for anniversary trip
Aug: Jackson Hole / Yellowstone / Tetons for summer hiking trip
Dec/Jan: Australia/NZ (including Great Barrier Reef), then Capetown and safari in South Africa
After which I either use miles to get home... or perhaps start the next ex-JNB ticket.
I decided to pay with Chase Sapphire Preferred (for no forex fee and 2x on travel). The first time they tried to run payment, it was declined. But while still on the line I received the Chase Fraud Protection email asking me to confirm the charge. I confirmed while on the phone (via the email link) and then had the agent run the card again. The charge was approved and the agent then said it may take a few minutes to ticket and that she'll let me go and I should receive the email within an hour but I just checked AA.com.
Ticketed itinerary:
JNB-LHR-IST-LHR-ORD-SJU-ORD-JAC-DFW-ORD-LAX-MEL-AKL-SYD-CNS-SYD-JNB
April: Position to JNB and visit Istanbul "on the way home" to ORD
June: Puerto Rico for anniversary trip
Aug: Jackson Hole / Yellowstone / Tetons for summer hiking trip
Dec/Jan: Australia/NZ (including Great Barrier Reef), then Capetown and safari in South Africa
After which I either use miles to get home... or perhaps start the next ex-JNB ticket.