Oneworld booking and pricing experiences
#301
FlyerTalk Evangelist




Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: BOS/UTH
Programs: AA LT PLT; QRPC PLT/OW EMD; Bonvoy LT Titanium
Posts: 14,572
FYI, all, -- AFAICT, the Global Explorer fare does not have any mention about the Middle East-Europe problem which is causing so much grief with the AA RTW desk. (OTOH, of course, Global Explorer in premium cabins is limited to 34,000 BIS miles, far from the most efficient use of this ticket.)
#302


Join Date: Sep 2008
Programs: A3 *G, AA exePlat, AS MVP 75k Gold, JL sapphire, UA silver
Posts: 4,795
the circle fare is interesting too. but it is not ideal in term of mileage running.
basically, my done are mostly for mileage running as i have been to pretty much anywhere one world major cities..
basically, my done are mostly for mileage running as i have been to pretty much anywhere one world major cities..
#303




Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: San Diego
Posts: 104
Yes. Me
My itinerary is MPM-xDOH-BKK ... ATL-LHR-MAD-DKR
This has been priced and paid for with AA (it has not been ticketed yet, but since the first flight is not until June 2017, I guess it is low on AA's list of priorities)
This itinerary does not run foul of AA's interpretation of the backtracking rule (it has no flight segments between Europe and Middle East), so I had no problems getting AA to price it up.
skunker's proposed itinerary is essentially the same as mine. The only difference is that it heads West from DOH (to the US) at the beginning and comes into Europe at the end from the East (HKG-LHR).
So I really don't understand how the AAgent that dealt with this had the belief that the itinerary was invalid.
(Either DOH or LHR must be a transfer without stopover, but I'm sure skunker would know that and anyway that is not the problem the AAgent had with the itinerary.)

My itinerary is MPM-xDOH-BKK ... ATL-LHR-MAD-DKR
This has been priced and paid for with AA (it has not been ticketed yet, but since the first flight is not until June 2017, I guess it is low on AA's list of priorities)
This itinerary does not run foul of AA's interpretation of the backtracking rule (it has no flight segments between Europe and Middle East), so I had no problems getting AA to price it up.
skunker's proposed itinerary is essentially the same as mine. The only difference is that it heads West from DOH (to the US) at the beginning and comes into Europe at the end from the East (HKG-LHR).
So I really don't understand how the AAgent that dealt with this had the belief that the itinerary was invalid.
(Either DOH or LHR must be a transfer without stopover, but I'm sure skunker would know that and anyway that is not the problem the AAgent had with the itinerary.)
And, if you are starting in June, I am assuming you are planning on changing some dates when they open up?
Thanks again for your input!
#304




Join Date: May 2006
Location: SAN
Programs: Lots of faux metal
Posts: 7,021
Yes. Me
My itinerary is MPM-xDOH-BKK ... ATL-LHR-MAD-DKR
This has been priced and paid for with AA (it has not been ticketed yet, but since the first flight is not until June 2017, I guess it is low on AA's list of priorities)
This itinerary does not run foul of AA's interpretation of the backtracking rule (it has no flight segments between Europe and Middle East), so I had no problems getting AA to price it up.
skunker's proposed itinerary is essentially the same as mine. The only difference is that it heads West from DOH (to the US) at the beginning and comes into Europe at the end from the East (HKG-LHR).
So I really don't understand how the AAgent that dealt with this had the belief that the itinerary was invalid.
(Either DOH or LHR must be a transfer without stopover, but I'm sure skunker would know that and anyway that is not the problem the AAgent had with the itinerary.)

My itinerary is MPM-xDOH-BKK ... ATL-LHR-MAD-DKR
This has been priced and paid for with AA (it has not been ticketed yet, but since the first flight is not until June 2017, I guess it is low on AA's list of priorities)
This itinerary does not run foul of AA's interpretation of the backtracking rule (it has no flight segments between Europe and Middle East), so I had no problems getting AA to price it up.
skunker's proposed itinerary is essentially the same as mine. The only difference is that it heads West from DOH (to the US) at the beginning and comes into Europe at the end from the East (HKG-LHR).
So I really don't understand how the AAgent that dealt with this had the belief that the itinerary was invalid.
(Either DOH or LHR must be a transfer without stopover, but I'm sure skunker would know that and anyway that is not the problem the AAgent had with the itinerary.)
Since you've been able to purchase your itinerary I might try to change mine to include the Europe transit at the end.
#305




Join Date: May 2006
Location: SAN
Programs: Lots of faux metal
Posts: 7,021
Fantastic pandaperth! So if I am understanding correctly, it is working for you because you are not transiting through DOH on your return? Unlike my proposed itinerary of MPM-xDOH-SIN-(Surface Sector SIN-DPS)-DPS-HKG-MNL-HKG-LAX-MAD-VIE-HEL-CDG-xDOH-SEZ. If that's the case, I can do a LHR to NBO to avoid DOH. Did your LHR stop bump up your cost drastically?
And, if you are starting in June, I am assuming you are planning on changing some dates when they open up?
Thanks again for your input!
And, if you are starting in June, I am assuming you are planning on changing some dates when they open up?
Thanks again for your input!
#306



Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: used to be PER, now it's nowhere/eveywhere
Programs: QFF NB, AA GLD
Posts: 3,687
Yes, that was my plan: add it when I change the routing.
Yes, I wanted a transit in LHR and was told no can do as it was "backtracking continents." When I pointed out that DOH was the same continent she just said "it's different in this case."
Since you've been able to purchase your itinerary I might try to change mine to include the Europe transit at the end.
Yes, I wanted a transit in LHR and was told no can do as it was "backtracking continents." When I pointed out that DOH was the same continent she just said "it's different in this case."
Since you've been able to purchase your itinerary I might try to change mine to include the Europe transit at the end.
#307



Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: used to be PER, now it's nowhere/eveywhere
Programs: QFF NB, AA GLD
Posts: 3,687
Fantastic pandaperth! So if I am understanding correctly, it is working for you because you are not transiting through DOH on your return? Unlike my proposed itinerary of MPM-xDOH-SIN-(Surface Sector SIN-DPS)-DPS-HKG-MNL-HKG-LAX-MAD-VIE-HEL-CDG-xDOH-SEZ. If that's the case, I can do a LHR to NBO to avoid DOH. Did your LHR stop bump up your cost drastically?
No, you are not understanding me correctly.
The reason my itinerary is acceptable to AA and yours is not is that I have no segments between the two zones, and you do (your CDG-DOH flight)
The reason my itinerary is acceptable to AA and yours is not is that I have no segments between the two zones, and you do (your CDG-DOH flight)
And, if you are starting in June, I am assuming you are planning on changing some dates when they open up?
Correct. My itinerary starts mid-June 2017 and when I can adjust the dates on my itinerary, it will end ~May 2018
Thanks again for your input!
You are very welcome.
#308




Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: DCA, EGE, IAD
Programs: MR LTT, BA Gold, AA LTP, UA Silver
Posts: 6,093
FWIW, while I used to really work to maximize my mileage earning, not so much anymore. I do my trips for travel purposes, including a couple short DFW-EGE-LAX flights, not to mention SYD-MEL. Even doing that I still way over the 75K RDM/ticket threshold so am splitting earning between BAEC and AAdvantage. I'll earn a lot more with BAEC on AA coded RTW flights than with AA and need the BA flights to qualify for BAEC Gold.
Last edited by aaupgrade; Jul 31, 2016 at 7:13 am
#309


Join Date: Sep 2008
Programs: A3 *G, AA exePlat, AS MVP 75k Gold, JL sapphire, UA silver
Posts: 4,795
How do you plan on handling the 75K RDM limit per ticket, or are you doing the mileage run for another OW/partner FF program?
FWIW, while I used to really work to maximize my mileage earning, not so much anymore. I do my trips for travel purposes, including a couple short DFW-EGE-LAX flights, not to mention SYD-MEL. Even doing that I still way over the 75K RDM/ticket threshold so am splitting earning between BAEC and AAdvantage. I'll earn a lot more with BAEC on AA coded RTW flights than with AA and need the BA flights to qualify for BAEC Gold.
FWIW, while I used to really work to maximize my mileage earning, not so much anymore. I do my trips for travel purposes, including a couple short DFW-EGE-LAX flights, not to mention SYD-MEL. Even doing that I still way over the 75K RDM/ticket threshold so am splitting earning between BAEC and AAdvantage. I'll earn a lot more with BAEC on AA coded RTW flights than with AA and need the BA flights to qualify for BAEC Gold.
#310
FlyerTalk Evangelist




Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: BOS/UTH
Programs: AA LT PLT; QRPC PLT/OW EMD; Bonvoy LT Titanium
Posts: 14,572
How do you plan on handling the 75K RDM limit per ticket, or are you doing the mileage run for another OW/partner FF program?
FWIW, while I used to really work to maximize my mileage earning, not so much anymore. I do my trips for travel purposes, including a couple short DFW-EGE-LAX flights, not to mention SYD-MEL. Even doing that I still way over the 75K RDM/ticket threshold so am splitting earning between BAEC and AAdvantage. I'll earn a lot more with BAEC on AA coded RTW flights than with AA and need the BA flights to qualify for BAEC Gold.
FWIW, while I used to really work to maximize my mileage earning, not so much anymore. I do my trips for travel purposes, including a couple short DFW-EGE-LAX flights, not to mention SYD-MEL. Even doing that I still way over the 75K RDM/ticket threshold so am splitting earning between BAEC and AAdvantage. I'll earn a lot more with BAEC on AA coded RTW flights than with AA and need the BA flights to qualify for BAEC Gold.
#311


Join Date: Sep 2008
Programs: A3 *G, AA exePlat, AS MVP 75k Gold, JL sapphire, UA silver
Posts: 4,795
I believe that you have to book it initially using your AAdvantage number if you want to benefit from eVIPs or sticker upgrades. I'm going to be doing the same thing as you. Will book it initially with AAdvantage then change at least the QR flights to QRPC at the gates before I board.
#312




Join Date: May 2016
Location: HEL
Programs: BA Gold, AA PLT, AS MVP Gold
Posts: 79
Sorry if this has been mentioned here before.
AA PLT desk confirmed that the system is not tracking bookings, only ticket numbers. Neither there is no special handling for RTW tickets.
They also confirmed, that if one make change that gets the ticket reissued, the counter would start counting again from zero because having different e-ticket number. So, it's at least really possible to dodge the 75K RDM limit by getting ticket re-issued by making changes on the way, before the cap would apply.
AA PLT desk confirmed that the system is not tracking bookings, only ticket numbers. Neither there is no special handling for RTW tickets.
They also confirmed, that if one make change that gets the ticket reissued, the counter would start counting again from zero because having different e-ticket number. So, it's at least really possible to dodge the 75K RDM limit by getting ticket re-issued by making changes on the way, before the cap would apply.
#313
Moderator, OneWorld




Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: SEA
Programs: RAA RIP; AA ExEXP
Posts: 12,525
Sorry if this has been mentioned here before.
AA PLT desk confirmed that the system is not tracking bookings, only ticket numbers. Neither there is no special handling for RTW tickets.
They also confirmed, that if one make change that gets the ticket reissued, the counter would start counting again from zero because having different e-ticket number. So, it's at least really possible to dodge the 75K RDM limit by getting ticket re-issued by making changes on the way, before the cap would apply.
AA PLT desk confirmed that the system is not tracking bookings, only ticket numbers. Neither there is no special handling for RTW tickets.
They also confirmed, that if one make change that gets the ticket reissued, the counter would start counting again from zero because having different e-ticket number. So, it's at least really possible to dodge the 75K RDM limit by getting ticket re-issued by making changes on the way, before the cap would apply.
#314
Suspended
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: FIND ME ON TWITTER FOR THE LATEST
Posts: 27,729
Sorry if this has been mentioned here before.
AA PLT desk confirmed that the system is not tracking bookings, only ticket numbers. Neither there is no special handling for RTW tickets.
They also confirmed, that if one make change that gets the ticket reissued, the counter would start counting again from zero because having different e-ticket number. So, it's at least really possible to dodge the 75K RDM limit by getting ticket re-issued by making changes on the way, before the cap would apply.
AA PLT desk confirmed that the system is not tracking bookings, only ticket numbers. Neither there is no special handling for RTW tickets.
They also confirmed, that if one make change that gets the ticket reissued, the counter would start counting again from zero because having different e-ticket number. So, it's at least really possible to dodge the 75K RDM limit by getting ticket re-issued by making changes on the way, before the cap would apply.
Again, sounds very possible, but wouldn't want anyone to make plans based on same.
#315
FlyerTalk Evangelist




Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: BOS/UTH
Programs: AA LT PLT; QRPC PLT/OW EMD; Bonvoy LT Titanium
Posts: 14,572
Back to MPM issues for a minute. (I'm starting to get confused as to which thread for which issues!!)
Just got off the phone with a very nice gentleman at AA RTW desk, let's call him Mr. T. First, I note that he couldn't have been nicer.
He said that "American is not issuing" any tickets which touch Africa and have segments between Europe and Middle East in the itinerary. We reviewed the rules together; and he saw my point. Put me on hold and checked with the "tariff" desk. He agrees that it is ambiguous, but said that this is the position that AA is taking. Very apologetic. He said that there have been discussions about changing the wording in this section of the rules; and he hopes that it occurs this week since they are receiving a lot of calls on this.
Gave me the number for BA RTW desk; but they are a Monday-Friday operation.
So back to the drawing board on the itinerary, I guess.
Just got off the phone with a very nice gentleman at AA RTW desk, let's call him Mr. T. First, I note that he couldn't have been nicer.
He said that "American is not issuing" any tickets which touch Africa and have segments between Europe and Middle East in the itinerary. We reviewed the rules together; and he saw my point. Put me on hold and checked with the "tariff" desk. He agrees that it is ambiguous, but said that this is the position that AA is taking. Very apologetic. He said that there have been discussions about changing the wording in this section of the rules; and he hopes that it occurs this week since they are receiving a lot of calls on this.
Gave me the number for BA RTW desk; but they are a Monday-Friday operation.
So back to the drawing board on the itinerary, I guess.



