Doubling up on N. American transcons using an AONE3
 

I guess I'm posting this partly to boast, but also to provide helpful hints to others who may want to try to finagle an extra N. American transcon out of an AONE3.

I was scheduled to fly BOS-ORD-LAX this morning, returning LAX-JFK-BOS on Wednesday, with the LAX-JFK portion being on QF108. My BOS-ORD flight was cancelled due to ATC issues at ORD, and AA rebooked me on a BOS-LAX non-stop. That, of course, would itself constitute a second N. American transcon, although the route is served exclusively by 737s, so it's not so exciting. But I called the RTW desk, and without any problem got them to reroute me BOS-JFK-LAX, with the JFK-LAX portion on a 762.

I have similar luck changing YUP fares, which also book into A inventory, but which are supposed to be ineligible to fly on three-class 762 service between JFK and LAX or SFO. I was flying HNL-ORD-BOS, and went to the ticket counter at HNL. They agreed to change me to HNL-LAX-JFK-BOS without any difficulty. Sure it was an extra flight, but it did get me in the F cabin of the 762 service from LAX-JFK.

My recommendation for anyone traveling on paid A inventory fares, it certainly is worth checking at the airport to see if you can be switched to 762 flights between JFK and LAX or SFO. You can't book these in advance, but based on my experiences, airport personnel seem not to have a problem putting you on these flights if the A space is available.

Just another example of AA personnel generally being totally unfamiliar with OWE rules. If it doesn't ring any alarm bells - why shouldn't an A pax be allowed to make that change? - you very likely will get away with it.

If the airline rebooked you outside of OWE rules due to weather, then it's ok. Because they are responsible in getting you from BOS to LAX directly as the ORD sector has been cancelled.

I agree. Other than that, anyone who does similar would be best advised not to boast about it too much here. OneWorld forum is very often read by AA RTW desk folks (anyone who has a good relationship with AA RTW desk knows exactly how right I am about that!) and folks have gotten in trouble before for "bragging" about similar in the past-- trust me.

But again, as Guy Betsy said, if it's weather, it's up to AA to do whatever they see fit.

Your point is VERY well taken. After my original post I had to call the RTW desk to make another change. The very first thing the agent noticed was the two transcons. Although he was very polite, he wouldn't even entertain the change I was calling for until he reviewed the record to assure himself that I got the double transcons as a result of an involuntary reroute, as opposed to gaming an agent unfamiliar with the rules.

Interesting, it's sort of a catch-22-- "don't re-route me and then hold it against me" would be my initial feeling. But in any case, yes, they are "on the look-out" as it were and a few of them "know us" by FT name, etc. To be honest, if I "got away" with something ONE-wise, I would never, ever post it here! Again, not your situation.

As has been said before, for the most part, AA's RTW phone agents are the best AA has to offer-- super-helpful, super-friendly and totally "involved" in the RTW experience. And, they don't hold it against us that we know the rules, if ya' know what I mean.

I'm seeing A0 on JFK-LAX a few months out, but looking on AA's website shows the whole F cabin available. So what happens - if I'm on an AONEx ticket, should I book into D and waitlist for A? Do these normally open up closer to the day? I assume that it's A0 for now because AA are hoping to sell the seats as F.

RTW Agents -- THE BEST!!!
 

I agree. The RTW agents are friendly and helpful. I kind of enjoy when I call to book a new RTW, or make changes to an existing one. Often talk to someone I "know" from prior trip, and it is always such a pleasure. Currently on my 4th or 5th RTW, so I hope I'll be able to maintain RTW desk relationship for years to come.

And LOVE this forum -- you all are the best!

Cheers from Thailand -- in midst of RTW.