Oct 28, 2019, 12:32 am
Last edit by: sammyg901
Last Updated: 21 AUG 2021
Due to various changes to the TK IT-system booking partner awards has taken a great step back. Details below.
Online: Potentially working?
See recent (July 2022) posts - it seems possible to ticket *A online IF you can find availability. A lot of availability does not show. If you can see X or I class on ua.com but not on turkishairlines.com then likely a ticket office can assist
Since August 2021 the online *A ticket payment flow is broken ("continue" button does not appear on the credit card entry page) so transactions cannot be completed. No known workarounds
From 18 Nov 19, you may continue to book partner awards online for selected airlines, routes and options. Not all options that you could book with another partner is bookable through the TK website.
Availability could be checked online via the United website without being a MileagePlus member with the book with miles tool at the flight search engine. Note: For UA flights, check 'X' fare bucket, for other airlines check Saver Award.
TK Hotline: Partially working
From recent reports ( fall 2020 ) in this thread, it is now possible to book *A awards from the TK hotline although still, not all agents are capable to do it; you might need to HUACA multiple times to find an agent that knows how to book *A awards. Although, it's strongly suggested to make your own research on availability before calling them.
Sales Office: Working
A sales office could book *A award tickets. You could call, e-mail or visit them in person. Some offices do not answer phones or do not reply to e-mails so visiting them in person would improve your chances to book a *A award ticket.
First class award: Not working
TK has stopped issuing first class awards since at least September 2019.
Due to various changes to the TK IT-system booking partner awards has taken a great step back. Details below.
Online: Potentially working?
See recent (July 2022) posts - it seems possible to ticket *A online IF you can find availability. A lot of availability does not show. If you can see X or I class on ua.com but not on turkishairlines.com then likely a ticket office can assist
Availability could be checked online via the United website without being a MileagePlus member with the book with miles tool at the flight search engine. Note: For UA flights, check 'X' fare bucket, for other airlines check Saver Award.
TK Hotline: Partially working
From recent reports ( fall 2020 ) in this thread, it is now possible to book *A awards from the TK hotline although still, not all agents are capable to do it; you might need to HUACA multiple times to find an agent that knows how to book *A awards. Although, it's strongly suggested to make your own research on availability before calling them.
Sales Office: Working
A sales office could book *A award tickets. You could call, e-mail or visit them in person. Some offices do not answer phones or do not reply to e-mails so visiting them in person would improve your chances to book a *A award ticket.
First class award: Not working
TK has stopped issuing first class awards since at least September 2019.
Everything You need to know about booking Star Alliance awards with Miles&Smiles
Feb 16, 2016, 11:27 am
#31
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: ZRH / YUL
Programs: UA, TK, Starwood > Marriott, Hilton, Accor
Posts: 7,295
I have introduced myself to the TK station manager in YUL and discussed this with him once (without a specific redemption request). He openly admitted that none of his staff had any idea about Miles&Smiles, never mind *A rewards, but that I could reach out to him when needed and he'd "speak to a contact in IST to see what we can do". It was a very friendly offer but not a very confidence-inspiring one.
Apr 22, 2016, 11:28 am
#37
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2010
Programs: TK Elite Plus, SAS EBG, QR Platinum, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 2,297
Apr 22, 2016, 9:38 pm
#39
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: C2
Programs: TK*G (Elite+)
Posts: 436
Please note that it is NOT possible to ticket your award over the phone. Once you have completed your reservation you will be given a confirmation number. To pay for the award you need to visit a physical ticket office, where you will pay the taxes and have your miles deducted in exchange for an e-ticket number. You can do this at any Turkish Airlines ticket office in the entire world.
Apr 23, 2016, 10:12 am
#40
Join Date: Jan 2015
Programs: TK Elite+
Posts: 56
Apr 23, 2016, 5:44 pm
#41
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2010
Programs: TK Elite Plus, SAS EBG, QR Platinum, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 2,297
The reservation is usually good for 30 days, but sometimes it's 10 days or less depending on how close the flight date is.
Apr 24, 2016, 8:30 am
#42
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: CPH
Programs: UAMP S, TK M&S E (*G), Marriott LTP, IHG P, SK EBG
Posts: 11,095
That's exactly my thoughts - how could they justify to charge more?
Apr 25, 2016, 2:44 pm
#43
Join Date: Jan 2015
Programs: TK Elite+
Posts: 56
They said "TK applies its own rules in accordence with IATA rules", when I complained.
Apr 26, 2016, 2:36 am
#44
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: CPH
Programs: UAMP S, TK M&S E (*G), Marriott LTP, IHG P, SK EBG
Posts: 11,095
Well TK is definitely trying very hard to grab every penny for domestic US tickets:
Same thing if you use MP - 25k points UAMP points plus HKD 180 tax.
One thing that's strange though is that I don't think the flights I'm looking at is totally based on UA's saver award. I asked to look for 5 award seats and there are definitely more flights available than the UA saver award at united.com.
Not that I'm interested as at this price I might as well pay real cash to buy the tickets as the YQ is so insane.
Flight operated by United Airlines
Mileage required for round trip economy class ticket LAX-DEN-LAX: 15000miles/person
Tax fee: HKD 1373/person
Mileage required for round trip economy class ticket LAX-DEN-LAX: 15000miles/person
Tax fee: HKD 1373/person
One thing that's strange though is that I don't think the flights I'm looking at is totally based on UA's saver award. I asked to look for 5 award seats and there are definitely more flights available than the UA saver award at united.com.
Not that I'm interested as at this price I might as well pay real cash to buy the tickets as the YQ is so insane.
May 9, 2016, 4:50 pm
#45
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: YVR/YUL/LHR/HKG
Programs: TK Gold
Posts: 577
Can I ask for some clarification?
Award for single business class flight from UK and Far East by TK and * member both costs 45 k miles. Since MPM is not impermissible, can I take a flight with two segments combined together? I want to fly to HKG from LHR.
On expertflyer, it says it's okay to book this two flight is permissible to book separately
BR 68 LHR-TPE (via BKK) 21:35/21:05+1
BR 827 TPE- HKG 21:55/23:00
However, when I search for LHR-HKG, the EVA option is not here.
Can anyone advise whether it is permissible to combine two segments, or just because the transit time is too short (~45 mins)?
Award for single business class flight from UK and Far East by TK and * member both costs 45 k miles. Since MPM is not impermissible, can I take a flight with two segments combined together? I want to fly to HKG from LHR.
On expertflyer, it says it's okay to book this two flight is permissible to book separately
BR 68 LHR-TPE (via BKK) 21:35/21:05+1
BR 827 TPE- HKG 21:55/23:00
However, when I search for LHR-HKG, the EVA option is not here.
Can anyone advise whether it is permissible to combine two segments, or just because the transit time is too short (~45 mins)?