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
Jul 23, 2022, 8:06 am
#1411
Join Date: May 2016
Programs: Oneworld Sapphire (QR Gold), SkyTeam Elite Plus (ITA Volare)
Posts: 100
I also managed to book a Star Alliance award online just now, using Safari. In "Safari > Settings for this website" I had to tick off the "Enable content blockers". Then my payment was successful (on my first attempt with the box ticked - I never saw the Mastercard 3D authorization)
FYI the flight is OSL-LHR with SAS. 15000 TK miles and NOK 194 for "business" (SAS Plus) Funnily, the booking confirmation / email shows "Economy". Perhaps that text is just based on the booking class I.
FYI the flight is OSL-LHR with SAS. 15000 TK miles and NOK 194 for "business" (SAS Plus) Funnily, the booking confirmation / email shows "Economy". Perhaps that text is just based on the booking class I.
Jul 23, 2022, 10:43 am
#1412
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: DFW
Programs: OWE AA EXP;*A TK Gold; Marriott LTT; Hyatt Globalist; IHG Plat; National VIP
Posts: 3,097
I also managed to book a Star Alliance award online just now, using Safari. In "Safari > Settings for this website" I had to tick off the "Enable content blockers". Then my payment was successful (on my first attempt with the box ticked - I never saw the Mastercard 3D authorization)
FYI the flight is OSL-LHR with SAS. 15000 TK miles and NOK 194 for "business" (SAS Plus) Funnily, the booking confirmation / email shows "Economy". Perhaps that text is just based on the booking class I.
FYI the flight is OSL-LHR with SAS. 15000 TK miles and NOK 194 for "business" (SAS Plus) Funnily, the booking confirmation / email shows "Economy". Perhaps that text is just based on the booking class I.
Jul 25, 2022, 12:22 am
#1413
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Sydney, Australia and Stockholm, Sweden
Programs: VA Platinum, SQ Gold, TK Gold, Hhonors Gold, Accor Plus Platinum, Bonvoy Gold, Radisson Premium
Posts: 1,022
I also managed to book a Star Alliance award online just now, using Safari. In "Safari > Settings for this website" I had to tick off the "Enable content blockers". Then my payment was successful (on my first attempt with the box ticked - I never saw the Mastercard 3D authorization)
FYI the flight is OSL-LHR with SAS. 15000 TK miles and NOK 194 for "business" (SAS Plus) Funnily, the booking confirmation / email shows "Economy". Perhaps that text is just based on the booking class I.
FYI the flight is OSL-LHR with SAS. 15000 TK miles and NOK 194 for "business" (SAS Plus) Funnily, the booking confirmation / email shows "Economy". Perhaps that text is just based on the booking class I.
Jul 25, 2022, 1:08 pm
#1414
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: allaroundasia
Programs: LH SEN, SPG Plat.M&S E+
Posts: 222
update today: I called TK office this morning in order to cancel the ticket (flight change). Surprisingly the cc agent told me, that UA has not confirmed the ticket yet (but I have PNR and ticket number). She advised me to call UA and ask for confirmation. So i called UA and the cc agent there could not do anything on the 'empty PNR' . They started the pingpong game to give responsibilities to each other....Now I opened a claim at TK feedback site.
I am aware that booking a *alliance flight with TK miles is always a challenge but in this case it is highly recommended to check your bookings/tickets on a daily base.
I am aware that booking a *alliance flight with TK miles is always a challenge but in this case it is highly recommended to check your bookings/tickets on a daily base.
Jul 25, 2022, 4:35 pm
#1416
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 52
Changing/Cancelling United Airlines Mileage Booking
I booked an United Airlines flight from SFO to Hawaii for travel in September 2022 using Turkish Airlines miles. I did this on the phone on 12/31/2021 right before my Turkish Airlines miles expired. I can no longer make the trip and am wondering what my options are.
1. If I cancel the flight, will I get the Turkish Airlines back? My guess is probably not since the miles expired on 12/31/2021?
2. If item 1 is right, then my only option would be to change the flight to a future date in February 2022 that I can hopefully use. Will I have to pay a change fee if the original flight I booked was 9am to 11:48am and now the current scheduled time is 8:53am to 11:31am? Is this considered enough of a time change to avoid the $25 change fee?
3. Is the best way to change the flight a call to the call center (they were hit or miss when I was trying to book the initial flight)? Are there any other ways to do the change like email?
1. If I cancel the flight, will I get the Turkish Airlines back? My guess is probably not since the miles expired on 12/31/2021?
2. If item 1 is right, then my only option would be to change the flight to a future date in February 2022 that I can hopefully use. Will I have to pay a change fee if the original flight I booked was 9am to 11:48am and now the current scheduled time is 8:53am to 11:31am? Is this considered enough of a time change to avoid the $25 change fee?
3. Is the best way to change the flight a call to the call center (they were hit or miss when I was trying to book the initial flight)? Are there any other ways to do the change like email?
Last edited by travels007; Jul 25, 2022 at 4:44 pm
Jul 25, 2022, 5:53 pm
#1417
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: YVR/YUL/LHR/HKG
Programs: TK Gold
Posts: 577
Nightmare to call TK. Issued a ticket from BOS - SFO with TK miles on UA.
Unfortunately, I have to change the departure point from BOS to NYC. I checked with UA where some X class availabilities only opened up 3 days before departure.
Called TK 3 times to change BOS-SFO to EWR-AUS-SFO. They have been unable to do so
I slept and gave up. Thinking to go visit the NYC sales office. Fortunately SFO's email works, someone got back to me and issued me with paying 25 USD change fee.
Unfortunately, I have to change the departure point from BOS to NYC. I checked with UA where some X class availabilities only opened up 3 days before departure.
Called TK 3 times to change BOS-SFO to EWR-AUS-SFO. They have been unable to do so
I slept and gave up. Thinking to go visit the NYC sales office. Fortunately SFO's email works, someone got back to me and issued me with paying 25 USD change fee.
Jul 25, 2022, 5:57 pm
#1418
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: YVR/YUL/LHR/HKG
Programs: TK Gold
Posts: 577
I booked an United Airlines flight from SFO to Hawaii for travel in September 2022 using Turkish Airlines miles. I did this on the phone on 12/31/2021 right before my Turkish Airlines miles expired. I can no longer make the trip and am wondering what my options are.
1. If I cancel the flight, will I get the Turkish Airlines back? My guess is probably not since the miles expired on 12/31/2021?
2. If item 1 is right, then my only option would be to change the flight to a future date in February 2022 that I can hopefully use. Will I have to pay a change fee if the original flight I booked was 9am to 11:48am and now the current scheduled time is 8:53am to 11:31am? Is this considered enough of a time change to avoid the $25 change fee?
3. Is the best way to change the flight a call to the call center (they were hit or miss when I was trying to book the initial flight)? Are there any other ways to do the change like email?
1. If I cancel the flight, will I get the Turkish Airlines back? My guess is probably not since the miles expired on 12/31/2021?
2. If item 1 is right, then my only option would be to change the flight to a future date in February 2022 that I can hopefully use. Will I have to pay a change fee if the original flight I booked was 9am to 11:48am and now the current scheduled time is 8:53am to 11:31am? Is this considered enough of a time change to avoid the $25 change fee?
3. Is the best way to change the flight a call to the call center (they were hit or miss when I was trying to book the initial flight)? Are there any other ways to do the change like email?
After a few months, I know when I will want to use this flight. I changed my destination and departure point. The ticketing hotline seems to have some difficulty issuing this ticket. The sale office at YUL was very helpful and changed my flight by email back and forth.
I guess you can try to see if the ticketing hotline to see if your flight can be changed to open ticket.
Jul 25, 2022, 6:37 pm
#1419
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 52
I did the same thing last year. I booked a random flight which for sure I know I wouldn't be travelling on that date. I called earlier this year to call center in April and I told them I am not sure when to travel. They changed my ticket to an open ticket.
After a few months, I know when I will want to use this flight. I changed my destination and departure point. The ticketing hotline seems to have some difficulty issuing this ticket. The sale office at YUL was very helpful and changed my flight by email back and forth.
I guess you can try to see if the ticketing hotline to see if your flight can be changed to open ticket.
After a few months, I know when I will want to use this flight. I changed my destination and departure point. The ticketing hotline seems to have some difficulty issuing this ticket. The sale office at YUL was very helpful and changed my flight by email back and forth.
I guess you can try to see if the ticketing hotline to see if your flight can be changed to open ticket.
What is the length of validity on the open ticket?
Once I am ready to book, I will need to call or email to book using the open ticket?
Jul 25, 2022, 8:56 pm
#1420
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: YVR/YUL/LHR/HKG
Programs: TK Gold
Posts: 577
If my memory serves me correctly, the validity was 1 year. But I am not 100% sure.
However, back in April, changing tickets were free under the so-called COVID flexible travel rule. I am not sure if you are liable to a 25 USD fee nowadays as TK seems to levy this fee again
Jul 26, 2022, 5:48 pm
#1421
Join Date: Jul 2018
Posts: 6
On Turkish Airlines website, went to "Buy Star Alliance award tickets", but can find no available flights at all. Could this be because I have 0 miles? I am considering transferring miles/points from another program, but wanted to actually see available flights online before doing the transfer. But maybe the website won't show me any flights because I have no miles?
Jul 26, 2022, 5:51 pm
#1422
Join Date: Jul 2000
Posts: 3,746
[QUOTE=jcatx;34461251]On Turkish Airlines website, went to "Buy Star Alliance award tickets", but can find no available flights at all. Could this be because I have 0 miles? I am considering transferring miles/points from another program, but wanted to actually see available flights online before doing the transfer. But maybe the website won't show me any flights because I have no miles?[/QUOTE
You will see availability even if you have zero miles.
You will see availability even if you have zero miles.
Jul 28, 2022, 12:30 am
#1423
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: New Delhi
Programs: Miles n More Senator ,Marriots Platinum, Hhonors Diamond, Miles n Smile elites,ITA Volare Premium
Posts: 162
After trying for last month , I was able to book Award ticket on Star Alliance Partner. Booked 2 tickets business class DEL-LIS , First segment DEL-WAW ( on Lot polish) , connecting with WAW-LIS ( on Tap Portugal) . After checking availability on United website , I checked on Turkish Airlines website ... did not find same seats. Fortunately on calling customer care ,they found award seats ,requested them to issue PNR ... in mean time I transferred miles to Miles n Smiles. Finally able to get ticketed . Cost per Pax 30000 miles + 52 USD as taxes.
Jul 28, 2022, 2:07 pm
#1424
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 7
I'm trying to use expiring turkish miles for ATL-OGG. I can see (x) saver award fares on United and Aeroplan sites for my dates. However, Turkish doesn't show the flights. For outgoing, Turkish does not have the 7:30am flight from ATL-SFO leg. Instead, it only shows a later ATL-SFO flight. Then an overnight layover, which makes it 15k turkish miles one way instead of 7500. I also can't locate on Turkish the return through DEN. I've called the Turkish call center 10 times with nobody able to see availability. Both layovers are less than 4 hours, so I don't think that is the issue. Advice?
Jul 28, 2022, 3:10 pm
#1425
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: MEX
Programs: TK G,UA *S
Posts: 1,137
I'm trying to use expiring turkish miles for ATL-OGG. I can see (x) saver award fares on United and Aeroplan sites for my dates. However, Turkish doesn't show the flights. For outgoing, Turkish does not have the 7:30am flight from ATL-SFO leg. Instead, it only shows a later ATL-SFO flight. Then an overnight layover, which makes it 15k turkish miles one way instead of 7500. I also can't locate on Turkish the return through DEN. I've called the Turkish call center 10 times with nobody able to see availability. Both layovers are less than 4 hours, so I don't think that is the issue. Advice?
Maybe the layover is too long but I am prepared even to pay more miles fot the ticket...