ANA (NH) Redemptions using VS Flying Club points - thread locked Sept 2022
Jun 10, 2021, 6:35 am
#1411
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: WAS/TYO
Programs: UA 1K, AA EXP (3MM), DL PM, BONVOY TITANIUM, HYATT GLOBALIST, HILTON DIAMOND, IHG DIAMOND AMB, et al
Posts: 5,913
Has anyone noticed a very recent increase in taxes for NH redemptions? Two weeks ago, I booked NH110 (HND-JFK) for January 2022 and taxes were around $72. I called VS today to rebook to the exact same flight a week later in January, and was told the taxes had now doubled and an additional $74 was collected.
As an aside, January 14th NH110 HND-JFK F award inventory (O1) was released back if anyone wants it.
-FlyerBeek
As an aside, January 14th NH110 HND-JFK F award inventory (O1) was released back if anyone wants it.
-FlyerBeek
Jun 10, 2021, 7:35 am
#1412
Join Date: Jun 2018
Posts: 940
Has anyone noticed a very recent increase in taxes for NH redemptions? Two weeks ago, I booked NH110 (HND-JFK) for January 2022 and taxes were around $72. I called VS today to rebook to the exact same flight a week later in January, and was told the taxes had now doubled and an additional $74 was collected.
As an aside, January 14th NH110 HND-JFK F award inventory (O1) was released back if anyone wants it.
-FlyerBeek
As an aside, January 14th NH110 HND-JFK F award inventory (O1) was released back if anyone wants it.
-FlyerBeek
Jun 10, 2021, 7:43 am
#1413
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: WAS/TYO
Programs: UA 1K, AA EXP (3MM), DL PM, BONVOY TITANIUM, HYATT GLOBALIST, HILTON DIAMOND, IHG DIAMOND AMB, et al
Posts: 5,913
-FlyerBeek
Jun 10, 2021, 5:59 pm
#1414
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: DFW
Posts: 311
I think fuel surcharges have increased into the $75-80 range, up from the few bucks that were charged before. I was in a similar boat, changed a RT to a one way JFK-HND, originally due a refund of ~$48, but once I shifted dates again and reversed route to HND-JFK, ended up paying ~$100 more due to increased YQ and Taxes.
Jun 10, 2021, 7:38 pm
#1415
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Pittsburgh
Programs: Whoever Has the Best Bonus
Posts: 5,183
So trying to keep track of what fees I will pay. I had US->TYO roundtrip first class tickets booked for April 2020, then moved to October 2020, and likely will have to move it again. Other than taxes and fees going up (that stinks, but still cheaper than it was pre COVID) will I have to pay a rebooking fee to move them again, assuming I can find availability? Can I change my origin city (ie still stay in same zone, Eastern US) or does that trigger different fees?
Jun 10, 2021, 10:30 pm
#1416
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: WAS/TYO
Programs: UA 1K, AA EXP (3MM), DL PM, BONVOY TITANIUM, HYATT GLOBALIST, HILTON DIAMOND, IHG DIAMOND AMB, et al
Posts: 5,913
So trying to keep track of what fees I will pay. I had US->TYO roundtrip first class tickets booked for April 2020, then moved to October 2020, and likely will have to move it again. Other than taxes and fees going up (that stinks, but still cheaper than it was pre COVID) will I have to pay a rebooking fee to move them again, assuming I can find availability? Can I change my origin city (ie still stay in same zone, Eastern US) or does that trigger different fees?
-FlyerBeek
Jun 14, 2021, 8:47 am
#1417
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: WAS/TYO
Programs: UA 1K, AA EXP (3MM), DL PM, BONVOY TITANIUM, HYATT GLOBALIST, HILTON DIAMOND, IHG DIAMOND AMB, et al
Posts: 5,913
A note of caution: ensure VS actually reissues any NH awards you change!
About a month ago I changed an F award from LAX-HND to NRT-ORD. The additional 5k miles were deducted and I received a confirmation email from VS showing the new NH flight. I verified the reservation appeared correct on both the NH and VS websites - and there was a ticket number displayed. Fast forward to arriving at NRT check-in last week and finding out the ticket hadn't actually been reissued by VS and was still showing LAX-HND. Unfortunately, at 2pm Japan time there was no way to get a VS agent on the phone due to reduced call center hours. My heart sunk. I tried the suggested chat option via WhatsApp, and got a VS agent who said absolutely nothing could be done (there was no longer NH F award space available 2hrs prior to departure) and I would have to rebook for a later date. NH check-in staff was sympathetic but there was nothing they could do - they quoted over $15K USD if I wanted to purchase the ticket. Finally I reached the call center right when it opened at 3pm Japan time (6am UK time). The agent acknowledged the ticket had never been reissued property. Ultimately it took another 55 minutes on the phone (just 5 minutes short of check-in closure) to finally get the ticket reissued. He waived the recent ~$70 increase in tax. In total, it took over 2hrs to successfully get checked-in. Certainly not a stress free experience.
I'm an experienced traveler and was caught off-guard by this- especially since both the VS and NH websites seemed to indicate there was nothing wrong with the ticket. When dealing with partner awards, regardless of carrier, I always check both airlines' websites after making any changes, but that wasn't sufficient in this case. In the future, I would recommend calling NH to ensure the ticket is properly reissued on their side after making any changes with VS.
Just wanted to share so others don't have the same issue. If the flight was scheduled to depart 5 minutes earlier I would not have had a successful outcome.
-FlyerBeek
About a month ago I changed an F award from LAX-HND to NRT-ORD. The additional 5k miles were deducted and I received a confirmation email from VS showing the new NH flight. I verified the reservation appeared correct on both the NH and VS websites - and there was a ticket number displayed. Fast forward to arriving at NRT check-in last week and finding out the ticket hadn't actually been reissued by VS and was still showing LAX-HND. Unfortunately, at 2pm Japan time there was no way to get a VS agent on the phone due to reduced call center hours. My heart sunk. I tried the suggested chat option via WhatsApp, and got a VS agent who said absolutely nothing could be done (there was no longer NH F award space available 2hrs prior to departure) and I would have to rebook for a later date. NH check-in staff was sympathetic but there was nothing they could do - they quoted over $15K USD if I wanted to purchase the ticket. Finally I reached the call center right when it opened at 3pm Japan time (6am UK time). The agent acknowledged the ticket had never been reissued property. Ultimately it took another 55 minutes on the phone (just 5 minutes short of check-in closure) to finally get the ticket reissued. He waived the recent ~$70 increase in tax. In total, it took over 2hrs to successfully get checked-in. Certainly not a stress free experience.
I'm an experienced traveler and was caught off-guard by this- especially since both the VS and NH websites seemed to indicate there was nothing wrong with the ticket. When dealing with partner awards, regardless of carrier, I always check both airlines' websites after making any changes, but that wasn't sufficient in this case. In the future, I would recommend calling NH to ensure the ticket is properly reissued on their side after making any changes with VS.
Just wanted to share so others don't have the same issue. If the flight was scheduled to depart 5 minutes earlier I would not have had a successful outcome.
-FlyerBeek
Jun 14, 2021, 8:55 am
#1418
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: DFW
Posts: 311
Yikes! That sounds awful. I've been babysitting my tickets on the Saudia website. Did your updated itinerary show on Saudia as well?
My experience has been that modified reservations will automatically show as updated on the Virgin and NH websites, but Saudia will show the old itinerary until it has been reticketed. Virgins ticketing process does seem to be slower and more convoluted than other airlines. Especially when there is a refund of taxes due.
My experience has been that modified reservations will automatically show as updated on the Virgin and NH websites, but Saudia will show the old itinerary until it has been reticketed. Virgins ticketing process does seem to be slower and more convoluted than other airlines. Especially when there is a refund of taxes due.
Jun 14, 2021, 9:37 am
#1419
Join Date: Jul 2012
Programs: Delta Gold, Alaska Gold 75K, LATAM Black
Posts: 3,393
Just booked JFK NRT / HND LHR in January for 120k + $159 ! Hopefully the rona shenanigans are over by then !
Jun 14, 2021, 11:03 am
#1420
Join Date: Jun 2018
Posts: 940
Yikes! That sounds awful. I've been babysitting my tickets on the Saudia website. Did your updated itinerary show on Saudia as well?
My experience has been that modified reservations will automatically show as updated on the Virgin and NH websites, but Saudia will show the old itinerary until it has been reticketed. Virgins ticketing process does seem to be slower and more convoluted than other airlines. Especially when there is a refund of taxes due.
My experience has been that modified reservations will automatically show as updated on the Virgin and NH websites, but Saudia will show the old itinerary until it has been reticketed. Virgins ticketing process does seem to be slower and more convoluted than other airlines. Especially when there is a refund of taxes due.
Jun 14, 2021, 1:24 pm
#1421
Join Date: Dec 2020
Posts: 44
A note of caution: ensure VS actually reissues any NH awards you change!
About a month ago I changed an F award from LAX-HND to NRT-ORD. The additional 5k miles were deducted and I received a confirmation email from VS showing the new NH flight. I verified the reservation appeared correct on both the NH and VS websites - and there was a ticket number displayed. Fast forward to arriving at NRT check-in last week and finding out the ticket hadn't actually been reissued by VS and was still showing LAX-HND. Unfortunately, at 2pm Japan time there was no way to get a VS agent on the phone due to reduced call center hours. My heart sunk. I tried the suggested chat option via WhatsApp, and got a VS agent who said absolutely nothing could be done (there was no longer NH F award space available 2hrs prior to departure) and I would have to rebook for a later date. NH check-in staff was sympathetic but there was nothing they could do - they quoted over $15K USD if I wanted to purchase the ticket. Finally I reached the call center right when it opened at 3pm Japan time (6am UK time). The agent acknowledged the ticket had never been reissued property. Ultimately it took another 55 minutes on the phone (just 5 minutes short of check-in closure) to finally get the ticket reissued. He waived the recent ~$70 increase in tax. In total, it took over 2hrs to successfully get checked-in. Certainly not a stress free experience.
I'm an experienced traveler and was caught off-guard by this- especially since both the VS and NH websites seemed to indicate there was nothing wrong with the ticket. When dealing with partner awards, regardless of carrier, I always check both airlines' websites after making any changes, but that wasn't sufficient in this case. In the future, I would recommend calling NH to ensure the ticket is properly reissued on their side after making any changes with VS.
Just wanted to share so others don't have the same issue. If the flight was scheduled to depart 5 minutes earlier I would not have had a successful outcome.
-FlyerBeek
About a month ago I changed an F award from LAX-HND to NRT-ORD. The additional 5k miles were deducted and I received a confirmation email from VS showing the new NH flight. I verified the reservation appeared correct on both the NH and VS websites - and there was a ticket number displayed. Fast forward to arriving at NRT check-in last week and finding out the ticket hadn't actually been reissued by VS and was still showing LAX-HND. Unfortunately, at 2pm Japan time there was no way to get a VS agent on the phone due to reduced call center hours. My heart sunk. I tried the suggested chat option via WhatsApp, and got a VS agent who said absolutely nothing could be done (there was no longer NH F award space available 2hrs prior to departure) and I would have to rebook for a later date. NH check-in staff was sympathetic but there was nothing they could do - they quoted over $15K USD if I wanted to purchase the ticket. Finally I reached the call center right when it opened at 3pm Japan time (6am UK time). The agent acknowledged the ticket had never been reissued property. Ultimately it took another 55 minutes on the phone (just 5 minutes short of check-in closure) to finally get the ticket reissued. He waived the recent ~$70 increase in tax. In total, it took over 2hrs to successfully get checked-in. Certainly not a stress free experience.
I'm an experienced traveler and was caught off-guard by this- especially since both the VS and NH websites seemed to indicate there was nothing wrong with the ticket. When dealing with partner awards, regardless of carrier, I always check both airlines' websites after making any changes, but that wasn't sufficient in this case. In the future, I would recommend calling NH to ensure the ticket is properly reissued on their side after making any changes with VS.
Just wanted to share so others don't have the same issue. If the flight was scheduled to depart 5 minutes earlier I would not have had a successful outcome.
-FlyerBeek
Jun 15, 2021, 10:05 pm
#1422
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: WAS/TYO
Programs: UA 1K, AA EXP (3MM), DL PM, BONVOY TITANIUM, HYATT GLOBALIST, HILTON DIAMOND, IHG DIAMOND AMB, et al
Posts: 5,913
-FlyerBeek
Jun 16, 2021, 11:52 am
#1423
Join Date: Nov 2016
Posts: 53
I did not check my reservation on Saudia's website. Just on the VS and NH websites. In the future I will also try to check on Saudia.
Absolutely I had a seat assignment that I picked on the NH website immediately after I confirmed the itinerary change. I also verified the seat assignment using EF. There's nothing that precludes having a NH seat assignment even if you don't have a valid reissued ticket for the new segment on NH.
-FlyerBeek
Absolutely I had a seat assignment that I picked on the NH website immediately after I confirmed the itinerary change. I also verified the seat assignment using EF. There's nothing that precludes having a NH seat assignment even if you don't have a valid reissued ticket for the new segment on NH.
-FlyerBeek
Jun 17, 2021, 11:14 am
#1424
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: WAS/TYO
Programs: UA 1K, AA EXP (3MM), DL PM, BONVOY TITANIUM, HYATT GLOBALIST, HILTON DIAMOND, IHG DIAMOND AMB, et al
Posts: 5,913
How would we know if VS rebooked our flights correctly then? I was under the assumption that if the reservation showed up on ANA's site and I was able to assign seats then I was good. How was it possible you were able to assign yourself a seat on the new route if the new ticket was never actually ticketed?
-FlyerBeek
Jun 17, 2021, 12:29 pm
#1425
Join Date: Jun 2018
Posts: 940
May I just clarify a couple of points please?:
1) How do you check your ticket on Saudia?
2) (a) Are we solely talking about (potential) issues with re-issued tickets only - due to a date or route change, and not just all issued tickets?
2) (b) for these re-issued tickets, if calling ANA to check that it has been re-issued correctly at their end, the recommendation is to phone and quote their reference number (provided by VS when making the booking), and just check that the corresponding routings and dates/times are correct/match up at their end? Or is there some further question to be asking?
Gracias
1) How do you check your ticket on Saudia?
2) (a) Are we solely talking about (potential) issues with re-issued tickets only - due to a date or route change, and not just all issued tickets?
2) (b) for these re-issued tickets, if calling ANA to check that it has been re-issued correctly at their end, the recommendation is to phone and quote their reference number (provided by VS when making the booking), and just check that the corresponding routings and dates/times are correct/match up at their end? Or is there some further question to be asking?
Gracias