*A redemption using KF pts and ANA tool

[albatross710]

For my trip to CH next year I decided to use the points to experience TG and hopefully LX F on the journey.

Looking at award availability with the Ana tool BNE-ZRH dept 29 Jan shows Bne to Bkk on TG 'on request', the Bkk - Zrh showing available on LX181.

Return date is showing available.

When I contacted the KF redemptions today they said that the could not get any availability on the outward journey or 1 day either side. I tried explaining that I could see the award availability but didn't get anywhere on the outbound journey.

In the end I made a one way *A redemption for the return date and secured those flights.

My thoughts are to call again tomorrow and perhaps the staff on duty may have more capabilities.

Anyone got any other experiences when they can se the availability on the ANA tool and unable to book those flights?

 

[auriga]

My understanding is that there is a question mark over whether TG is going to continue the SYD-BNE-BKK flight. There is a possibility that there will be no more F for BNE, even if you have already booked the inbound leg.

 

[albatross710]

Thanks for the thoughts auriga.

As of this morning the ANA tool doesn't show any F availability out of Brisbane on the dates I'm considering.

I'm on Plan B with the fall back position of the Standard redemption on SQ.

 

[albatross710]

What a difference getting onto an experienced operator. My first 3 calls to the KF Centre over a couple of days must have been going to the generic booking team whom were polite but just didn't fully understand what was needed.

I put another call in yesterday and was called back by the agent. She was very confident and knowledgeable of the *A redemption rules (perhaps she reads this forum too).

At one stage I had the impression that SQ do not permit redemption of LX O awards. Even though I could see O class availability through Expertflyer & the ANATool it just wasn't going to happen for me on the dates I need.

She suggested F travel BNE-BKK but the available dates were to early for me.

Then she suggested SIN-FRA in F on the 747 with a connecting FRA-ZRH included in a one way *A redemption.

As i already had enacted my previous Plan B BNE-ZRH on SQ J for the same date she asked me to cancel that booking online as the cancellation fee is less points. The points were then immediately available back in my account for her to process the new redemption.

In the end I've switched from BNE-ZRH all in SQ J to BNE-SIN (J), SIN-FRA (F) FRA-ZRH (J) and saving 6,000 points. I end up arriving ~3 hours later but I expect to be well rested!

As has been heard about before on the various award booking desks, it is always worth calling again and trying a different agent.