AA points

[Gold Member]

With the current points promo (buy 40K get 15K free) I have decided to welcome AA Advantage into my travel plans. 55,000 points for $1,030USD seems like a pretty good deal considering the earn-to-burn ratio detailed in their award charts. But I've got some questions and ideas...

1. Assuming I purchase another set of 55K miles using a dummy AA account, I can transfer 15K back to my primary AA account every year. So as long as I keep some activity in both accounts (maybe just a car hire) once every 18 months, I should be able to 'shareAA' the balance over 4 years?

2. The maximum share (per year for receival of miles) is 15K with a $180USD fee so If I performed 4 transfers over 4 years in 15K lots, I'd be looking at (1,030 + (4*180)) = $1,750 = 3.18cpm. . Whereas the outright purchase of the miles with the promo works out to be 1.872cpm (1,030/55,000). So while it may not be exceptional value, it does mean that all of a sudden I open up lots more routing/classes - biz/first transpac (62.5K etc).

3. Despite the nice cpm, my biggest concern is whether or not I could actually use the points with AA for the flights I want. I am QF SG now but will be WP within a few months - all of which counts for zip with AA when trying to redeem points. Which means I'd need to take the Plat challenge to at least have some chance of getting my preferred flights.

4. Presumably LH intercontinental flights (eg. transpac) are the most difficult to snag although they do offer among the best value for biz/first redemption. Assuming I couldn't see any availability for these flights due to my lowly AA status, what about 'wholly within Australia' or the South Pacific zone? Surely something like PER-AKL in Biz for 17.5K miles one-way has far greater availability? Are there any other combinations from the South Pacific zone to other zones which offer good availability in biz/first?

5. The AA award chart states that there's a 'premium' cabin that requires more points than biz/first for travel wholy within Aus/NZ (22.5K v 17.5K). I realise first is no longer available within Aus/NZ (the old LAN SYD-AKL run), but what's 'premium' cabin? Is there a new secret ultra-super-dooper cabin beyond first that I should be travelling in??? Private charter via learjet??

Thanks, GM.

 

[Dave Noble]

3. Despite the nice cpm, my biggest concern is whether or not I could actually use the points with AA for the flights I want. I am QF SG now but will be WP within a few months - all of which counts for zip with AA when trying to redeem points. Which means I'd need to take the Plat challenge to at least have some chance of getting my preferred flights.

If there are seats in the appropriate class you can book them as an AA member; what status you hold makes no odds.

4. Presumably LH intercontinental flights (eg. transpac) are the most difficult to snag although they do offer among the best value for biz/first redemption. Assuming I couldn't see any availability for these flights due to my lowly AA status, what about 'wholly within Australia' or the South Pacific zone? Surely something like PER-AKL in Biz for 17.5K miles one-way has far greater availability? Are there any other combinations from the South Pacific zone to other zones which offer good availability in biz/first?

If you were checking the aa website ,then the AA site only shows availability for AA flights. Sites such as BA and EF and to an extent QF are good for finding award availabilty and then can just phone AA

5. The AA award chart states that there's a 'premium' cabin that requires more points than biz/first for travel wholy within Aus/NZ (22.5K v 17.5K). I realise first is no longer available within Aus/NZ (the old LAN SYD-AKL run), but what's 'premium' cabin?

For travel purely within Australia/NZ on QF, then the rate is 10k economy 17.5k business.
The premium cabin relates mainly for travel in USA to determine between domestic US 1st class on 2 class flights and their premium 1st cabin on 3 class flights

Dave

 

[albatross710]

2. The maximum share (per year for receival of miles) is 15K with a $180USD fee so If I performed 4 transfers over 4 years in 15K lots, I'd be looking at (1,030 + (4*180)) = $1,750 = 3.18cpm. . Whereas the outright purchase of the miles with the promo works out to be 1.872cpm (1,030/55,000). So while it may not be exceptional value, it does mean that all of a sudden I open up lots more routing/classes - biz/first transpac (62.5K etc).

I am cautious about keeping and making plans with FF programs over the medium term. Once you have purchased the points you are committed to living by their rules and various dilution of the points over the years.

 

[NM]

Note that the bonus miles for purchases has been available in the past. I am not sure I would be buying an additional block of miles for transfers over the next 4 years. If I was wanting to purchase miles, I would take the risk that the same or similar promotion will be available next year. You never can predict how FF programs will change from year to year. 4 years is a long time in an FF program.

 

[Gold Member]

Thanks for your replies guys. If I'm reading Dave Noble's comments correctly, status plays no part in award availability which is fantastic for nobody's like me. Surely this must tick off the AA elites?

Albatross, I agree with your stance but in light of the QFF points redemption rates (cough farce), that is a very small risk IMHO.

NM, yeah I've seen it offered with different level of bonus but this seems to be among the highest for a while. I'm also looking to lock in the exchange rate at 90c now since I don't believe it will still be there in 2+ years. the other thing to bear in mind is that I will probably actually use the dummy account myself by registering idential details except with one account spell out full first name, the other simply put an initial and then when ready to use the points make my one and only name change online for free.

By my calculations, a one-way biz to the US could be had for ~$1500 AUD at current xrates. That could be SYD-LAX or just as easily PER-JFK! I realise there is a 40K buy and 60K receive limit per year, but surely based on these metrics AA must be losing money badly entertaining these arrangements? If you were somewhat flexible with travel plans and booked in advance, why would anyone pay for a ticket outright? Is there something I'm not getting here guys?

 

[drron]

Certainly i was able to get a premium cabin award using Aadvantage when i had no status-J BNE-NRT-LAX-SEA-DFW-LAX-BNE.And it was for 2 of us,plus got upgraded to F on NRT-LAX sector.
Saying that it certainly does not mean status is of no importance-when searching awards there is some difference when I search as a Plat versus family with no status.
Just be careful with dummy accounts-AA can play very hard ball if they think you are rorting the system.OK if you have some family member you can trust.

 

[Fifa]

I, too, have previously looked at this buy 40,000 get ? AAdvantage points deal and will consider it in the future.

With only 62,500 points for J and 72,500 for F from anywhere in AUS to anywhere in USA how hard is it to redeem points for flights? Would be interested to hear of anyone's experience.

A couple of years ago I did the platinum challenge and reaped the rewards for almost 18 months and have not used any AA points to date - maybe next year!

 

[drron]

I, too, have previously looked at this buy 40,000 get ? AAdvantage points deal and will consider it in the future.

With only 62,500 points for J and 72,500 for F from anywhere in AUS to anywhere in USA how hard is it to redeem points for flights? Would be interested to hear of anyone's experience.

A couple of years ago I did the platinum challenge and reaped the rewards for almost 18 months and have not used any AA points to date - maybe next year!

I have looked many times-very difficult to get AUS-USA Aawards in premium cabin-available to QFF flyers for a month before you get a crack with AA.however I really haven't had a problem with J awards USA-AUS.Not looked at F yet.

 

[Fifa]

I have looked many times-very difficult to get AUS-USA Aawards in premium cabin-available to QFF flyers for a month before you get a crack with AA.however I really haven't had a problem with J awards USA-AUS.Not looked at F yet.

I would be happy to travel to the US via NRT - with your past experience I presume we may have a better chance of picking up an award flight?

 

[drron]

Whenever we have wanted an Aaward flight to the US we have always been able to do it within a few days of the preferred date.Direct-1,via NRT-2(once was the 2 Aawards) and via HKG-1

 

[Gold Member]

Still mulling over whether or not to create more than one AA account to take advantage of this offer... Is it possible for someone to redeem miles/flight for someone else? Eg. I create multiple accounts in family member's names with full legitimate details and make the reservation for myself but using their account? I assume this is possible and therefore it mostly negates the need to setup dummy accounts.

 

[Fifa]

Whenever we have wanted an Aaward flight to the US we have always been able to do it within a few days of the preferred date.Direct-1,via NRT-2(once was the 2 Aawards) and via HKG-1

Thanks drron...
Handy to know for the future.

 

[drron]

Still mulling over whether or not to create more than one AA account to take advantage of this offer... Is it possible for someone to redeem miles/flight for someone else? Eg. I create multiple accounts in family member's names with full legitimate details and make the reservation for myself but using their account? I assume this is possible and therefore it mostly negates the need to setup dummy accounts.

Absolutely-mrsdrron's Aawards generally come from my account but on one occasion i used her points.

 

[Gold Member]

One more quick thing... on the bonus points page where you buy the miles, there's a comment that says 'Redeem your miles for travel this year'.

Does this mean I must use the miles this calendar year (or they will expire), or is it simply stating that I can if I wish to, otherwise I could use them next year or in 10 years time... ???

 

[Dave Noble]

One more quick thing... on the bonus points page where you buy the miles, there's a comment that says 'Redeem your miles for travel this year'.

Does this mean I must use the miles this calendar year (or they will expire), or is it simply stating that I can if I wish to, otherwise I could use them next year or in 10 years time... ???

Once purchased , they can be used at any time unless your miles expire due to inactivity

Dave

 

[openseat]

I just noticed on the AA site that the bonus with purchase of miles has been extended until the end of March. Obviously with US continuing there 100% bonus on mileage purchases, there is little option for AA but to keep offering their bonus. UA, however, are conspicuous in their absence for offering bonus miles.

 

[blueflamenco]

Still mulling over whether or not to create more than one AA account to take advantage of this offer... Is it possible for someone to redeem miles/flight for someone else? Eg. I create multiple accounts in family member's names with full legitimate details and make the reservation for myself but using their account? I assume this is possible and therefore it mostly negates the need to setup dummy accounts.

I have booked award flights for non relatives and I do not recall even being asked my relationship to the recipient of the award ticket. I have also been the recipient of award flights by non relatives and had no problems.

 

[Must...Fly!]

Wow this is quite a deal. Must consider this carefully...

So a flight such as PER-MEL/SYD-WLG would be 10k one way in economy and 17.5k one way in business class, correct?

Would I be correct in saying the following limitations apply;

Award availability only from 330 days out
Points expire after 18 months inactivity (but hotel stays or car rental count?)
You CAN book for people other than yourself (Say if I signed up my dad as the AAdvantage member and used the points for myself or others).
Assuming its 10k in Y, i could book 5 return tickets (leaving 5k in ac****) then top up another 5k sometime in the future for another award?

sorry to ask so many questions...

 

[openseat]

Wow this is quite a deal. Must consider this carefully...

So a flight such as PER-MEL/SYD-WLG would be 10k one way in economy and 17.5k one way in business class, correct?

Would I be correct in saying the following limitations apply;

Award availability only from 330 days out

Yes - you can ring the AA call centre in Brisbane to make bookings. Using a QF FF account to check availability is handy, also an Asia Miles account will allow you to see some CX bookings that aren't on QF.

Points expire after 18 months inactivity (but hotel stays or car rental count?)

Yes - they expire in 18 months. If you have an eligible QF flight that will give you miles. See Qantas Airways for details.

You CAN book for people other than yourself (Say if I signed up my dad as the AAdvantage member and used the points for myself or others).

It is possible to do this. However AA seem to be on the ball about buying and selling of miles online and have cracked down on people who are regularly doing this by 'auditing' their accounts. So you want to make sure that these are genuine accounts. There is a mountain of experiences on FT about this issue. Just search 'account locked' and you will find it.

Assuming its 10k in Y, i could book 5 return tickets (leaving 5k in ac****) then top up another 5k sometime in the future for another award?

If you check the all-partner award chart at http://www.aa.com/i18n/disclaimers/aadvantageAllPartnerChart.jsp it will give you all the details. Note that Australia and New Zealand are considered to be "Wholly within one country" hence the bargain redemption levels for longer flights.

Remember also that there is a delay in getting the miles initially and especially the current bonus - so be prepared to be flexible in your bookings as award travel evaporates always just when you go to book it! Though as always, YMMV.

sorry to ask so many questions...

That's why AFF is here!

 

[Must...Fly!]

lots of helpful information

Thanks so much!

I'm considering the offer, looking at forward availability, costs etc and if I want to shell out the $1200 now for the flights I'll take in the next 2 years. A negative is the lack of points/SC earn, I'm just comparing the flight costs and SC earn etc..

Best solution I thought was 4 x economy trips and topping up some more points for a business treat!

Are the taxes on award flights booked through AA the same as QF?