Now 50 % Bonus Miles Until Feb 28 2013

[wafliron]

ah! yes - could mean that too but then AA wins because of mixed class over LM. And AA wins over USDM because of one ways. I'm paying a $200 surcharge over LM on AA for F travel back to AU, including a domestic connector in business. LM would only allow me BKK-SYD in F and then I'm on my own.

My understanding is that LM allows mixed class too, but requires you to call them to book? I'm far from an expert though.

Anyway, even if I'm wrong, I don't think any of the three programs really "wins" over the others - they just each have their strengths and weaknesses, meaning the best option is situation-specific. LM is normally cheapest, easy to book (online), allows one-ways, and has great availability. USDM has great availability, easily the most flexible routing options (which can also mean cheapest depending on what your travel plans are) and has historically offered the most frequent bonuses. And AA is very similar to LM, but with access to OW airlines and perhaps offers mixed-class redemptions that LM doesn't, albeit with poorer availability.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

My understanding is that LM allows mixed class too, but requires you to call them to book? I'm far from an expert though.

Anyway, even if I'm wrong, I don't think any of the three programs really "wins" over the others - they just each have their strengths and weaknesses, meaning the best option is situation-specific. LM is normally cheapest, easy to book (online), allows one-ways, and has great availability. USDM has great availability, easily the most flexible routing options (which can also mean cheapest depending on what your travel plans are) and has historically offered the most frequent bonuses. And AA is very similar to LM, but with access to OW airlines and perhaps offers mixed-class redemptions that LM doesn't, albeit with poorer availability.

no mixed class at all with LM.

As you say - as part of a portfolio each had their place.

 

[JohnK]

qf127/128 became available from today again. wide open. I snagged some flights. so matter of right time, right place. miles are valid for 18 months or whatever. so shouldn't be too hard.

Yes I know that it can happen.

I am not holding my breath. I will just keep extending life of miles until I can use them.

From what I can see there is nothing special about the Aadvantage program that would warrant anyone raving on and on about it.

Suits some people. Most would struggle....

 

[QF WP]

I'm going to buy into my account later this month.

 

[markis10]

My understanding is that LM allows mixed class too, but requires you to call them to book? I'm far from an expert though.

Anyway, even if I'm wrong, I don't think any of the three programs really "wins" over the others - they just each have their strengths and weaknesses, meaning the best option is situation-specific. LM is normally cheapest, easy to book (online), allows one-ways, and has great availability. USDM has great availability, easily the most flexible routing options (which can also mean cheapest depending on what your travel plans are) and has historically offered the most frequent bonuses. And AA is very similar to LM, but with access to OW airlines and perhaps offers mixed-class redemptions that LM doesn't, albeit with poorer availability.

I agree, if you have invested in a few you have considerable flexibility and options, I am currently looking at a need to return from Asia in two weeks and the options across the program's are amazing, from F in an A380 combined with F in a 744 to three J flights to get home, all $1000 and under.

 

[Hvr]

I'm going to buy into my account later this month.

Me too, it can go on the next credit card cycle.

 

[Major]

I'm going to buy into my account later this month.

As am I.

I'm glad I didn't take up last month's offer

 

[travelislife]

How long has it been taking for people's bonus miles to post generally?

 

[burmans]

Where burmans said "vs other regular opportunities that come up", pretty sure he meant "vs Dividend Miles and LifeMiles" - not QF

Yes, analysis was LM vs Aa vs DM vs SQ (because I can "buy" miles vis CC payments). QF not even worth analysing, while I do have a QF account still it is, as you can see, far from my favourite FF program!

 

[DC3]

How long has it been taking for people's bonus miles to post generally?

Posted on 2nd February. So about 48 hours in this case for the offer that ended on 31st January:

Well, I'm happy enough with this offer, even though there's a new one out now.

Only went for 40,000 miles. Bought them late on 31st and they have posted already, along with the bonus 15,000 miles.

Not sure whether to take up the new offer as yet.

 

[burmans]

Posted on 2nd February. So about 48 hours in this case for the offer that ended on 31st January:

Still thinking for me, but given I "found" some money via a lost money site just recently this may be where it ends up. Not a bad bonus on money you'd forgotten you had.

 

[Alanslegal]

I'm a newbie to AAdvantage but will this work?

Person A buys 80K .... and redeems SYD-LHR F
Person B buys 80K .... and redeems LHR-SYD F for Person A

Are there any special conditions? like eg. SQ requires nominees to be added.

 

[Princess Fiona]

I'm a newbie to AAdvantage but will this work?

Person A buys 80K .... and redeems SYD-LHR F
Person B buys 80K .... and redeems LHR-SYD F for Person A

Are there any special conditions? like eg. SQ requires nominees to be added.

No, no special conditions that I'm aware of

I have redeemed awards from one persons account for two other passengers. The fees and taxes were paid on my own CC
The surnames were the same but the website did not appear to have restrictions on redemptions

 

[diningdecadence]

just found a nice SYD-AUS in F for 72,500 points, while qantas was asking for 168,000 (classic award). forums like these really open your eyes up to the opportunities out there.

am wondering if anyone has managed to book 2 * J or 2 * F for australia-USA or vv flights?

while the bonus deals are nice, i might need to explore other areas of the globe to utilise them instead of looking across the pacific.

 

[Longrass]

Yes I too have a big thanks to give to AFF for showing me the possibilities, we are off on our (Mrs Longrass and I) on our first F (A380) experience...

 

[DC3]

" ... am wondering if anyone has managed to book 2 * J or 2 * F for australia-USA or vv flights? ..."

Yes. They appear on AA.com at up to 330 days out, where available. They don't last long.

 

[vitagen]

Enjoy!!! Trip report!!

 

[diningdecadence]

Yes. They appear on AA.com at up to 330 days out, where available. They don't last long.

good to know - are these the direct flights - e.g. SYD-DFW or MEL-LAX? or are they the not so desirable ones that stick you through HNL?

 

[DC3]

Yes, I was referring to MEL-LAX, SYD-LAX, BNE-LAX, SYD-DFW and return, flying QF. They only ever seem to release 2 seats, in First (only on A380 of course) and Business, where they haven't already been snapped up earlier as QF awards (i.e., 23 days earlier, at 353 days out).

However, there's always HA via HNL, I guess, but the hard product wouldn't compare.

 

[dfcatch]

good to know - are these the direct flights - e.g. SYD-DFW or MEL-LAX? or are they the not so desirable ones that stick you through HNL?

I have successfully booked AAwards flying QF F or J SYD-LAX vv before and got 2 seats (more than two is almost impossible - especially for F). Also via BNE no problem either.

If you want two seats - as mentioned - you need to grab them 330 days out and be flexible. Join EF and setup alerts.

Actually - on second thoughts - no - AA is absolutely horrible for Australia-US redemptions and I think all AFFers should refrain from even thinking about it. Don't do it - anyone - it's really bad!!!

Bad program, bad value and bad redemptions.

Feel free to make Y redemptions though - I don't care about those