Research & book AA "Non-refundable "/"Instant Upgrade"/"YUPP" fare to maximise SC's

[CaviAck]

Re: A Platinum Flight for $1400

Multicity via SJU from LGA for $1,000ish. In business and higher

Multicity, LGA-ORD or STL-LAX for $520

LGA-ORD-LAS-LAX for $686

LGA-ORD-STL-LAX for $697

 

[bigal98]

Re: A Platinum Flight for $1400

Thanks Guys

Very usefully info as usual !!

 

[JohnSydney2000]

Re: A Platinum Flight for $1400

How nice to visit an old happy hunting ground. Looking in mid-December via Ita-Matrix shows NYC-SJU should yield 3 segments for $390ish. Overnight at the in terminal Best Western? is $130, saving $50 ? in taxi fares. Next ticket SJU-LAX should yield 4 segments for $617ish. Note - I have not checked on AA, just ITA. DYOR.
Note also, this is not the cheapest SC cost, but is relatively "easier" to do. You have the aadvantage of higher flight frequency, and not "leaving" the US, both which can make for a better outcome if your KUP travels are disrupted!
Happy travels to all my friends. John.

 

[CaviAck]

Re: A Platinum Flight for $1400

How nice to visit an old happy hunting ground. Looking in mid-December via Ita-Matrix shows NYC-SJU should yield 3 segments for $390ish. Overnight at the in terminal Best Western? is $130, saving $50 ? in taxi fares. Next ticket SJU-LAX should yield 4 segments for $617ish. Note - I have not checked on AA, just ITA. DYOR.
Note also, this is not the cheapest SC cost, but is relatively "easier" to do. You have the aadvantage of higher flight frequency, and not "leaving" the US, both which can make for a better outcome if your KUP travels are disrupted!
Happy travels to all my friends. John.

There's an in terminal Best Western at SJU? o.0

 

[Fifa]

Re: A Platinum Flight for $1400

Overnight at the in terminal Best Western? is $130, saving $50 ? in taxi fares.

I was in San Juan last month...
The airport hotel is no longer a Best Western.
Taxi to Isla Verde is only $12 (luggage extra)

 

[serfty]

Re: A Platinum Flight for $1400

I was in San Juan last month...
The airport hotel is no longer a Best Western.
Taxi to Isla Verde is only $12 (luggage extra)

+ fuel fines ... Then x 2 for the return, comes to AUD30+

Add up to an hour for total return transfer time and the airport hotel becomes a very interesting option for such short transits.

 

[Fifa]

Re: A Platinum Flight for $1400

+ fuel fines ... Then x 2 for the return, comes to AUD30+

Add up to an hour for total return transfer time and the airport hotel becomes a very interesting option for such short transits.

We were only charged $12 to/from Isla Verde - $10 + $2 fuel surcharge. Plus tip of course.
We've done the airport hotel (when it was a BW) when arriving late and leaving earlier and it is certainly an easier option.

 

[serfty]

Re: A Platinum Flight for $1400

We were only charged $12 to/from Isla Verde - $10 + $2 fuel surcharge. Plus tip of course.
We've done the airport hotel (when it was a BW) when arriving late and leaving earlier and it is certainly an easier option.

You were lucky - I've done it about 4 times each way (Hampton) and have been charged for my carry-on each time. Also a late fee - unavoidable for those 6am departures ...

... anyhoo this is a very intersting place for maximizing SC's using these fares ...

 

[Orca]

Re: A Platinum Flight for $1400

Seeking a couple of clarifications for those in the know... We'll be doing multiple AA sectors as part of a trip to the US in September next year and I'll be looking to booking these instant upgrade fares to maximise status earn. I have two queries - for the best (or close to) prices, would you suggest waiting until about a month out to book? Also, given that we will have checked luggage on all legs am I to understand that we have collect our bags after each segment, or are our bags through-checked to final destination? (I'm confused by a couple of posts on this issue so I guess what I'm asking is if we are flying SFO-MIA ex ORD on the same PNR do we need to collect & re-check our bags in ORD - if so, what is the minimum connection time you'd suggest we accept?

Thanks AFF!

 

[gizzard]

Re: A Platinum Flight for $1400

Also, given that we will have checked luggage on all legs am I to understand that we have collect our bags after each segment, or are our bags through-checked to final destination?

There's no need to collect and re-check your bags but, yes, you will definitely have to allow enough time between flights for the bags to be transferred. When I did something similar I made sure that there was at least an hour between flights and, usually, quite a bit longer than that.

 

[Orca]

Re: A Platinum Flight for $1400

There's no need to collect and re-check your bags but, yes, you will definitely have to allow enough time between flights for the bags to be transferred. When I did something similar I made sure that there was at least an hour between flights and, usually, quite a bit longer than that.

Great - I'll be on the safe side and try to allow 90 mins for connections where possible.

 

[funnymummy]

Re: A Platinum Flight for $1400

I am light years away from LTG - so trying to boost the points - is anyone aware of a way to book YUPP with QF Flight #given this in T&C?
[h=2]Loyalty Bonus[/h]

Currently Frequent Flyer members earn a Loyalty Bonus of 8,000 points for every 500 Status credits earned on eligible Qantas or partner airline flights within a single membership year - up to a maximum of four Loyalty Bonuses per membership year. From 1 July 2013, only Status credits earned from flights with a QF flight number (including partner airline flights with a QF flight number) will contribute to the Status credits calculation for the Loyalty Bonus. Tier qualification and retention requirements will remain unchanged.​

 

[drron]

Re: A Platinum Flight for $1400

YUPP fares have to have an AA flight number.They still earn QF miles and SCs.
Also sometimes not necessary to book YUPPs.
For instance tomorrow we are flying NYC to Miami.From LGA or JFK a YUPP was ~$600 but an F fare from EWR was only $300 and this quarantees F SCs for mrsdrron.

 

[gogo419]

Re: A Platinum Flight for $1400

I am light years away from LTG - so trying to boost the points - is anyone aware of a way to book YUPP with QF Flight #given this in T&C?
Loyalty Bonus

Currently Frequent Flyer members earn a Loyalty Bonus of 8,000 points for every 500 Status credits earned on eligible Qantas or partner airline flights within a single membership year - up to a maximum of four Loyalty Bonuses per membership year. From 1 July 2013, only Status credits earned from flights with a QF flight number (including partner airline flights with a QF flight number) will contribute to the Status credits calculation for the Loyalty Bonus. Tier qualification and retention requirements will remain unchanged.​

Not possible to book QF numbers on AA website. As far as I am aware

gogo

 

[anat0l]

Re: A Platinum Flight for $1400

For instance tomorrow we are flying NYC to Miami.From LGA or JFK a YUPP was ~$600 but an F fare from EWR was only $300 and this quarantees F SCs for mrsdrron.

Sheesh...that's dropping pants.

 

[pgsdiver]

Re: A Platinum Flight for $1400

I'm doing a run from LAS to SJU in Feb, staying at the airport hotel in SJU.
Routing is LAS-LAX-MIA-SJU, then SJU-MIA-ORD-LAS. Best I could find in the timing I needed. Total cost was $998 US in F/J. Again not exactly earth shattering but gets me the SCs I need without too much bother and decent time between the flights.
I'll do a TR when I get back (or during if I get bored), including the hotel.
Regards,
Peter

 

[penegal]

Re: A Platinum Flight for $1400

I'm doing a run from LAS to SJU in Feb, staying at the airport hotel in SJU.
Routing is LAS-LAX-MIA-SJU, then SJU-MIA-ORD-LAS. Best I could find in the timing I needed. Total cost was $998 US in F/J. Again not exactly earth shattering but gets me the SCs I need without too much bother and decent time between the flights.
I'll do a TR when I get back (or during if I get bored), including the hotel.
Regards,
Peter

The airport hotel is basic but functional. It is well signed. You find it by turning left after you exit the airport. The check-in desk is up the stairs from the hotel front entrance.

You save on taxis and resort fees by staying at the airport hotel. Perfect for late arrivals and early departures.

 

[drewbles]

Re: A Platinum Flight for $1400

For anyone doing an SJU run, I recommend staying a few days if you can and seeing the place. There's a heap of history there, and whilst the weather can be oppressive for those like me who hate humidity, there's a lot to see.

I typically stay in Condado though. La Concha (A Renaissance property for those wanting hotel stays) is quite acceptable with a nice pool-side bar area. Also has a coin laundry on-site for catching up on those lengthy carry-on only runs

 

[legroom]

Re: A Platinum Flight for $1400

The airport hotel is basic but functional. It is well signed. You find it by turning left after you exit the airport. The check-in desk is up the stairs from the hotel front entrance.

You save on taxis and resort fees by staying at the airport hotel. Perfect for late arrivals and early departures.

I just looked up my stars.

Somehow, I have the premonition that I will be making a visit to this outpost sometime in 2014.

Now, just wondering why ???

Maybe (1200 - 880) is the answer

 

[penegal]

Re: A Platinum Flight for $1400

Somehow, I have the premonition that I will be making a visit to this outpost sometime in 2014.

As drewbles mentions it is actually a great place to visit for a few days if you have the time.

If not, the airport hotel is the best choice IMHO.