US Dividend Miles - Award Booking Questions and General Discussion

[anat0l]

Yes, understood 1 stopover, I was just trying to 'push it', but I have my desired itinerary so I'm a happy little vegetable.

I guess that's another thing for everyone to note.

US DM are somewhat unique in that the agents who you make first contact with often are the ultimate determinants of what you can and cannot do. Apart from what can and can't be forced on the part of the computer, you can technically get away with "anything" even if the rules state otherwise.

So for those that want to "push it", then go ahead and try your luck. We certainly can't stop you, and technically there's nothing that US DM has that can stop you either, except the agent who you deal with, the computer which may have trouble ticketing it up, or the supervisor / rates desk who may catch on.

People have "gotten away" with things before; no reason why - until maybe things stiffen up considerably (US DM get better computer systems) - it can't happen again.

I suppose the analogy is a bit like speeding. Speed if you will, but you can be caught and fined. If you speed, aren't caught and aren't fined, it doesn't mean you didn't break the rules. Though "in compensation", you likely got to your destination much quicker.

The upside is that if you "push it" with US DM and are told in the same call that you can't do that, at least you usually have your initial plan ready to go. Just don't be entirely disappointed if your attempt to "push it" doesn't pass.

 

[burmans]

US DM get better computer systems.

That would be when they migrate onto AA systems, I would suggest pretty strongly they aren't going to divert much effort and money into a system that has a "shelf life" of maybe 9 months, except to just keep it running.

 

[Beta4Me]

There is no AT MPM for MEL-NYC, so the proposed routing is not valid

What does that mean?

 

[Flashback]

What does that mean?

I'm guessing no Atlantic MPM.

 

[Kangol]

My itinerary is very direct :

MEL-KUL-DOH-LHR-JFK then YYZ-LHR-MEL(QF10). Its an open jaw, no stopovers. My booking is through to MSY but that created a bigger mpm problem

The agent would not move on his mpm as I was of the opinion it was 15,000 and asked him to check. He put me on hold and then said there was nothing that could be done and it would not be ticketed. The booking is as present on hold with all flights confirmed. Presumably he has noted that the mpm is exceeded.

Have you considered MEL-DOH-JFK all on QR? That is "more direct" than stops in KUL and LHR. Or even MEL-LHR-JFK (QF/BA or AA).

As posted by KVS, that four segment routing to JFK isn't valid.

 

[Kangol]

Today, found a SYD - LAX and grabbed that for early May. I'll tkt that soon and then wait till 330 days out and try to work out the return and pay $150 hopefully one off (??) change fee. What will I pay in the meantime though as I'm hoping for ...

CBR-SYD-LAX-JFK (dest)

JFK SFO (stop) LAX SYD CBR. Could I get an LAS in there too on the way back and still be in MPM?

This is the only strategy isnt' it?

Cheers

Has anyone thought of putting a ticket on a 72 hour hold, making a small change (to say a domestic leg - thereby renewing the 72 hour window), then rinse and repeat until availability for the return opens up?

 

[bcworld]

Has anyone thought of putting a ticket on a 72 hour hold, making a small change (to say a domestic leg - thereby renewing the 72 hour window), then rinse and repeat until availability for the return opens up?

I think the operating airline will cancel the reservation in that scenario.

 

[Swan]

Have you considered MEL-DOH-JFK all on QR? That is "more direct" than stops in KUL and LHR. Or even MEL-LHR-JFK (QF/BA or AA).

As posted by KVS, that four segment routing to JFK isn't valid.

The routing was done on the basis of MEL-DOH-NYC the only available route included KUL and LON. I dont wish to transit through either of these, particularly not LON. I have examined availability for weeks either side and can not get an itinerary to work. I have been using BA as it picks up MH and JR. The problem with the agent last night was to do with exceeding his mpm by 4,000 miles. He had confirmed all flights and was preparing to ticket when he identified the mpm problem, he had not raised any issue relating to the route being invalid.

Any suggestions as to how I should proceed from here.

Thanks

 

[Gold Member]

I think the operating airline will cancel the reservation in that scenario.

Yep, Operating carriers often cancel the inventory/leg at the 48 hr mark despite US offering 72 hrs hold. If you want to extend your hold, don't leave it more than 48 hrs.

 

[get me outta here]

I for one took this advice and now have part of the itinerary paid for.

Yep, Operating carriers often cancel the inventory/leg at the 48 hr mark despite US offering 72 hrs hold. If you want to extend your hold, don't leave it more than 48 hrs.

.

It is so far out that their computer shows my booking as leaving in 2015 but returning in 2014. That alarmed me, but they have reassured me their computer will catch up. Their bkg system also insisted I have a 6 hour connection from CBR - SYD. Two agents told me that and one of them moved to a different computer as she agreed it seemed a bit excessive, and found the same thing so I took it. One even tried to make me go the previous day for a 1310 connection. Perhaps their system is deteriorating as we speak.

On another note, I am now left w' 30K miles and was thinking of giving my daughter w' a J trip to GUM via Japan. I'd actually need 2 tkts but is seems that 1 may be very scare, and 2 impossible. And organising my daughter in her line of work is very hard. Just to answer my own question, what happens if the GUM sectors are not flown ... the whole return is voided right?

Any other ideas on how to use 30 K miles? I haven't noticed any specials at USDM recently.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

I for one took this advice and now have part of the itinerary paid for. .

It is so far out that their computer shows my booking as leaving in 2015 but returning in 2014. That alarmed me, but they have reassured me their computer will catch up. Their bkg system also insisted I have a 6 hour connection from CBR - SYD. Two agents told me that and one of them moved to a different computer as she agreed it seemed a bit excessive, and found the same thing so I took it. One even tried to make me go the previous day for a 1310 connection. Perhaps their system is deteriorating as we speak.

On another note, I am now left w' 30K miles and was thinking of giving my daughter w' a J trip to GUM via Japan. I'd actually need 2 tkts but is seems that 1 may be very scare, and 2 impossible. And organising my daughter in her line of work is very hard. Just to answer my own question, what happens if the GUM sectors are not flown ... the whole return is voided right?

Any other ideas on how to use 30 K miles? I haven't noticed any specials at USDM recently.

Correct - the return is cancelled if you don't fly to GUM.

30K miles? Any business class return on QF domestic (east coast to Perth and back for example) or to New Zealand.

 

[Foreigner]

.

On another note, I am now left w' 30K miles and was thinking of giving my daughter w' a J trip to GUM via Japan. I'd actually need 2 tkts but is seems that 1 may be very scare, and 2 impossible. And organising my daughter in her line of work is very hard. Just to answer my own question, what happens if the GUM sectors are not flown ... the whole return is voided right?

Any other ideas on how to use 30 K miles? I haven't noticed any specials at USDM recently

US Airways has partner awards which are limited to travel on the following in Asia: Air China, Air NZ, Hawaiian, Jet Airways, Singapore, Shenzhen Airlines, Turkish. None of these will get you to Guam.

That leaves US Airways' association with OW. So far as I know it will cost more than 30k miles (in J).

 

[markis10]

That leaves US Airways' association with OW. So far as I know it will cost more than 30k miles (in J).

South Pacific to South pacific in J is 30K using OW ie JAL

 

[Flippantflyer]

Correct - the return is cancelled if you don't fly to GUM.


30K miles? Any business class return on QF domestic (east coast to Perth and back for example) or to New Zealand.

Broome is beautiful

 

[Foreigner]

South Pacific to South pacific in J is 30K using OW ie JAL

Good to know...I was unsure if Guam remained grouped in South Pacific with US Airways following the merger. Does AA too class Guam as South Pacific?

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Good to know...I was unsure if Guam remained grouped in South Pacific with US Airways following the merger. Does AA too class Guam as South Pacific?

AA and USDM have separate award charts, even following the merger.

If you redeem OW travel via USDM you pay their prices, and if you redeem via AA you pay theirs... even if it's the same flight you are looking to redeem seats on.

The AA partner award chart is here: https://www.aa.com/i18n/disclaimers/aadvantageAllPartnerChart.jsp#1

 

[get me outta here]

Trying to find what defines South Pacific on USDM definitively. Can't see it on USDM. (Threads mention NZ, GUM, Asia (BKK, NRT ... ?), Aus). Would like a link if anyone has seen one plse.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Trying to find what defines South Pacific on USDM definitively. Can't see it on USDM. (Threads mention NZ, GUM, Asia (BKK, NRT ... ?), Aus). Would like a link if anyone has seen one plse.

have you looked at the partner award chart?

what is not in Asia is SWP.

The chart can be found here: https://www.usairways.com/en-US/Resources/_downloads/dividendmiles/partnerawardtravel.pdf

 

[get me outta here]

Yesbut, that leaves a system of elimination :0 ...


) Award redemption on Air New Zealand must be booked by June 29, 2014
2) Award redemption on Hawaiian Airlines is available on inter-island and South Pacific flights only
3) Award redemption on the Singapore Airlines Suites, First Class and Business Class cabin products on the A380, B777-300ER and A340-500 aircraft is currently unavailable. Award redemption on Singapore/Turkish must be booked by July 31, 2014.
4) Excludes Hawaii
5) North Asia includes China, Hong Kong, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Macau, Mongolia, South Korea, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan
6) South & Central Asia includes Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Chagos, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam

AND 3) and 4) :

Notes
1) British Airways and Iberia charge additional carrier-imposed fees starting from $53USD per person, one-way
2) Excludes Hawaii
3) North Asia includes China, Hong Kong, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Macau, Mongolia, South Korea, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan
4) South & Central Asia includes Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Chagos, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Yesbut, that leaves a system of elimination :0 ...


) Award redemption on Air New Zealand must be booked by June 29, 2014
2) Award redemption on Hawaiian Airlines is available on inter-island and South Pacific flights only
3) Award redemption on the Singapore Airlines Suites, First Class and Business Class cabin products on the A380, B777-300ER and A340-500 aircraft is currently unavailable. Award redemption on Singapore/Turkish must be booked by July 31, 2014.
4) Excludes Hawaii
5) North Asia includes China, Hong Kong, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Macau, Mongolia, South Korea, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan
6) South & Central Asia includes Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Chagos, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam

AND 3) and 4) :

Notes
1) British Airways and Iberia charge additional carrier-imposed fees starting from $53USD per person, one-way
2) Excludes Hawaii
3) North Asia includes China, Hong Kong, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Macau, Mongolia, South Korea, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan
4) South & Central Asia includes Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Chagos, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam

There's guam, which is the only 'anomaly' if that's what you're looking for.

The other places are NZ, Pacific Islands, Tahiti etc etc. Premium class availability to the Pacific Islands and Tahiti has traditionally been very hard to come by (more so than the general lack of NZ business class availability).