US Dividend Miles - Award Booking Questions and General Discussion

[pagingjoan]

Re: US Dividend Miles Buy/Gift Miles 100% bonus - Cheap way for F/J *A Awards

Has anyone booked / or even flown BR (Eva Air) yet? ......

Have flown EVA several times, each time, in J.
Food has always been acceptable and service excellent - in my experience.
Lounges that I've used were nothing special but at least adequate.
Cannot comment on Y.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Re: US Dividend Miles - post your SUCCESSFUL award bookings here.

I'm mainly posting to thank the forum for the instructions on how to make bookings. It made the task so much easier. This was my first attempt and though quite straight forward, I still had great trepidation, but having prepared as instructed, with the flights picked out made it over and done in less than 10 minutes once I got past the robot which couldn't recognise Perth as a departure point. I got the direct flights I wanted and the times I wanted. Fee and charges $106.89, booking fee $50.00. Having looked at the miles tables, it isn't particularly efficient to use these dividend miles on short hops like this when I could get to London return for about 120,000 points, but I wanted an easy run for my first go. I have a US and Europe trip planned soon too. These tickets have cost me about $2,000 all up. The best price I could get direct with Thai was $3,500 with the same ticket terms. I could get a Southern China one stop flight taking twice the travel time for $2900. I happen to like Thai.
[TABLE="width: 100%"]
[TR]
[TD]Thai Airways 482[/TD]
[TD]Depart: 4:45 PM Perth, Australia (PER)
Arrival: 10:45 PM Bangkok, Thailand (BKK)[/TD]
[TD="align: center"][/TD]
[TD="align: center"][/TD]
[TD="align: center"][/TD]
[TD="align: center"][/TD]
[TD="align: center"][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Thai Airways 481[/TD]
[TD]Depart: 7:50 AM Bangkok, Thailand (BKK)
Arrival: 3:35 PM Perth, Australia (PER)
[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]

the USDM phone system doesn't handle international awards, so as soon as the voice prompts come you just say 'agent' and it will take you to the next step of 'domestic or international' and then connect you direct to the call centre.

as you found out, booking is 99% of the time fairly straight forward and even more complex itineraries can be completed in 15 minutes. the main complication comes where people are trying to extract the maximum value for their awards with itineraries that may be pushing the envelope.

for something like Thailand, a nice addition might have been a few days on an island, or a quick trip to Singapore or Hong Kong for example.

if you are intending to book to Europe and the US through USDM I would probably also recommend sticking to a simple itinerary on airlines with frequent service (such as Thai, united and Lufthansa). this should make any schedule changes post merger to AA more easy to deal with.

 

[anat0l]

Re: US Dividend Miles Buy/Gift Miles 100% bonus - Cheap way for F/J *A Awards

Well I'm fairly convinced US DM want nothing to do with me if downgrades happen.

Yes, I'm aware if I still have higher-class sectors on the booking, the overall points cost doesn't change.

The overall tangible change is little (this is UA we are talking about), but it's more or less the principle.

Support on all fronts is pretty bleak so I think I'm resigned to just accepting whatever change comes our way.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Re: US Dividend Miles Buy/Gift Miles 100% bonus - Cheap way for F/J *A Awards

Well I'm fairly convinced US DM want nothing to do with me if downgrades happen.

Yes, I'm aware if I still have higher-class sectors on the booking, the overall points cost doesn't change.

The overall tangible change is little (this is UA we are talking about), but it's more or less the principle.

Support on all fronts is pretty bleak so I think I'm resigned to just accepting whatever change comes our way.

its a case of looking at other options in the event of a downgrade. USDM allowed me to change routing free of charge after UA downgraded an aircraft to two class. end result was similar arrival time just swapped European gateway cities.

most aircraft downgrades are published well in advance. last minute I guess there might not be so much that can be done, except if leaving the EU.

 

[anat0l]

Re: US Dividend Miles Buy/Gift Miles 100% bonus - Cheap way for F/J *A Awards

its a case of looking at other options in the event of a downgrade. USDM allowed me to change routing free of charge after UA downgraded an aircraft to two class. end result was similar arrival time just swapped European gateway cities.

most aircraft downgrades are published well in advance. last minute I guess there might not be so much that can be done, except if leaving the EU.

I assume you follow airlineroute. Guess I should've done that too.

One sector is leaving the EU, but I don't expect much out of that either.

I should probably add that yes, this is a first world problem.

 

[travelislife]

Re: US Dividend Miles Buy/Gift Miles 100% bonus - Cheap way for F/J *A Awards

If one sector is out of the EU you will be entitled to some serious compensation in the terms of cold hard Euros, it is the operating carrier that will have to pay this so it is in their interest to have you change. I think this is still the case when the change is made further out from the flight?

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Re: US Dividend Miles Buy/Gift Miles 100% bonus - Cheap way for F/J *A Awards

I assume you follow airlineroute. Guess I should've done that too.

One sector is leaving the EU, but I don't expect much out of that either.

I should probably add that yes, this is a first world problem.

unfortunately if you are baby sitting USDM awards (or any awards involving partners) then airlineroute is almost daily reading. only takes a second though.

recent changes of interest have been TG canceling some of of their second daily services, asiana removing first class from the ORD route and of course UA/CO equipment changes (really only relevant if you are in first). I'm never too worried about LH or SQ bookings or changes.

 

[hummel]

Re: US Dividend Miles Buy/Gift Miles 100% bonus - Cheap way for F/J *A Awards

Reading about changes makes me 2nd guess about doing a GUM trip...

 

[anat0l]

Re: US Dividend Miles Buy/Gift Miles 100% bonus - Cheap way for F/J *A Awards

If one sector is out of the EU you will be entitled to some serious compensation in the terms of cold hard Euros, it is the operating carrier that will have to pay this so it is in their interest to have you change. I think this is still the case when the change is made further out from the flight?

I assume that it doesn't matter how far out from the departure date (or time) that the downgrade is made (downgrades on the day of departure or even within two weeks are a lot easier to force the hand of the airline, however).

One odd consequence is that when US DM issue their e-tickets, they do not specify the class. The class code is supplied, but the class of service is given as "Unknown". Not sure if this gives the airlines wiggle room.

From an EU 261 perspective, I've got to go after United. Any recommended ways to contact them? Don't really want to contact United via phone, then tell them that they will compensate or reroute (even on partners) in F under EU 261 so help me God. They'll obviously fob me off to US DM as UA didn't ticket the flight. Either that or my folks may be routed to some random volcanic crater in revenge...


Well it's coming up to 14 days before my folks depart. Looks like I should be making a daily habit of checking their bookings.

 

[travelislife]

Re: US Dividend Miles Buy/Gift Miles 100% bonus - Cheap way for F/J *A Awards

Reading about changes makes me 2nd guess about doing a GUM trip...

I reckon you will be fine. I had changes on a BMI itinerary after they left star alliance due to a Thai schedule change which had me misconnecting, it was a bit of a battle but I ended up getting Thai to open space and then the ticket was reissued by BMI and all was fine on travel.

I am actually going to try and book a cheeky GUM trip tonight for 30k in J, had the miles leftover when they mispriced a first class trip to Europe, so essentially this would be a freeby if I can get it to fly.

 

[hummel]

Re: US Dividend Miles Buy/Gift Miles 100% bonus - Cheap way for F/J *A Awards

I reckon you will be fine. I had changes on a BMI itinerary after they left star alliance due to a Thai schedule change which had me misconnecting, it was a bit of a battle but I ended up getting Thai to open space and then the ticket was reissued by BMI and all was fine on travel.

I am actually going to try and book a cheeky GUM trip tonight for 30k in J, had the miles leftover when they mispriced a first class trip to Europe, so essentially this would be a freeby if I can get it to fly.

I was going to call tonight too, what's the best time to call? Been a while since I booked a USDM trip! Would love to try a NRT stop over!

 

[travelislife]

Re: US Dividend Miles Buy/Gift Miles 100% bonus - Cheap way for F/J *A Awards

Don't think time matters too much, US early morning (ie. 1am-6am) seems best with little wait times. I have already tried once with the NRT stopover but priced at 90k unfortunately. I think would be easier trying for the stopover on the way back but I need it on the way there and I plan to be in Japan longer which makes it appear the destination and then Guam the stopover even though routing back through Japan. It is blatantly against the rules so would be a bunch of luck to get it through and if I wouldn't be putting it on hold if they priced at 30k, would just pay then and there!

 

[hummel]

Re: US Dividend Miles Buy/Gift Miles 100% bonus - Cheap way for F/J *A Awards

Don't think time matters too much, US early morning (ie. 1am-6am) seems best with little wait times. I have already tried once with the NRT stopover but priced at 90k unfortunately. I think would be easier trying for the stopover on the way back but I need it on the way there and I plan to be in Japan longer which makes it appear the destination and then Guam the stopover even though routing back through Japan. It is blatantly against the rules so would be a bunch of luck to get it through and if I wouldn't be putting it on hold if they priced at 30k, would just pay then and there!

See I am actually happy to go to Guam! I don't know why but hey.. why not! Thinking 4-5 days in Guam and 2 day stop at NRT on the way back. Will see how I go!

 

[travelislife]

Re: US Dividend Miles Buy/Gift Miles 100% bonus - Cheap way for F/J *A Awards

Oh I am definitely happy to go to Guam, just don't want to go all that way just for that, have to go through Japan so may as well go there too!

 

[Flashback]

Re: US Dividend Miles Buy/Gift Miles 100% bonus - Cheap way for F/J *A Awards

If one sector is out of the EU you will be entitled to some serious compensation in the terms of cold hard Euros, it is the operating carrier that will have to pay this so it is in their interest to have you change. I think this is still the case when the change is made further out from the flight?

If it's outside the 2 week period, EU261/2004 won't apply.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Re: US Dividend Miles Buy/Gift Miles 100% bonus - Cheap way for F/J *A Awards

If it's outside the 2 week period, EU261/2004 won't apply.

thats not explicit as far as I understand?

cancellations have a two grace period for the airlines, delays are obviously 'on the day' but there is nothing explicit in the downgrade department.

while it might seem to make sense that cancellations and downgrades would be aligned, it doesn't in the sense that the airline is still flying the plane, just they have made a commercial decision to remove a cabin. the airline then has the choice... either rebook you, or pay you the downgrade compensation.

 

[lmere12]

Re: US Dividend Miles Buy/Gift Miles 100% bonus - Cheap way for F/J *A Awards

Put a J itinerary on hold today for a friend out of YVR - ICN - SYD 31/05, need to change to 26/05 (purchasing flite from YYC-YVR - no reward seat avail)

Seem to be quite a few days with OZ avail, tonite have gone back to change and no OZ to ICN at all

Hope tomorrow they return, running out of ideas to get her back.

Can anyone advise me the simplest route back please ? (not eva air) My friend will be in Banff & fly from YYC. (i've tried NRT , SIN, SFO, LAX, YVR, HKG)

 

[Flashback]

Re: US Dividend Miles Buy/Gift Miles 100% bonus - Cheap way for F/J *A Awards

Put a J itinerary on hold today for a friend out of YVR - ICN - SYD 31/05, need to change to 26/05 (purchasing flite from YYC-YVR - no reward seat avail)

Seem to be quite a few days with OZ avail, tonite have gone back to change and no OZ to ICN at all

Hope tomorrow they return, running out of ideas to get her back.

Can anyone advise me the simplest route back please ? (not eva air) My friend will be in Banff & fly from YYC. (i've tried NRT , SIN, SFO, LAX, YVR, HKG)

Check the OZ blackout dates, that may be why?

 

[lmere12]

Re: US Dividend Miles Buy/Gift Miles 100% bonus - Cheap way for F/J *A Awards

Can anyone advise me the simplest route back please ?

United Airlines via SFO & LAX is about it.... would the more experienced out there be happy with that ??

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Re: US Dividend Miles Buy/Gift Miles 100% bonus - Cheap way for F/J *A Awards

United Airlines via SFO & LAX is about it.... would the more experienced out there be happy with that ??

if you can get it take it!! the most important element of any long journey is the flat bed... UA offers those. no amount of service can make up for an additional 20-30 hours travelling via Asia as opposed to the non-stop.