US Dividend Miles - Award Booking Questions and General Discussion

[boomy]

Intra-europe J is just Y with a seat blocked. I'd just be paying cash unless very pricey. Remember most flights are only a couple of hours max.

Agree. It's important to check the aircraft type and J seating because some offer a really bad product.
Any *A fly FCO-CDG direct?

 

[legroom]

Intra-europe J is just Y with a seat blocked. I'd just be paying cash unless very pricey. Remember most flights are only a couple of hours max.

It's good to know someone else shares the same thoughts.

Like all mileage programs, the longer the itinerary, the better yield it will be for us.

Quite a daylight robbery to cost $990 for 1-2 hrs in the air !

 

[MEL_Traveller]

It's good to know someone else shares the same thoughts.

Like all mileage programs, the longer the itinerary, the better yield it will be for us.

Quite a daylight robbery to cost $990 for 1-2 hrs in the air !

to buy the ticket could cost you up to $1700 (fco-cdg return in business class), so $990 seems like a good deal right?

 

[smit0847]

to buy the ticket could cost you up to $1700 (fco-cdg return in business class), so $990 seems like a good deal right?

It's not worth $1700, or $900. You could go to GUM for less than that!

Pay for rev-Y if its less than, say $600 return, use miles to fly Y if it is not.

I think TK are the only *A Euro carrier with proper Euro J but even their product isnt standard across their fleet.

 

[anat0l]

to buy the ticket could cost you up to $1700 (fco-cdg return in business class), so $990 seems like a good deal right?

If you must sit in Business Class and/or have access to the lounge. At that price, forget both of them - I'd rather go Economy unless that requires murdering someone as well for a decent deal.

If you have more time to kill, consider the train.

 

[Oneworldplus2]

I think TK are the only *A Euro carrier with proper Euro J but even their product isnt standard across their fleet.

Yes, we all know that J in Europe is a joke and a half

 

[anat0l]

Wonder if someone can comment on this idea. Bear with me here.

The folks are thinking of an Asian Business flight itinerary taking advantage of the GUM (or other CNMI destinations) trick. Their stopover will be HKG. They actually aren't interested in going to GUM at all, so are happy to try and do a direct turnaround at GUM.

Main problem is being based in BNE, there are only really two options to get to Asia - BKK on TG and TPE on BR. SQ is mainly out due to the 14 day rule, and whilst getting J with NZ is OK to AKL, to Asia in J from AKL is difficult to impossible. They are not really interested in domestic repositioning.

TPE on BR J normally has stuff-all availability, so that really leaves TG to BKK as the launchpad. Problem is the timing is very inconvenient - the BNE/BKK flight arrives at 2020h or so.

The folks don't want to do any overnight hotel stays so the only option I can give them would have them flying overnight flights instead (sleep included on the plane rather than extra on the ground). I've come up with a routing like BNE-BKK-ICN-TPE-GUM-TPE-HKG (stop)-BKK-BNE. Overnight flight to ICN, then back through TPE to GUM, 90 minute turnaround in GUM.

Mum seems "OK" with this but Dad is dreading all the flying required. They will have checked bags (no choice). My suggestion to them was to take advantage of the long wait in TPE and have the bags short-checked to TPE. Claim bags in TPE, put into left luggage then fly the return to GUM with direct turnaround using International Transit at GUM.

An alternative plan is to book this itinerary, but then when the seats start to open up (14 days), call US Airways and change the routing to go BNE-SIN-TPE-GUM-TPE-HKG (stop)-BKK-BNE. This is slightly more convenient because they can take the overnight flight from BNE to SIN, the afternoon one to TPE then night to GUM, cutting down on the flying time overall with a better lounge at SIN rather than BKK or ICN. Naturally this will cost another USD 150 per person on top of the standard redemption (plus taxes), coupled with the risk of there being no award seats. But my other concerns are:

• Since changing the routing may require a ticket re-issue, will they be subject to the USD 75 expedited ticketing fee if they change the routing at this time?
• If they have to re-issue the ticket (or even if not), does the availability on all remaining sectors have to be rechecked and available, or are they "unaffected" as they have already booked those seats (and can keep them whilst modifying the rest of the ticket)?

I know someone has said they might have done the direct turnaround at GUM before, but I can't remember where I saw the information. Anyone able to comment on this? Apart from needing a good story to tell the CBP agent inspecting the transit line...

Will US Airways accept the itinerary as Australia-Guam even though the stop in Guam is only 90 minutes? Or will they price it as Australia-North Asia (substantially more expensive)?

 

[get me outta here]

You would certainly want an ETSA to attempt a 90 minute turn around at GUM. Someone did say that clearing immigration may be the issue, not sure if any one has attempted it to date (?).

 

[bcworld]

I agree with Dad!

BNE-BKK-ICN-TPE-GUM-TPE-HKG is utter madness.

They don't want an overnight stay at the Novotel BKK? Convince them otherwise.

 

[anat0l]

I agree with Dad!

BNE-BKK-ICN-TPE-GUM-TPE-HKG is utter madness.

They don't want an overnight stay at the Novotel BKK? Convince them otherwise.

You try and convince them Heard that Novotel is quite expensive (could be wrong), but shucks for me if I can convince them! It may just come to that though.

I agree it's a lot of flying. I could put up with it with enough stuff to do, but my folks - or at least Dad - is a different kettle of fish.

You would certainly want an ETSA to attempt a 90 minute turn around at GUM. Someone did say that clearing immigration may be the issue, not sure if any one has attempted it to date (?).

They have an ESTA from last year - I assume that all you need to do is log in and update it.

I think the main issue is explaining the direct turnaround at GUM.

 

[get me outta here]

Here's a possible overnight airport hotel in BKK w' food places next door and free pick up and a/port drop off. None of the BKK a/port htls get stand out reviews, but this may be convenient if just for 1 night. TripAdvisor says it's acceptable:

Mariya Boutique Residence Thailand | Online Reservation System

 

[bcworld]

Heard that Novotel is quite expensive (could be wrong), but shucks for me if I can convince them!

I'm paying 150AUD for an overnight next month, with breakfast for 2. It's not expensive for the convenience. I realise there are far cheaper hotels within a few kms drive of BKK.

 

[smit0847]

Wonder if someone can comment on this idea. Bear with me here.

The folks are thinking of an Asian Business flight itinerary taking advantage of the GUM (or other CNMI destinations) trick. Their stopover will be HKG. They actually aren't interested in going to GUM at all, so are happy to try and do a direct turnaround at GUM.

Main problem is being based in BNE, there are only really two options to get to Asia - BKK on TG and TPE on BR. SQ is mainly out due to the 14 day rule, and whilst getting J with NZ is OK to AKL, to Asia in J from AKL is difficult to impossible. They are not really interested in domestic repositioning.

TPE on BR J normally has stuff-all availability, so that really leaves TG to BKK as the launchpad. Problem is the timing is very inconvenient - the BNE/BKK flight arrives at 2020h or so.

The folks don't want to do any overnight hotel stays so the only option I can give them would have them flying overnight flights instead (sleep included on the plane rather than extra on the ground). I've come up with a routing like BNE-BKK-ICN-TPE-GUM-TPE-HKG (stop)-BKK-BNE. Overnight flight to ICN, then back through TPE to GUM, 90 minute turnaround in GUM.

Mum seems "OK" with this but Dad is dreading all the flying required. They will have checked bags (no choice). My suggestion to them was to take advantage of the long wait in TPE and have the bags short-checked to TPE. Claim bags in TPE, put into left luggage then fly the return to GUM with direct turnaround using International Transit at GUM.

An alternative plan is to book this itinerary, but then when the seats start to open up (14 days), call US Airways and change the routing to go BNE-SIN-TPE-GUM-TPE-HKG (stop)-BKK-BNE. This is slightly more convenient because they can take the overnight flight from BNE to SIN, the afternoon one to TPE then night to GUM, cutting down on the flying time overall with a better lounge at SIN rather than BKK or ICN. Naturally this will cost another USD 150 per person on top of the standard redemption (plus taxes), coupled with the risk of there being no award seats. But my other concerns are:

• Since changing the routing may require a ticket re-issue, will they be subject to the USD 75 expedited ticketing fee if they change the routing at this time?
• If they have to re-issue the ticket (or even if not), does the availability on all remaining sectors have to be rechecked and available, or are they "unaffected" as they have already booked those seats (and can keep them whilst modifying the rest of the ticket)?

I know someone has said they might have done the direct turnaround at GUM before, but I can't remember where I saw the information. Anyone able to comment on this? Apart from needing a good story to tell the CBP agent inspecting the transit line...

Will US Airways accept the itinerary as Australia-Guam even though the stop in Guam is only 90 minutes? Or will they price it as Australia-North Asia (substantially more expensive)?

I would not wish this on my worst enemy, let alone book it for my parents. Its all well and good to have 1 flight per day and leisurely have an overnight stop in each city but to suggest to someone that instead of flying direct from BNE-HKG they should fly BNE-BKK-ICN-TPE-GUM-TPE-HKG is just stupid. A big problem is that none of these flights are really long enough to get a decent sleep - by the time the seatbelt sign goes off, the noise dies down from the clanking of the meal service you'll only get a few hours sleep before the descent starts. They're going to be absolutely wrecked - and they're going to have to navigate the immediate turn around at TPE at 5am after 4 flights in a row. I cant think of a worse time to try and do something complicated - they'll be tired, disorientated, dirty and probably very grumpy.

You will also need to hope they can collect their GUM-TPE boarding passes (and be checked in for that flight) in TPE (Or BKK or ICN) and they may be asked for a good excuse as to why they are doing an immediate turnaround. There are no transfer desks at GUM to collect their new boarding pass.

Would you need to clear customs in GUM if you were doing a transit provided you had an onwards boarding pass? Wouldnt you just wait at the gate when you disembark to reboard 90 mins later.

Also remember you cannot change your itinerary after 30 March this month as US will no longer have access to SQ seats.

In conclusion: I wouldnt do it myself nor would I suggest my parents do it.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Would you need to clear customs in GUM if you were doing a transit provided you had an onwards boarding pass? Wouldnt you just wait at the gate when you disembark to reboard 90 mins later.

I don't know if GUM is the same as mainland? Ie all pax would need to clear immigration and customs? If that was the case, would 90 mins be enough?

 

[anat0l]

I would not wish this on my worst enemy, let alone book it for my parents. Its all well and good to have 1 flight per day and leisurely have an overnight stop in each city but to suggest to someone that instead of flying direct from BNE-HKG they should fly BNE-BKK-ICN-TPE-GUM-TPE-HKG is just stupid. A big problem is that none of these flights are really long enough to get a decent sleep - by the time the seatbelt sign goes off, the noise dies down from the clanking of the meal service you'll only get a few hours sleep before the descent starts. They're going to be absolutely wrecked - and they're going to have to navigate the immediate turn around at TPE at 5am after 4 flights in a row. I cant think of a worse time to try and do something complicated - they'll be tired, disorientated, dirty and probably very grumpy.

You will also need to hope they can collect their GUM-TPE boarding passes (and be checked in for that flight) in TPE (Or BKK or ICN) and they may be asked for a good excuse as to why they are doing an immediate turnaround. There are no transfer desks at GUM to collect their new boarding pass.

Would you need to clear customs in GUM if you were doing a transit provided you had an onwards boarding pass? Wouldnt you just wait at the gate when you disembark to reboard 90 mins later.

Also remember you cannot change your itinerary after 30 March this month as US will no longer have access to SQ seats.

In conclusion: I wouldnt do it myself nor would I suggest my parents do it.

LOL you're obviously a good child, aren't you? As for yourself....you call yourself a frequent flyer... :mrgreen: just kidding...

Conveniently forgot about the ramifications of US leaving the Star Alliance at the end of this month. So that scuppers my SQ plan. :-|

Wait at the gate then go (if return BPs are issued).... I thought like most airports, departure and arrival flows are separated, so to get back to the departures gate, you would need to at least pass security screening...and in the US almost all transits would require at least CBP checks, just like bona fide arriving passengers....

Your postulating on explaining the turnaround to the CBP (let alone the BP issuing staff at prior station) reinforces my concern. Looks like I'm just going to have to tell the folks as it is. They'll probably pass up now, but them's the breaks!

 

[smit0847]

LOL you're obviously a good child, aren't you? As for yourself....you call yourself a frequent flyer... :mrgreen: just kidding...

Conveniently forgot about the ramifications of US leaving the Star Alliance at the end of this month. So that scuppers my SQ plan. :-|

Wait at the gate then go (if return BPs are issued).... I thought like most airports, departure and arrival flows are separated, so to get back to the departures gate, you would need to at least pass security screening...and in the US almost all transits would require at least CBP checks, just like bona fide arriving passengers....

Your postulating on explaining the turnaround to the CBP (let alone the BP issuing staff at prior station) reinforces my concern. Looks like I'm just going to have to tell the folks as it is. They'll probably pass up now, but them's the breaks!

So you land in GUM with a GUM-TPE boarding pass in your possession, clear immigration (I guess hiding this boarding pass) then head straight back to departures to immediately leave the country? You would need to have a plausible excuse (US immigration are not the sorts of people I would want to lie to) - if they questioned you, you might miss the GUM-TPE flight and the rest of your itinerary would be cancelled.

This is an AWFUL lot of trouble just to get to HKG.

 

[zainman]

LOL you're obviously a good child, aren't you? As for yourself....you call yourself a frequent flyer... :mrgreen: just kidding...

Conveniently forgot about the ramifications of US leaving the Star Alliance at the end of this month. So that scuppers my SQ plan. :-|

Wait at the gate then go (if return BPs are issued).... I thought like most airports, departure and arrival flows are separated, so to get back to the departures gate, you would need to at least pass security screening...and in the US almost all transits would require at least CBP checks, just like bona fide arriving passengers....

Your postulating on explaining the turnaround to the CBP (let alone the BP issuing staff at prior station) reinforces my concern. Looks like I'm just going to have to tell the folks as it is. They'll probably pass up now, but them's the breaks!

Why not go to GUM via HKG and simply drop the last leg and then book a oneway back (either with points or purchased outright).

BNE-TPE/BKK-HKG-GUM, and you get off at HKG cancelling the rest. Still pretty good value.

 

[smit0847]

Why not go to GUM via HKG and simply drop the last leg and then book a oneway back (either with points or purchased outright).

BNE-TPE/BKK-HKG-GUM, and you get off at HKG cancelling the rest. Still pretty good value.

This is EXACTLY what I am doing. MH HKG-KUL-MEL could be purchased in Y one-way for $500 pp when I looked (I'm going J using AA miles).

 

[zainman]

This is EXACTLY what I am doing. MH HKG-KUL-MEL could be purchased in Y one-way for $500 pp when I looked (I'm going J using AA miles).

Cool. How many AA miles was it for HKG-KUL-MEL in J? Is it the A380 HKG-KUL? Would like to do their A380 in F...

 

[smit0847]

Cool. How many AA miles was it for HKG-KUL-MEL in J? Is it the A380 HKG-KUL? Would like to do their A380 in F...

I think it was 35K pp. We wanted 24 hour stopover in KL. availability was excellent - we chose CX J HKG-KUL as that flight is scheduled to be their class-leading 1-2-1 J 333 product. The MH A380 was another option but we wanted CX. I'm not sure if MH release F award seats HKG-KUL though?