US to exit STAR 30th March & join ONEWORLD 31st

[beardoc]

I don't want to cause a loss of points but I'd imagine that with them joining on the 31st, Qantas will update their T&C to reflect that at the last minute and 31st would be the date going forward. Of course, pure speculation.

Only 5 days out and still no updated xONEx fare information and US Airways flights are not yet bookable. Also, QANTAS phone line still has no idea when they will be bookable. I am hoping that it's 31st March because I need to book my next DONE5 and I want to use US Airways for some of those!

 

[samh004]

Only 5 days out and still no updated xONEx fare information and US Airways flights are not yet bookable. Also, QANTAS phone line still has no idea when they will be bookable. I am hoping that it's 31st March because I need to book my next DONE5 and I want to use US Airways for some of those!

In the past, with every new airline to join the Alliance, Qantas has updated the earning terms on their site on the morning of the joining. I guess fare info is also loaded then, but that's someone else?

 

[Danger]

Only 5 days out and still no updated xONEx fare information and US Airways flights are not yet bookable. Also, QANTAS phone line still has no idea when they will be bookable. I am hoping that it's 31st March because I need to book my next DONE5 and I want to use US Airways for some of those!

It took several days (and possibly as long as three weeks, from memory) for QR flights to be included in the oneworld Explorer product. It was ridiculously slow.

 

[drron]

Most US Flights have an AA codeshare now and as US will be an OW affiliate from 31/3 you should be able to book the AA codeshare.
American Airlines And US Airways Customers Gain Access To Most Flights Throughout The Company''s Combined Global Network With Expanded Codeshare :: American Airlines Newsroom

American and US Airways launched the initial phase of their codeshare Jan. 13. This phase extends the codeshare to all flights across the combined global network, except for a select few international markets due to regulatory requirements. The two airlines expect to codeshare on every international flight in these markets by the end of the first quarter.

In the OW press release re US joining on 31/3 there was mention of alliance fares-
US Airways to join oneworld on 31 March 2014 - oneworld news - oneworld

The 140 million members of established oneworld airlines' frequent flyer programmes will also receive alliance services and benefits when flying on US Airways from 31 March. From day one, this will include the ability to earn mileage and tier status points and, for Emerald and Sapphire cardholders, to access US Airways' lounges when flying on oneworld departures, although the ability to redeem rewards for flights on US Airways, may be phased in shortly afterwards..
As it becomes part of the group on 31 March 2014, US Airways' network will be covered by oneworld's range of alliance fares – the most extensive offered by any of the global alliances.

 

[neon_crossing]

Only just hit me today that I'll no longer be able to use my DM miles on Star Alliance. Glad I have a heavy amount of flights on a Guam trip in three weeks, then it will be onto getting my head around the oneworld system and learning the new loopholes etc.

 

[Shano]

I have a current DONE4 booking for a trip departing on Saturday. I need to book 2 internal flights where US worked the best. Flights are on April 9th. I considered waiting until after 31st and have the OWE re-ticketed, but have just gone ahead and booked them outright. The two flights (one is a Y only service) cost around $350 and the change fee for the existing OWE would have been similar.

At least I'll be an "elite" on US.

 

[Hvr]

I have a current DONE4 booking for a trip departing on Saturday. I need to book 2 internal flights where US worked the best. Flights are on April 9th. I considered waiting until after 31st and have the OWE re-ticketed, but have just gone ahead and booked them outright. The two flights (one is a Y only service) cost around $350 and the change fee for the existing OWE would have been similar.

At least I'll be an "elite" on US.

Did you try booking them through the AA site? For my USA trip in May I purchased internal flights using the AA site and have gotten US Airways flights with AA flight numbers.

 

[Shano]

Did you try booking them through the AA site? For my USA trip in May I purchased internal flights using the AA site and have gotten US Airways flights with AA flight numbers.

Just booked the US flight numbers. The QFF T&Cs confirm that US will join the QFF program on 31 March so at least ill earn points and SC.

As it stands I believe the xONEx fare rules would have prevented either being booked as part of a RTW which would have saved a few $ as I have not used all 6 North American segments

 

[beardoc]

Only 5 days out and still no updated xONEx fare information and US Airways flights are not yet bookable. Also, QANTAS phone line still has no idea when they will be bookable. I am hoping that it's 31st March because I need to book my next DONE5 and I want to use US Airways for some of those!

QANTAS service line is now confirming that oneworld booking tool will be able to book xONEx fares with US Airways flights included from 31st March.

 

[Flashback]

QANTAS service line is now confirming that oneworld booking tool will be able to book xONEx fares with US Airways flights included from 31st March.

Of course that is only still true while QF are in operation and part of oneworld rather than JETSTARworld

 

[Danger]

Only just hit me today that I'll no longer be able to use my DM miles on Star Alliance. Glad I have a heavy amount of flights on a Guam trip in three weeks, then it will be onto getting my head around the oneworld system and learning the new loopholes etc.

Note that US is maintaining its reciprocal relationship with several of its Star partners post 30 March.

 

[anat0l]

Note that US is maintaining its reciprocal relationship with several of its Star partners post 30 March.

The number of remaining partners will still be significantly limiting to "*A redemptions" (except maybe in pinches), and they will gradually start to drop off in the coming months as well.

 

[robcuk]

Hi Guys

My In laws are keen to book there annual trip out to Australia for the month of September - so for post 31.3.2014 what would be the recommended website to check award availability? Up to now I've kept it simple and used United.com

Thanks

 

[bcworld]

Hi Guys

My In laws are keen to book there annual trip out to Australia for the month of September - so for post 31.3.2014 what would be the recommended website to check award availability? Up to now I've kept it simple and used United.com

Thanks

Assuming you're then looking for OneWorld availability I would suggest a combination of QF, BA or JL online engines. BA shows many more airlines than QF, from recent experience JL seems to more accurately represent what AA (ergo US?) can actually see and book.

What I mean by recent experience is that I was trying all last week to book a CX award wtih AA miles. BA and QF (and CX) were both showing the availability, and I do not believe it was phantom. JL however couldn't see it and neither could AA. Very frustrating and a very 'US-like' situation. Finally I was able to book it with AA when BA was showing 5 J awards available. It seemed that only the carriers using Amadeus could see the seats and there was some problem with others...hope it is something that gets resolved soon, CX being my airline of choice!

 

[robcuk]

Assuming you're then looking for OneWorld availability I would suggest a combination of QF, BA or JL online engines. BA shows many more airlines than QF, from recent experience JL seems to more accurately represent what AA (ergo US?) can actually see and book.

What I mean by recent experience is that I was trying all last week to book a CX award wtih AA miles. BA and QF (and CX) were both showing the availability, and I do not believe it was phantom. JL however couldn't see it and neither could AA. Very frustrating and a very 'US-like' situation. Finally I was able to book it with AA when BA was showing 5 J awards available. It seemed that only the carriers using Amadeus could see the seats and there was some problem with others...hope it is something that gets resolved soon, CX being my airline of choice!

Thanks for that insight BC - I did have a look on QF last night for availability & CX did look ok for J awards booked with enough notice.

Obviously with USDM the flexibility of openjaw or stopover was enjoyed by all - was/is this the case with AA? I ask as ideally id like to book an award into Perth & out of Sydney.

Thanks

 

[bcworld]

Thanks for that insight BC - I did have a look on QF last night for availability & CX did look ok for J awards booked with enough notice.

Obviously with USDM the flexibility of openjaw or stopover was enjoyed by all - was/is this the case with AA? I ask as ideally id like to book an award into Perth & out of Sydney.

Thanks

In all likelihood the US award chart and rules will continue for some time...just the airline options will be *O instead of *A. So I think that will be possible for a September itin.

 

[robcuk]

In all likelihood the US award chart and rules will continue for some time...just the airline options will be *O instead of *A. So I think that will be possible for a September itin.

Thanks BC - if i can stay awake through the Jetlag I may give US a call this arvo & try my luck. Appreciate your insight once again.

 

[Mwenenzi]

Thanks BC - if i can stay awake through the Jetlag I may give US a call this arvo & try my luck. Appreciate your insight once again.

Check the time zone. Its still 30 March in USA The World Clock

 

[bcworld]

Thanks BC - if i can stay awake through the Jetlag I may give US a call this arvo & try my luck. Appreciate your insight once again.

I think this arvo is a bit ambitious! There's still 6 hours of the 30th left in Tempe!

I'd let things settle down for a few days personally and let some anecdotes start coming through re how things are going.

 

[robcuk]

Check the time zone. Its still 30 March in USA The World Clock

Good point if its located on pacific time - do you know where the call centre is located?