Oneworld Classic Flight Reward Discussion - The Definitive Thread

[Mr H]

Hi, I have the following questions:

1. Will Platinum see any more availability than Gold in booking award tickets?
2. SCL-DFW is currently available in J for award redemption on AA's site. But this is not available on QF website. Would I be able to book this over the phone?
3. Can I make any changes to the itinerary through the website or must I go through the phone agent? What are the best hours to call for the Hobart centre?

1. yes, in theory seats are released earlier to WP
2. try it and see - but different airlines have different availability
3. you must call to make changes - you will not get Hobart unless you are WP or P1.

 

[RichardMEL]

Noting any priority for WP relates only to QF metal flights - not any other partners.

 

[Cynicor]

pretty sure Hobart happens sporadically for non WP

 

[Mr H]

pretty sure Hobart happens sporadically for non WP

There are stories of it happening but in many dozens of calls over three years it has yet to happen to me.

 

[diversitypair1]

Upon more research, it seems like the J for award redemption for SCL-DFW is not valid for a partner booking. Some Googling has informed me I need actually class U on AA to make this booking but this is unclear since they have retired MileSAAver.

Either way, does anyone know what the rough schedule of release for AA award flights to partners? Or is anyone able to check if class U exists at all on this route on ExpertFlyer?

 

[RichardMEL]

Upon more research, it seems like the J for award redemption for SCL-DFW is not valid for a partner booking. Some Googling has informed me I need actually class U on AA to make this booking but this is unclear since they have retired MileSAAver.

Either way, does anyone know what the rough schedule of release for AA award flights to partners? Or is anyone able to check if class U exists at all on this route on ExpertFlyer?

Going to need to be a bit more specific on dates. I picked a bunch of random dates and saw no U on SCL-DFW or on connection via MIA, but that doesn't mean there never are any. Though looks like AA fly a 788 direct, so not the largest J cabin.

Since LA left OW, South America is not the best for coverage.

Iirc AA release 330 days out, but could be wrong on that.

 

[There'sOnlyOneJimmy]

pretty sure Hobart happens sporadically for non WP

Yes, all you have to do is click your heels three times, while riding a unicorn under a rainbow, holding hands with a leprechaun…

 

[levelnine]

Either way, does anyone know what the rough schedule of release for AA award flights to partners? Or is anyone able to check if class U exists at all on this route on ExpertFlyer?

No schedule — it's completely random.

Check on qantas.com. If it's not there, you can't book it.

 

[DC3]

… does anyone know what the rough schedule of release for AA award flights to partners? Or is anyone able to check if class U exists at all on this route on ExpertFlyer?

AA does not always stick to any ‘schedule” for awards release. And with some seasonal routes, the actual route schedules may not be issued until 3 or 4 months out.

 

[Cardinal]

I'm going to call it and say this has been my most frustrating experience with trying to book a Oneworld Award yet.

True, I am after 2 business class tickets so maybe my expectations are perhaps high. But I'm happy to work around Qantas's distinct lack of classic award seat availability in and out of Australia. I can handle eliminating domestic legs from the itinerary in order that the international seats are available. Ridiculous routing in order to get somewhere (anywhere) - that's par for the course.

But gee it's just a real downer (as in soul destroying in a first world problem type of way) when the Qantas call centre tells you they will call you back. You know it's a lie but you so want to believe.

 

[Fifi2207]

I'm going to call it and say this has been my most frustrating experience with trying to book a Oneworld Award yet.

True, I am after 2 business class tickets so maybe my expectations are perhaps high. But I'm happy to work around Qantas's distinct lack of classic award seat availability in and out of Australia. I can handle eliminating domestic legs from the itinerary in order that the international seats are available. Ridiculous routing in order to get somewhere (anywhere) - that's par for the course.

But gee it's just a real downer (as in soul destroying in a first world problem type of way) when the Qantas call centre tells you they will call you back. You know it's a lie but you so want to believe.

 

[Fifi2207]

Keep trying, there is an agent out there who can pull a route together!!

 

[Cardinal]

We're getting closer - just an error message when it comes to calculating taxes.

Let's see if the support team can work out what's going on and I get a phone call back.

Incidentally, has anyone had any experience of with the domestic leg interfering with the availability of international classic award availability. For example, if you search Canberra to Jakarta a business option is not available.

But if search for the two segments separately then business options are available. Nevertheless, when it comes time to book, the call centre saying that the route cannot start from Canberra (even if the seat is economy) - making sense to anyone ?

 

[aikman]

We're getting closer - just an error message when it comes to calculating taxes.

Let's see if the support team can work out what's going on and I get a phone call back.

Incidentally, has anyone had any experience of with the domestic leg interfering with the availability of international classic award availability. For example, if you search Canberra to Jakarta a business option is not available.

But if search for the two segments separately then business options are available. Nevertheless, when it comes time to book, the call centre saying that the route cannot start from Canberra (even if the seat is economy) - making sense to anyone ?

Yes its intentional. If it doesn't show up under a Canberra to Jakarta search then its not bookable. You'll have to book CBR-SYD/MEL on a separate ticket.

 

[Murmal]

But if search for the two segments separately then business options are available. Nevertheless, when it comes time to book, the call centre saying that the route cannot start from Canberra (even if the seat is economy) - making sense to anyone ?

Yes, I forgot to add on an initial domestic segment to SYD but after reading a lot of advice I opted to make a separate simple Y booking to SYD to start the OWA itinerary. The hassles and complications re adjusting the itinerary (even if it were possible) which could arise made me think it best to NOT upset the confirmed bookings. I would suggest just pay for a flight from CBR.

 

[Cardinal]

The option

Yes its intentional. If it doesn't show up under a Canberra to Jakarta search then its not bookable. You'll have to book CBR-SYD/MEL on a separate ticket.

Although if I were to book CBR - MEL - SYD or CBR - SYD - MEL it might be possible.

 

[diversitypair1]

Has anyone managed to book flight originating from LIM to anywhere? The multi-city tool doesn't support entering it as an originating destination at all but does support it for arrival destination.

I'm trying to book LIM-MIA-MEX on AA and it seems like I must call to check availability.

Does anyone know how I can check if this route is available for booking before I call?

AA's website shows plenty of availability in rewards but Qantas call centre says none available. (24 Oct-4 Nov)

 

[N860CR]

Has anyone managed to book flight originating from LIM to anywhere? The multi-city tool doesn't support entering it as an originating destination at all but does support it for arrival destination.

I'm trying to book LIM-MIA-MEX on AA and it seems like I must call to check availability.

Does anyone know how I can check if this route is available for booking before I call?

AA's website shows plenty of availability in rewards but Qantas call centre says none available. (24 Oct-4 Nov)

Do a multicity and stick something random before LIM. Try SCL-LIM or EZE-LIM and then, as flight, LIM-MIA and flight 3 MIA-MEX. Should at least show you availability.

 

[flapper]

QF seem to have released a lot of J classic rewards to everywhere except LHR & Europe. I can see flights up to 353 days out and I'm only NB.

 

[diversitypair1]

Do a multicity and stick something random before LIM. Try SCL-LIM or EZE-LIM and then, as flight, LIM-MIA and flight 3 MIA-MEX. Should at least show you availability.

Thanks for this, it seems it does let me select LIM as a source city but it won't let me complete the search. Any ideas..?