Anyone had problems purchasing miles from another country?

[dlam]

Hi all,

Trying to take advantage of the AA bonus miles promotion and attempting to pay from China using my Australian credit card for a third party (my partner.) Yesterday, the transaction was rejected after "processing" for hours. After calling customer service I eventually was told it's because they couldn't verify my card for such a large amount and could I present myself at an AA office (I'm in Xi'an, closest counters are Beijing or Shanghai.)

As I have a booking on hold until Saturday, I eventually agreed with the AA agent that my mother could call from Australia and pay for my miles for my account using her credit card. It's still "processing" which, judging by the first transaction attempt, doesn't bode well.

Has anyone else experienced this? Can anyone think of any solutions!?

Thanks!

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Friend of mine had a problem with Lifemiles trying to make a change from China. Aussie credit card kept rejecting, even after calling the bank. Same story - go to Avianca office in person (closest office I think was New York!). It seemed the account was 'blocked' after several attempts. So if your mom's credit card doesn't process it may be an issue with the FF account, not the CC. (Although this is AA not LM.)

 

[dlam]

Hi MT.
Yes, it seems ridiculous. However, I found one particularly helpful agent who I got transferred to both times who put a note on my file. I called back AGAIN when it was taking too long to process and, after being on hold about 10 mins, the miles were there.

So, I've now gone through the process of paying for the taxes etc, though my miles are still in my account. The ticket status is "On Request". From what I understand from OMAAT that's pretty normal for now? AAdvantage Award Not Ticketing? It's Not Just You. - One Mile at a Time

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Hi MT.
Yes, it seems ridiculous. However, I found one particularly helpful agent who I got transferred to both times who put a note on my file. I called back AGAIN when it was taking too long to process and, after being on hold about 10 mins, the miles were there.

So, I've now gone through the process of paying for the taxes etc, though my miles are still in my account. The ticket status is "On Request". From what I understand from OMAAT that's pretty normal for now? AAdvantage Award Not Ticketing? It's Not Just You. - One Mile at a Time

Yes, the 'on request' is common. Without intervention I think my recent AA tickets were all there sometime from 1hr to 24hrs. With manual intervention (which we needed to ticket something before an expiry deadline) it was instant.

 

[dlam]

Yes, the 'on request' is common. Without intervention I think my recent AA tickets were all there sometime from 1hr to 24hrs. With manual intervention (which we needed to ticket something before an expiry deadline) it was instant.

Here's hoping it all works! I'm beginning to appreciate the significant time investment it takes to play this game. Had to "marry" the last few stops on my OW Explorer ticket with my girlfriend's itinerary. Bought one leg using QF points, purchased the requisite AA miles and tweaked my itinerary for availability. When it looked like the AA booking wasn't going to happen I was not happy!!

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Here's hoping it all works! I'm beginning to appreciate the significant time investment it takes to play this game. Had to "marry" the last few stops on my OW Explorer ticket with my girlfriend's itinerary. Bought one leg using QF points, purchased the requisite AA miles and tweaked my itinerary for availability. When it looked like the AA booking wasn't going to happen I was not happy!!

If AA is ticketing an AA flight, no need to worry about when the ticket is issued. If AA is ticketing a partner airline (eg QF) I like to make sure the ticket is issue no later than 72 hours. This might require a follow up call.

 

[dlam]

If AA is ticketing an AA flight, no need to worry about when the ticket is issued. If AA is ticketing a partner airline (eg QF) I like to make sure the ticket is issue no later than 72 hours. This might require a follow up call.

Yes it's QF and JAL. I'll call tomorrow if nothing happens.