Help with AA Booking Class

[Airbumps]

Hi All,

I'm booking a series of AA flights accross the US. Where possible I'm trying to book domestic First, partly on account of the status credits (accruing to QF) and partly because some of the fares are reasonably cheap anyway.

That said, I've come across a number of flights where its not immediately clear what the booking class is.



Take this for example - This moderatly priced flight from PHX-(CLT)-BNA is showing as $752 AUD and indicates its first class. I take it from the 'Cabin' comments that the first sector is in First and the second is in main cabin, so essentially its a mixed fare. That said, the fare basis thats showing when I check 'Fare Basis' is "GVAIZNIZ". Now G as a booking class is discount economy of American.

I understand that some mixed class fares will defer to the lower or more restrictive fare basis - But in this instance, its showing as "GVAIZNIZ" for both legs.

Does this mean I'll be subject to discount economy rules and SC, despite it being sold as a "First" class fare?

Cheers!

 

[DC3]

… I'm booking a series of AA flights …

As you are using the “Australian” website, you may want to compare prices against the US website (AA.com). I generally find the AA.com prices to be cheaper, so it may be worth doing a comparison for your flights.

 

[SYD]

You should earn points and SCs as flown. If one sector is up front on a two class aircraft, it will book into domestic “First” (which of course credits to QF as Business*). If the other sector is booked in “Coach”, then it will credit to QF as Economy/Discount Economy if it’s an eligible fare class (for earning purposes).

*only First in a 3 or 4 class domestic sector (usually transcon) will credit to QF as “First”.

As you are using the “Australian” website, you may want to compare prices against the US website (AA.com). I generally find the AA.com prices to be cheaper, so it may be worth doing a comparison for your flights.

Definitely worth comparing the two sites - if only for better (usually more) flight options on the US site.

I believe the pricing disparity between US and .AU is less of an issue now(?). If booking for 2 or more PAX, look carefully to see if it’s quoting a price per person or the total for all PAX, that was another difference between the two - besides quoting in AUD v USD.

 

[big_RED]

Could I also receive some help on this topic please?

I booked AA award flights SFO>LAX (First class), LAX>SYD (Business class) using Qantas points, booked via the Qantas website.

I was expecting to receive status points just like if I had booked award seats on a Qantas flight, but after not receiving any Status points I emailed Qantas to redeem missing points.

Qantas has come back and said "UNSUCCESSFUL - CLASSIC REWARD FLIGHT NOT ELIGIBLE TO EARN".

I wanted to come to the brains trust here as I would have thought I'd earn Qantas Status Credits?

 

[Airbumps]

To earn the SC on an award flight you need to be book a QF award, on QF metal and be a Points Club member. You won't get any points for AA awards.

 

[big_RED]

Ah damn. Thought there might be some rule like that. I do have Points Club as I earn Status Credits on QF flights (eg the business awards flight I took to get to the US).

I'll be sure to book QF metal moving forward