Limited Asiana availability via Krisflyer

[Oxy]

Hi all,

Have been looking at flying on OZ203 LAX-ICN using my krisflyer miles. I have found availability on ANA and United which corresponds, however the Krisflyer CSR has more limited options, she could only find it 2 days later. I booked that for now so i have something confirmed. Just wanting to know if this is something i will have to make do with, or more like a HUCA situation.

Advice appreciated!

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Couple of things here.

SQ's limited visibility of other star alliance award inventory is well documented, ie, similar to what you're reporting.

But the outcome can depend on several things... either (a) the star alliance partner is restricting the space (just as SQ restricts its space from those partners), (b) the agent doesn't know how to find the space and sell it to you (might have to do a long sell but doesn't know how), or (c) in your case, might not be applicable, but OZ has black-out dates ex USA. For 2017 these are: 5/13~7/2, 12/5~12/23

Your best bet is to keep trying with a few different agents, see if (b) is the problem, and if an agent can overcome that. If it's (a) or (c) can't be helped.

 

[Oxy]

Couple of things here.

SQ's limited visibility of other star alliance award inventory is well documented, ie, similar to what you're reporting.

But the outcome can depend on several things... either (a) the star alliance partner is restricting the space (just as SQ restricts its space from those partners), (b) the agent doesn't know how to find the space and sell it to you (might have to do a long sell but doesn't know how), or (c) in your case, might not be applicable, but OZ has black-out dates ex USA. For 2017 these are: 5/13~7/2, 12/5~12/23

Your best bet is to keep trying with a few different agents, see if (b) is the problem, and if an agent can overcome that. If it's (a) or (c) can't be helped.

Thanks very much for your input. I'm concerned it's (c), the date I wanted was 22/12, and the earliest she could see was 24/12. There is availability the whole week. If that was the case though, surely the space wouldn't show up via ANA Aeroplan & United? Or is it just restricted to SQ?

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Thanks very much for your input. I'm concerned it's (c), the date I wanted was 22/12, and the earliest she could see was 24/12. There is availability the whole week. If that was the case though, surely the space wouldn't show up via ANA Aeroplan & United? Or is it just restricted to SQ?

In theory peak/premium awards aren't usually available to partners and you need saver levels... the link is here for peak award season: Mileage Ticket HighPeak Season Information

Odd that you can book through UA (I was able to select but didn't go through to payment). It might be that OZ has released seats to selected partners (which might be going back to (a) above)

 

[dajop]

Presumably you were looking at F awards. Just checked Lifemiles, and they are showing no availabiity on 22nd, 23rd or 24th in any class! Definitely doesn't correlate with what UA are showing, or with what SQ told you over phone. Airlines do have ability to block other carriers from seeing availability for star alliance awards. Have had similar issues trying to get a BR award between BKK and LHR using NZ airpoints , which UA show, SQ can see but NZ don't .... (and BR is a step up from TG).