Please help me extract 110 additional SC's from this itinerary!

[Febs]

Hi all,

Myself and a colleague (boss ) are flying a mix of QF J, AA F and AA Y in December, and being the resident "flight nerd" at work I said I'd try to work out how she can extract the additional 110SC's she'll need to make Platinum (I'll make Plat by the time I land in LA, but an extra 135SC's would get me to Partner Gold by the time I get home ).

The itinerary at the moment is as follows (with assumed status credits in brackets):

SYD-LAX in J (180)
LAX-YYZ in J (80)
YYZ-ORD in Y (20)
ORD-MEM in Y (20)
MEM-DFW in Y (20)
DFW-MCI in Y (20)
MCI-DFW in F (60)
DFW-LAX in F (120)
LAX-SYD in J (180)
...for a total of 700SC's.

Now I've been looking into YUP and KUP fares, have done quite a bit of reading, but TBH I'm still confused.

As I understand it, selecting "First class with restrictions" on the AA.com page gives either a YUP or KUP fare. YUP putting you in A, KUP putting you in P (both earning F SC's with QF, along with F).

However some have restrictions on cancellations/changes, and others don't? How do you know which you've been put in (especially if you're booking through a TA, who may not be aware of such fares)?

We've been booked in full economy for the above flights in bold, so I was considering changing them to YUP or KUP fares (earning 240 SC's instead of 80), but they'd need to be fully-flexible.

Also, I notice YUP/KUP fares on AA.com cost the same as a full Y fare, but is this usually the case through corporate travel agencies, who get reasonable discounts? (We have a new travel centre at work. Let's just say, I wish we were still with FCM..... ).

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Cheers,
- Febs.

 

[Mal]

Whether you'll get a KUP. YUP or standard F fare depends on a few things...

One way/return?
Particular routing?
Availability in the classes K,Y,A,P?

The cheapest KUP offered may not be refundable. However, there may be a slightly more expensive KUP/YUP that is. Best way to work it out is to try some dummy bookings on AA and progress through to the booking stage and read the T&C's of the fare.

Also, keep in mind that last minute changes to KUP/YUP's may leave you in Economy based around certain restrictions with the fares.

 

[littl_flier]

Hi all,

Myself and a colleague (boss ) are flying a mix of QF J, AA F and AA Y in December, and being the resident "flight nerd" at work I said I'd try to work out how she can extract the additional 110SC's she'll need to make Platinum (I'll make Plat by the time I land in LA, but an extra 135SC's would get me to Partner Gold by the time I get home ).

The itinerary at the moment is as follows (with assumed status credits in brackets):

SYD-LAX in J (180)
LAX-YYZ in J (80)
YYZ-ORD in Y (20)
ORD-MEM in Y (20)
MEM-DFW in Y (20)
DFW-MCI in Y (20)
MCI-DFW in F (60)
DFW-LAX in F (120)
LAX-SYD in J (180)
...for a total of 700SC's.

Now I've been looking into YUP and KUP fares, have done quite a bit of reading, but TBH I'm still confused.

As I understand it, selecting "First class with restrictions" on the AA.com page gives either a YUP or KUP fare. YUP putting you in A, KUP putting you in P (both earning F SC's with QF, along with F).

However some have restrictions on cancellations/changes, and others don't? How do you know which you've been put in (especially if you're booking through a TA, who may not be aware of such fares)?

We've been booked in full economy for the above flights in bold, so I was considering changing them to YUP or KUP fares (earning 240 SC's instead of 80), but they'd need to be fully-flexible.

Also, I notice YUP/KUP fares on AA.com cost the same as a full Y fare, but is this usually the case through corporate travel agencies, who get reasonable discounts? (We have a new travel centre at work. Let's just say, I wish we were still with FCM..... ).

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Cheers,
- Febs.

Hey Febs. For the YYZ-ORD flights, these will book in Business (D) class rather than A or P as AA do not sell First Class between the US and Canada so a few less SC's there unfortunately. There are some decent discount business class seats on these flights at aa.com. (I class)

The other thing is taking slightly longer routes. eg. YYZ-BOS-ORD in Full whY is the same price as the direct flights, give or take a little bit for taxes. We also seem to have a reasonable deal with AA if we book full J or Y seats rather than the discount buckets so maybe enquire the difference between the flights.

Depending on the flexibility of the travel plans, you could book the YUP sectors for the USA flights and these will book into First.

The new TA should be able to help you with this, my dealings have been pleasant but they still seem to be in the teething faze of taking over the account. There's an interesting story as to why the account changed hands which I'll have to let you know when we head down for the AGM party flight.

 

[Febs]

Thanks Mal, always there with a quick and helpful answer.

Hey Febs. For the YYZ-ORD flights, these will book in Business (D) class rather than A or P as AA do not sell First Class between the US and Canada so a few less SC's there unfortunately.

Thanks mate.
The YYZ-ORD flights will actually be Y...so just the 20 SC's afaik. It's a funny policy this one - all domestic US travel on the same day as an international flight must be in F/J, but all other US domestic flights must be Y. Fair enough really - no-one wants to spend 12hrs in a skybed, then hop straight onto another 2 flights in Y.

Longer routes could be an option...I'll look into that. Thanks.

The new TA should be able to help you with this, my dealings have been pleasant but they still seem to be in the teething faze of taking over the account. There's an interesting story as to why the account changed hands which I'll have to let you know when we head down for the AGM party flight.

Ooh, I'm intrigued.
I've found good ones and bad ones. My bad experiences have mostly been around a lack of knowledge/experience (such as assuming IATA codes and booking flights to a completely different country...)

If you've had good experiences maybe we could swap names? I do like the way the new profile lets you select a "preferred agent", I only wish you could nominate a "least preferred agent" (seriously though...) Will e-mail you.

Cheers,
- Febs.

 

[dajop]

Febs,
Are you stopping over in LAX enroute to YYZ, or connecting straight through? If you are connecting straight thru, and neither of you mind an extra 6.5 hours travelling (downside being on CX via HKG + fuel stop in Anchorage) - you could easily get the extra 110 on a DCIRC26 fare and fly around US solely in F. Not sure what your J fare to/from the US is costing, but the DCIRC may be competitive by the time you have all the add-ons.

Also, worth noting ORD-MEM operated by regional jets with only Y so no hope of KUP or YUPs on that flight!

Good luck!

 

[Febs]

Febs,
Are you stopping over in LAX enroute to YYZ, or connecting straight through? If you are connecting straight thru, and neither of you mind an extra 6.5 hours travelling (downside being on CX via HKG + fuel stop in Anchorage) - you could easily get the extra 110 on a DCIRC26 fare and fly around US solely in F. Not sure what your J fare to/from the US is costing, but the DCIRC may be competitive by the time you have all the add-ons.

Hmm...now there's a thought! Probably too time-consuming to change them now (+ possible questions being raised)...but it's something to think about. Would all the aforementioned US flights be included? What happens if a flight is missed? Sorry, don't really know much about the DCIRC fares.

Connecting straight through LAX, so no problems there. They haven't sent me the final cost yet, but a similar (older) itinerary they costed up was ~$12.5k.

Also, worth noting ORD-MEM operated by regional jets with only Y so no hope of KUP or YUPs on that flight!

Hmm...right you are. Bugger!
Still, if the other 3 Y flights were in F, they'd earn 120 extra SC's.

Cheers,
- Febs.

 

[littl_flier]

Hmm...right you are. Bugger!
Still, if the other 3 Y flights were in F, they'd earn 120 extra SC's.

Cheers,
- Febs.

Sorry Febs, I think I confused us before. The YYZ-ORD flight doesn't have a First Class so even with a YUP, you could only book J class which wouldn't earn as many SC's.

Unfortunately this only gives you two extra flights where real F is possible. Just be careful on the DFW-MCI flight as half the flights are operated by ERJ's and the others are operated by MD's.

 

[dajop]

Hmm...now there's a thought! Probably too time-consuming to change them now (+ possible questions being raised)...but it's something to think about. Would all the aforementioned US flights be included? What happens if a flight is missed? Sorry, don't really know much about the DCIRC fares.

Should have no problems with mileage for these flights. You have up to 26,000 miles to play with - this itinerary (starting with SYD-HKG-YYZ) would use up approx 23,500 miles. Stopovers can be a problem, you are only allowed 4 North American stopovers (2 free, the extra 2 cost $75USD each), and only can stopover at a city once (fine if you are only transiting DFW, if not this will be a problem). Changing date/time is free of charge, but changing routing costs ($100USD ticket reissue). Only problem maybe availability in D class, particularly on LAX-SYD sector, although if this happens worth trying the AA codeshare on the route as well. Sometimes you can get lucky.

They haven't sent me the final cost yet, but a similar (older) itinerary they costed up was ~$12.5k.

For that price you could do almost be in the pointy end of the plane on an ACIRC26 ($12.3k++). The DCIRC26 is currently quoting $9.1K+++ (the +++ should be around $500-$600).

 

[Febs]

For that price you could do almost be in the pointy end of the plane on an ACIRC26 ($12.3k++).

Ha, would love to see that get approved (fair point though, it's almost line-ball on cost).

Thanks for all the info. Unfortunately there's one catch:

"The first sector needs to be booked seven days before departure."

Leaving Saturday week, and wouldn't be able to get it all sorted tomorrow unfortunately (unless my current SYD-LAX could be "converted" to be part of the DCIR26, and booked in D, and counted as the first sector...).

Ahh well..definitely something to consider next time!

Cheers,
- Febs.

 

[littl_flier]

Ha, would love to see that get approved (fair point though, it's almost line-ball on cost).

Lol, I was just thinking that this is where the logic of our Travel Policy goes out the window. Unfortunately, only those in our most senior positions and who are classified as "Road Warriors" are able to book First Class (and it has to be Long Haul). Although Febs does a wonderful job at getting around our all whY policy for us plebs, First might be a challenge. Cost doesn't seem to come into it at all. If I could book a C class fare with another carrier that was cheaper than the Y class fare with QF, I would have to take the Y option.

Anyway, that's my anti-travel policy rant over.

It sounds like additional routing might be necessary Febs to grab all 120 SC's and with such short notice, the P availability might be a bit tough. Don't forget the minimum booking time for YUPP's as well.

 

[dajop]

Ha, would love to see that get approved (fair point though, it's almost line-ball on cost).

Yep know exactly where u'r coming from. Shame about the short notice, but hope you can come up with something to get the extra few sc's.

 

[Dave Noble]

Assuming that you have a published Y fare purchased and you don't mind spending some money yourself, it can be done

ORD-MEM, Y26 fare is AUD758 ... The YUPMZ is AUD826 ... Travel ORD-DFW-MEM and get 120SCs rather than 20 . Thats 100SCs of the 110 desired. The fare is fully refundable, changeable and has no advance purchase restrictions

AA offers these as "Instant Upgrade" fares so technically are economy fares and have an economy fare basis

$68 extra for 100 SCs. Drawback is that you will not be able to go nonstop on the beagle service from ORD

Dave

 

[serfty]

As mentioned, Y/KUPP type fares may be refundable and flexible but if you change flights within a day or so of travel you are likely to get WHY seats and SC's.

Dave's idea is good; also you can do DFW-MCI one-way for USD$310 (299+11) on a KUPP7MZ fare.

This is flexible and refundable and will earn 60 SC's if travelling in P class.
(Note there is a 7 day advance purchase requirement on this.)

(At the moment, like ATL, MCI is a good source of low priced Y/KUPP)

Also, MEM-DFW can earn 60 SC's by being booked on a KUPPMZ fare for USD555 total.

 

[Febs]

Assuming that you have a published Y fare purchased and you don't mind spending some money yourself, it can be done

ORD-MEM, Y26 fare is AUD758 ... The YUPMZ is AUD826 ... Travel ORD-DFW-MEM and get 120SCs rather than 20 . Thats 100SCs of the 110 desired. The fare is fully refundable, changeable and has no advance purchase restrictions

Dave, serfty and everyone else - you guys are legends.
Just spoke to our TA who worked out the cost difference and said it was "minimal" (confirmation coming through this afternoon).

We're able to leave ORD at a similar time (50min connection though -> will this be OK connecting from int'l to domestic?), and get into MEM only 3 hours later than planned. For 100SC's, I'll happily spend another 3 hours flying around.

Will look into YUP/KUP fares for the other flights too...although there'll be more of us on those ones (MEM-DFW, DFW-MCI) which could get tricky.

Cheers,
- Febs.

 

[Dave Noble]

We're able to leave ORD at a similar time (50min connection though -> will this be OK connecting from int'l to domestic?), and get into MEM only 3 hours later than planned. For 100SC's, I'll happily spend another 3 hours flying around.

not really ok; you might make it if v lucky . You have to clear immigration and customs and then get to terminal 3 and get through security. book a later flight and if you are having a good run through the airport then see if you can then get on the earlier flight

Dave

 

[serfty]

... if you are having a good run through the airport then see if you can then get on the earlier flight ... Dave

If you do have a good run and a travelling ex ORD on a K/YUP make sure you will be able to travel in First on the 'earlier' flight.

 

[Mal]

not really ok; you might make it if v lucky . You have to clear immigration and customs and then get to terminal 3 and get through security. book a later flight and if you are having a good run through the airport then see if you can then get on the earlier flight

Coming from YYZ, shouldn't Febs (and co-worker) get pre-immigration clearance at YYZ? I wouldn't expect 50 mins should be a hassle, as long as the bags turn up quickly.

Use of AA's online checkin could also assist with ensuring a quick connection occurs (but not too sure of how that works when Qantas FF numbers are involved).

I'm yet to have success with waitlisting on an ealier KUPP/YUPP flight. I think I run into the same battle as making last minute changes to itins and the class availability needed doesn't exist. I was offered a middle coach seat the last time I tried, but politely declined and accepted the 150 minute wait at the airport for my confirmed F seat!

 

[dajop]

not really ok; you might make it if v lucky . You have to clear immigration and customs and then get to terminal 3 and get through security. book a later flight and if you are having a good run through the airport then see if you can then get on the earlier flight

Dave

You will pre clear US immigration at YYZ (make sure you allow enough time pre departure to allow for this), and end up in terminal 3 in ORD as you would if you were flying from somewhere within the US. Unless delayed out of YYZ or into ORD (which is entirely possible at this time of the year - although if that happens your connecting flight is also likely to be delayed), 50 mins should be OK.

 

[Febs]

Thanks guys.

I had a think about it and (even though the TA's system allowed the connection) I decided it wasn't worth risking and booked an earlier YYZ-ORD flight.

End result is we leave YYZ 4hrs earlier than planned, but arrive in MEM 2.5hrs earlier than the original plan (which is good, given the 150km drive we'll have after landing in MEM ).

Thanks again for all the help. I'll look at upgrading the other flights (MEM-DFW and DFW-MCI) once all this is finalised.

Cheers,
- Febs.