Semi-daft Q's about booking AAdvantage reward flights

[NM]

The one time I called the US number with the time on hold i ended up paying about $30 for the call.So costs were not significantly different.
Now if I am organised I ring when in the US.

Interesting. I can't ever remember waiting more than about 10 seconds (as a Platinum or Executive Platinum member) to get to talk to an agent. Then again, I am normally calling during the Australian day time so likely not a busy time for the US agents.

 

[CWM]

Another four phone calls today, thankfully much shorter. AA had somehow dropped my daughter from the booking so had to sort all that out. The lady asked "do you want her on the same itinerary?" (after already knowing that she was 6 years old).

Finally have the e-tickets so I guess it's time to forget this sorry scenario and an entire day spent on the phone - for a simple booking. Scary phone bill coming still....

 

[dfcatch]

Then again the local number has always worked for me.Often they will have to ring back after talking to a supervisor in the US as I am often asking for 2 upgrades or 2 F awards when only 1 is available.And on 2 occasions now have got premium Aawards on QF that mrsdrron could not access as WP on QF.So I will always try the local number first.
But the proviso is that I am a tech caveman so dont Skype,that might make a difference.

Drron - do you request that they ask about opening up an additional award seat? I'm always told no (ie. They see exactly the same QF availability that I see through EF), I wonder if this is an EXP benefit ??

 

[drron]

Drron - do you request that they ask about opening up an additional award seat? I'm always told no (ie. They see exactly the same QF availability that I see through EF), I wonder if this is an EXP benefit ??

Never had to ask.And I am only plat on AA(OWS).
However there may be an extra reason.It is believed that AA also rate their pax by other means than just status.I have been told by a MIA GA and a Purser that I am on a "good list".The reason I have been told is that I send a lot of compliments.

 

[grussellt]

Another four phone calls today, thankfully much shorter. AA had somehow dropped my daughter from the booking so had to sort all that out. The lady asked "do you want her on the same itinerary?" (after already knowing that she was 6 years old).

Finally have the e-tickets so I guess it's time to forget this sorry scenario and an entire day spent on the phone - for a simple booking. Scary phone bill coming still....

It's worth setting up Google voice via a Gmail account. All calls to US numbers are free.

 

[drron]

It's worth setting up Google voice via a Gmail account. All calls to US numbers are free.

You must be a mind reader.Have decided to try and increase my technological ability and signed up for Skype.Havent tested it yet but did put in one of the AA 1800 numbers and it came up with a "you will be charged with the cost" type message.Is Google voice a better option-most of my OS calls would be to the USA,an occasional one to UK.Thanks for any advice.

 

[grussellt]

Yes, Google voice will be perfect for your US calls. They are free and I have tested it with 1-800 AAdavantage line. I haven't checked the cost of calls to the UK. Google voice is easy to use and simple to set up. Happy calling.

 

[CWM]

I sometimes use Skype but I find the sound quality is fairly cr*ppy, as it is with most VOIP calls - very patchy. Might be OK if you have Gillards high speed NBN connection or something but then that's gonna cost big money each month for a fast connection.

 

[drron]

So I had downloaded Skype and ever since my computer has done a JohnK-really slow.also wont access some sites such as the SMH and hotmail.Intermittently wont let me post here or send emails on Yahoo.
So i uninstalled Skype and a little improvement.So it was back to ringing the local number.I got an agent who really didn't seem to know the ins and outs of Aadvantage.In fact at the end i asked her and she had just started.
I imagined there would be all sorts of problems however it was just so easy.From dialling to completion was ~ 15 minutes.In fact her lack of experience was a positive as i had done all the research and she didn't try and suggest anything different.Of course it had to go to the higher ups for approval and they tried to suggest changes but I declined-my agent rang me back with their suggestions.
My award in J is BNE-SYD-BKK-AMM-IST-AMM-BKK-HKG-HND-CTS-NRT-SYD-BNE.
Used a Oneworld award costing 150000 miles and $305 taxes and fees.
The supervisor suggested it would be better splitting it into 2 all partner awards-cost 235000 miles and $425 taxes and fees-easy to see why i stuck to the original plan.