Those D class seats are scarce...

[Keith009]

Was just on the phone with AA to set up my DONE4. LHR-DXB was zeroed out on JAN19 - yes all 3 flights! But seats were available like the day before and the day after.

Same situation with LHR-FCO - not all flights on the desired day have D inventory, resulting in a 6 hour wait at LHR.

Is it common for seats to be zeroed out this early? I know it happens with the CX JFK-HKG flights as they're so popular, but in this case I couldn't even be waitlisted for the flights I wanted.

And finally - any way to obtain D seats on the flights I originally wanted? Will be calling again on APR1 to convert some segments to JL so maybe I might try my luck again then.

OT-esque: After the first 3 segments (CMB-HKG-LHR-DXB), the agent asked, "Are you from Flyertalk?" :shock:

 

[NM]

If there are plenty of J seats available, then ask to be waitlisted. I have had reasonable success in having D class waitlists clear.

It is common for D to be unavailable for flights on certain days of the week when they believe they are likely to sell all business class seats as J fares.

 

[Keith009]

The agent I spoke to claimed that WL is not even possible. Hopefully I'd have better luck with another agent.

 

[NM]

The agent I spoke to claimed that WL is not even possible. Hopefully I'd have better luck with another agent.

Then find a new agent. You are permitted to waitlist with a DONEx fare.

 

[Keith009]

Then find a new agent. You are permitted to waitlist with a DONEx fare.

So there's no such thing as a WL being closed or "it wouldn't let me waitlist"?

 

[Travel Guru]

So there's no such thing as a WL being closed or "it wouldn't let me waitlist"?

Booking classes are closed to waitlist all of the time on flights.

Id definately check with another agent, as its not often you'll see a D or J class closed, but it could be.

Waitlists are permitted on the DONE4, but only where the airline has the booking class open for waitlist.

Another agent should take about 10 seconds to check whether the flight is closed to waitlist, infact if i'll be happy to get someone to check for you if you like.

TG

 

[Keith009]

Travel Guru - YGPM.

 

[Dave Noble]

Then find a new agent. You are permitted to waitlist with a DONEx fare.

I believe that BA no longer permits waitlisting on D class

Dave

 

[cabbage74]

Two points I thought I would raise. Are you actually planning to get out in DXB? If you are just doing an MR then have you considered flying to MCT or AUH? If you are staying in DXB down near the palms or Burj then flying into AUH still wouldn't be too bad if it gets you there on the right day.

Malcolm.

 

[Keith009]

Are you actually planning to get out in DXB?

Staying there for 3 nights actually. So more like a mileage booster.

 

[Keith009]

Is there an dis/advantage booking onto the actual flight number for the SYD-LAX flight vs the AA code?

Both will gain me 100% miles bonus as I'll be AA Plat by then. Anything else to consider? Not interested in op up possibility since it doesn't happen on QF anyway (and even if it does I'll be behind a whole lot of ppl being merely sapphire and booked in discounted biz). Am more concerned about logistics, eg will I be able to through check on either code.

Route that day:
MSY
xDFW [MSY-DFW sector to be bought separately on aa.com]
xLAX
SYD

I've been put on AA code by default according to the email itn.

 

[d15.in.oz]

Anything else to consider?

The fuel fines/taxes/charges may be different between the carriers, even though it is the exact same flight!

 

[Keith009]

The fuel fines/taxes/charges may be different between the carriers, even though it is the exact same flight!

DONE will be on AA 001 stock - so no fuel fines.

 

[tuapekastar]

DONE will be on AA 001 stock - so no fuel fines.

AA do charge fuel fines on a limited number of sectors/routes, including transatlantic (USD75) and transpacific (USD90). However you won't pay as much as if booked through QF. IIRC, these fuel fines were introduced about a year ago.

 

[NM]

With D class booking, there is not a lot of difference. But if a heavily discounted econpmy ticket, then its better to go for the AA codeshare to ensure better earning rate in AAdvantage program.