US Dividend Miles - Award Booking Questions and General Discussion

[get me outta here]

Ok thanks, I'll just have to book and pay for the QF connection separately. Def not rebooking and losing all my F seats.

If you mean you want to change the ticket and add some QF flights to it, then you can't do that.

I suspect you could cancel and rebook the ticket so you can include your QF flights, but naturally the new ticket will use the current partners with current inventory.

 

[Kangol]

How have people gone about changing USDM bookings on TG following the timetable changes at the end of the year?
I had a SYD-BKK-FRA J-F on TG472-TG920 on the same day in December and they changed it so the SYD-BKK TG472 is on the next day (ie departing after the second leg). It was J for the first leg because F wasn't available at the time.
I rang USDM who gave me TG's US number but they're closed on the weekend so I'll have to wait until late Monday night to ring them...
It looks like there is plenty on F availability on the earlier departing TG476 (and only flight that day) that same day, so I can still do SYD-BKK-FRA with a longer layover in BKK (it was previously going to be 1hr 5mins, now it would be 8hrs 15mins).

 

[bcworld]

How have people gone about changing USDM bookings on TG following the timetable changes at the end of the year?
I had a SYD-BKK-FRA J-F on TG472-TG920 on the same day in December and they changed it so the SYD-BKK TG472 is on the next day (ie departing after the second leg). It was J for the first leg because F wasn't available at the time.
I rang USDM who gave me TG's US number but they're closed on the weekend so I'll have to wait until late Monday night to ring them...
It looks like there is plenty on F availability on the earlier departing TG476 (and only flight that day) that same day, so I can still do SYD-BKK-FRA with a longer layover in BKK (it was previously going to be 1hr 5mins, now it would be 8hrs 15mins).

So did they also move your TG920? Normally they don't and leave you with a misconnect in BKK.

Your only course of action now is to convince TG to make the change and get US to reissue your ticket. People have very mixed results with this but ultimately if you persevere you should find someone at TG who will do it.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

How have people gone about changing USDM bookings on TG following the timetable changes at the end of the year?
I had a SYD-BKK-FRA J-F on TG472-TG920 on the same day in December and they changed it so the SYD-BKK TG472 is on the next day (ie departing after the second leg). It was J for the first leg because F wasn't available at the time.
I rang USDM who gave me TG's US number but they're closed on the weekend so I'll have to wait until late Monday night to ring them...
It looks like there is plenty on F availability on the earlier departing TG476 (and only flight that day) that same day, so I can still do SYD-BKK-FRA with a longer layover in BKK (it was previously going to be 1hr 5mins, now it would be 8hrs 15mins).

As bcworld says - TG should be able RG should be able to move your flight to a day earlier. USDM will then reissue/revalidate the ticker.

As for change of class, you can try, but I'd be surprised if TG would make the change of class to F.

 

[Kangol]

So did they also move your TG920? Normally they don't and leave you with a misconnect in BKK.

Your only course of action now is to convince TG to make the change and get US to reissue your ticket. People have very mixed results with this but ultimately if you persevere you should find someone at TG who will do it.

As bcworld says - TG should be able RG should be able to move your flight to a day earlier. USDM will then reissue/revalidate the ticker.

As for change of class, you can try, but I'd be surprised if TG would make the change of class to F.

Thanks guys, they did not move my second TG920 and only changed the first sector with an obvious misconnect (first flight departs after the second) and I was not notified. I would have thought the system would automatically pick it up and not allow it?

I did read on here about the timetable change and at the time I didn't think much of it because I'm fairly certain the only change was an aircraft swap - still J but now on the 777 - same time, same flight number. It appears that the timetable changed again - unless I misread it the first time.

Yes I'll definitely try, thing is that there is only F, but not J, availability on that particular flight. The whole ticket is F so I hope there is no issue.

The other thing is that I booked a separate QF ADL-SYD revenue flight giving me just over a few hours in SYD to connect so now I'll probably have to change that to the night before. Might have to contact my TI to see if I can claim the difference. There would not be enough time for me to take an ADL-SYD that morning - well under MCT.

 

[Foreigner]

Are we better off pre-merger or post-merger?


Sent from AFF Mobile Edition

 

[bcworld]

Are we better off pre-merger or post-merger?

The frequent flyer programs haven't merged.

 

[Foreigner]

The frequent flyer programs haven't merged.

The merger with AA has taken place. Are US Airways miles better value in booking OW?


Sent from AFF Mobile Edition

 

[cove]

US AIR Dividend Miles price the same for one ways as two ways so AA Miles are great for one ways. It would be US Air for returns.

 

[ferni]

The merger with AA has taken place. Are US Airways miles better value in booking OW?


Sent from AFF Mobile Edition

Price of redemptions haven't changed. What has changed is availability... depends where you are going but I do miss the ease of TG J/F cabins AU to Asia or EU

 

[baggyred]

A few more questions if I may....

what resource are people using for MAS flights?

i note people are opening up numerous us airways accounts to take advantage of the bonus points offer, anyone doing this in the name of minor children? I have 3 young kids I could do it for, just don't want dramas when it comes to either buying or using the points.

Lastly having read through and understanding there is only one destination and one stopover allowed. Am I right that an open jaw is allowed if no stopover is included? Ie fly from perth to lhr and then say CDG to Perth.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

A few more questions if I may....

what resource are people using for MAS flights?

i note people are opening up numerous us airways accounts to take advantage of the bonus points offer, anyone doing this in the name of minor children? I have 3 young kids I could do it for, just don't want dramas when it comes to either buying or using the points.

Lastly having read through and understanding there is only one destination and one stopover allowed. Am I right that an open jaw is allowed if no stopover is included? Ie fly from perth to lhr and then say CDG to Perth.

You can open one account for each family member, even young children. When it comes to redeeming flights, a child booking must be linked to an adult booking.

 

[anat0l]

Price of redemptions haven't changed. What has changed is availability... depends where you are going but I do miss the ease of TG J/F cabins AU to Asia or EU

Rumour has it that the jury is out on whether TG premium availability is still that good / open slather.

Funny enough there are also rumours that UA tool is now showing some phantom availability.

I find the availability after the oneworld move is mixed - in some cases more difficult and in others easier. People loathe BA fuel surcharges - which can make intra-Europe travel a bit difficult - and we're having a resurgence of MPM being clamped down.

I've had a decent run of successes with the move to oneworld, so at least for me I think it's mostly OK...which means not significantly better or significantly worse.

A few more questions if I may....

what resource are people using for MAS flights?

BA tool does the trick for me.

Lastly having read through and understanding there is only one destination and one stopover allowed. Am I right that an open jaw is allowed if no stopover is included? Ie fly from perth to lhr and then say CDG to Perth.

That is correct.

 

[baggyred]

You can open one account for each family member, even young children. When it comes to redeeming flights, a child booking must be linked to an adult booking.

If I collect enough points in a child's account though... They don't actually need to travel right?

i could use their points for a flight for myself?

 

[MEL_Traveller]

If I collect enough points in a child's account though... They don't actually need to travel right?

i could use their points for a flight for myself?

in theory this is possible. Although with a slight warning... if you were to solely use a child's account for your own travel, you might run in to issues with USDM audit. They may think you have set up a second account for the express purpose of getting around individual promo caps. That would be considered a breach of membership and could result in the closure and cancellation of your accounts.

several of my friends have opened accounts for their children (as young as three) but they have travelled with their children on all trips.

 

[baggyred]

in theory this is possible. Although with a slight warning... if you were to solely use a child's account for your own travel, you might run in to issues with USDM audit. They may think you have set up a second account for the express purpose of getting around individual promo caps. That would be considered a breach of membership and could result in the closure and cancellation of your accounts.

several of my friends have opened accounts for their children (as young as three) but they have travelled with their children on all trips.

ok thanks! it won't be an ongoing rort.

from scratch I'm just going to need 240000 points for my wife and I by about November, my plan was if another promo deal came up to grab $100k each and $40k between 1 or 2 kids and then share them. I know it isn't the most cost effective way, but I doubt two bonus deal will be out before then.

after that I'll be fine to just acquire them in my own name.

im setting up a heap of accounts for various family members due to some of the promos being targeted. I figure the more in the better... Well that's the plan anyway

 

[diningdecadence]

quick question - is there an arrivals lounge at CDG for TG F passengers? (not connecting)

the TG flight arrives at 7am-ish and since we're unlikely to be able to access our accommodation at that time thought there might be an opportunity to take a shower etc before heading into town.

this - Lounge Access Policy - Star Alliance - suggests probably not as we are not departing. quick google search didn't seem to have a positive outcome either so looking for any anecdotes.

thanks

 

[boomy]

quick question - is there an arrivals lounge at CDG for TG F passengers? (not connecting)

the TG flight arrives at 7am-ish and since we're unlikely to be able to access our accommodation at that time thought there might be an opportunity to take a shower etc before heading into town.

this - Lounge Access Policy - Star Alliance - suggests probably not as we are not departing. quick google search didn't seem to have a positive outcome either so looking for any anecdotes.

thanks

There is no arrivals lounge but you can access the *A J lounge at the departure terminal.
I landed in CDG from TG F (same flight as yours) a couple of months ago and asked where I can take a shower. I was told to go to the transfer desk and say I want to access the lounge. At first they weren't very attentive but after I showed them my F ticket they immediately let me in to the departures area. I could not access the F lounge because the *A rules apply to the departing flight, not the arriving one but the showers at the J lounge did the job

 

[Kangol]

Thanks guys, they did not move my second TG920 and only changed the first sector with an obvious misconnect (first flight departs after the second) and I was not notified. I would have thought the system would automatically pick it up and not allow it?

I did read on here about the timetable change and at the time I didn't think much of it because I'm fairly certain the only change was an aircraft swap - still J but now on the 777 - same time, same flight number. It appears that the timetable changed again - unless I misread it the first time.

Yes I'll definitely try, thing is that there is only F, but not J, availability on that particular flight. The whole ticket is F so I hope there is no issue.

The other thing is that I booked a separate QF ADL-SYD revenue flight giving me just over a few hours in SYD to connect so now I'll probably have to change that to the night before. Might have to contact my TI to see if I can claim the difference. There would not be enough time for me to take an ADL-SYD that morning - well under MCT.

OK. I rang TG and told them the situation. They claim that because it is USDM ticket stock, they cannot touch it. I then explain that USDM are now not part of *A and I did ring them initially, then was told to ring TG because USDM cannot do a thing about the change. She still says no and I went back and forth, she then gives in to find out from a supervisor if the changes can be made - and will email me back.
I then tell her about there being F availability on TG476, but none on J or Y. She then mentions something about putting me on a waitlist for F - and asks that if F isn't available, if J is OK. I say fine, but then tell her that currently there is only F availability for that flight, so what would happen if it were not approved?! She then says they will do their best.
The waiting game begins...

 

[travelislife]

Personally I have always sorted tees out liasing by email with the Australian TG offices, clearly explaining the original itinerary and the misconnect caused by TGs schedule change. They CAN put the segment in there even when there is not availability. A wait list request will be sent to Bangkok. Once it is cleared and in there (usually a couple of days) you then call USDM to revalidate the ticket.