There are lots of things that contribute towards a great frequent flyer program. Obviously award redemption rates and award availability are both important, but there’s also something to be said for the ease with which you can search and book award seats. American’s website is fairly good when it comes to searching award availability. Their…
Continue reading: JAL Awards Now Bookable On American’s Website
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
When I search, I get the awful new AA dynamic mileage pricing matrix including the "Coming soon" calendar...grr.
From DFW.
Ben — have you noticed any patterns with respect to JAL award space and when that space opens up? I sometimes see space 8+ months out, but it’s fairly limited. Does JAL typically open up more seats as the departure date nears?
That this is a double-edged sword is a key insight. My preference is for these things to be as hard to book as possible, so the masses just let their points rot, preserving access to the inventory to the die hard points whores who bother with KVS and Expertflyer.
Also helpful is that 3/4 of phone agents have no clue how to book any of this stuff either, generally insisting that either there is no space available or that the airline in question is even a partner. (Two different AA agents recently insisted that China Southern was not an Advantage partner). If you know that you know better than they do, and that you will eventually succeed if you just keep calling, you can always get the space you want. Most plebians are sufficiently discouraged by this all to just give up however.
Definitely good news. I want to apply for the Alaska miles visa signature card and start earning Alaska miles.
Not good development, in my opinion. Will only make it harder to find availability.
Yes, not so good. Awards will be held on AA for 5 days while they get their AS miles in order!
I do, however, appreciate the "balanced" post @Lucky. One of your best in my opinion. QR and EY are good additions since they can't also be booked on AS.
James
Overall not good.The problem is that JAL now release seats 360 days out and AA at 331.F awards between Australia and the world are basically now snapped up by QFF members as they are online on the QFF site.
Terrible news for those of us with Alaska miles as these seats will have greater competition.