Has US Airways changed their award chart without notice again? What does this mean for the future of the Dividend Miles and American AAdvantage programs? Members collect points in good faith, and I don't think it's unreasonable to hope that loyalty programs would at least give members some advance notice prior to program changes.
Continue reading: US Airways Dividend Miles Further Changes Without Notice
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
I just liquidated my miles because I don't trust them. The recommendation to burn miles now is well heard and warranted.
Pretty lame. Though, I would put this one in the category of an removal of an unintended boondoggle. I don't really see this so much of a change but more a situation of finally dealing with the fact that they are merging with an airline that has three-cabin aircraft. US was cannibalizing their own partner's frequent flier program, and I can understand them fixing that situation quickly. I view this as different from suddenly raising the cost of a particular category. But, in any event, the real reason this doesn't bother me is that I actually like transcon business class better on the 32B than first. The NYC flagship check in lounge is pretty slick, though, so that's a bit of a bummer. And it's nice to get access of the flagship lounges. But, in terms of the 6 hours in the air, I don't like the F seat very much. I mean, it's great for domestic, but not worth extra miles to me.
I agree with @Larry. While any change without notice is bad, I see this as correcting an errort in the chart and not a devaluation. I can given them a pass for this one.
@ Larry -- United had three cabin first class on their transcons for years as well. Not really sure how this is much different.
Lucky -- Don't get me wrong, notice is better. But I can understand them not wanting to undercut their own airline. The good part is that US tech changes seem a bit glacial, so, in essence, there is at least some "notice" here in the sense that you can still book AA transcon F online at the moment for the lower 25k. I'm sure they'll fix it eventually, but at least they are out there for grabs right now. (Or, were 10 minutes ago.)
This isn't that bad...They just aligned with the AA chart. In the past US had no 3 cabin flights, and seeing how they technically do now with AA, this is a fair change in my eyes.
Lucky, as usual your analysis is spot on and I agree 100%. I'm actually very interested to hear gary's take on it - there's no way to dress this up given the excuse American used last time about being shocked at the negative response.
I'd bet that this change was done without notice at Dougie's insistence, and I'd bet the last one was, too. Dougie Parker doesn't care about anyone/anything other than Dougie Parker. I can imagine pre-merger AA people saying, "We need to give people notice before we do things like this," and Dougie saying, "Shut up and do it, or I'll replace you with someone who will."
And if it doesn't stop... then what? Will you stop flying US+AA altogether? As the biggest airline in the World, they have a lot of power, don't forget that. 🙂 Plus, their changes are way less dramatic then the ones made by DL and UA.
The point of his article is to at least give advance notice, which they did not. Burn those miles!
@larry. You are missing the point. If a robber robs a convenience store and only takes half the money and does not hurt anybody and apologizes on the way out, he is still a thief
Same here. It is irrelevant if F class is worth it or not or if the increase is small. The fact that aa did this behind our backs is the issue. It is dishonest and very troublesome.
This proves that airlines don't give a crap about their customers. In case there was any doubt about that
Not good and not surprising. The game has changed a whole lot in the 10 years I've been playing at it. That said, I have two big trips planned - Southern France and Australia, NZ. List price of my flights and hotels is over $100K - don't flame me as I know there's no way I would EVER spend that much! I used to compare this game to the NY Times Sunday crossword puzzle - I loved figuring it out and making it work. Now it's more like an endurance contest that you know you may not finish. Still getting value but getting tired of it. Problem/blessing is that I still have way over 1 million miles so there's not much to do but keep trying to make it work. And lately, I've been treating my kids to trips.
For those of us who have made the most over these last years, at least we'll have great memories!
"If anyone at American is still listening – this has to stop."
AA: "Or what? You'll switch to United or Delta?"
I'm looking at US Airways off-peak travel from SFO to CDG in February 2015; however, the discounted award seats are not available anywhere to Europe for 35K, current minimum is 60K.
Wow... Yea, they clearly learned from the last one
I'm looking forward to boarding area's resident AApologist to explain this one away as well ("well this doesn't affect THAT many of their members!")
Unfortunately, don't think they will stop. There are only 2 other big airlines left in the US so there is not a lot of competition.
@Jay - By AApologist, you mean "View from a Jerk"? At the moment he's too busy attacking people in congress about some bill and currently ranting and fighting for the rights of rich fat congressman to always fly first class. It may be right for them to keep flying first "IF" they earned their upgrades like the rest of us but his support is inexplicably disproportionate in favor of a bunch of politicians.
What about the very people he's supposed to be speaking to and fighting for with these blogs?!?! Regular flying folks like him.
Well, we all know how he let us down with the AA devaluation debacle and placing his "trust" in what is now the worlds largest airline entity and sadly soon to be the "worst" airline in the world if all these unacceptable and dismissive trends by US/AA carry on.
Sorry, but for "book now, think later," does USAirways charge for change or redeposit on award tix? Wifey and I each have 37-41K points sitting pretty much useless and want to spend them before US+AA pulls yet another DECAL stunt!!!
I guess I expect negative changes but unannounced changes leave a bitter taste for sure.
I'm somewhat confused. So can you still book Cathay Pacific first class between Vancouver and New York round-trip for 50K us air miles?
Where is the best space to search for Cathy award space? Thanks.
@ dan ray -- Yes you can. Best place to search is on the British Airways tool:
https://onemileatatime.com/british-airways-search-tool/
thanks. I see Cathy first available within the next 2 weeks but only business in September when we want to go. Since it's 50K for business or first could I book business now and then closer in if available move it up to first? Also, on the same 50K US Air miles could I add Alaska flights to and from PDX to vancouver?
@ dan ray -- Alaska doesn't partner with US Airways, so you couldn't include Alaska flights on the ticket. You could later upgrade, though you'd have to pay a $150 per person change fee. There's also always a chance that they do devalue the award chart between now and then.