Questions and Answers

Hello All !

I was looking to book the following award in business class using AA miles:

[B]AKL[/B] – ([I]QF)[/I] – [B]SYD[/B] – ([I]EY[/I]) – [B]AUH[/B] – ([I]9W[/I]) – [B]BOM. [/B]= 45k AAdvantage miles in One Way business

According to [URL=’http://onemileatatime.boardingarea.com/2014/06/08/american-aadvantage-award-routing-rules/’][COLOR=#0000ff]this post[/COLOR][/URL] by Lucky, AA needs the overwater carrier (in this case, Etihad) to publish a fare between the 2 cities.
EY does publish a fare between AKL-BOM, but the AKL-SYD segment is operated by Virgin Australia in EY’s fare.
So my big question being, is a QF segment between AKL-SYD legal?
Is this a valid itinerary for 45k miles?

Appreciate any help.

-Deo

Anyone? Please help guys.

I could really do with a simple Yes or No guys. Pretty close to booking now. Any help appreciated.

I see another problem…backtracking! Why don’t you just call AA and ask…where’s the problem? If they say no, ask for an explanation..that’s it.

[QUOTE=”Philip, post: 4608, member: 220″]I see another problem…backtracking! Why don’t you just call AA and ask…where’s the problem? If they say no, ask for an explanation..that’s it.[/QUOTE]

Hi, I did call AA once, the agent mumbled about the same thing, i.e. backtracking. However, I pointed it out to her that
1) AUH and BOM belong to the same region, and
2) There was no availability except this itinerary on the given date.

She wasn’t so sure and wanted me to hold the line when she contacted a supervisor. The line went dead after 25 minutes, so I came here to make sure I wasn’t asking for anything ridiculous.

The problem with AA is that they have their automated system. You can’t discuss with them like you could do with USDM agents in the past:) I would call again and if not possible: look for JAL space via Tokio/ MH via KUL. or CX via HKG.

[QUOTE=”Philip, post: 4610, member: 220″]The problem with AA is that they have their automated system. You can’t discuss with them like you could do with USDM agents in the past:) I would call again and if not possible: look for JAL space via Tokio/ MH via KUL. or CX via HKG.[/QUOTE]

Hi Philip, thanks for the help again 🙂
Transiting via Tokyo is not allowed between these two regions, so that’s out of question.
Transiting via KUL/HKG is allowed, but none of them have availability on my dates. CX holds back HKG-BOM awards until the very last day, which is a risk.

I will try to call up again then.

Thanks again ! 🙂

[USER=182]@Deo[/USER] — I honestly don’t know. It [I]seems[/I] like that should be allowed, and is only 10% over the MPM, but AA does sometimes get upset if it seems like you’re backtracking, and I haven’t tried a routing like that in those zones before.

I would suggest being nice to the agent, getting them to put all the segments in, and see how it prices. If it doesn’t price as expected, they should be willing to get a reason from the rates desk. Don’t trust anyone who is mumbling answers.

I’d be interested in hearing the verdict myself. Good luck!

Thanks Tiffany, will report back on the outcome !