Questions and Answers

Hi:

Using AA miles my wife and I wanted to fly biz class on Qatar BOS-BKK. I searched the space on BA and then called AA to book. When the rep searched she advised I’d need to use 110,000 miles not the 70,000 b/c of the 3 and a half hour layover which I thought was ridiculous. Essentially they are treating as a stopover. They advised if we flew the other way on CX it would be the 70,000. Of course the point here is to ride on the A350 and A380 but not for 110,000 each. Have you heard of this or know a work around?

Thank you!

She’s correct because you cant transit the Middle East on one award of youre flying from US to Asia 2 – it’ll be two awards and there isnt a workaround. It’s not one of the exceptions AAdvantage makes. If you’re set on flying QR and are fine with paying for 2 awards, I’d suggest an overnight layover. You could be able to see the city real quick and spend some time in QR’s lounges.

However, CX is a good option and their lounges at HKG are excellent as well.

Yep, her reason is wrong (it has nothing to do with the length of the layover), but the answer is correct. Only Pacific routings to Asia with American miles, even though it’s probably more flying time.

If you’re committed to flying Qatar, I’d definitely go ahead and extend that layover. It won’t matter whether the connection is an hour or a year, you’re still going to pay the 110,000 mile price, so might as well take a day or two to see Doha.