Questions and Answers

I am scheduled to fly EY from HKG to JFK (on two separate flights). I booked those flights on AA miles. Due to the electronics ban/timing issues, I’m hoping to switch to a direct flight on CX instead, also using AA miles. Leading me to the following questions:

1) Is AA showing any sympathy re:travel ban and could I expect them to waive the redepositing fees, given that it’s the same points that would be used? (I’m not hopeful)
2) Right now there’s no availability on CX, JAL or AA metal. How far in advance can I expect award seats to be released?
3) does ExpertFlyer track CX yet?

Thanks so much in advance for any help

1 – I doubt they are. Furthermore, HKG-JFK via AUH on CX/EY is two awards whereas if you were to change to CX only, it becomes one award. So actually you’d be subject to fees for [I]both[/I] awards that you have now.

2 – AA saver space is almost always nonexistent. JAL and CX are somewhat sporadic so just keep checking. CX seems to release F seats very close to departure (within a couple of days, maybe a week) though it’s never guaranteed.

3 – Not sure at all so maybe someone else can chime in?

1) Nope, not at all.
2) Within a week of departure for CX, and really 3-4 days
3) Nope.

FWIW on point 2, I had no issues getting 2 F seats on CX on the JFK-HKG route both inbound and outbound by waiting to within a week or so last summer. I followed for months with no luck and then had plenty of availability show as departure neared. Some JAL premium cabin availability showed too, though not as reliably.