Questions and Answers

Hello-

I am new to the forum, so my apologies if this question has been answered previously.

I am planning to us my AAdvantage miles to book a Cathay award from HKG to the US East Coast (JFK or BOS). However, I am wondering if it will be possible to book segments via AA to the US west coast upon arrival on Cathay into either JFK or BOS?

For example, would these be valid connections:

HKG-JFK-SFO
or
HKG-BOS-JFK-SFO
or
HKG-JFK-LAX-SFO

Which website is preferable to test out valid connections prior to calling to book? The AA, Cathay, or BA website?

Thank you for any info you may have!

Peter

Peter: This should help: [URL]http://asklucky.onemileatatime.com/threads/mpm-on-aa-for-award-travel.4294/#post-9166[/URL]

@Peter777 If you’re using AA miles, you have to call AA to book once you’ve found award space. AA’s online award booking system does not show CX flights. You have to find space using BA, QF or JL’s award search tools. Note that JL’s US award search is “down for system maintenance” and you need to create and account on one of JALs foreign websites, probably UK since that’ll be in English.

Other things to consider:

I think AA would consider those routings to be backtracking. What others have done is first ask for a direct award from HKG to SFO and when there’s nothing available, have the agent suggest other CX gateways and connect there.

AA isn’t that great at releasing saver premium cabin award space, especially JFK to LAX/SFO are in such high demand. If you get an agent that allows that routing, even if there’s only economy award space on the domestic routes grab the seat first and them keep checking back to see of premium cabin space has opened. If/when it does, call AA to get book you into that seat. It shouldn’t involve any additional fees or miles.

AA also no longer allows domestic connections of more than 4 hours and international connections of 24 hours. Anything longer and it’ll price as 2 awards.

Good luck and remember to be patient! The perfect award is never easy ;D