• Home
  • Reviews
    • Flight Reviews
    • Hotel Reviews
    • Lounge Reviews
    • Trip Reports
  • About
    • Press
  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Award Expert
  • Advertising Disclosure
Live and Let's Fly
  • Home
  • Reviews
    • Flight Reviews
    • Hotel Reviews
    • Lounge Reviews
    • Trip Reports
  • About
    • Press
  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Award Expert
  • Advertising Disclosure
Home  >  American Airlines • Award Bookings • OneWorld  >  Why AA’s Expanded Online Award Space Is Devastating News
American AirlinesAward BookingsOneWorld

Why AA’s Expanded Online Award Space Is Devastating News

Matthew Klint Posted onAugust 15, 2018August 15, 2018 16 Comments

AA is making it easy than ever before to book oneworld partner award space. That’s devastating news to savvy travelers.

Last night, award space on the following partners appeared on AA.com for the first time:

  • Cathay Pacific
  • LATAM
  • Malaysia Airlines
  • Qatar Airways
  • Sri Lankan Airlines

This morning, these partners no longer appear online, though I am guessing this is a temporary issue. Yesterday, these partners only showed up on shorter segments of connecting itineraries. All nonstop flights, whether shorthaul or longhaul, were not bookable online. Search for Los Angeles to Hong Kong and you’d find, for example, AA space to Tokyo and a connection on Cathay Pacific to Hong Kong, but no award space on a non-stop flight, even if Cathay Pacific had made it available to partners.

How do you know Cathay Pacific has made award space available to partners? It shows up on the British Airways’ Executive Club award search website, which is my go-to place to search for oneworld awards. What you see on the British Airways website you should also be able to book using your American Airlines miles.

AA likely pulled back this increased online functionality until it can work out the kinks: it did the same thing when it introduced Iberia award availability online last year. I reached out to AA for official confirmation and just received the following reply:

Late yesterday, we incorrectly displayed award bookings for several of our partners on aa.com and they have since been removed.  Making more award partners bookable on aa.com is something that our customers continually ask for, so please rest assured that we are working towards this.

My read: just be a bit more patient. It’s coming soon.

Why This Is Devastating News

What could be devastating about making it easier than ever before to book award space on four superb AA partners? In a word, competition. Most passengers believe that if the space does not appear on the website, it is not available. Most have no idea that AA has (well, had) several amazing partners that could only be booked over the phone. For those savvy travelers in the know, this presented an excellent source of additional award space. With these partners soon to be online, competition will be much fiercer for these seats, potentially diminishing the value of your miles.

JAL, The Last Holdout

At least JAL did not appear online last night. Maybe that redemption, along with Air Tahiti Nui, will remain telephone only. I hope so…

CONCLUSION

This website enhancement will help far more people than it will hurt. Even so, it represents a step back for those who knew they could call up and secure Cathay Pacific or Qatar Airways award space for the entire family over the phone. That will no longer be nearly as easy.

Previous Article Africa’s Strongest Airline Grows 21% In One Year
Next Article A Smoking Good Time On Middle East Airlines

About Author

Matthew Klint

Matthew is an avid traveler who calls Los Angeles home. Each year he travels more than 200,000 miles by air and has visited more than 135 countries. Working both in the aviation industry and as a travel consultant, Matthew has been featured in major media outlets around the world and uses his Live and Let's Fly blog to share the latest news in the airline industry, commentary on frequent flyer programs, and detailed reports of his worldwide travel.

Related Posts

  • JetBlue Paris

    Irrefutable Proof The JetBlue-Spirit Merger Hurts Consumers

    March 12, 2023
  • JetBlue spirit merger NEA

    JetBlue-Spirit Airlines Merger: DOJ Drags Feet On Suit

    March 5, 2023
  • JetBlue American Airlines

    JetBlue’s Two-Faced Approach To American Airlines

    February 19, 2023

16 Comments

  1. Christian Reply
    August 15, 2018 at 11:11 am

    So, competition that benefits you is good, but competition that benefits everyone else is bad?

    • Matthew Reply
      August 15, 2018 at 12:24 pm

      Pretty much.

      I don’t mean to be flippant, but I’m not talking about me personally. Rather, I’m taking about all those members who knew this trick. It was a nice advantage to AA. With so many miles chasing so few seats, the quest for Cathay Pacific, Qatar, Malaysia Airlines, and Sri Lankan just got harder.

  2. Joshua Reply
    August 15, 2018 at 11:29 am

    I think he clearly stated that the competition is bad for all of us that know our way around booking award flights with various partners that do not show up in the AA award search. More people finding these flights and booking them means less space for the savvy award flyer.

  3. JRG Reply
    August 15, 2018 at 11:48 am

    Yeah, Christian, not liking the attitude of this story. As a flyer with limited experience, I’m supposed to feel sorry for some guy who works the backdoor system to score seats, seats which I deserve as much as anyone.
    Reminds me of the bloggers who complain about “gate lice” (our fellow travelers waiting at the gate, but probably not in premium class).

    If you have a trick or method which helps all of us, then let us know. Level the playing field….

  4. N Reply
    August 15, 2018 at 12:08 pm

    Wow, how terrible that you’ll have to fight with the proles on level footing now 🙁

    Please. If you’re such a “savvy award flier” you’ll still have flights and seats available to you that others don’t, based on status with the airline and number of available miles.

    I book with international partners using my Amex Platinum and I’m not quaking that other people will be able to book flights online now. Settle down.

    • Matthew Reply
      August 15, 2018 at 12:21 pm

      That’s comparing water and oil. What would you rather do – use 450,000 AMEX points or 70,000 AA miles for a business class ticket on Cathay Pacific?

      • Kirk Taylor Reply
        August 15, 2018 at 6:19 pm

        So true, Matthew. With credit card , shopping, dining, etc “diluting” the value of miles so much, you need every tool in the arsenal for getting premium seats now. I remember not so long ago when I could fly first class to Asia for 90K miles, and Europe for 70K roundtrip . Now?? Good luck with that. Keep up the good work !!

  5. Jason Reply
    August 15, 2018 at 12:08 pm

    Yet another travel blogger who thinks they’re entitled to something without paying fairly for it.

    Increased access is good for the market, this blog is self serving only.

    • Matthew Reply
      August 15, 2018 at 12:20 pm

      It’s not for me personally, it’s for the entire frequent flyer community. This a well-known insider trick that many took advantage of. Now it will be available to everyone. That’s worth lamenting, though I am pleased that you are now in the know.

      • Ricardo Reply
        August 15, 2018 at 2:52 pm

        “Though I am pleased you are now in the know. ” Nice!

  6. RH Reply
    August 15, 2018 at 12:26 pm

    JRG – Why do we need a level playing field? Matthew, myself, and others have devoted a significant amount of time to learn the ins and outs of these “backdoor systems”. This is something that anyone with access to the internet can do – plenty of great information out there on blogs and message boards. I would argue that the individuals who take the time to learn about an airline’s mileage program, partners, award charts, and booking methodology actually deserve the awards MORE than those who do not – whether they be inexperienced flyers or top tier status holders.

    If you don’t want to make the time or put in the effort to learn the methods and tricks, there are plenty of award booking and points consultation services available.

  7. tjp74 Reply
    August 15, 2018 at 12:36 pm

    I totally agree with this story. Level the playing field… it means all players start at the same place and subjected to a same set rule.

    Those in the knows… they are not subjected to different rules or getting a special treatment. They just worked harder than anyone else to learn the tricks and methods.

    One of the lures of this game is the lucrative ‘award’ and scoring the most prized ones require hardest work. I invested ton of time learning tricks and methods over the years. I’m often annoyed by some who simply ask most basic questions and waiting to be spoon fed with answers.

  8. MSer Reply
    August 15, 2018 at 1:06 pm

    Gotta admit, I knew/know about these options to call, but regularly forget about them. My problem has never been lack of miles, just lack of premium award inventory at times I need them.

    That some are whining about “insiders” knowing the rules, it’s pathetic and unwarranted criticism. They could do it themselves, except they’re too lazy and are dependent upon being spoon-fed.

    When Alaska started showing inventory, award space became extremely scarce. When AA does it, hasta la vista…

  9. Ryan Reply
    August 15, 2018 at 2:14 pm

    As an AA Gold, it benefits me. I don’t have instant guaranteed no-hold access to phone agents. I know how to search BA and elsewhere for awards across various alliances, can but that didn’t do me any good if I couldn’t get through on the phone.
    Looking forward to redeeming for CX!

  10. Frank Reply
    August 15, 2018 at 5:47 pm

    Never mistake candor for arrogance…..although in the case of this post, I might. Geez.

  11. Ten Bucks a Week Reply
    August 15, 2018 at 7:26 pm

    I think this is a positive change. I too may not get as much due to competition, as I have regularly used BA site. However, if they made everyone wait any hour on hold or only allowed you to book awards while in an airport then the restrictions help just a few. I’m happy to forego an award here and there for the greater good.

Leave a Reply

Cancel reply

Search

Recent Posts

  • Avianca 787-8 Business Class Review
    Review: Avianca 787-8 Business Class March 20, 2023
  • Color Blind Pilot Sues United Airlines For Firing Him March 20, 2023
  • Ryanair Twitter
    Ryanair Savagely Trolls Passenger On Twitter March 20, 2023
  • hyatt all-inclusive hyatt zilara rose hall
    Hyatt Acquisition Provides Hints About All-Inclusive Future March 19, 2023

Categories

Popular Posts

  • American Airlines unaccompanied Minor Predator
    American Airlines Flight Attendant Freaks Out After Man Offers His First Class Seat To Child February 25, 2023
  • United Airlines Polaris Lounge Chicago Review
    Review: United Polaris Lounge Chicago (ORD) February 21, 2023
  • Bankman-Fried Alaska Airlines
    Poor Sam Bankman-Fried “Downgrades” From American Airlines Business Class To Alaska Airlines First Class February 20, 2023
  • There’s A Pilot In My Seat! February 21, 2023

Archives

March 2023
M T W T F S S
 12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
2728293031  
« Feb    

As seen on:

live_and_lets_fly

The new United Polaris Lounge at Washington Dulles The new United Polaris Lounge at Washington Dulles is the most beautiful of all Polaris Lounges. Stay tuned for a detailed look and many more photos on the blog tomorrow. Well done @united.
@malaysiaairlines just announced it would retire i @malaysiaairlines just announced it would retire its A380 fleet. While not surprising, it is sad to see the growing list of carriers retiring this superjumbo jet. On Malaysia Airlines, I flew the #A380 once from Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to London (LHR) and had the entire first class cabin to myself (full review on the blog). It was a beautiful flight that I will always remember.
Welcome to @fly_bur @aveloair! I am so excited tha Welcome to @fly_bur @aveloair! I am so excited that a new carrier, Avelo, has launched, especially from an airport just 12 minutes from my home!
I greatly miss the @lufthansa #747-8 at @flylaxair I greatly miss the @lufthansa #747-8 at @flylaxairport. Hopefully this summer it will return.

.
.
.
.
#Lufthansa #FirstClass #747 #747-8 #StarAlliance #Miles #Points
I recently spent a weekend at the @ventanabigsur. I recently spent a weekend at the @ventanabigsur. This is not only a lovely, all-inclusive resort, but one of the best properties to use your @hyatt World of Hyatt points.
.
.
.
.
#Hyatt #BigSur #California #WorldofHyatt #CA-1 #Points #Hotels
In terms of a spacious first class product, the @E In terms of a spacious first class product, the @Emirates suite on a 777-300ER is hard to beat. My preference is Suite 2K.

.
.
.
.
#Emirates #777 #firstclass
Nearly five years ago, I took a “break” from I Nearly five years ago, I took a “break” from Instagram ahead of the birth of my first child. Goodness, how time flies. While I’ve enjoyed catching up on others over the years, now it is time for me to return to Instagram. In this first post, I highlight two joys in my life, my two children, whom I trust will grow up to be prolific travelers that circumnavigate the globe as ambassadors of love and respect.

.
.
.
.
.

#travel #airplanes #airlines #miles #points #familytravel #human #integrity #honor
United Airlines' new Polaris seat is a huge improv United Airlines' new Polaris seat is a huge improvement over UA's current business class seat. Check out my blog at liveandletsfly.com for 70+ photos of how @united is transforming its entire business class experience starting this December!
The perfect @flysas name tag for #Longyearben! The perfect @flysas name tag for #Longyearben!
Spotted four #polarbear outside of #longyearbyen - Spotted four #polarbear outside of #longyearbyen -- oh, and I love 40°F summer weather!
One of the best crews I have ever had the pleasure One of the best crews I have ever had the pleasure of flying with in all my years of flying. Thank you @flysas SK940 on 11 Aug 2016
Next stop ARN! But dear @flysas , next time if I a Next stop ARN! But dear @flysas , next time if I assign a window seat months in advance, don't move me to a center seat "for my convenience" with no way to get my original seat back... 😞
Ready for #PIA from #MAN to #JFK -- we will be rac Ready for #PIA from #MAN to #JFK -- we will be racing the #Delta flight to JFK at the gate next to us, which also departs at 12:45p. With @onemileatatime
Another room with a beautiful view... #hyattregenc Another room with a beautiful view... #hyattregencycasablanca #cassablanca #hyatt
Enjoying #shanghai with @onemileatatime from the i Enjoying #shanghai with @onemileatatime from the inside of the @grandhyatt_shanghai ... It is 40°C outside! 😓
From my front gate to my boarding gate in 15 minut From my front gate to my boarding gate in 15 minutes flat. I ❤️ #bur #burbankairport
@malaysiaairlines #747 out of retirement and in se @malaysiaairlines #747 out of retirement and in service at #kul -- beautiful livery!
View from my 61st floor room at the beautiful bran View from my 61st floor room at the beautiful brand new @parkhyattguangzhou -- look for a full review coming soon on the blog #hyatt #parkhyatt #guangzhou #parkhyattguangzhou
Will miss the @united #globalfirstlounge at #ord, Will miss the @united #globalfirstlounge at #ord, which closes tomorrow and the Queen of the Skies #747 which will be retired in 2018.
The colonial #architecture of #mumbai is stunning. The colonial #architecture of #mumbai is stunning. If you're ever here, get up at 5am and have a walk around the city before it gets busy. You can hear the birds instead of honking horns.
Load More... Follow on Instagram
facebook twitter instagram rss

This site is for entertainment purposes only. The owner of this site is not an investment advisor, financial planner, nor legal or tax professional and articles here are of an opinion and general nature and should not be relied upon for individual circumstances.

 

Advertiser Disclosure: Some links to credit cards and other products on this website will earn an affiliate commission. Outside of banner ads published through the Boarding Area network, this compensation does not impact how and where products appear on this site. While we do try to list all the best miles and points deals, the site does not include all card companies or credit card offers available in the marketplace. Please view our advertising policy page for additional details about our partners.

 

Editorial Disclosure: The editorial content on this page is not provided by any entity mentioned herein. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.