As a huge an of MileagePlan - I'm at pains to explain how what is thought of as one of the best value redemption partners going around, is likely just fools gold. I have been going back and forth for a while with this, but the last incident is just not good enough.
Relating to Cathay Pacific - one of the best uses of points, 30k for business Aus-HK.
I would accept if theres 'one less seat than everyone else' like they do with Fiji Air etc... But say, on September 13, theres 'at least' 4 business seats ADL-HKG available via classic reward (Qantas) - and even more available via AsiaMiles (to be expected). MileagePlan? Not 1! In any class (and theres tons of economy inventory).
There needs to be an algorithm on the value of points, compared to whether they can actually be used. This is a disgrace, and plainly circumvents the nature of the program.
Happy to hear opinions on this - ive spent so many hours funnelling points from everywhere (my latest one is filling out surveys for points) - but when you have the points, and cant even spend them, enough is enough!
Did you call or just check online? To redeem CX you must call as it won't show up on line.
Sometimes it may require you to hang up and call again (HUACA). Phone agents are of different quality so some may not know where to look.
Each FFP has its own strength and weakness. Alaska is known for not being able to access all award inventories. Reason is unknown. In fact we don't all know how the partnership go with each airlines. (Likewise, Lifemiles has no access to Air China awards for unknown reason). But that's why It only charges 30k to HKG.
Generally, I wouldn't buy any miles unless I have a redemption in mind, and that means the award seat I'm after is available before I buy.
Did you call or just check online? To redeem CX you must call as it won't show up on line.
Sometimes it may require you to hang up and call again (HUACA). Phone agents are of different quality so some may not know where to look.
Each FFP has its own strength and weakness. Alaska is known for not being able to access all award inventories. Reason is unknown. In fact we don't all know how the partnership go with each airlines. (Likewise, Lifemiles has no access to Air China awards for unknown reason). But that's why It only charges 30k to HKG.
Generally, I wouldn't buy any miles unless I have a redemption in mind, and that means the award seat I'm after is available before I buy.
Once I've found 5 business award seat from ADL-HKG on CX through British Airways (use a fake address overseas to register), then I called Alaska to confirm this, and they have 5 seat as well for 30,000 miles plus ~$100 taxes and fees.
Hi everyone, I am also experiencing issues with Alaska. I can find a F redemption MEL - LAX with QF (qantas.com) and when I try and book it with Alaska (Alaska.com) it keeps failing with a red error about trying a different search. Anyone found a way to get round this? I have tried ringing the helpline but no luck.
I was always able to book with Alaska in the past. Has anyone on here been able to book a Qantas flight through Alaska in the past 6 months?
@LoveToFly, I've also spent several frustrating hours searching for international trips, but to no avail. I've only ever been able to successfully book and fly a domestic Qantas Business flight. Using Mileage Plan points this equates to approx AU$650 for a single east to west coast flight. I've never called, but would like to know their search is working for international...
Hi Guest, join in the discussion on
Alaska Air Partner Awards - Truly Horrific
josephjohn8484
josephjohn8484
Member since 17 Jan 2013
Total posts 61
Hello,
Michael Kao
Michael Kao
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 06 Nov 2014
Total posts 163
Did you call or just check online? To redeem CX you must call as it won't show up on line.
btaus
btaus
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 15 Dec 2016
Total posts 171
Once I've found 5 business award seat from ADL-HKG on CX through British Airways (use a fake address overseas to register), then I called Alaska to confirm this, and they have 5 seat as well for 30,000 miles plus ~$100 taxes and fees.
LoveToFly
LoveToFly
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 06 May 2012
Total posts 118
Hi everyone, I am also experiencing issues with Alaska. I can find a F redemption MEL - LAX with QF (qantas.com) and when I try and book it with Alaska (Alaska.com) it keeps failing with a red error about trying a different search. Anyone found a way to get round this? I have tried ringing the helpline but no luck.
dlight
dlight
Member since 11 Apr 2018
Total posts 18
@LoveToFly, I've also spent several frustrating hours searching for international trips, but to no avail. I've only ever been able to successfully book and fly a domestic Qantas Business flight. Using Mileage Plan points this equates to approx AU$650 for a single east to west coast flight. I've never called, but would like to know their search is working for international...