What's The Best Way To Find AA Awards For Use On US Airways?
This week, TPG reader Monica sent me a Facebook message with a great question:
"I've read several of your articles about US Airways miles eventually transferring to AA miles. Is that option getting closer? We have US Airways miles that we want to use, but the flights we can afford are on AA. When I called US Airways, they said AA didn't open the flights up. Ugh! They said to call back every day until the awards open up, but by then they may no longer be affordable. Do you have any suggestions for me?"
It's frustrating to have to call an airline every day, so what' I'd recommend is to go on AA.com and try to find Saver level awards from your city to Hawaii, and be prepared to be a little flexible with your schedule. (USAirways.com can be very buggy, and though it should show American Airlines awards, sometimes it doesn't.) You may be surprised by what's available on American's site, as it sometimes prices out connections that US Airways doesn't.
You could also check ExpertFlyer.com, which will allow you to set flight alerts for a monthly fee. The second those Saver level awards open up on American, you'll get a notification email, and then you can either book them on USAirways.com or call US Airways and book over the phone.
Often times, US Airways reps - and those at any other airline, for that matter - are wrong. You need to guide them as much as possible. Try to find the Saver level awards - which should be available to US Airways - and then hopefully you'll find yourselves on vacation!
Hopefully, these tips were helpful. Please feel free to write me with additional questions by messaging me on Facebook, tweeting me @ThePointsGuy, or sending me an email at info@thepointsguy.com.
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