Once upon a time, most airlines allowed you to hold awards.
That made sense, as it took time to transfer points from Starwood to the airline or to get back your points after redepositing an award ticket. It was especially useful as redepositing an award ticket could cost hundreds of dollars.
Over time, award holds went away at most airlines, though some still allow them over the phone.
But with US carriers removing award redeposit fees, redepositing miles instantly, and with typically instant mileage transfers from banks, the need for an award hold was lessensed.
American has been a holdout, with 5 day award holds allowed, or 1 day award holds allowed within 6 days of travel.
That has now been reduced. Award holds are now just 1 day for travel a week or more in advance, and holds have been removed for travel within 6 days.
American shares that in addition to instant free mileage redeposits, you can now buy AA miles instantly, something that used to take a few days to process.
Given all that, I’m surprised they even kept award holds around at all. Enjoy them while they last!
Now we just need transfers from Citi to American to resume…
It’s a good time to remind folks to keep checking on the price of award tickets after booking, as you can always redeposit and rebook them if they drop.
Do you take advantage of award holds?
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12 Comments On "American Removes Award Holds On Close-In Flights, Reduces Award Holds On Other Flights"
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I did take advantage of holes a few times in the past year, so I’m disappointed that they got rid of them
Who allows free holds over the phone?
Off the top of my head, ANA, Air France, Cathay, Emirates, Singapore, Turkish, Virgin Atlantic, among others.
Really? For how long? And are those just in there metal partners as well? Is Barclays getting rid of AA?
@dan what do you mean redeposit and rebook?
If you paid 20K miles and it goes down to 10K miles, you can cancel and redeposit the miles, and rebook.
You can also use the change trip options to get miles back instead of canceling and rebooking if the Miles drop
turkish for star alliance metal at least no longer allow
instant posting from purchasing has been for a long time
Not something I’ve ever done. Just passing on what their PR team told us. 🙂
Oh man, I loved this feature! Even though you can cancel an award for free, it just provides extra peace, so you don’t have to remember to cancel.
if you would have paying customers it can sometime be worth to buy aa points on sale @ 1.8 cents pp
much safer , this way its booked under their name