First Class Frustration with Aeromexico

I just tried to get the scheduled First Class Aeromexico fares that you published in the Aug. issue and found the information completely erroneous. I checked the Internet, then made three calls to the airline, even asking for a supervisor when the sales rep could not help me. - John A. Fressi

The special fares (only $447 to $653 R/T) do exist but we had a similar experience when we called. Reservationists often don’t know about special fares but this is one of the worst instances of a lack of internal communication that I’ve ever seen. Try calling (800) 237-6639 and reference this web page:http://www.aeromexico.com/usa/english/pages/specials/mundo/primera_clase.html

Here’s the fine print to keep in mind (which might also create challenges): The fares are valid from Boston, Chicago, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angele's, Miami, New York, Ontario, Orlando, Phoenix and San Diego to select destinations in Mexico—but only on non-stop flights operated by Aeromexico. Travel must commence by Dec. 10, 2006. —MB

The (Potential) Pitfall of Mileage Purchase Programs

I’m flying to Rio during the last week of Dec. and returning in early Jan. (we’re a family of three). American said there were seats available to upgrade but I needed to purchase some more miles to have the total needed. They would only hold the upgrade space 24 hours, but it took three days before the miles posted to my account. When I called them back to confirm I had the miles needed, I was told that there were no more upgrade seats available!— Nicholas Balaci, MD

This is the ugly side of mileage purchase programs. Some airlines will not hold a reservation until you have all the miles required in your account, while other airlines will do both transactions at the same time to keep this calamity from happening. The only three pieces of advice I can give you is to try wait-listing the flight; keep calling American back to see if availability changes right up until you depart; and buy and bank miles way in advance so that they’re there when you need them for next time at the mileage levels you foresee needing. —MB

I Love Eos!

We have just returned from London and our first trip on EOS, thanks to your newsletter. What an airline! Comfortable seats/beds, abundant good food and beverages, great personal entertainment systems, and attentive service from the curb onward. The Emirates lounge that EOS shares at JFK is spectacular. Unfortunately, it makes the EOS Lounge at Stansted look pitiful. No worries, though, it’s still better than public departure lounges. I can’t wait for more destinations. — Robyn M. Rands

Divorce Court

I have hundreds of thousands of American Express Rewards points that I would love to transfer to US Airways. How can I do this now that Amex and US Airways no longer have a relationship? – Craig Dare

Here’s the bad news: There’s no way you can now use Amex points for upgrading on US Airways, unless you’re willing to take a big hit with a conversion to US Airways via Starwood Starpoints Program, in a 3:1 conversion ratio. 60,061 MR points will net you 20,000 Star points, which will net you 25,000 US Airways miles.

Here’s the good news: You can still use Amex MR points at full value for free tickets, although the process is a bit roundabout. You have to transfer the miles to the frequent flyer program of another Star Alliance member that partners with Amex, such as All Nippon Airways (ANA) or Air Canada. Then you can use the miles for travel on US Airways. —MB

[aside headline="" alignment="alignright" width="half" headline_size="default"]I love to hear from you and I wish I could respond personally to every e-mail. I will publish as many letters as space allows. Letters may be edited for space and clarity. – Matthew mr.upgrade@firstclassflyer.com[/aside]