Air France Availability
Regarding your January article on Air France participating in the Amex Membership Rewards program: I’ve learned that the airline will not let you book a trip or even check availability unless you already have the miles in your Air France mileage account. This imposes a big limitation as the point transfer is irreversible. Is there another option? Sincerely, SorinGreat question and easy answer: Find a travel agent to help you on this as they have access to seat availability through their “Computer Reservations System.” It may cost you $50 or so, but it’s worth it. Tell the agent to look for O class for Business and A for First Class. According to Amex, point transfers take 3 to 5 days, so figure that into your plans when choosing dates where availability is good. - MB
BA’s New Bad Policy
We are booked from San Francisco to London in First Class this August. No problem getting seats but the next two legs, in Club Europe (BA’s Business Class) to Milan and then from Athens back to London, can’t be confirmed until 24 hours before flight time—and then only online or by turning up at the airport. I won’t have access to a computer, so I must get to the airport early. I am 79 years old. There must be a better way to get an assigned seat. I enjoy First Class Flyer. - Perry Biestman, Sausalito, CAThis is BA’s new policy and I don’t know how the carrier has the gall to inflict it on travelers paying First and Business Class fares of $10,000+! I suggest that you ask your hotel concierge to handle the online confirmation or drop into an Internet café. - MB
Air France Availability
Regarding your January article on Air France participating in the Amex Membership Rewards program: I’ve learned that the airline will not let you book a trip or even check availability unless you already have the miles in your Air France mileage account. This imposes a big limitation as the point transfer is irreversible. Is there another option? Sincerely, SorinGreat question and easy answer: Find a travel agent to help you on this as they have access to seat availability through their “Computer Reservations System.” It may cost you $50 or so, but it’s worth it. Tell the agent to look for O class for Business and A for First Class. According to Amex, point transfers take 3 to 5 days, so figure that into your plans when choosing dates where availability is good. - MB