Getting return flight w/ 330 day prior buying

[kamumma1]

I have read in different threads that you should get your plane tickets w/ FF miles 330 days prior to your flight. I have also read that you can't book your return ticket with some airlines at that time. I know AA will let you hold a reservation for 2 weeks, but they don't fly out of our airport. UA, US Air, Cont, Delt, and (my favorite but doesn't work with the Marriott points for FF miles) Jet Blue are our carriers. Any experience on how/when to book your return flight? I am thinking about trying to get FF for HHI in June 2009, which I'm thinking might be tough, so I want to be prepared.

[kwilson]

United will also let you hold your outbound res until 330 days from the return date happens. Remember the 330 days start at midnight Eastern time. Best to call then and be first in line.

[Dave M]

United changed its policy last year and now allows only a 72-hour hold on award tix. The period is shorter - 24 hours - for two UA partner airlines. Here is the info from the UA ticketing instructions that UA and agents use:

4. ENTER TIME LIMIT AS MAXIMUM 72 HOURS AFTER BOOKING
TIME LIMIT CANNOT BE EXTENDED-XNL ITIN AND START OVER.
**EXCEPTION: SQ AND OZ TICKETING POLICY
- 7 DAYS OR MORE BEFORE DEPARTURE TICKET WITHIN 24 HOURS.
- 6 DAYS OR LESS MUST TICKET IMMEDIATELY.

[Dave M]

For most airlines, the choices are:

1) Wait until you can book your return flight to book your outbound flights.

2) Wait until you are within the "hold" period (e.g., 72 hours for UA) prior to your return date to book the outbound.

3) Book your outbound flights as soon as allowed, then book a "dummy" return flight at the end of the "hold" period. Then depending on the airline, (1) make a no-fee change in date without changing flight numbers when your return date opens up or (2) pay the fee (typically $100 per ticket) to make the change when your return date opens up.

Each method has advantages and disadvantages. The best plan includes testing what FF award seats you can find 330 days out from phantom return dates that have about the same peak demand (e.g., the same days of the week, but a week or two earlier from when you want to fly). Then base your strategy on what you find.

[scotlass]

I was able to book FF tickets on Air Canada through USAirways at 331 days out each way. I had an agent at USA who allowed me to book the outbound, then hold for 2 weeks, then book the return. I'm not sure if he was supposed to or if it was because it was Air Canada, but it worked.

[EvelynK72]

Originally Posted by Dave M

United changed its policy last year and now allows only a 72-hour hold on award tix. The period is shorter - 24 hours - for two UA partner airlines. Here is the info from the UA ticketing instructions that UA and agents use:

That's odd - a couple of weeks ago, I reserved the outbound flight to Hawaii on United and was told to call in exactly 2 weeks in order to reserve the return flight (using ff miles). The outbound flight appeared as a hold in our online account right up until that very last day. So I'm not sure I understand this 72-hour hold policy.