Reader Question: How To Use Residual Balance Of ANA Mileage Club Miles As It’s Hard To Reach The Airline
Today, we have a Reader Question concerning the ever-reoccurring problem of not being able to reach ANA Mileage Club and the associated problem of how to use up a balance of ANA miles.
Readers are encouraged to send us questions, comments, or opinions by email, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. We’ll try to cover them here several times a week.
ANA Mileage Club has been a consistent favorite of many points enthusiasts, especially for the ability to transfer miles from American Express and relatively cheap award charts but in recent time the airline and program has earned itself an unflattering reputation for creating nothing but problems.
One of our readers, Daniel, contacted me with a problem that many face in light of the upcoming devaluation next week: not knowing how to use the remaining ANA miles in the account and not being able to get anyone on the phone for something that can’t be booked online.
… I read your ANA experience and award success description, but at this point, I’m at the end of my rope and not sure how to get any further.
About a year ago I transferred 120k Amex points to ANA before closing my card account. The plan was either a return in First Class to Japan from LA or a round the world redemption.
Now, ANA now longer offers First Class from Los Angeles and I have tried for the past three weeks to call them to check for round the world availability. Not once have I been able to get through to anyone.
Is there anything else I can do or just watch these miles whither away?
Live agent availability for the purpose of mileage ticket redemption has indeed been an issue for quite a while. I have suffered a lot of issues with this myself, and just this month, ANA has effectively destroyed my spring travel due to their absolute incompetence.
For the reader, I looked at some flight options and found First Class cabin inventory from San Francisco instead of Los Angeles, so I recommend changing the search parameters a bit and being more flexible for the sake of this one redemption.
As far as RTW bookings go, there is no other way than calling the hotline. The one time I was successful in reaching them under the U.S. hotline was after 3 hours, and then availability that was previously there disappeared in the meanwhile.
I would only recommend calling if you have all flights checked for availability and know 100% that those segments can be booked. Otherwise, it’s a complete waste of time.
I also think that in light of the devaluation will put even more pressure on the call center, and ANA didn’t organize this wisely. It’s truly a disgrace how they operate right now.
Beware: Massive ANA Mileage Club Award Chart Devaluation Effective April 18, 2024
The biggest favor you can do yourself is to try to find something that is bookable entirely online, and I once again emphasize being a bit more flexible. Search all other nearby gateways as well, not only LAX.
I was able to book one like this:
Award Success: Redeeming a Star Alliance Award One Month Before ANA Mileage Club Devaluation
Unfortunately, I would have needed to make date changes due to the late Sakura in Japan and Korea, but whenever availability popped up as an alert, and I was able to confirm it, I waited for hours, and the seat evaporated while I waited on the phone. Needless to say, I was livid!
ANA miles won’t lose their value entirely, but it will get more expensive for regular round trips. The RTW hasn’t been touched at all, but there is no guarantee that this option will be around forever, either entirely or at the current price. Singapore Airlines just discontinued their RTW awards entirely.
Conclusion
A reader is in a bind concerning his ANA Miles and how to redeem them. I suggested increasing flexibility a little and keep trying. Or just swallow the price hike and keep the miles around for a better redemption opportunity, even if that means potentially having to add some more miles or fly Business instead of First.
Have you had any experience with ANA Mileage Club recently?
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