oneworld - Reciprocity in oneworld elite benefits

Hi all,

I just took a flight from EZE to UIO on LAN, and confirmed what I've suspected, that while AA gives full benefits according to status to all the alliance elites (meaning for Rubies, for example, priority check-in, seating and boarding), LAN will not reciprocate and give an AA Gold only the benefit of priority check-in and not the other two.

Shouldn't benefits be granted on a reciprocal basis for fairness sake?

Fernando

No I don't think so.

Priority boarding for rubies is an AA benefit but not a published One World benefit. LAN rubies do not get priority boarding on LAN so it makes sense that AA rubies also do not get priority boarding on LAN.

If AA want to offer priority boarding to their rubies then that's their call, and its generous of them to extend that LAN rubies too.

Likewise LAN offers preferential seating to LAN rubies at check in, LAN also extends the same to other One World rubies. So as an AA ruby you too get that.

Published core benefits = published core benefits that can be delivered across all One World airlines. Anything that is a benefit for a particular airline's elites and is extended to the elites of other airlines is a bonus.

Thanks for the reply,

I understand the core benefits concept, what I'm questioning is precisely the fairness in extending AA GLD, or other categories for that matter, benefits to other alliance members that do not reciprocate said benefits.

Thanks for the reply,

I understand the core benefits concept, what I'm questioning is precisely the fairness in extending AA GLD, or other categories for that matter, benefits to other alliance members that do not reciprocate said benefits.

Well you do get two out of three, you get the priority seating too, even though it is not immediately obvious you get it at check in.

It's a fair question that you make, but you could say it isn't a matter of reciprocating said benefits so much as extending their own benefits to other One World elites. The former I don't think is practical, the latter I think is fair and is generally what happens

I only fly BA, IB, AA and LA and out of those 4, I am pretty certain that AA is the only one that grants priority boarding to its rubies. Yes I agree it is very generous of them to extend that to other One World elites. At the same time it is probably easier to extend it than to discriminate.

Airlines operate in different markets and I don't think it is realistic to expect each of them to reciprocate other airlines' elite benefits.

AA Executive Platinum members are not allowed to use any special check-in facilities for domestic flights in SCL. There is a counter for LA Comodoro, but oneworld emerald is not welcome there. Once at the gate, however, emerald oneworld holders can use the "Preferente" channel to enter the aircraft. It even comes printed on the boarding card.

AA Executive Platinum members are not allowed to use any special check-in facilities for domestic flights in SCL. There is a counter for LA Comodoro, but oneworld emerald is not welcome there. Once at the gate, however, emerald oneworld holders can use the "Preferente" channel to enter the aircraft. It even comes printed on the boarding card.

As an emerald I've been directed to, and used, the Comodoro check in lane at SCL.

As an emerald I've been directed to, and used, the Comodoro check in lane at SCL.

That's either good news, or just good luck. We've been turned away from the Comodoro line for domestic flights even when in business class SCL-IPC (although a baggage porter took over and got check-in done almost instantaneously with someone he knew).

I completely agree.

Unfortunately oneworld fails at what should be the #1 tenet to provide a truly seamless experience: Thou (airline) shall not treat oneworld elites any different than your own

I completely agree.

Unfortunately oneworld fails at what should be the #1 tenet to provide a truly seamless experience:

In terms of a truly seamless experience I think there are far more important ducks to get in a row before elite benefits parity.

Pricing they seem to have nailed if you look at BA/AA offerings and TATL codeshares (Not that it is OneWorld's doing), but what about consistency of product on such routes?

Customer service. You have a problem with AA or BA then you normally get it fixed, you at least get a sympathetic ear. LA and IB you may as well go and piss into the wind. Cancelled flights without warning, inability to fulfil elite packs, regular delays without caring, and pity the man that has IB or LA lose his bags. This I think devalues the OneWorld brand more than anything, particularly when OneWorld has no teeth and won't ensure a bit of brand consistency and fair play.

Reservation systems pick ONE so that passengers ticketed by one airline can manage their booking on the operating airlines. Now LAN is moving over to SABRE too so this will only be exacerbated, apart from LA/AA ticketing/operating scenarios.

AA has a policy that if you are travelling on separate PNRs for two different OneWorld carriers and AA causes you to miss your connection for whatever reason, AA will be accountable for rescheduling your connecting flights with the other carrier. Make this policy across the whole alliance and enforce it.

Write, publish and enforce an interline baggage policy between OneWorld carriers. Guarantee that bags can be interlined through separate PNRs on separate carriers and make it work. The only thing that is stopping this happening is miserable check in agents that refuse to do it.

I'd personally take any of the above over priority boarding.

AA Executive Platinum members are not allowed to use any special check-in facilities for domestic flights in SCL. There is a counter for LA Comodoro, but oneworld emerald is not welcome there. Once at the gate, however, emerald oneworld holders can use the "Preferente" channel to enter the aircraft. It even comes printed on the boarding card.

This is a concern as priority check in is a published OneWorld benefit.

As a LAN Sapphire it might warm your heart to know that I have never managed to even find the priority check in area at SCL

Well you do get two out of three, you get the priority seating too, even though it is not immediately obvious you get it at check in.

That may be true, I was able to check in online in Economy front rows in the UIO-EZE segment, despite my fare (I think) not allowing me front row seating. However, at the airport I requested if available to be moved to the second emergency exit row, I was told that they were occupied. Guess what: they weren't.

True priority seating, at least from my AA experience, is being able to prereserve, and not only during online checkin, good seats, be it front rows or emergency exits.

In terms of a truly seamless experience I think there are far more important ducks to get in a row before elite benefits parity. {snip}

Customer service. You have a problem with AA or BA then you normally get it fixed, you at least get a sympathetic ear. LA and IB you may as well go and piss into the wind. Cancelled flights without warning, inability to fulfil elite packs, regular delays without caring, and pity the man that has IB or LA lose his bags. This I think devalues the OneWorld brand more than anything, particularly when OneWorld has no teeth and won't ensure a bit of brand consistency and fair play.

Reservation systems pick ONE so that passengers ticketed by one airline can manage their booking on the operating airlines. Now LAN is moving over to SABRE too so this will only be exacerbated, apart from LA/AA ticketing/operating scenarios.

AA has a policy that if you are travelling on separate PNRs for two different OneWorld carriers and AA causes you to miss your connection for whatever reason, AA will be accountable for rescheduling your connecting flights with the other carrier. Make this policy across the whole alliance and enforce it.Excellent points (but what is an "elite pack?").

I happened to read something along these exact lines: Dear alliances, please don’t mislead your customers! (http://ourpax.com/stories/dear-alliances-please-don’t-cheat-your-customers/), an interesting article and one that makes many of your points regarding the importance of a consistent experience and a seamless one. Although, I don't understand how AA couldn't book him a seat, or why IB couldn't upgrade him if they wanted to, and other details.

Reservation systems pick ONE so that passengers ticketed by one airline can manage their booking on the operating airlines. Now LAN is moving over to SABRE too so this will only be exacerbated, apart from LA/AA ticketing/operating scenarios.Which GDS does each member airline use anyway?

That may be true, I was able to check in online in Economy front rows in the UIO-EZE segment, despite my fare (I think) not allowing me front row seating. However, at the airport I requested if available to be moved to the second emergency exit row, I was told that they were occupied. Guess what: they weren't.

True priority seating, at least from my AA experience, is being able to prereserve, and not only during online checkin, good seats, be it front rows or emergency exits.

Actually exit row seating is not preferential on LAN, someone (actually anyone) could have booked it online at OLCI so you were told it was occupied and then they subsequently failed to turn up for their flights.

Given the quality of seatguru's seat maps and LAN not marking the exits as premium seating, it is entirely likely that someone booked it without even knowing it was an exit seat... And then didn't fly it.

Excellent points (but what is an "elite pack?").

I happened to read something along these exact lines: Dear alliances, please don’t mislead your customers! (http://ourpax.com/stories/dear-alliances-please-don’t-cheat-your-customers/), an interesting article and one that makes many of your points regarding the importance of a consistent experience and a seamless one. Although, I don't understand how AA couldn't book him a seat, or why IB couldn't upgrade him if they wanted to, and other details.

Is the elite pack question a serious question? I only mean the upgrading of an account to the next tier and the sending of elite card and whatever.

Interestingly, elite cards wouldn't matter if the system was stitched up properly, but I have often had to show mine to get into BA lounges because my status doesn't show anywhere.

On a similar topic, I am currently having a miserable experiences getting miles credit to LA for an AA flight operated by BA. Why such a problem and up to 90 days to make it happen? What sort of alliance is that?

Interesting article thanks for posting, I have never had a problem selecting the nice seats on LA, AA, BA or IB. Notwithstanding, my status was in the reservation but failed to materialise on my boarding pass hence the lounge entry denial.

Are we agreed then? Things don't tie up that ought to?

Is the elite pack question a serious question? I only mean the upgrading of an account to the next tier and the sending of elite card and whatever.Yes, it was serious -- I didn't know what you meant by it (hadn't heard the term before). I'm still not sure I understand -- do you mean that some OW members don't properly upgrade their members' accounts and/or send out elite cards?

Interestingly, elite cards wouldn't matter if the system was stitched up properly, but I have often had to show mine to get into BA lounges because my status doesn't show anywhere.This is much better now than, say, two years ago, but yes, I always carry mine for such reasons; also to be able to check-in at first-class desk on member airlines, etc.

On a similar topic, I am currently having a miserable experiences getting miles credit to LA for an AA flight operated by BA. Why such a problem and up to 90 days to make it happen? What sort of alliance is that?Sorry to hear this.

Are we agreed then? Things don't tie up that ought to?I think we always were in agreement on that, we're just clarifying some points.

Interestingly, elite cards wouldn't matter if the system was stitched up properly, but I have often had to show mine to get into BA lounges because my status doesn't show anywhere.I've gotten into AA lounges based on my new status when I still had my old card.

Yes, it was serious -- I didn't know what you meant by it (hadn't heard the term before). I'm still not sure I understand -- do you mean that some OW members don't properly upgrade their members' accounts and/or send out elite cards?



Yes, welcome to the world of LAN. I upped a tier in July last year, they finally reflected that in my account in October (actually a day after I ran out of upgrade coupons and flew back from Peru) and I received my "elite pack" whilst I was away for Christmas.

My guess is that if AA took 6 months to send out Platinum cards, there would be a riot on the AA forum.

November I flew BOG MIA DFW HNL LAX MIA BOG with AA and supposedly as a OW Sapphire. No seat selection for me because my status was not recognised by AA in that system, although they did have status "somewhere" in the system because they manually stamped my BP for priority access.

Re the miles I am waiting for, it simply sucks. It's looking like extending out to the full 90 days. How? I emailed AA myself and they got back to me within 1 day. Worth noting that had I flown those AA segments in Oct, Nov or Dec then they would slip into a different qualifying year so it is quite possible to fly the miles necessary to requalify in one year and a chunk of the miles count for the next year.

I will qualify for OW Emerald in August, on LAN so there should be no partner miles issues. But let's see if their fulfilment dept has upped the stakes and manages to send a card out this time.

I've gotten into AA lounges based on my new status when I still had my old card.

I cannot think of how that would apply in my circumstances. My "old" card would theoretically have been a LAN OW Ruby which wouldn't entitle me to access. I say theoretically because LAN never sent me it. So my new card that entitled me to lounge access is the only one I ever got.

My "new" Emerald card that I may or may not get in August doesn't make much difference over my "current" card in terms of lounges, only gives me access to First Class lounges, whether I will go to one and whether it will be honoured on my current card is anyone's guess.

I'm not really a lounge fan, I want the upgrades and the bonus miles, so in that respect, having a new Emerald card over having my current Sapphire one doesn't make much difference. Which is lucky, because I am unlikely to receive it in a timely manner.

I cannot think of how that would apply in my circumstances. My "old" card would theoretically have been a LAN OW Ruby which wouldn't entitle me to access. I say theoretically because LAN never sent me it. So my new card that entitled me to lounge access is the only one I ever got.

My "new" Emerald card that I may or may not get in August doesn't make much difference over my "current" card in terms of lounges, only gives me access to First Class lounges, whether I will go to one and whether it will be honoured on my current card is anyone's guess.

I'm not really a lounge fan, I want the upgrades and the bonus miles, so in that respect, having a new Emerald card over having my current Sapphire one doesn't make much difference. Which is lucky, because I am unlikely to receive it in a timely manner.At the time I was Ruby. I had become Sapphire from a flight in Asia a week before, so the card was in the post to home while I was still traveling. I went to the ORD AC, gave them my Ruby card and told them I didn't have the new card yet. They asked if I had "graduated" to the next level, then checked the computer.

In terms of a truly seamless experience I think there are far more important ducks to get in a row before elite benefits parity.

Pricing they seem to have nailed if you look at BA/AA offerings and TATL codeshares (Not that it is OneWorld's doing), but what about consistency of product on such routes?

Customer service. You have a problem with AA or BA then you normally get it fixed, you at least get a sympathetic ear. LA and IB you may as well go and piss into the wind. Cancelled flights without warning, inability to fulfil elite packs, regular delays without caring, and pity the man that has IB or LA lose his bags. This I think devalues the OneWorld brand more than anything, particularly when OneWorld has no teeth and won't ensure a bit of brand consistency and fair play.

Reservation systems pick ONE so that passengers ticketed by one airline can manage their booking on the operating airlines. Now LAN is moving over to SABRE too so this will only be exacerbated, apart from LA/AA ticketing/operating scenarios.

AA has a policy that if you are travelling on separate PNRs for two different OneWorld carriers and AA causes you to miss your connection for whatever reason, AA will be accountable for rescheduling your connecting flights with the other carrier. Make this policy across the whole alliance and enforce it.

Write, publish and enforce an interline baggage policy between OneWorld carriers. Guarantee that bags can be interlined through separate PNRs on separate carriers and make it work. The only thing that is stopping this happening is miserable check in agents that refuse to do it.

I'd personally take any of the above over priority boarding.

I am not sure if BA/AA would lend you a sympathetic ear. I flew twice to from MIA / JFK to BLR last year and am an EXP (and was one then also). I had a Y class ticket and the ticket was split between AA and BA. It was issued at AA though.

On the outbound from JFK / MIA I was upgraded to Business (nice!!) on the return both times the desk at the BLR airport could not even upgrade me to World Traveller Plus (WTP hereafter). Half the seats in WTP we empty and get this the Business Class was completely empty (I kid you not!!). The BA agent told me that they were not allowed upgrade One World or any one unless they had BA status and or BA related upgrade materials. This I thought was ridiculous. I have been on quite a few flights in CONUS and I have seen BA elites getting upgrades at the airport, and I have confirmed the same with Gate Agents.

Hence when I got back I wrote a polite email to BA and informed them of the same. I have not heard back from them and it has been close to a year. So I am not entirely sure BA customer relations will lend a sympathetic year, did not in my case at least.

I am not sure if BA/AA would lend you a sympathetic ear. I flew twice to from MIA / JFK to BLR last year and am an EXP (and was one then also). I had a Y class ticket and the ticket was split between AA and BA. It was issued at AA though.

On the outbound from JFK / MIA I was upgraded to Business (nice!!) on the return both times the desk at the BLR airport could not even upgrade me to World Traveller Plus (WTP hereafter). Half the seats in WTP we empty and get this the Business Class was completely empty (I kid you not!!). The BA agent told me that they were not allowed upgrade One World or any one unless they had BA status and or BA related upgrade materials. This I thought was ridiculous. I have been on quite a few flights in CONUS and I have seen BA elites getting upgrades at the airport, and I have confirmed the same with Gate Agents.

Hence when I got back I wrote a polite email to BA and informed them of the same. I have not heard back from them and it has been close to a year. So I am not entirely sure BA customer relations will lend a sympathetic year, did not in my case at least.

But I think this goes back to one world reciprocal arrangements, I would never expect to get an upgrade on one airline because of status on another airline.

I was referring to customer service responses for operational screw ups, lost bags, bumps, cancellations etc

For what its worth, you also wouldn't get an upgrade on LAN in that circumstance, nor would I unless I was prepared to use a coupon and abide by the rules

On the outbound from JFK / MIA I was upgraded to Business (nice!!) on the return both times the desk at the BLR airport could not even upgrade me to World Traveller Plus (WTP hereafter). Half the seats in WTP we empty and get this the Business Class was completely empty (I kid you not!!). The BA agent told me that they were not allowed upgrade One World or any one unless they had BA status and or BA related upgrade materials. This I thought was ridiculous. I have been on quite a few flights in CONUS and I have seen BA elites getting upgrades at the airport, and I have confirmed the same with Gate Agents.

Hence when I got back I wrote a polite email to BA and informed them of the same. I have not heard back from them and it has been close to a year. So I am not entirely sure BA customer relations will lend a sympathetic year, did not in my case at least.

If you spent 5 minutes perusing the BA forum zoo would know that BA protects the integrity of its premium cabins and does not hand out upgrades unless it actually needs to, so despite me being BA Gold/OW Sapphire, had I been on the same return flight as you and booked into Y, that is exactly where I would have flown and exactly where I would have expected to fly. If I want to guarantee my butt being in J, I either pay for it, or use miles to upgrade. Otherwise, if an op-up comes along (which is what sounds like happened on your outbound flight) then I gratefully accept.
US carriers devalued their premium cabins long ago by dishing out upgrades to all and sundry and the result is that the "premium" product is far from premium. Airlines in the rest of the world have wisely resisted following the American example.
Oh, and I wouldn't be holding my breath on a response from BA on the matter.....

I am not sure if BA/AA would lend you a sympathetic ear. I flew twice to from MIA / JFK to BLR last year and am an EXP (and was one then also). I had a Y class ticket and the ticket was split between AA and BA. It was issued at AA though.

On the outbound from JFK / MIA I was upgraded to Business (nice!!) on the return both times the desk at the BLR airport could not even upgrade me to World Traveller Plus (WTP hereafter). Half the seats in WTP we empty and get this the Business Class was completely empty (I kid you not!!). The BA agent told me that they were not allowed upgrade One World or any one unless they had BA status and or BA related upgrade materials. This I thought was ridiculous. I have been on quite a few flights in CONUS and I have seen BA elites getting upgrades at the airport, and I have confirmed the same with Gate Agents.

Hence when I got back I wrote a polite email to BA and informed them of the same. I have not heard back from them and it has been close to a year. So I am not entirely sure BA customer relations will lend a sympathetic year, did not in my case at least.

What made you think you should get an upgrade? I am not sure what you expect BA Customer Service to tell you.
I have been a Qantas Platinum for 10 years or so and have never received an upgrade on any international flight with QF or any other oneworld Airline ever. I think I total 2 domestic op ups for a flight of 75 minutes or so.

If you spent 5 minutes perusing the BA forum zoo would know that BA protects the integrity of its premium cabins and does not hand out upgrades unless it actually needs to, so despite me being BA Gold/OW Sapphire, had I been on the same return flight as you and booked into Y, that is exactly where I would have flown and exactly where I would have expected to fly.


US carriers devalued their premium cabins long ago by dishing out upgrades to all and sundry and the result is that the "premium" product is far from premium. Airlines in the rest of the world have wisely resisted following the American example.

While American carriers allow free or really cheap upgrades to first, it's only the case for domestic flights, and I believe that U.S. domestic first class compares quite favorably to BA's Club Europe.

And for international long haul, I actually consider BA's premium classes to be easier to get into. BA lets you upgrade from WT+ to CW for a mere 20,000 avios roundtrip. American carriers charge more miles and a hefty co-pay of $700+ round trip to upgrade to business class. While BA does require you to be WT+ to get an upgrade, WT+ is often available for only slightly more than WT, and you can get the upgrade confirmed at booking.

I do think that BA's long haul premium cabins are superior to their U.S. equivalents, but I don't think your explanation is the reason, although it may have been the case in the past.