Wow, what a fast response! I realize I should have put this in the BA or AA forum- live and learn. Sounds like I won't be earing elite on anything on this trip. Found that I am BA to get there and Quantas to get back. I don't know what the class of ticket is but I imagine it is deeply discounted economy. Really no other reason I would need to go from PDX to LHR to get to JNB....there is a shorter route. I think I will go for applying the miles to AA and just take the hit on the number of miles. I will make a couple of PDX-MCO trips this year so sounds like the best route. THANKS!!