Hi tt7 and thanks for your replies! It appears that there is still little knowledge available about the Circle Atlantic product , even on FT .

I'll try to contact OW directly and ask them about the rule sheet.

I thought that the same surface sector rules as in the Circle Pacific apply. My friend would be interested in a ZRH-LHR surface sector at the end and I thus think that this is not possible (only surface sector in the country of origin).

ZRH is indeed in the ECAA so the exception should apply (Switzerland is not in the EU, but indeed member of the ECAA). The fare from LHR is GBP 1349 (17'000 miles) whereas the fare from ZRH is CHF 2930, i.e. GBP 1750. Leaving from LHR would thus save approximately 400 GBP, assuming that AA will issue a LHR originating ticket in ZRH. They refused to do so a couple of years ago when the ECAA exception did not exist (both BA and AA refused to issue a LONE4 in Switzerland with departure London, unless I was ready to pay the Swiss price). I guess (hope) they should accept today.

Nevertheless, I'd be interested in hearing other people's experiences in dealing with AA ZRH. Any suggestions on this?