Originally Posted by
henry999
The CO rule linked by arma in the second message in this thread could be interpreted to mean that you have to book this segment under the codeshare CO flight number (if there is one) if you want to get CO credit.
> * OnePass Elite qualification miles and points may only be earned on
> Continental Airlines codeshare flights operated by Virgin Atlantic.
You might want to double-check that CO will in fact credit this BD codeshare.
It could be interpreted that way, however CO has what they call a "bug they do not intend to fix" in their system. So long as the flight has a CO code on it - and VS 23 carries CO 9693 these days - then the miles will post to CO as both RDMs and EQMs assuming the fare class paid earns. Given that the OP is looking to fly in Biz that shouldn't be a problem.
And even if the flight didn't have a CO code on it the RDMs would still be earnt. Given that it isn't enough miles to make status directly with CO and that it seems unlikely that UA and CO EQMs will combine for status in 2011, I'd think that all the OP is going to get out of this is RDMs when the plans merge.
If the trip is too far out it is possible that the rules could change on earning following the merger closing (ETA: Oct. 1). CO had VS as a partner to be able to offer more flights to LHR. Given that UA operates to LHR from ORD, SFO, LAX and IAD in direct competition with VS it would seem quite feasible that the VS partnership could come to an end pretty abruptly. Or not. But we simply do not know right now.