Originally Posted by
cookielb
I have scheduled my boss to fly BA in a couple weeks (LAX-LHR, LHR-DUB with code share, DUB-LHR with code share, and then back LHR-LAX) and can't figure out the difference in miles she would earn by using a newly established BA reward program # or her main frequent flyer program, AA. Does anyone know how many more miles she will earn using BA than AA? (I do understand that she will have to pay money later to transfer the miles over to her AA account, but depending on the mileage difference, it may be worth it)
Also, once a reward program is selected, can you change it? I made the mistake of putting in AA but now may want to have the miles rewarded go into her BA account.
Thank you!
Hi,
Cookielb, and Welcome to FT!!! Glad to have you here. Ok, now. Answers to your questions.
The miles your boss will earn in each program will depend on a) the carrier and number of the flight (
e.g., AA 137), b) the fare category, and c) the mileage program you have attached to her reservation. Get the answers to (a) and (b), then you can check the AA and BA websites to see what she would earn on those flights in each program.
You can change the reward program to which the miles are being credited, but you really can't change the carrier and flight number. Nearly all BA and AA TATL flights have both BA and AA flight numbers. You will generally do better using the flight number of the carrier which matches the carrier in whose program you want the miles deposited. The problem is that once the rezzy is made, changing the flight number to the codeshare on the other carrier nearly always requires cancelling your first rezzy and making a new one. And if you've got her on an advance purchase fare, there may be a cancellation penalty, in addition to making sure that there is availability on the new one.
Yup, it sounds complicated because it sort of is. Once you get the hang of it, though, it will become easier. Feel free to ask questions here any time. We're pretty much a friendly bunch and happy to share the benefit of our experience.
Good luck!!