Notwithstanding our suspicions (me included) the oneworld rules supposedly say that members at the same level are to be treated equally, regardless of their affiliation with the marketing or operating carrier. When I get home, I'll see if I can dig up the specific rule.

While it seems to have worked out for Celestar340 in this case, imagine what you would think if it was the other way around. Showing favouritism in this way, especially putting a 2nd tier above a top tier, can only spell trouble for alliances, both Star and oneworld. (In my opinion, of course.)

Having said that however, my CP emerald status had on two recent ocaissions paid off. The first was in Feb 99, on a BA flight from LHR to YVR. I decided to go home two days early, but the plane was "grossly oversold" in economy. At first I was told there was no way I would get on the flight in First Class (as originally booked) and probably would not even get on in economy. But once the agent noticed my status, after calling up the res, everything changed. I did indeed fly that day, and in first class.

The second case was in Mar, on an AA flight from JAX to MIA. I wanted to take an earlier flight, that was once again oversold. I jumped over six previously ticketed standbys, including at least two AA Platinums/sapphire (at least according to their fancy bag tags) and took the only no show seat.

So far, so good.

Regards,

Ken Hamer


[This message has been edited by KenHamer (edited 04-10-99).]