I know that this is not exactly the right thread to put this, but since it invloves oneWorld, I thought I might as well inform everyone on my experience.

I was travelling on CX 101 from HKG to SYD last Friday. I had purchased my ticket in UK for a LHR-HKG-SYD-HKG-LHR for under GBP 700. It was an economy class ticket valid for one year.

I used my Swissair Qualiflyer points to upgrade from economy to Business Class. It required 40,000 points and it permitted a stopover in HK enroute to Sydney. Swissair 'makes' the reservation directly with Cathay and they book it under "U" class. When it is confirmed, Swissair issues a sticker for each flight coupon and sticks one for each sector. I had asked CX to place my CP oneWorld Emerald FF number on the file as I want to get the points for the economy flight (which I am entitled to). Even though I know that 9 times out of 10, this credit is not automatic and that I would have to send in my ticket and BP for manual credit.

Anyway, LHR-HKG went without a hitch, and I was acknowledged by CX for being an Emerald CP oneWorld member. (Actually Air Canada are their handling agents in London and the agent frowned when I showed her my CP card. She then perked up when I showed her my AC SuperElite card, which had nothing to do with this flight)

I was booked on CX 101 from HKG to Sydney last Friday. Upon arriving at the Kowloon Airport Express check-in counter 3 hours prior to departure, my heart sank when I saw the words "Cancelled" next to my flight. I went toward the counter. But a rude AP conductor ran up to me and demanded I pay the fare first even though I didn't even know I was travelling that night or not! I hadn't paid at that point.

Now the fun began....CX said that they would transfer me to the Qantas flight which was departing at 2145. But when they looked at my ticket, I overheard them saying something about "economy". So I asked if I was put in Business Class. "No, you have an economy class ticket". Yes, I replied, but it is an upgrade using points. Qantas at this point said that they are getting full in Business Class. (Great I thought, I'd get upgraded to First). I showed them my CP Emerald card. "What's this?" came the response. Qantas said that it is notup to them to award me points, it is Cathay's responsibility. Meanwhile, another Qantas supervisor insisted that since I had bought an economy class ticket, I should be seated there. "So what about my points which I had redeemed?" I asked. "Too bad" was the response.

A quick call to London didn't even yield any help. I thought by getting a ticket upgraded to Business, I was to be treated like a Business Class passenger. London's Marco Polo reservations desk said, "NO. You're only entitled to what you paid for." Hello? Then why bother earning points?

In the end, I opted to travel via Melbourne on CX in Business Class and transferring to Qantas (also in Business Class) to Sydney instead of going standby at the airport.

Shouldn't one be treated as a full fare paying passenger when one has used points for upgrade or even used a free ticket? I would hate to even have a free ticket at that point when neither CX nor QF would honor it. The CP Emerald card didn't do any good at that point as there was chaos all over (and this was only the first day of the pilots' sickout).

Anyone with experience on this yet?