I'm not sure about the NA part but the rule you have quoted is the same as for OWE and applies to specific continents. The rule is for single plane service SWP to Europe or transfer through an asian port with no stopover. I am about to get an OWE reissued to take advantage of this rule (originally I flew SYD-NRT on QF then transfered to the BA flight NRT-LHR, roughly a 5 hour layover).

Hope that helps.