I recently tried to book RT LAX>AKL for 14-21 June, comparing UA and NZ because UA will only count tickets on *A partners booked through them towards PQM. The NZ ticket cost $1446, UA $3381. I expected UA to add something to the price, but not a 240% markup. (Yes, I could fly UA to SYD and then on to AKL on QF or NZ, but even that was $1758 and added ten hours.)

I thought the whole purpose of an alliance was seamless and reasonably priced transport between carriers.

Has anyone else found such a price rip off between UA and a *A carrier when they fly the same route?