Originally Posted by
Texter
Thanks daniellam.
I've just checked with the agent - she has to issue two separate tickets - one for CX and another for AB.
Is that why interlining cannot be guaranteed? (The check in agent may or may not be able to combine two separate bookings, right?)
Is there a reason why a travel agent cannot issue a ticket with both CX and AB sectors??
And yes, I will seriously think about changing agents next time.
As it looks like you are originating in Australia, your travel agent may be booking you on special CX fares that are only available through them (eg. they have contracts with CX). These special fares tend to not allow combinations with fares on other airlines or to cities not specified on their contract with CX.
CX and AB have interline agreements. Just make sure you show CX your AB ticket and they should be able to tag your bag to TXL. If interline through check-in is available, CX should also be able to issue your FRA-TXL boarding pass as well.
Since CX uses Amadeus Altea as their check-in system, the check-in agent should use the "modify itinerary" function to manually add your AB segment to your check-in record before processing check-in.
Note: Coming back, it might be possible that AB could refuse to tag your bag all the way to MEL due to their own internal policy (I know that BA has such a policy) overriding the interline agreement due to the flights being on separate tickets. It would be best to check with AB as to what their policy is regarding separate tickets. (Note: LH does not have such a policy and can interline to CX even when on separate tickets)