Originally Posted by
pauldb
The general BAEC rules state you can only change a routing within the same band (i.e. with no change in avios cost). Adding a return to a 241, which can be in a different band to the outbound at a later date is allowed as specific carve out from this rule.
In theory this should prevent you from adding DUB to your outbound. Some people seem to have got around it but it's been confirmed here that rule should apply.
There's no obvious reason why you couldn't book the return from DUB though. BAEC in the US will hopefully change this for you. This is the most efficient way to do you trip as you avoid UK APD charges.
One other suggestion might be to add LHR-BHD to your outbound if that works for you: it's a domestic so you should be able to add it within the rules at no cost.
Thanks for the explanation, but I'm still confused.
I was fine with paying additional Avios to fly from LHR to DUB; I just wanted it on the same companion ticket. I was told it was only possible if I cancelled my LAX to LHR flight, then rebooked LAX to DUB (on BA metal, this new flight would have had to connect to LHR). Of course, I didn't book the preferred destination when award flights opened for LAX-LHR because it wasn't bookable; the LHR-DUB flight didn't depart until the next day.
Thanks for your suggestion with respect to flying into BHD. We thought about that option, but our trip was just too short this time.
Edited to add: I was able to get the connecting flights added with a call to the U.S. BAEC number this morning. The agent acknowledged that the new rules can be as confusing to them as to the members.
-- Suzanne