FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - AA Partner Airline Upgrade Award - BA, IB, including codeshares (master thd)
Old Feb 15, 2017 | 9:31 am
  #531  
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Originally Posted by SeattleDavid
I knew it wouldn't be simple! But the essence is similar to upgrading BA metal, AA flight number, I guess - they need to change it to a prime flight number first, and that depends on who 'owns' or can access the ticket. And presumably one shouldn't assume that a B fare on the BA# will translate to a B fare on the prime AA#.

I'll just start by asking our corporate travel agent if they can book it as an AA flight number to begin with and still get the great price I was seeing – as part of a BA Premium Economy trip from SFO-LHR and returning from Manchester.
Please have a look at the relevant AA page and see for yourself. Upgrading BA-marketed AA-operated is possible, with caveats:

1.
Mileage upgrade awards on British Airways and Iberia are valid on individual published-fare tickets on flights marketed or operated by American Airlines, British Airways or Iberia on eligible published fares only for fare classes J, C, D, R, W, Y, B
2.
Reservations booked through a source other than American Airlines must include at least one flight with an American Airlines flight number in order to be eligible.
You will notice BA's B qualifies. So, as far as I can see, your original assumption was correct.

You will notice there's been much discussion on this thread about needing to change marketing carrier, but that was always related to the whole PE mess, which does not apply here. Your reference to this being "part of a BA Premium Economy trip" may have muddied the waters.
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