I checked in for my KA flight from KUL to HKG and had two pieces of baggage both weighing less than 30kg combined weight. I had used my BA # which was OW Emerald.

So at the gate, I asked that my non status Asia Miles be put on to the booking instead as I will then get full miles (V class) vs 25% if credited to BA miles.

But once the agent tried putting my AM number in, she said that I will then have to pay for the 'excess' luggage. The system apparently will not allow the agent to override the baggage allowance.

So I asked to be changed back to the BA # and the agent asked me to board first ... but on board, they started calling my name because the system just listed me as a no show. There was a lot of confusion there... After which it was sorted when the ground agent tore off my boarding pass...

But a week later, the miles posted on my AM account ...

Don't know if it is a one off ... but will this set a precedent in not being able to change FF#s at gate anymore vs losing one's OW elite benefits. But I still got my bottle of water on board... (maybe its because I boarded after the passenger manifest had been printed for the IFS)