Originally Posted by
Often1
The problem here is quite simply that the e-ticket receipt specifies the allowance for OWS. However, the relevant date for baggage waivers (and other perks) is the date of travel. OP says that he was OWR and that is what applies to his ticket.
Bear in mind that the DOT rules regarding baggage for tickets originating or destined to the US is that the baggage allowance of the marketing carrier of the first segment applies to the entire ticket. But, it does not apply as to waivers for status and the like. Hence, either AA or BA would have properly collected the fees due based on OWR.
Agreed. This is why most other airlines dont include elite/credit card waivers in the receipt allowance. AA for some reason calculates the receipt allowance with elite waivers added in.
Now while DOT doesn't require elite waivers to be granted, I do believe they require what is listed in the receipt to be followed. Regardless it's BA as the airline that collected the fee that must refund if one is due. AA has no ability nor responsibility to issue one as they didn't collect the money.