Originally Posted by
jsloan
Right; only AC could do it.
The fare mapping problem might not be as bad as it sounds: AC, UA, and LH group have harmonized their economy fare classes for TATL routes, so I suspect the mapping would be one-to-one. But the lack of a native flight number would be a killer -- and I don't know if AC agents could be persuaded to make that change and reissue the ticket in order to allow you to apply a UA instrument, especially if there's no inventory available under the native flight number.
The fare codes are only somewhat harmonized based on cabin but not based on earnings. For example:
AC P earns 200% while LH P earns 100%.
AC Z earns 200% while LH Z earns 150%.
AC O earns 150% in PE while LH O is ineligible.
Many other differences as well. So to my point to the OP, be careful what you book and do not assume what you book on AC is true for LH. However, I believe the paid earning fare classes of AC will net you miles through LH (just possibly not at the same rate). You can always call LH after you book the itinerary and see what fare code you were assigned. I don't know the rules of cancelling an AC ticket within 24 hours for a full refund if you're not happy with the LH class. Or maybe it's just easier to book through LH in the first place.
-RM