Originally Posted by
warakorn
Somewhere I have read that the airline, operating the first segment, must issue the ticket. That would be Finnair.
I don't want Finnair to be the issueing airline, esp. because of their high ticketing service fees (esp. for changing flights). The ability the change the flights/days (not cities) is very important to me.
AY doesn't charge additional service fees for DONEx changes, so the date changes are free and route changes cost same as with any other airline. They only charge planning fee when they price an itinerary, even if you don't end up booking the ticket.
If you have OW status, AY have very friendly service and it is much easier to change dates compared with the current AA RTW desk situation and AY elite desks are open 24/7, much easier when you are in different time zone than AA RTW desk. However, route changes and setting up the initial itinerary can be more painful as you might need to educate agents about ticket rules, however they are more helpful than new AA rtw desk agents. Personally I would prefer ticketing with AY instead of AA, but if not having status with OW or not studying well the fare rules then I would not bother with AY.