Originally Posted by
DMPHL
Also, if there is no option to book on partner flight #s when it would otherwise benefit you LP-wise (e.g. only option to book is AA operated and AA flight numbers), you can book through AMEX travel (and possibly other travel portals or OLTAs). That will trigger AA's Special Fare earning, and you'd earn based on distance according to the Special Fares earning chart, not ticket price.
Amex travel generally does not cause special fare credit unless you are booking a package.
Sometimes it does but it's not the norm. It never has for me. I suspect that the times that it does, they are selling you a bulk fare (rough that's just a guess on my part)