No-Show for First Segment with Partner Award
I have an unusual issue related to PNR / e-ticket mismatch; the itinerary consists of an AI segment domestically (BLR -> DEL) in India connecting DEL -> ORD with UA in business class (booked using TK Miles&Smiles).
Essentially, the booking appears to be fine in both the TK and UA systems (PNR as well as ticketing status / coupon status, etc.), but Air India has no record of any reservation, although the corresponding coupon status is OK. What seems to have occurred is that the ticket number was issued, but did not get attached properly in the Air India system, and the reservation was automatically cancelled / deleted for not being ticketed within TTL (similar to this case). I've confirmed the e-ticket coupon status from checking the e-ticket on the Saudia site, and it shows 'Airport Control' for the corresponding e-ticket segment.
I've gone back and forth with AI and TK to try to get this resolved, AI says that TK needs to reissue the ticket, but TK cannot reissue the ticket without availability in I class for the flight (which no longer exists). Since I do have a valid e-ticket covering the segment, I suspect that at the airport AI can create a booking (NOREC), attach the existing e-ticket number, and allow us to fly if space is available.
Since this reservation is coming up soon, I'm also considering booking a separate back-up BLR -> DEL segment if AI cannot sort out the issues at the airport, but I'm not sure if 'no-showing' the (messed up) first segment would lead to cancellation of the second UA segment. I know that typically a no-show on the first segment would lead to cancellation of the rest of the itinerary, but this case seems a bit different since AI would not have a record of us in their Departure Control System, so I'm not sure if it would actually propagate no-show information to United. The only issue I can think of is that coupon status would still be Open and not be lifted; would this lead to UA cancelling the second segment or would I probably be fine checking in at DEL?
Generally, is no-show information typically determined based on DCS / PNR data or e-ticket coupon status? Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated!