Originally Posted by
camdentown
The so called alliance in my view isn't that strong. Ok , for passengers it means you can collect points etc from multiple carriers into your one scheme, which is really great.
Lounge access is good (for BA, not for some other like AA)
However, in terms of ticketing etc, you get nothing except for certain selected code share routes. There seems to be no advantage or access to other one world carrier sectors. You can't combine different one world sectors into one PNR (unless they are the limited code-shares, which are simply to make money for the main airline). And you often find a huge increase in fare if you try to get a simple route, with a oneworld connection, over the cost of booking the same flights separately.
The OW RTW ticket can and does have multiple airline flights in 1 PNR. Ticketing of other OW flights can be dependant on the skill of the travel agent or airline staff. A good TA knows more than 10 average airline staff.
Alliances are a very loose association of airlines for marketing purposes. Some airlines in the alliance have a close association and others compete head to head.
Alliances are not joint ventures.