So, I suspect in common with many other people I have made the decision to move from BA(E)C to another Oneworld scheme - given my travel pattern I have, after much research, chosen Finnair. I thought it might be useful if I logged my approach, any probably more importantly any issues I have, while continuing to use BA Gold status but crediting my avios/tier points to Finnair.

One thing I am nervous about is BA unselecting return seats when I change my FF details for the outbound. I'm basing this on an issue I had recently where I had selected seats on BA flights via the corporate travel agents portal and on 3 occasions they got removed. I then realised this was because by BAEC details were not logged against the flight so added them and the issue stopped. So when I change the FF details from BA to Finnair will my return flights loose their seat allocation? This is a particular issue on this trip as the return is BA16 SYD->SIN->LHR which is about 24 hours on the 787-9. While I am fortunate all my long haul is in business, I really do not want a seat where I have to step over someone else to get and do want a window seat. I have one of the four on the plane which meet that criteria - unfortunately in the larger back cabin not the smaller front one.

So for the details. At the moment we have on one BA issued ticket via a travel agent:

LHR->SIN BA11 First (A) 6/4 with BA FF number
SIN->SYD QF2 First (A) 11/4 with BA FF number
SYD->SIN->LHR BA16 Business (D) 17/4 with BA FF number

And on separate tickets:
SYD->BNE QF520 Economy (with a bid in for upgrade) 13/4 with BA FF number
BNE->MEL QF VA342 14/4 Business - no FF yet. Can credit to UA to help keep Star Alliance status which I am transitioning from LH Miles and More to LH or to Qatar for Avios

The sharp eyed may notice there is no flight from MEL->SYD because I may need to go to New Zealand before flying home but do not know yet so can't book the flights.

My plan is to change the FF from BA to Finnair after checking in. I won't have any issues with lounge access or fast track at Heathrow as the outbound is in First.

I have also put alerts on the specific seat I am in on BA16 in case it becomes free after I remove the FF details.

Any comments on the strategy is welcomed and I will happily (try to) answer any questions.

I'll also update here if/when things change


If this thread is of interest/useful then please reply and let me know!