Originally Posted by JohnAx
We've all found plenty of times when different rtw/rate desks give significantly different answers to the same question. If Cathay thinks it's trans-pacific and that works to anyone's advantage, they should conspire to ticket with Cathay. If trans-atlantic works better, float some trial requests with the other carriers until you get the right answer. Then stop asking, grab the tickets, and enjoy the trip. The AAgent who check you in for ORD-DEL will be totally clueless about what direction you're going or should be going next.
This would work -- until someone needs to do a ticket reissue and for whatever reason needs to use an airline that has a different interpretation of the rules. Since the route is new, one could only hope that within the next few months, the rules will be amended to deal with this flight.