Flyertalk Posting Legend Moderator: Credit Card Programs, American Express, Capital One, Chase, Citi, Diners Club, Eco Travel, Signatures
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Miami, Mpls & London
Programs: AA, IHG & Marriott Platinum; DL & HH Gold
Posts: 51,857
Not BA specific, I had same experience in May 2006 when I requested Virgin Atlantic miles in conjunction with the Platinum Card rate. They cited this text from Virgin Atlantic's website ...
"Miles will be awarded on all qualifying retail and contract rates except tour operator, staff, prepaid, insurance replacement and other discounted rates."
...and considered the Platinum CDP constituted a "discounted rate".
Their system does allow you to use the Virgin Atlantic CDP and earn miles. I have also used the American Airlines CDP and received Virgin Atlantic miles, suggesting that the system has a simple "miles eligible" toggle that does not look to see if the CDP and miles are the same brand.
When I have time I test the reservation using several different CDP codes. In 2006 the Platinum Card CDP rate has typically been lower than the American Airilines' AAdvantage CDP rate, but they are close. The Virgin Atlantic Flying Club CDP is typically higher.