Strange differences in availability between AP and ANA tool
 

Hi all,

Strange thing happened. I had planned my trip to DUB via LHR, BD from LHR-DUB. I saw I availability on the ANA tool, but when I phoned in the agent said they only had economy space. I double checked the BD website and sure enough, there's no J cabin on DUB flights, so I accepted the booking as is (figuring ANA had some flaw).

However, I was curious about lounge access at LHR, as I would be arriving from EWR in J on CO but would be departing in Y. I asked over on the BD board, and they said that I would only get lounge access if I was booked into "Flex Y" on BD. They said I theoretically should have been booked into I, but AP didn't show I space. What's more, ANA had space for almost all BD flights that day, whereas AP only saw room for 2 flights.

So question...is there any way to be rebooked in I for that leg, despite the fact that AP does not see it, as I know it's available to STAR partners (via ANA tool) ?

I don't know that. I don't see why AP wouldn't see it if other partners see it. I don't think there's anything wrong with telling an agent precisely that -- you can see it available in another star ff account, can he or she put in a request for it to see if it comes back as available?

Incidentally I think this is the one case where AP will waive the change fee -- if you're not changing flights, just the cos to one you already paid the miles for.


Regarding BD: They don't have "business" on the UK/Irish flights to evade the British APD. Instead they have full flex economy which is basically the same thing anyways. "I" space is a business award which comes out of the same seats.

However check which plane type you're on. If you're on a 319/320 then sure the extra leg-room is nice but on a RJ then afaik it's going to be the same regardless.

And the BD domestic lounge is a nice quiet domestic business lounge but there are no showers and no hot food. So after a red-eye it might not really make that much difference to you.

Does CO have an arrivals lounge or a deal to use anyone else's? That plus stay in a restaurant in T1 may be just as good as a departure lounge. (in the main terminal -- the international area -- don't go to the domestic/irish gates until you're ready as there are barely any shops or food there -- but it's quite a bit of walking so...)

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Thanks for the reply, I'll follow up with them. That said, I was dealing with two agents when I booked my trip (ended the call with the apathetic first agent), and neither seemed overly eager to help. I hope this will be different...

Re: BD..thanks for the info, I actually gathered as much from their website. I gave myself almost 12hrs in LHR, so I plan to go into London to visit a friend, so lounge access in the evening would be nice.

FWIW, AFAIK, CO has an agreement with Yotel for arrival services. I wonder where UA and CO will be in terms of their operations merger though (trip is in April)...