Last edit by: Prospero
FAQ: Involuntary Reroute and Original Routing Credit (ORC) Issues
Getting AA EQ and Award Miles credit for involuntary rerouting - on AA or other airlines)
Previous posts on this subject are archived here.
Q. Can I earn the originally scheduled Elite Qualifying Dollars, Miles and Segments and Award Miles when I'm involuntarily rerouted to shorter flights, or to another airline?
A. You may be able to. Whether you can will depend on several conditions.
Situation 1: YES: You are flying and crediting to AA and miss your connection and are rerouted to other AA flights; you would like to get the EQ / Award Miles for the originally scheduled flights (if you'd rather earn according to the new routing and it's eligible for miles accrual, you need do nothing - as always, keep boarding passes in case there are questions later).
● The preferred solution is to ask the AA agent to add a note to the PNR stating you were involuntarily rerouted and should get original routing credit while you are being rerouted; this often makes things easier later.
● If this did not happen, you will have to contact AAdvantage Customer Service, preferably to your Elite line to the reservations desk; the recommended wording is to state, more or less, "I was given an involuntary reroute and request original routing credit".
● EQ Segment credit may be more difficult to secure; nonetheless, members have reported having it granted.
● Agents seem to be fond of telling requesters they will grant ORC "this time on a one time basis, as an exception"; however, ORC seems to be pretty standard.
Situation 2: YES: You are flying and crediting to AA and are rerouted to flights operated by another airline; you would like to get the EQ / Award Miles for the originally scheduled flights.
● The preferred solution is to ask the AA agent to add a note to the PNR stating you were involuntarily rerouted and should get original routing credit while you are being rerouted; this often makes things easier later.
● Example: You are flying AA SMF-DFW-MSP (2,283 miles), but OSO causes AA to endorse your ticket to, and has you flying Alaska Airlines SMF-SEA-MSP (2,040 miles). ORC will grant you 2,283 base miles as if you had flown AA and calculate your EQ and Award miles accordingly.
● If you'd rather earn in the operating airline's FFP according to the new routing and it's eligible for miles accrual, you need do nothing; your original ticket was endorsed over to the operating airline - as always, keep boarding passes in case there are questions later)
Situation 3: NOT EXACTLY: You are flying on an "instant upgrade" fare and crediting to AA, and are rerouted to flights operated by another airline. You would like to get the EQ / Award Miles for the originally scheduled flights.
● The preferred solution is to ask the AA agent to add a note to the PNR stating you were involuntarily rerouted and should get original routing credit while you are being rerouted; this often makes things easier later.
● Example: You are flying AA SMF-DFW-MSP (2,283 miles) in "instant upgrade" First, but OSO causes AA to endorse your ticket to, and has you flying Alaska Airlines in Coach SMF-SEA-MSP (2,040 miles). (AA will generally allow you to cancel your flights for full refundability, fly the next available AA flight in Main Cabin if there's no same fare availability (that can be a day or two later) or fly in the next available Main Cabin seat.
● ORC in this instance will grant you 2,283 base miles as if you had flown AA and may calculate your EQ and Award miles in accordance with your originally, pre-upgrade K fare (you will normally be flying AS coach in this situation).
● If you'd rather earn in the operating airline's FFP according to the new routing and it's eligible for miles accrual, you need do nothing; your original ticket was endorsed over to the operating airline - as always, keep boarding passes in case there are questions later)
Situation 4: NO: You are flying an AA partner airline, but crediting your flight activity to AA; you miss your connection and are rerouted to flights operated by another airline; you would like to get the EQ / Award Miles for the originally scheduled flights.
● Example: you are flying BA to LHR and onward to VCE, but due to operational problems BA are routes you via FRA on LH.
● AA has no obligation to you, and Original Routing Credit is not likely to be granted. You will have the opportunity to earn in Lufthansa etc. Miles and More.
Situation 5: NO: You are flying AA and stand by or Same Day Flight Change or are otherwise granted rerouting for your personal convenience; you would like to get the EQ / Award Miles for the originally scheduled flights.
● Generally, AA has no obligation to you because your rerouting is voluntary and not due to any act by or to AA.
Link to AAdvantage Customer Service e-form and telephone numbers.
Situation 6: NO: You were scheduled to fly AA, but AA cancelled the flight and offered a seat the next day. You cancelled the ticket, AA refunded your ticket and you purchased a ticket on another airline; you want Original Routing Credit.
● AA has no obligation to you, and Original Routing Credit is not likely to be granted. You cancelled your AA ticket voluntarily, accepted a refund and flew on another airline.[/b]
Getting AA EQ and Award Miles credit for involuntary rerouting - on AA or other airlines)
Previous posts on this subject are archived here.
Q. Can I earn the originally scheduled Elite Qualifying Dollars, Miles and Segments and Award Miles when I'm involuntarily rerouted to shorter flights, or to another airline?
A. You may be able to. Whether you can will depend on several conditions.
Situation 1: YES: You are flying and crediting to AA and miss your connection and are rerouted to other AA flights; you would like to get the EQ / Award Miles for the originally scheduled flights (if you'd rather earn according to the new routing and it's eligible for miles accrual, you need do nothing - as always, keep boarding passes in case there are questions later).
● The preferred solution is to ask the AA agent to add a note to the PNR stating you were involuntarily rerouted and should get original routing credit while you are being rerouted; this often makes things easier later.
● If this did not happen, you will have to contact AAdvantage Customer Service, preferably to your Elite line to the reservations desk; the recommended wording is to state, more or less, "I was given an involuntary reroute and request original routing credit".
● EQ Segment credit may be more difficult to secure; nonetheless, members have reported having it granted.
● Agents seem to be fond of telling requesters they will grant ORC "this time on a one time basis, as an exception"; however, ORC seems to be pretty standard.
Situation 2: YES: You are flying and crediting to AA and are rerouted to flights operated by another airline; you would like to get the EQ / Award Miles for the originally scheduled flights.
● The preferred solution is to ask the AA agent to add a note to the PNR stating you were involuntarily rerouted and should get original routing credit while you are being rerouted; this often makes things easier later.
● Example: You are flying AA SMF-DFW-MSP (2,283 miles), but OSO causes AA to endorse your ticket to, and has you flying Alaska Airlines SMF-SEA-MSP (2,040 miles). ORC will grant you 2,283 base miles as if you had flown AA and calculate your EQ and Award miles accordingly.
● If you'd rather earn in the operating airline's FFP according to the new routing and it's eligible for miles accrual, you need do nothing; your original ticket was endorsed over to the operating airline - as always, keep boarding passes in case there are questions later)
Situation 3: NOT EXACTLY: You are flying on an "instant upgrade" fare and crediting to AA, and are rerouted to flights operated by another airline. You would like to get the EQ / Award Miles for the originally scheduled flights.
● The preferred solution is to ask the AA agent to add a note to the PNR stating you were involuntarily rerouted and should get original routing credit while you are being rerouted; this often makes things easier later.
● Example: You are flying AA SMF-DFW-MSP (2,283 miles) in "instant upgrade" First, but OSO causes AA to endorse your ticket to, and has you flying Alaska Airlines in Coach SMF-SEA-MSP (2,040 miles). (AA will generally allow you to cancel your flights for full refundability, fly the next available AA flight in Main Cabin if there's no same fare availability (that can be a day or two later) or fly in the next available Main Cabin seat.
● ORC in this instance will grant you 2,283 base miles as if you had flown AA and may calculate your EQ and Award miles in accordance with your originally, pre-upgrade K fare (you will normally be flying AS coach in this situation).
● If you'd rather earn in the operating airline's FFP according to the new routing and it's eligible for miles accrual, you need do nothing; your original ticket was endorsed over to the operating airline - as always, keep boarding passes in case there are questions later)
Situation 4: NO: You are flying an AA partner airline, but crediting your flight activity to AA; you miss your connection and are rerouted to flights operated by another airline; you would like to get the EQ / Award Miles for the originally scheduled flights.
● Example: you are flying BA to LHR and onward to VCE, but due to operational problems BA are routes you via FRA on LH.
● AA has no obligation to you, and Original Routing Credit is not likely to be granted. You will have the opportunity to earn in Lufthansa etc. Miles and More.
Situation 5: NO: You are flying AA and stand by or Same Day Flight Change or are otherwise granted rerouting for your personal convenience; you would like to get the EQ / Award Miles for the originally scheduled flights.
● Generally, AA has no obligation to you because your rerouting is voluntary and not due to any act by or to AA.
Link to AAdvantage Customer Service e-form and telephone numbers.
Situation 6: NO: You were scheduled to fly AA, but AA cancelled the flight and offered a seat the next day. You cancelled the ticket, AA refunded your ticket and you purchased a ticket on another airline; you want Original Routing Credit.
● AA has no obligation to you, and Original Routing Credit is not likely to be granted. You cancelled your AA ticket voluntarily, accepted a refund and flew on another airline.[/b]
FAQ: Involuntary Reroute and Original Routing Credit (ORC) (master thd)
#61
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 18
Cancelled flight & rented car. Any argument for the missed segments
I had a flight cancelled out of DFW last Thursday and rented a car to make my Friday meeting. They weren't going to be able to get me to my destination until the next day at 3:00 pm at the earliest.
Do I have an argument for the segment that I missed. That single one will put me at 30 for the year and keep me on track to hit platinum by years end.
Do I have an argument for the segment that I missed. That single one will put me at 30 for the year and keep me on track to hit platinum by years end.
#62
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: South Park, Metropolis
Programs: AA LT PLT 3MM, Hilton/Marriott/SPG/Club Carlson GLD, IHG PLT
Posts: 4,606
I had a flight cancelled out of DFW last Thursday and rented a car to make my Friday meeting. They weren't going to be able to get me to my destination until the next day at 3:00 pm at the earliest.
Do I have an argument for the segment that I missed. That single one will put me at 30 for the year and keep me on track to hit platinum by years end.
Do I have an argument for the segment that I missed. That single one will put me at 30 for the year and keep me on track to hit platinum by years end.
#63
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 18
I went ahead and got the refund for the portion of the ticket that was unused.
I will be traveling the rest of the year, but we are grounded as a company for the month of June. That puts me at 29 at the halfway point. Shouldn't be a big deal, but with my luck I will miss Platinum by 1 segment...
I will be traveling the rest of the year, but we are grounded as a company for the month of June. That puts me at 29 at the halfway point. Shouldn't be a big deal, but with my luck I will miss Platinum by 1 segment...
#64
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: South Florida
Programs: AA LTG (EXP), Hilton Silver (Dia), Marriott LTP (PP), SPG LTG (P) > MPG LTPP
Posts: 11,329
I went ahead and got the refund for the portion of the ticket that was unused.
I will be traveling the rest of the year, but we are grounded as a company for the month of June. That puts me at 29 at the halfway point. Shouldn't be a big deal, but with my luck I will miss Platinum by 1 segment...
I will be traveling the rest of the year, but we are grounded as a company for the month of June. That puts me at 29 at the halfway point. Shouldn't be a big deal, but with my luck I will miss Platinum by 1 segment...
#65
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
I went ahead and got the refund for the portion of the ticket that was unused.
I will be traveling the rest of the year, but we are grounded as a company for the month of June. That puts me at 29 at the halfway point. Shouldn't be a big deal, but with my luck I will miss Platinum by 1 segment...
I will be traveling the rest of the year, but we are grounded as a company for the month of June. That puts me at 29 at the halfway point. Shouldn't be a big deal, but with my luck I will miss Platinum by 1 segment...
#66
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: ATL
Programs: AA GLD Skymiles DM MM, a+ rewards lifetime elite, AS, Marriott plat, PC plat, HH gold
Posts: 1,275
Received this bummer of a response today from an ORC request. AA YUL-LGA-ATL flight that was involuntarily rerouted YUL (AC)- ORD- (AA)-ATL this week
"While we wish we could get all our customers to their destinations on time, and operate each and every flight as scheduled, we just can't do so. There are too many uncontrollable factors -- like air traffic congestion -- that can affect our flights. Controlling the flow of airplanes is about the safe and effective coordination of flight arrivals and departures. Sometimes, this activity can result in delays or cancellations.
While we can appreciate your request, we do not credit AAdvantage® mileage for segments that are not actually flown on American Airlines. We feel this is reasonable since we do not receive the revenue for these segments and since mileage often is credited by the other carrier on its frequent traveler program. Of course, we understand that AAdvantage® mileage is one reason customers specifically select American Airlines when scheduling their trips, and I am sorry your plans had to be changed."
"While we wish we could get all our customers to their destinations on time, and operate each and every flight as scheduled, we just can't do so. There are too many uncontrollable factors -- like air traffic congestion -- that can affect our flights. Controlling the flow of airplanes is about the safe and effective coordination of flight arrivals and departures. Sometimes, this activity can result in delays or cancellations.
While we can appreciate your request, we do not credit AAdvantage® mileage for segments that are not actually flown on American Airlines. We feel this is reasonable since we do not receive the revenue for these segments and since mileage often is credited by the other carrier on its frequent traveler program. Of course, we understand that AAdvantage® mileage is one reason customers specifically select American Airlines when scheduling their trips, and I am sorry your plans had to be changed."
#67
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Northeast Kansas | Colorado Native
Programs: Amex Gold/Plat, UA *G, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott LT Gold, NEXUS, TSA Disparager Unobtanium
Posts: 21,594
Did you try calling AAdvantage CS? I've never been denied ORD when explaining to the agent what happened. Email definitely doesn't seem like the way to go with this request.
#68
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: South Florida
Programs: AA LTG (EXP), Hilton Silver (Dia), Marriott LTP (PP), SPG LTG (P) > MPG LTPP
Posts: 11,329
Received this bummer of a response today from an ORC request. AA YUL-LGA-ATL flight that was involuntarily rerouted YUL (AC)- ORD- (AA)-ATL this week
"While we wish we could get all our customers to their destinations on time, and operate each and every flight as scheduled, we just can't do so. There are too many uncontrollable factors -- like air traffic congestion -- that can affect our flights. Controlling the flow of airplanes is about the safe and effective coordination of flight arrivals and departures. Sometimes, this activity can result in delays or cancellations.
While we can appreciate your request, we do not credit AAdvantage® mileage for segments that are not actually flown on American Airlines. We feel this is reasonable since we do not receive the revenue for these segments and since mileage often is credited by the other carrier on its frequent traveler program. Of course, we understand that AAdvantage® mileage is one reason customers specifically select American Airlines when scheduling their trips, and I am sorry your plans had to be changed."
"While we wish we could get all our customers to their destinations on time, and operate each and every flight as scheduled, we just can't do so. There are too many uncontrollable factors -- like air traffic congestion -- that can affect our flights. Controlling the flow of airplanes is about the safe and effective coordination of flight arrivals and departures. Sometimes, this activity can result in delays or cancellations.
While we can appreciate your request, we do not credit AAdvantage® mileage for segments that are not actually flown on American Airlines. We feel this is reasonable since we do not receive the revenue for these segments and since mileage often is credited by the other carrier on its frequent traveler program. Of course, we understand that AAdvantage® mileage is one reason customers specifically select American Airlines when scheduling their trips, and I am sorry your plans had to be changed."
#69
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: SJC, SFO, YYC
Programs: AA-EXP, AA-0.41MM, UA-Gold, Ex UA-1K (2006 thru 2015), PMUA-0.95MM, COUA-1.5MM-lite, AF-Silver
Posts: 13,437
Had COS/DFW/SFO on the outbound. Weather in DFW eventually canceled all COS flights to DFW. Got rebooked on UA, DEN/SFO.
With much trepidation after reading the horror stories on this thread, via the website I asked AAdvantage CS to give me the ORC for COS/DFW/SFO.
The first response was that I had to complete the rest of the trip (a multi segment trip). So after it completed and posted, I re-requested the ORC for COS/DFW/SFO. The same Aadvantage CS representative responded and agreed to post the ORC. It has posted.
Note that I didn't request RDMs, just EQMs, EQPs, and EQSes, but it appears RDMs posted too.
With much trepidation after reading the horror stories on this thread, via the website I asked AAdvantage CS to give me the ORC for COS/DFW/SFO.
The first response was that I had to complete the rest of the trip (a multi segment trip). So after it completed and posted, I re-requested the ORC for COS/DFW/SFO. The same Aadvantage CS representative responded and agreed to post the ORC. It has posted.
Note that I didn't request RDMs, just EQMs, EQPs, and EQSes, but it appears RDMs posted too.
#70
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: CA
Programs: AAdvantage ExecPlat (LT Plat 2.1 MM),United S, SPG P, Marriott P, Hyatt Diamond *-)-
Posts: 213
Had a dfw cancellation, as well, with a rebook on UA. Requesting orc is ymmv with aa reps.
Called for orc, rep thought I was talking about reinstating miles. No idea what I meant (and was rude - "no, sir, listen to what I'm saying..." - geesh!)
HUCA.
Next rep knew exactly what to do. instant post.
#71
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: South Florida
Programs: AA LTG (EXP), Hilton Silver (Dia), Marriott LTP (PP), SPG LTG (P) > MPG LTPP
Posts: 11,329
You Found Her!!!
Had a dfw cancellation, as well, with a rebook on UA. Requesting orc is ymmv with aa reps.
Called for orc, rep thought I was talking about reinstating miles. No idea what I meant (and was rude - "no, sir, listen to what I'm saying..." - geesh!)
HUCA.
Next rep new exactly what to do. instant post.
Called for orc, rep thought I was talking about reinstating miles. No idea what I meant (and was rude - "no, sir, listen to what I'm saying..." - geesh!)
HUCA.
Next rep new exactly what to do. instant post.
#72
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
Had a dfw cancellation, as well, with a rebook on UA. Requesting orc is ymmv with aa reps.
Called for orc, rep thought I was talking about reinstating miles. No idea what I meant (and was rude - "no, sir, listen to what I'm saying..." - geesh!)
HUCA.
Next rep knew exactly what to do. instant post.
Called for orc, rep thought I was talking about reinstating miles. No idea what I meant (and was rude - "no, sir, listen to what I'm saying..." - geesh!)
HUCA.
Next rep knew exactly what to do. instant post.
I'd even refrain from calling her a useless twit - to her "face".
Where are they getting some of these people? How are they attempting to train them?
#73
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: ROC/NYC/MSP/LAX/HKG/SIN
Posts: 3,212
ORC possible?
First time ever to be put into CX when AA TPAC flight is canceled. First leg of HKG-DFW-EWR canceled, first rebooked into HKG-LHR-JFK, later rebooked into HKG-EWR in J, all without my permission. I was thinking to move into the JFK route. If I credited the CX flight in BA/Asiamiles/QF/AS, would I be able to get ORC for the original segments? IIRC, the answer is no, coz they are the partners. However, I remembered I saw some FTers mentioning the ORC could be done for AA even when the rebooked segments are the partners flight.
Any input would be appreciated.
Any input would be appreciated.
#74
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
First time ever to be put into CX when AA TPAC flight is canceled. First leg of HKG-DFW-EWR canceled, first rebooked into HKG-LHR-JFK, later rebooked into HKG-EWR in J, all without my permission. I was thinking to move into the JFK route. If I credited the CX flight in BA/Asiamiles/QF/AS, would I be able to get ORC for the original segments? IIRC, the answer is no, coz they are the partners. However, I remembered I saw some FTers mentioning the ORC could be done for AA even when the rebooked segments are the partners flight.
Any input would be appreciated.
Any input would be appreciated.
As to how other airlines deal with ORC, I have no idea.
#75
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: NYC
Programs: DL Gold, AA Plat, SPG Gold
Posts: 383
First time ever to be put into CX when AA TPAC flight is canceled. First leg of HKG-DFW-EWR canceled, first rebooked into HKG-LHR-JFK, later rebooked into HKG-EWR in J, all without my permission. I was thinking to move into the JFK route. If I credited the CX flight in BA/Asiamiles/QF/AS, would I be able to get ORC for the original segments? IIRC, the answer is no, coz they are the partners. However, I remembered I saw some FTers mentioning the ORC could be done for AA even when the rebooked segments are the partners flight.
Any input would be appreciated.
Any input would be appreciated.
You are entitled to, and should request, the difference between mileage earned on your original and revised itineraries. That would definitely include the ~1500 mile RDM difference plus differences in any COS bonuses (not sure what those are, if any). Sounds like a win-win to me.