Any disadvantage booking BA flight via AA?
Oct 30, 2017, 10:24 am
#17
Join Date: Sep 2013
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Oct 30, 2017, 10:41 am
#18
FlyerTalk Evangelist
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Pre-ordered meals, seat assignment, all work fine. I've never changed a booking, so can't comment on that.
Oct 30, 2017, 10:57 am
#19
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Kyiv, Ukraine
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Posts: 7,691
Hi there,
I'm planning a trip from TXL via LHR, MIA to LIM. Some of the flights are operated by BA and some by AA. I found the same routing bookable via BA and AA, but booking the flight via AA is considerably cheaper. Are there any disadvantages of booking the flight via AA instead of BA? It's important that I get the maximum tier points to reach my next status, and from what I read here this shouldn't be an issue even when booking via AA (with AA codes)? According to the Avios thread here there are some differences in how the Avios bonuses are calculated for different classes, but other than that (if I'm mainly interested in the tier points and saving money), is there any other reason I should consider booking with BA directly?
Thanks!
I'm planning a trip from TXL via LHR, MIA to LIM. Some of the flights are operated by BA and some by AA. I found the same routing bookable via BA and AA, but booking the flight via AA is considerably cheaper. Are there any disadvantages of booking the flight via AA instead of BA? It's important that I get the maximum tier points to reach my next status, and from what I read here this shouldn't be an issue even when booking via AA (with AA codes)? According to the Avios thread here there are some differences in how the Avios bonuses are calculated for different classes, but other than that (if I'm mainly interested in the tier points and saving money), is there any other reason I should consider booking with BA directly?
Thanks!
Oct 30, 2017, 1:41 pm
#20
FlyerTalk Evangelist
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But, yes, booking classes can be a minefield at all levels. Anyway, a TP Run in Y makes the OP a suitable case for counselling!
Oct 30, 2017, 3:51 pm
#22
Join Date: Jan 2015
Programs: BA GGL
Posts: 251
I had a similar question a while ago, may be of some use:
Better to book with BA or AA when travelling to and around US
Better to book with BA or AA when travelling to and around US
Oct 30, 2017, 4:33 pm
#23
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: London Stratford, E7
Programs: BAEC Gold! Thanks to FT
Posts: 3,376
Sometimes if you have an AA sector then a BA sector you can’t check in online for the latter. AA will direct you to BA and BA will direct you to AA.
I’d definitely go with AA though for the flexibility in schedule change and AA website
I’d definitely go with AA though for the flexibility in schedule change and AA website
Oct 30, 2017, 4:42 pm
#24
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: London
Programs: BA GGL & CCR, AS Gold 75k, IHG Aspire, Marriott Titanium , National Exec Elite, Amex Plat
Posts: 382
As mentioned if in J/F then AA over BA regardless of 772 or 77W. Better lounges, seat, IFE and you get WiFi, warm nuts, live TV etc.
Whenever I've booked BA / AA mixes I've ended up with a record locator for each airline although it may only be accessible when attempting to select a seat (or via My flights app). The net result is you get full access to the AA and MMB in "native" form so you can select meals, seats and other services.
The only difference I am aware of is using upgrade instruments. e.g. SWUs can't be used on AA metal booked with a BA flight number.
Whenever I've booked BA / AA mixes I've ended up with a record locator for each airline although it may only be accessible when attempting to select a seat (or via My flights app). The net result is you get full access to the AA and MMB in "native" form so you can select meals, seats and other services.
The only difference I am aware of is using upgrade instruments. e.g. SWUs can't be used on AA metal booked with a BA flight number.
Oct 30, 2017, 5:00 pm
#25
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 219
It's worth noting that AA's YQ calculation logic is different to BA's, which can sometimes lead to cheaper overall fares even on the Joint Business routes. To achieve this you normally need to have the start and end of your ticket in different countries, but if booking ex-EU that's easily achieved.
Oct 31, 2017, 2:28 am
#26
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2017
Posts: 2
Thanks everyone for the replies (and for the warm welcome to the forum), this has been really helpful. Yes, I was indeed asking about business tickets and AA's fare for the exact same route was just 70% of BA's price. But based on your advice I found alternative flights on AA metal from LHR to MIA for (the original flight had this leg on BA metal) pretty much the same low price, so I booked this.
Thanks again!
Thanks again!
Oct 31, 2017, 3:07 am
#27
Join Date: Dec 2015
Programs: BAEC Blue
Posts: 247
For me, this is a really important consideration. I’ve talked myself into BA over AA in the past on the EU duty of care aspect alone. (Something to do with reading the famous eightblack JFK snowstorm trip report no doubt (sorry, I don’t have the link to hand)).
Oct 31, 2017, 4:28 am
#28
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Munich, Algarve, Sussex or S.F Bay Area
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Posts: 4,163
While understanding the BA over AA argument for EU261 on eastbound TATL I have on a couple of occasions benefitted from AA‘s more flexible approach to IRROPS which for me outweighs the compensation. I‘d rather get there earlier of better than fighting for then receiving compensation for being told to wait another day.
Oct 31, 2017, 6:34 am
#29
Join Date: Jul 2014
Programs: Flying Blue Petroleum, BA Exec Club
Posts: 111
I've booked mixed BA/AA travel with both airlines, and with OTAs. All TPs have credited as expected, which is the OPs concern ... as it was mine!
I know Avios earning is sometimes less on AA, but that doesn't concern me greatly so I've never bothered to count them.
I do agree that AA's systems are generally more customer-friendly than BA's, whether involving minor rescheduling or more significant aspects such as a flight cancellation. OLCI is easier, and dynamic baggage tracking exists on the AA App. I'll leave the comparison there.
I know Avios earning is sometimes less on AA, but that doesn't concern me greatly so I've never bothered to count them.
I do agree that AA's systems are generally more customer-friendly than BA's, whether involving minor rescheduling or more significant aspects such as a flight cancellation. OLCI is easier, and dynamic baggage tracking exists on the AA App. I'll leave the comparison there.
Also, great for me when flying out last October when Hurricane Matthew resulted in flights being cancelled and their willingness to re-route.
Oct 31, 2017, 7:06 am
#30
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: London
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 1,683
Better seat is subjective, it's a different seat.