Which airline to book through? Benefits or no difference?
Dec 29, 2019, 4:09 am
#1
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Which airline to book through? Benefits or no difference?
I’m pricing up an ex-EU hop across the Atlantic and the best option is coming up as all segments on American metal (though some have BA code share). Google Flights says I have to call BA to book as can’t do it online (presumably because some segments don’t have BA code share).
It'll cost me £35 to book by phone I think. But then I wonder - should I just book it on AA website? In general is there any benefit or negative to booking through an airline site other than BA (which is my loyalty program)?
Thanks in advance for any insights.
It'll cost me £35 to book by phone I think. But then I wonder - should I just book it on AA website? In general is there any benefit or negative to booking through an airline site other than BA (which is my loyalty program)?
Thanks in advance for any insights.
Last edited by ConsultanSea; Dec 29, 2019 at 4:43 am
Dec 29, 2019, 5:34 am
#2
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I'd just book through AA (remembering to add in your BA number) as you're going to have to manage the flight (seats / check-in etc) via the AA app / website anyway.
Will be easier to deal with AA if there are any schedule changes etc
Will be easier to deal with AA if there are any schedule changes etc
Dec 29, 2019, 6:16 am
#4
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You'll get a higher cabin bonus on BA prefixed flights so if you want the Avios it's worth calling BA up. I've also generally found that when I've said "I tried to do this online but I can't" that the service fee gets waived if the agent knows that it's something that's not possible.
Dec 29, 2019, 6:34 am
#5
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You'll get a higher cabin bonus on BA prefixed flights so if you want the Avios it's worth calling BA up. I've also generally found that when I've said "I tried to do this online but I can't" that the service fee gets waived if the agent knows that it's something that's not possible.
Dec 29, 2019, 9:18 am
#6
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My understanding that part pay with Avios is only available online. Am happy to be corrected there though.
EDIT: Just checked the T&Cs and I was wrong https://www.britishairways.com/en-gb...ditions-of-use
Avios can be used to pay for bookings made on Ba.com or by calling a British Airways Contact Centre.
Dec 29, 2019, 9:48 am
#7
Join Date: Oct 2017
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I would also give it a go trying to price it from scratch on BA.com rather than through Google flights (using multi-city if needed).
The only other difference I can think of is that if booking into the code share in classes J, C, D, W, Y then you would be eligible for Upgrade Using Avios which you would not be booking through AA.
The only other difference I can think of is that if booking into the code share in classes J, C, D, W, Y then you would be eligible for Upgrade Using Avios which you would not be booking through AA.
Dec 29, 2019, 9:55 am
#8
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Dec 29, 2019, 12:51 pm
#10
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The % of flights that are delayed / cancelled enough to come under EU261 is actually very small in the scheme of things.
I factor things such as seat comfort and flight schedule as more important than the possibility of EU261 if I do get delayed.
Dec 29, 2019, 2:40 pm
#11
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This can go either way.
Pros of booking through AA:
Pros of booking through AA:
- Online booking possible
- If there are equipment changes between now and the flight you will be allowed to change that flights without charge (within reason, suggest you look it up elsewhere in the BA board)
- You get more avios for the same flight at no extra cost
Dec 29, 2019, 4:03 pm
#12
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2010
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Thanks for all the input. Given this is personal travel I will likely be booking into economy. Is there a difference in how I’m treated for hand baggage only fares booking BA (on AA metal) vs AA direct. I think I read somewhere there was?
In the same vein - restrictions on upgrade with Avios I guess is key as wont be possible if AA booked.
Sorry if this is basic
In the same vein - restrictions on upgrade with Avios I guess is key as wont be possible if AA booked.
Sorry if this is basic
Dec 30, 2019, 2:18 am
#14
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Dec 30, 2019, 4:03 am
#15
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Another potential pro of booking through BA is that in the event of needing original routing credit due to IRROPS etc, it’s easier when BA issues the ticket and is the marketing carrier for at least some of the flights on an all-AA metal itinerary.
I think the EC261 point is a fair one in general, and worth considering, but not relevant for the OP, since the itinerary appears to be all on AA metal regardless of who issues the ticket and/or markets the flights.
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I think the EC261 point is a fair one in general, and worth considering, but not relevant for the OP, since the itinerary appears to be all on AA metal regardless of who issues the ticket and/or markets the flights.
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