I'm looking at a redemption flight from the USA to HKG that includes a connection at LHR. From the US to LHR would be on British Air, and then from LHR to HKG on Cathay.

It's not an ideal route, but there is availability. I'm considering booking it as a placeholder, hoping that something direct will open up in the coming months. I understand that if nothing new opens, I'll be stuck on it, but that's fine.

Changes are easy when it's only Cathay. Website, click-click, pay your fee, and done. But I'm not sure what happens when trying to make a change when it includes BA. I'm wondering if there is some hidden hassle because of the partner segment? For example, AI says that because it�s mixed-carrier, it�s agent-handled (add USD 40 per booking) + $50 Change Fee. I don't care about the extra fee, but the thought of spending hours on hold...

I understand there are other issues, and risks

• I know there could be connection issues if Cathay or BA changes the schedule. I know Cathay has no control over BA.
• I believe there are higher fees/taxes when BA is involved, but I'm hopeful something will open up, I'll switch, and they'll eventually be refunded

It's just a straight change from a USA>LHR>HKG (BA>CX) to a USA>HKG (CX only) flight. Looking to make sure I don't step in a cowpie by booking this placeholder.

You need to find an available redemption on BA - you can�t replace BA with other airline.

it might be tricky to find the availability�

I'm not looking to replace JUST the BA segment; I would replace the whole thing -- both segments -- with a direct flight.

I don�t think it would be possible.

I had a flight booked cx hkg-sfo and ba sfo-lhr. I wanted to change it to cx pek-hkg-lhr. It wasn�t possible because I needed to keep the same two carriers. They flashed me with some rules and I needed to cancel the original ticket and issue a new one. No change was possible.

Indirect-->direct - you'll be cancelling anyway https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/35886969-post5.html .

Do you have the miles to make the direct redemption? If yes you can redeem the direct, then call in to cancel the indirect later (or even see if any disruption to give them an excuse to let you cancel for free).

If you need the miles from indirect to book the direct then cancel with the agent on the line (so you can pay the fee right away) and get the agent to give you a new 24h payment link for the direct. Hopefully the miles are redeposited within the 24h.

Thanks. So basically, there is no "changing" the booking. You need to cancel and then book new (not necessarily in that order).

This helps. Thanks.