Definition of a Segment
 

Hey guys,

I apologize if this has been discussed before, but I was not able to find anything with a search. I've been away for awhile with a new job that didn't require travel - but I'm gearing back up into the elite level and sadly achieving it with segments over miles.

I know the standard definition of a segment (DCA-ATL ATL-MDW MDW-ATL ATL - DCA is 4 segments), but what I become less clear on is what happens when there is a stop but no change of metal.

I'm flying DCA-SEA-JNU in a couple weeks, but on the SEA-JNU leg the plane stops in KTN and SIT (This is of course on Alaska Airlines). I'm curious if this will only count as 3 segments, or if it will count as 5.

Thanks in advance for chiming in!

Same flight # = 1 segment.

Yup. If it is a continuation of flight number then it is one segment. In the case of the OP, it will be 3 segments not the 5.

NB: a through flight number does not mean the same plane will be used. More often than not a through flight will be a change of equipment which means upgrades are harder, seat assignments are harder etc.

Not only a different plane, sometimes even a different gauge. Seem to remember there's an LHR-DTW-LAX that's the same flight number, yet 767 on the first flight and an A320 on the second. Yet by flight number rules, it's one segment...

Am I missing something? DCA-SEA-JNU is only 2 segments, no?