Changing FF Program Credit at Gate
 

Flyer wants status benefits of carrier flown, but needs to credit the miles to another program. So, change the FF program at the gate. But it seems risky, prone to human error. Do folks with experience ask the gate agent for a printout verifying the change? Any horror stories where the change wasn't made and the airlines refused to rectify?

I have done this with United/Delta switches at the gate. You should have your FF number on your boarding pass, so if you change numbers, have them print new boarding passes reflecting your FF number, this also serves as a receipt should there be any problems down the road. I've never had a problem.

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"I just wanna wish you good luck, we're all counting on you"
-Dr. Rumack

It's not always welcomed, exactly. Two days ago I was checking in with NW at MHT. Had my CO Platinum number in the system but wanted the miles on my NW WorldPerks account. The check-in agent accused me of trying to pull a "nice little scam," and took my Platinum card off behind closed doors for a couple of minutes to consult with colleagues about what to do to me.

I ended up taking the NW miles and no upgrades (I want out of OnePass THAT badly). I know others have reported NW agents helping CO elites out in this way, but you're basically at the mercy of the individual, and if they're feeling prosecutorial goodness knows what might happen.

I flew 133 K of northwest actual credit flight miles and then earned OP Plat elite status by flying 81K actual credited flight miles.

while I was building my OP status from silver to gold to PLat I would always use my NWA Plat Elite number to get elite upgrades and then switch to my OP account at the ticket counter or gate.

There is nothing illegal about this strategy. as far as I am aware it does not break any airline rules.

Good Luck!

One would think that the airlines would actually welcome this strategy. It's a pretty fair bet that for most itineraries, save maybe RJ's or very short mainline, you're not going to give up an elite upgrade to get the miles in the other program. Assume that, and they have the following choice:

1. Give you your elite perks, and then let you contribute to the liabilities of their airline

2. Give you your elite perks, and then let you contribute to the liabilities of another airline.

Why wouldn't most airlines pick #2?

Because it costs them money? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

I've done this a number of times when my travel agent had entered the frequent flyer number of the airline I'm flying, rather than the airline I wanted credited. Usually, this involved, American miles on BA, but it has also involved Delta miles on Aeromexico. I've never had any difficulty getting the agent to make the changes, but in some cases, especially involving Delta partners, the credit didn't come through and I had to go to the mail in route. Worked out in the end in every case.

I've juggled segments between NW Worldperks, KLM Flying Dutchman and CO OnePass on the same itinerary without ever having a problem with the miles posting. If an agent ever refuses to change your number, simply say thank you and call reservations who will be glad to make the switch. Then go back to the agent and ask for a replacement Boarding Pass.

If I change the program at the gate on the outbound of a round trip, will it automatically also change the program for the return flight? (and if so...could I call special member services mid-trip to switch it back for upgrade purposes?)