Thanks! And I just had a very painless and productive conversation with AA ATW, so, I'm gonna bounce it off of this TA I was introduced to (probably a waste of time) and then try the mindpearl contact.

Interested in S.A. Ticket Agent
 

I wondered the same thing: whether the AA RTW desk is going to 'interfere' with an independent travel agent ticketing these. When the Canadian exception was discontinued several years ago, I, unaware, called in to have a RTW itinerary ticketed. I was YELLED at ("Mr. X, you have been told repeatedly that you can't ticket these anymore with a Canadian CC"). 1) I had NEVER been told such a thing, the first I had heard of it. 2) I had been in contact with the RTW desk several times to set up the aforementioned RTW, and it was always set up to be issued in CAD. I was shocked to be spoken to in such an unprofessional manner - I think I'm the most easy going guy in the world, and I had been dealing with them for years. As if I was raiding the chicken coop rather than adding eggs to the basket!

Ok, so, I think I have some potentially very exciting news. The S.African TA I was put in touch with seems to be all over this thing, and seems to be ready, willing and anxious for the business. I'm going to email MiamiPrep and gardyloo to look over what she just emailed me to see if they agree that we might be on the verge of a breakthrough :)

^:D May the Force be with you!
(That's a thumbs up and a grin, not me shooting myself in the head)

I think a bigger question would be if any TA could ticket once the price quote has been obtained and stored. If your S. Africa TA is able to take it over and ticket, what is to stop any other TA from taking it over?

Dunno. Might just be a matter of finding a TA who's responsive-- this one is -super- responsive. They did not actually take over the booking that AA ATW desk made, they completely rebooked it using "their GDS, Galileo/Travelport." They sent me a new record locator, showing all the flights. The record locator showed up on AA.com and the TA states "ticket will be on American Airlines"

I forwarded the emails to Gardyloo for some opinions and he had some observations, which he can certainly share if he cares to.

I'll be checking in each day with this TA and will keep all posted.

very interested so please keep me in the loop ;);)

A very positive development! Glad to hear that the TA will ticket on 001, as that should make it easy for the AA RTW desk to make changes for you.

Gardyloo found several issues with what the travel agent put together-- unexplained higher prices and excessive taxes. I've forwarded his comments to see what their explanations are.

Happy to report steady progress in working both this JNB-based TA. Gardyloo has been incredibly helpful and I'm getting very close to ticketing. She charges R750.00 as a fee and she seems to be able to get info directly from QR oneworld helpdesk.

So, if anyone here who has experience with the tickets, and has their itin 100% ready to go (I think, IMO, it really should be both-- someone who knows this stuff inside-out -and- knows -exactly- what they want at this point, for the first attempt(s)) PM me if you want to give her a shot-- I'm increasingly confident that she can be a very good resource. Also be 100% ready to ticket. She only works till 2pm JNB time, so, most times, and question you email her won't have an answer till the next morning-- but like clockwork in that regard.

One other thought; if anyone is interested in starting a small, private Facebook discussion group to specifically discuss this TA (or maybe getting ex-S.Africa tix ticketed generally,) let me know-- might be helpful to get/give immediate feedback. Just a thought.

2 questions. How is payment done, via credit card or wire transfer? How will itinerary changes be handled after the 1st flight, via the TA or via the pertinent airline?

Excellent news, Jon! Since the TA will plate on AA, using an AA-affiliated CC should earn the extra AA bonus miles (assuming the charge shows up as "American Airlines").

Unfortunately, I have to amend.

Whereas originally this TA said ticket would be plated on AA, she now states it will be plated by carrier w/ first international segment-- so QR in my case. She seems to get quick and authoritative answers from QR help desk on each and every question, but, I know some folks will be skittish about bing ticketed by QR-- event though a re-issue can obviously "fix that problem" after travel commences, etc.

Although I want to amend my ticket to AA codeshare for the DOH-LAX for twice the number of EQM, I would have no qualms about the world's 5 star airline ticketing--I'm just not sure they ever will. Sure hope so. If your TA works this magic, I'll probably sign on for another :)

Please check PM.
Did you need to resort to use "toaster-fire" technique? :D