My poor, addled brain is about to give up on formulating a OWE fare. I thought I followed all the rules, but my TA has been informed by BA that it doesn't meet the rules. I have about a week to rework this before my TA is back in town and I have no idea what the problem is. Any of you folks see what the issue could be?

BOS-MIA-MVD (STOPOVER)
MVD-SCL (STOPOVER)
SCL-GRU (STOPOVER)
GRU-SCL-LAX-HKG-LHR-NAIROBI (STOPOVER, PHEW, FINALLY!)
(NBO-ENTEBBE/KAMPALA via SIDE-TICKET)
EBB-LHR-BOS

I thought this was simple enough and the two intercontinental arrivals/departures in both the US and LHR fit the requirements in each case, as they're connecting directly to onward out-of-continent flights.

I'd greatly appreciate any insight, as always.

OW Devotee:

Has your TA called BA to find out what their problem is?

I really dont think BA has the OWE rules straight.

Your itinerary does qualify as long as you stay less than 24hrs in LAX on your SCL-LAX run and continue to HKG. On your return from EBB you are going directly to NA/BOS and therefore you qualify there as well.

Tell your TA to send the rate quote over to CX. They usually know better.

Does your TA have Sabre? The entry for the up-to-date fare rules is N*/OW EXPLORER.

If you need more help email me directly...I do these RTW's constantly.

call 1-800-247-3247 (AA RTW desk)
to make a reservation.
then have your TA issue the ticket.

the only catch is some of them would refuse to do it if u fly BA over the water.
u sd then not specific the airline but insist of schedule to pick the flights you want

I can't find the exact rule right now (usually happens when you're looking for something, huh?), but I seem to remember seeing something about open jaws in some of the continents being allowed only within the same country. If that applies to Africa your surface segment NBO-EBB would violate the rule.

Just checked the rules again....there is no prohibition against an open jaw in Africa. "Travel must be in a continuous forward direction between Area 1/Area 2/Area 3. Backtracking within a continent is permitted......" "Intermediate surface sectors permitted as passenger's own expense."

Hope this helps.

The itinerary as posted is valid. Have you checked to make sure you're not on any illegal code-shares?

Thank you all for your input and advice.

My TA was not given a reason by BA for declining the OWE fare - it was suggested that perhaps they were being obstructionist as I elected to fly AA LHR-BOS, rather than BA. I find that hard to believe.

All the flights are operated by AA/BA/CX/LA - there are no code shares involved. I think I'll take the advice of bouncing it over to Cathay and see what happens.

Again, thank you all for your help!

it would be quite simple if call AA RTW desk 800-247-3247 to make the booking and have the fare approved. then your TA can issue it.

best way to make such booking is to call, then fax your itin, and ask them to call back to confirm