RTW Rule Interpretation
 

Perhaps I haven't interpreted the OWE rules correctly but it seems that the following itinerary change for N.A. is not allowed:

originally on BA: MAD-LGW-GCM
then on AA: GCM-MIA-JFK-LAX (3 sectors)
then on CX: LAX-HKG-DPS

Proposed change on AA: GCM-MIA-GCM-MIA-JFK-LAX (5 sectors BUT 2 "international arrivals" @ MIA).

As the GCM-MIA-GCM-MIA segments are not "intercontinental", this would appear to be acceptable as far as I can tell. AA has advised *NO* based on the "Routing" part of the RTW rules and it would be greatly appreciated if other learned members of this forum could advise!

Where does your OWE start and end? As far as I understand, the limit to the number of "international arrivals" pertain to the country of origin.

as long as you ticket origin is MAD, the change is legitimate

The fare basis is DONE3 and is ex-MAD. I have had 2 different AA RTW agents advise that the proposed change is not allowed. But from what I can gather, the 6 segments allowed for N.A. should include ALL of N.A., not just USA and Canada.

If this simple change can't get resolved soon, I will happily take my future RTW ticketing to CX.

That is fine. You can enter and leave a country as many times as you want, as long as it isn't your originating country. For example, you can go LAX-HKG-DPS-HKG-TYO-HKG-LON and never actually stop in Hong Kong. Conversely, you could stop every single time in Hong Kong, if you are so inclined.

OK, everyting be fine now. Just had to hit the right combination of agent/supervisor.

Many thanks to all for confirming this.