SWISS upcoming entry into oneworld
 

Does anyone know of a more definitive date for when SWISS will join OW ? This early 2004 date is confusing to us in the middle of our RTW's. What reservation system do they use? I hope SABRE only because the AA RTW desk will be able to process these tickets rather than having to deal with BA (UGH).

You won't be able to use Swiss for an existing RTW. Only for new ones when Swiss gets added to the rules.

1 Apr 2004, as previously posted, according to LX last time I passed through Geneva.

I agree with darren. Even though LX is due to join Oneworld on April 1st, 2004, they still cannot be included on any Oneworld RTW tickets issued on or after the join date UNTIL the new RTW rules state that they are included.

But you may probably be able to start accumulating tier miles/points on LX flights from then.

But what about the situation where existing OW members have codeshares on SWISS? For example, one could use the AA flight number on a SWISS flight once SWISS is an official member. I understand that SWISS was not a member when I bought my ticket, but AA or BA were.

Look at it this way. It is a contractual arrangement based on a set of terms that existed when you bought it. Swiss wasn't a Oneworld partner when you bought it, so you can't use them at a later time. The codeshare stipulation is only one another Oneworld carrier, but that would be the carriers at the time of the contract. So you could change a codeshare from AA to LA on a LA flight (or vice versa), but you can't add airlines that were not part of the set of rules you agreed to when you bought your ticket.

However, if the full integration of LX is announced between now and when you commence youe travel - and the dates synchronise - you could re-route your ticket to use the OW-adopted LX flight numbers; you will have to pay a ticket re-issue fee though.

Normally the OWE ticket use the rule when you purchase the ticket. (that's why old OWE still have 26 segments and all the stopover restriction when they re-issue at a later date when the new rules already up).

I think the same shall apply here, when you have your ticket, it said valid on AA/BA/CX........only or codeshare by another oneworld carrier (which as defined above, in the rule.

It may worth just to ask when LX is in and do a reissue but I don't think the new rule (with LX) should applies.