One World status denied when not direct booking with BA
Apr 24, 2019, 12:22 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: TUS, SEA, OTP, OMR
Posts: 868
One World status denied when not direct booking with BA
I booked a BA ticket with Priceline, for travel tomorrow. It's a "normal" coach ticket, as far as I can tell (S bucket, and wasn't particularly cheap).
When I went to online check-in I was unable to add my AAdvantage number (which I certainly want to for Lounge access, bags, etc). The website errors out when I do that. I called BA and was told that "Well, you didn't book the flight with British airlines so you don't get to use your AAdvantage account".
I've never heard of this before. I plan to call back, but I'm curious if any other FTers have had similar issues, or ever heard of this before.
When I went to online check-in I was unable to add my AAdvantage number (which I certainly want to for Lounge access, bags, etc). The website errors out when I do that. I called BA and was told that "Well, you didn't book the flight with British airlines so you don't get to use your AAdvantage account".
I've never heard of this before. I plan to call back, but I'm curious if any other FTers have had similar issues, or ever heard of this before.
Apr 24, 2019, 12:36 am
#3
Ambassador, British Airways; FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Leeds, UK
Programs: BA GGL/CCR, GfL, HH Diamond
Posts: 42,967
One way to remove and add frequent flyer numbers is to look at your booking on the finnair MMB and do it there.
Alternatively you can ask them to do it at the check in desk.
Alternatively you can ask them to do it at the check in desk.
Apr 24, 2019, 1:12 am
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: TUS, SEA, OTP, OMR
Posts: 868
It's a BA operated flight on SJC LHR tomorrow. The finnair site worked great and updated my aadvantage number on the first try. Thanks!
Last edited by WhIteSidE; Apr 24, 2019 at 1:21 am Reason: Add outcome of using finnair site.
Apr 24, 2019, 8:12 pm
#6
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: London / Los Angeles
Programs: Hilton Diamond, IHG Diamond Ambassador, Marriott Platinum, Hyatt Globalist, BA Silver
Posts: 1,631
A classic, "I don't know the solution and can't be bothered to find out so I'm just going to guess/make up a reason and hope you go away"
May 12, 2019, 5:04 am
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: TUS, SEA, OTP, OMR
Posts: 868
Just a quick update on all of this (albeit a couple weeks late). The Finnair website route is absolute genius, and many thanks to the excellent FTers who suggested it. Unsurprisingly, when I actually got to the airport, the BA staff were friendly and helpful with seats, and even blocked a middle for me ($975 to buy up to J for a short westbound on a 787 just didn't do it for me).
As for the phone agents, I have noticed BAs phone agents seem a particularly mixed bag, in comparison to their airport agents whom I usually find very knowledgeable and helpful.
As for the phone agents, I have noticed BAs phone agents seem a particularly mixed bag, in comparison to their airport agents whom I usually find very knowledgeable and helpful.