Validity Of Routings - How to tell?
 

Are all routings given in the StarAlliance electronic timetable valid?

I'm looking at making a reward redemption later this year. When I plug in the origin and destination countries on the StarAlliance Website (7 day search) the routing I want is given as occuring on certain days of the week and this indicates to me it is valid. It also occurs in the StarAlliance electronic timetable.

If I use the StarAlliance Round The World Mileage Calculator (which I've just updated) and use the same details - airports, dates, "any time of day", etc., the routing does not appear, but rather "No Flights Found" is displayed.

Is this simply the case that RTW MC isn't as up-to-date or does it contain extra RTW restrictions?

If a routing is valid I expect to have a stronger leg to stand on in obtaining a miles redemption for it, or at least arguing my case. (I'm not looking to book a RTW fare).

Please note that I don't really want to put the routing in the public domain for the moment though as I'd like to secure a miles redemption first. I hope that isn't against the FT spirit of things.

Each FFP has its own rules about what routings are valid for award redemptions.

Some FFPs might allow some codeshares but not others, while other FFPs might not allow any (must be *A operated).

Some FFPs' awards must be most direct route possible, others allow any routing up to a maximum mileage (for the origin/destination pair), some require no transit through third zone, etc.

The electronic timetable and RTWMC tool wont help you with the award rules (presumably for a BD Diamond Club redemption). However they will help show what routings exist.

Hope this helps.