BMI codeshare flight - to book or not
 

Hi All,
I wanted to get opinions on this topic.

I am looking to book some tickets to Dublin coming up this fall. It is a real challenge getting non-stops so I am looking at doing a connection through LHR on BMI to PMCO to EWR.

Since BMI is working through being acquired by BA, what will happen to my ticket if it is booked under the CO or UA code. Is it the responsibility of UA/CO to rebook me if that flight is no longer offered?

I am not sure what procedures would be in place. I am guessing that BA would honor the ticket?!?

thanks

Why not just fly direct on the CO daily flight.

Since you are asking about a codeshare, will assume it is a paid (not award) ticket. Once ticketted, if the codeshare disappears, the flight number might change but there should not be any other issue.

My experience with this (with FM and SN) is that the airline changing alliances (BD in this case) honors its obligations to the old alliance for a period, including code sharing agreements, partner award tickets, etc.

Often it is possible to book on the UA flight number to LHR and then on the BD flight number (not a codeshare) onward - this doesn't always appear on the website, but should be bookable with an agent (if the fare rule allows it, which they often do) - which would hedge against codeshare problems by (I think) simply relying on the interline agreement, which is not likely to change.

A quick check shows that the lowest midweek fare in October 2012 EWR-DUB is a W fare (WKX6NCE) which has lots of allowed routing, but specifically allows EWR-UA/LH/CO/AC-MAN/LON-UA/BD-DUB, so you can definitely book an actual BD flight number.

The larger potential problem would be if BD drops the flight to DUB, in which case UA will need to find you an alternative. If they do, I might suggest EWR-CPH-DUB or similar, or US via PHL? That said, it is unlikely that they'd get to that point by Q3/Q4 2012.

It might help to better understand if this is a revenue or award booking and what problems you're having with the EWR-DUB nonstop flight.

Personally I think it would be safer to book the flight with the UA/CO code, rather than the BD code. By then it is likely that BD will be owned by BA. It is BA's stated intention to use BD's LHR slots to increase intercontinental flying, which means that they will be reducing European usage of slots. BA does not fly to DUB from LHR, so, should BA drop the BD route, you may have problems getting BA to rebook you on EI, which is your only viable alternative.

Conversely, if it's a UA number, there are a plethora of alternative routings which can be offered - and you have a stronger relationship with UA in the first instance.

Having said all of that, it is unlikely that BA will have made significant changes to the BD operation by then. Also, BA will inherit BD's short-haul fleet so it's unlikely that they will be in a position to change to long-haul flying overnight.

Since the ticket would be on UA stock on a UA fare basis, I don't think BA would ever come into the picture as far as rebooking - I think that if a segment that is part of a UA fare on a UA ticket falls off/is cancelled, UA has to reaccommodate or refund the ticket. Not clear in either case whether UA would put you on an EI flight or if they'd reroute you according to the fare rules.

Or...am I wrong about all of this? ;)

I am flight on BMI but UA booked it as an LH codeshare instead of booking it as a straight BMI flight eventhough I am flying on BMI metal:confused:

It's all about the bonus miles
 

After flying BMI serveral times, to avoid a half day layover in FRA, here's my impression. BMI have very nice well appointed and very British appointments. There cabin crew if very attentive and easy on the eyes. For the relative short flight to DUB, is my not be worth the hassle. If you fly CO, you will be walking FOREVER to catch a loser cruiser (bus) to T1. If you fly on UA, you are still walking for awhile to recheck through security (very basic) to walk to the other end of T1 to their lounge and gates. The shopping is OK, they have a well stocked HMV and you will be a small quick flight.

Biggest issue is the, though they are currently owned by Lufthansa, you don't get the same benifits, ie. no 500 mile min and NO bonus miles. So unless you need to go to LHR, I would go direct.

I would also advise to consider nonstops. A layover with terminal change in LHR is a strong negative in my book (I have to do them occasionally, and 3 out of the last 4 experiences were really bad, including delayed luggage).

I had a bit of trouble getting United.com to book the BD flight number (as it was substantially cheaper than a UA or LH flight number presented by United.com) for my LHR-DUB segment. I wound up calling in and the agent had no problem booking a specific flight.