I assume you mean 200%, since even full J on AC earns only 200% RDM (300% PQM). But yes, of course there could be cases where distance is greater than spend. But I consider a $1,600 J TPAC ticket to not be the ‘norm’.

I assume he meant 300%, as all business fare classes earn 200% RDMs on AC (non-016 ticket) and they also credit the 100% 1K bonus.

Ah forgot about the 100% 1K bonus since it isn’t mentioned on the AC earning page. Must be buried somewhere else.

Airlines that give the elite bonus now just have a link near the top of the page that says "Earning Premier Bonus Award Miles." It's very easy to miss.

yep, 300% as in 200%+100%.

If you want to book on 016, and only UA codeshares are there, you can either try calling UA and seeing if an agent can book directly on the LH numbers. Or what I’ve done in the past is just book on UA.com, and call in within 24 hours - an agent should be able to change it to the LH number without any issues.

Certainly. Native flight numbers are easier, but getting them on an 016 ticket is easiest! (May be difficult to get though.)

I have a question - apologies if this is in the wrong place.

I'm a 1k, and looking to book a flight from IAH --> LHR next year. UA is priced around $1300 for W Fare (want to apply a GPU) after taxes.

However, when I search Kayak I see London flights through Lufthansa, "Operated by UA", for about $900 after taxes. It's unclear to me what exactly this means for getting UA benefits, applying a GPU, getting PQM, etc. If this is operated by UA, but sold through Lufthansa, what does that mean for someone who flies mainly with UA and will be using my UA account?

As a side note... those taxes / fees to UK are insane!

Your UA benefits are the same if on UA ticket stock or LH ticket stock for UA operated flights. However, what is the fare class for the UA flight when booked via LH?

The only issue I've had with UA flights on a LH ticket was last year. I applied a RPU to a domestic UA segment which cleared but I wasn't able to check in online with UA which was the initial flight. I called and it took 35 minutes for the agent to do the check in. He said it had to do with the RPU being used on an LH ticket.

Good question, not entirely sure. But that is something I can figure out - the rest you answered. Thanks!

Star Alliance Carrier: When does it make sense to book on ua.com vs operating carrier
 

Just as the title states: tell me if I'm missing something. I'm 1K with an overseas address so I don't have to meet spend. Why would I be inclined to book a Star Alliance carrier on UA.com vs the operating carrier's website? I'm inclined to book on Asiana's website because I can select my own seat at booking and it's better to book with the operating carrier in case of IRROPS. Tickets are exact same price on UA vs OZ. PQM is the same for both: 100%.

What am I missing?

If you are PQD exempt, the only difference is going to be your RDM earnings. If you book on UA, it will be based on the fare, and if you book with a partner it will be a multiple of the distance. Generally speaking, deep discount fares are better plated on partner stock, and expensive fares do better on UA stock.

Oh - so if my fare is $2k, $2k*11 is 22,000 award miles vs the 11,000 I would get if I booked OZ. I spaced on that one.

In case of IRROPS does OZ have to rebook me or UA if I book on UA.com?

Right. Asiana is particularly harsh in that you only earn 1.0 to 1.25x the distance flying in Business. A JV partner like NH earns between 2.5x and 4.0x the distance as a 1K.

In the case of day-of IRROPS, it's up to the carrier with the irregular operations to rebook you, regardless of ticket stock. They will tend to do so preferentially in their own metal, but can rebook you on any carrier with which they have an interline agreement. The ticketing carrier may also help you, but that is a courtesy only and not guaranteed.