TAM Discounted Business Class - booking code "P" - UA Operated Flight
 

TAM codeshares on UA operated flights ex-IAD/ORD to GRU. TAM offers a capacity controlled discounted (though otherwise unrestricted) fare that books into "P" class. TAM "P" class is discounted business class.

Does TAM "P" class equate to UA "D" or UA "Z" for crediting into Mileage Plus or other Star Alliance programs?

Star Alliance programs all seem to operate under the rule that the operating airline is controlling for mileage purposes. If on a paid fare on a Star Alliance operated flight, then credit the miles to any Star Alliance program.

TAM is not yet a full *A member. I have recently flown the IAD-GIG seasonal route on a TAM ticket, but in E+, not C. I just make sure that UA has my MP No. when checking in, and the miles are credited, both EQM and RDM. According to the info in the chart on .bomb, P would earn 125%.
http://www.united.com/page/article/0,6722,52289,00.html
but note the asterisk and fine print: As of July 1, 2008, all travel on TAM credited to the Mileage Plus program accrues actual miles, with no minimum.

My guess is Z, but I don't know for sure. I suggest you call UA and ask them..and then post the results here. If it's D you can upgrade to NF at the airport on the day of the flight!

Did call. UA agent said P. I tried to explain I wanted the underlying United booking class, but the agent just told me "P" (the TAM booking class). I then asked her why I was seated in row 7. No response.

The way Mileage Plus credits TAM-operated flights in P class is not quite relevant to the way the Mileage Plus credits UA-operated flights booked under the TAM-flight number. Newbies like yourself often miss the nuance of program rules.

Yeah that agent didn't know. P class on UA is first class... you should have asked to be moved up to row 1.

Granted, anyone can miss nuances in rules, we see plenty of questions and threads about things like that on FT. What are your parameters for "Newbie"? Curious since I am a 1K and have been flying IAD-GIG monthly for over a year on both UA and TAM tickets in E+ and C. Perhaps because I didn't have a specific answer to your "D" or "Z" questions? Just trying to help out, didn't know you were an "Oldie":D

I believe the only was is to make the booking and call UA. If this is refundable, no big deal, otherwise I think you're out of luck.