Any benefit to linking rewards bookings?

[Princess Pia]

I have an upcoming itinerary MEL-LAX-AEP/EZE-MIA-LAX and then LAX-MEL on a seperate pnr. The original itinerary was back to MEL (via SYD), but then some PE seats come up for LAX-MEL. I tried getting the call centre to remove the LAX-SYD-MEL and replace with LAX-MEL in premium but I was told they couldn’t ( I also HUACA a couple of times but still no luck). This meant I ended up cancelling the original LAX-SYD-MEL and booked LAX-MEL separately.

There is an 8hr stopover in LAX so hoping that will accommodate any delays but just wondering if there is any benefit in getting them to link the itineraries? All booked with Qantas points, EZE-MIA-LAX is with AA and then LAX-MEL is with QF.

 

[sudoer]

just wondering if there is any benefit in getting them to link the itineraries?

I could be wrong, but I didn't think you could "link" consecutive itineraries like that - they need to be in the one PNR to be "linked".

You can link PNRs when two (or more) travellers have individual bookings on the same flights. Qantas will try and keep the "total complete party" together in the event of cancellation or other IRROPS. It can also offer a slightly more streamlined check-in, and confer some status benefits across bookings (esp preferred seating)

 

[Princess Pia]

I know they can’t be linked in terms of protection if the incoming flight is delayed. Maybe there’s another term? More about making QF aware of the previous booking in case of delays, getting luggage checked through (although don’t think can do that anyway as we need to collect luggage when arriving at MIA) etc.

 

[Port Power]

I know they can’t be linked in terms of protection if the incoming flight is delayed. Maybe there’s another term? More about making QF aware of the previous booking in case of delays, getting luggage checked through (although don’t think can do that anyway as we need to collect luggage when arriving at MIA) etc.

I’m assuming what you really want is for luggage to go through to MEL rather than have to collect in LAX? That way you can go straight to a lounge rather than sit with your luggage for three hours until check in opens. I really hope there is a work around for you.

Perhaps when you check in at MIA you can also check in for the next flight from LAX and the staff can tag your bags through? Definitely worth asking at MIA.

 

[sudoer]

More about making QF aware of the previous booking in case of delays

But..

they can’t be linked in terms of protection if the incoming flight is delayed

Unprotected is unprotected - Qantas "being aware" is not going to change anything.

Oneworld/AA operates a significant Global Travel Support team at LAX and they will know you are connecting even on separate PNRs. They can (and do) meet people at the gate to escort to their connection if it's tight. If things are looking tight before you leave MIA you could ask at a service desk whether an escort/buggy could be requested at LAX. Holding OWE and/or flying J/F is going to help substantially when making that request.

getting luggage checked through (although don’t think can do that anyway as we need to collect luggage when arriving at MIA) etc.

You're correct in needing to pick up bags and recheck after clearing customs at MIA, but that aside, AA won't check through your bags at LAX on separate PNRs (see question 3 in link below for AA to OW). You need them in the one PNR for this.

https://saleslink.aa.com/en-US/resources/html/through-checked-bag-policy.html

 

[MEL_Traveller]

I could be wrong, but I didn't think you could "link" consecutive itineraries like that - they need to be in the one PNR to be "linked".

You can link PNRs when two (or more) travellers have individual bookings on the same flights. Qantas will try and keep the "total complete party" together in the event of cancellation or other IRROPS. It can also offer a slightly more streamlined check-in, and confer some status benefits across bookings (esp preferred seating)

I believe they can link them, for a single passenger with multiple PNRs.

They will do this at check-in to enable through checking of bags and issue onward boarding passes (provided the airlines are willing to do this, not all airlines will these days).

AFAIK ‘linking’ is not much more than putting the subsequent or alternative PNRs into the notes field of the reservations. There’s no flashing red light or anything. The agent may not even see it unless it’s pointed out to them. Which is why it’s just as easy to do it at the airport check-in counter.

From another thread here on AFF i think someone said that if check-in links the bookings and through checks bags, it then becomes a ‘connecting flight’, with some of the protections that come with that.

 

[sudoer]

(provided the airlines are willing to do this, not all airlines will these days).

That's the issue - AA (operating carrier of the first PNR) explicitly says they will not do it in the link I posted above.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

That's the issue - AA (operating carrier of the first PNR) explicitly says they will not do it in the link I posted above.

Yes, it does appear AA is rather strict on it I guess they lose less money doing it that way than actually providing a service to passengers.