Oneworld separate ticket interline changes

[defurax]

Until this year AA would have protected a QF/AA misconnect even on separate PNR'S.

When did that change? The AA travel agent website still has the AA to OneWorld protection policy when I last checked. (https://ssc.aa.com/prmportal_enu/AgencyReferenceFiles/Booking and Ticketing Index.pdf)

 

[codash1099]

When did that change? The AA travel agent website still has the AA to OneWorld protection policy when I last checked. (https://ssc.aa.com/prmportal_enu/AgencyReferenceFiles/Booking and Ticketing Index.pdf)

Which is the link that got me a serve for repeating.

BTW, if things weren't repeated on this site, it would be half the size!!!

 

[defurax]

Which is the link that got me a serve for repeating.

BTW, if things weren't repeated on this site, it would be half the size!!!

I didn't mean to just re-post the link for sake of repeating, just to show that it is still there. But these are two separate issues (i.e interlining bags vs. protecting missed connections). For all I know the bag interlining on separate PNRs is over, but AA still has a policy of re-accommodating PAX on missed connections AA-Oneworld.

 

[woodborer]

I didn't mean to just re-post the link for sake of repeating, just to show that it is still there. But these are two separate issues (i.e interlining bags vs. protecting missed connections). For all I know the bag interlining on separate PNRs is over, but AA still has a policy of re-accommodating PAX on missed connections AA-Oneworld.

Correct. The latest version of the through check policy distinguishes betwee the through check issue and IRROPS assistance. See the table in the document (https://ssc.aa.com/prmportal_enu/Ag...ugh Checked Baggage with Separate Tickets.pdf)

 

[codash1099]

I didn't mean to just re-post the link for sake of repeating, just to show that it is still there. But these are two separate issues (i.e interlining bags vs. protecting missed connections). For all I know the bag interlining on separate PNRs is over, but AA still has a policy of re-accommodating PAX on missed connections AA-Oneworld.

No criticism intended.

Is it better to advise them in advance or wait until a delay becomes apparent?

 

[pagingjoan]

I have written to AA.
Will report back when - IF - I receive a response.

 

[Nickor]

Travelled to New Orleans on Wednesday and this is what happened:

PNR 1 Mrs Nickor F reward SYD-LAX QF
PNR 2 myself revenue J SYD-LAX QF (upgraded to F)
PNR 3 both of us revenue F LAX-MSY AA

At checkin I asked the agent to check our bags through to MSY. She was very apologetic but advised that from Sep 1, could no longer do it. After some friendly chit chat about the issue, she said she would go and speak to the supervisor.

Upon return, she said that there was one exception to the new rule and that was for reward tickets. As it is not always possible to book connecting flights with reward tickets (especially 353 days out), they will interline bags for the reward ticket only. So both our bags went on Mrs Nickor's PNR. Worked OK for me.

Checkin supervisor came over at the end to apologise for the delay (it took 20 minutes to checkin) and said "nobody is happy with the new policy. What is the point of the Oneworld alliance if you can't thru check bags but you can to EK?"

I agreed and she said "hopefully someone will soon see sense and the policy will be changed."

Not holding my breath but good to know the reward exception exists as I have similar arrangements booked for next January SYD-MIA.

 

[Princess Fiona]

Travelled to New Orleans on Wednesday and this is what happened:

PNR 1 Mrs Nickor F reward SYD-LAX QF
PNR 2 myself revenue J SYD-LAX QF (upgraded to F)
PNR 3 both of us revenue F LAX-MSY AA

At checkin I asked the agent to check our bags through to MSY. She was very apologetic but advised that from Sep 1, could no longer do it. After some friendly chit chat about the issue, she said she would go and speak to the supervisor.

Upon return, she said that there was one exception to the new rule and that was for reward tickets. As it is not always possible to book connecting flights with reward tickets (especially 353 days out), they will interline bags for the reward ticket only. So both our bags went on Mrs Nickor's PNR. Worked OK for me.

Checkin supervisor came over at the end to apologise for the delay (it took 20 minutes to checkin) and said "nobody is happy with the new policy. What is the point of the Oneworld alliance if you can't thru check bags but you can to EK?"

I agreed and she said "hopefully someone will soon see sense and the policy will be changed."

Not holding my breath but good to know the reward exception exists as I have similar arrangements booked for next January SYD-MIA.

This is actually a welcome relief (through checking in conjunction with Award tickets). I can see this perhaps being proactively used by me for some more complex itineraries.

 

[legroom]

Wonder if the next QF check-in supervisor would be so accomodating.

I'd certainly remember this anecdote for reference.

Travelled to New Orleans on Wednesday and this is what happened:

PNR 1 Mrs Nickor F reward SYD-LAX QF
PNR 2 myself revenue J SYD-LAX QF (upgraded to F)
PNR 3 both of us revenue F LAX-MSY AA

At checkin I asked the agent to check our bags through to MSY. She was very apologetic but advised that from Sep 1, could no longer do it. After some friendly chit chat about the issue, she said she would go and speak to the supervisor.

Upon return, she said that there was one exception to the new rule and that was for reward tickets. As it is not always possible to book connecting flights with reward tickets (especially 353 days out), they will interline bags for the reward ticket only. So both our bags went on Mrs Nickor's PNR. Worked OK for me.

Checkin supervisor came over at the end to apologise for the delay (it took 20 minutes to checkin) and said "nobody is happy with the new policy. What is the point of the Oneworld alliance if you can't thru check bags but you can to EK?"

I agreed and she said "hopefully someone will soon see sense and the policy will be changed."

Not holding my breath but good to know the reward exception exists as I have similar arrangements booked for next January SYD-MIA.

 

[Princess Fiona]

Wonder if the next QF check-in supervisor would be so accomodating.

I'd certainly remember this anecdote for reference.

It's actually in the new rules so they should know about it.
Sorry no published reference to post here but have had it confirmed from more than one source.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

No there isn't, there is no legal case here. Interlining is not and never was part of the contract when you buy a ticket.

There may be a consumer protection issue here. Through checking of bags was a stated and advertised feature of the product provided you met certain conditions. That is no longer available.

 

[CaviAck]

There may be a consumer protection issue here. Through checking of bags was a stated and advertised feature of the product provided you met certain conditions. That is no longer available.

I am playing devil's advocate here and will be extremely happy to be proven wrong but I don't think I've ever seen stated anywhere in the terms and conditions of carriage, fare rules or contract drawn when a fare is purchased that interlining of bags over multiple PNRs or tickets was guaranteed or an advertised benefit. Most if not all the times I've looked up which airlines interline with which other airlines it's just a document stating that there is currently an interline agreement with these airlines. Most if not all these documents that contain this information was intended and publisised to TAs or agents of the airline. I don't think I've seen this anywhere which can be construed as publicly displayed for advertising as part of a contract between the carrier and the pax, internal directives and policy is not public advertising.

Would you consider the "flat tire" rule or AA's OW protection as publicly advertised?

 

[codash1099]

I am playing devil's advocate here and will be extremely happy to be proven wrong but I don't think I've ever seen stated anywhere in the terms and conditions of carriage, fare rules or contract drawn when a fare is purchased that interlining of bags over multiple PNRs or tickets was guaranteed or an advertised benefit. Most if not all the times I've looked up which airlines interline with which other airlines it's just a document stating that there is currently an interline agreement with these airlines. Most if not all these documents that contain this information was intended and publisised to TAs or agents of the airline. I don't think I've seen this anywhere which can be construed as publicly displayed for advertising as part of a contract between the carrier and the pax, internal directives and policy is not public advertising.

Would you consider the "flat tire" rule or AA's OW protection as publicly advertised?

If I recall correctly, for both AA and QF it was in their help files or FAQ.

 

[pagingjoan]

If I recall correctly, for both AA and QF it was in their help files or FAQ.

QF FAQs have been updated:
https://qantas.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/6638/related/1

 

[MEL_Traveller]

I am playing devil's advocate here and will be extremely happy to be proven wrong but I don't think I've ever seen stated anywhere in the terms and conditions of carriage, fare rules or contract drawn when a fare is purchased that interlining of bags over multiple PNRs or tickets was guaranteed or an advertised benefit. Most if not all the times I've looked up which airlines interline with which other airlines it's just a document stating that there is currently an interline agreement with these airlines. Most if not all these documents that contain this information was intended and publisised to TAs or agents of the airline. I don't think I've seen this anywhere which can be construed as publicly displayed for advertising as part of a contract between the carrier and the pax, internal directives and policy is not public advertising.

Would you consider the "flat tire" rule or AA's OW protection as publicly advertised?

Through checking of baggage was on all the QF pages. It said they would through check bags between one world airlines, even on separate itineraries. Passengers who purchased their tickets with that in mind are now not getting what they purchased. This is a separate issue from the ticket itself. The ticket is just one component of your 'experience'. There's a whole bunch of other things that come with it, like frequent flyer points, lounge access, IFE and meals. Probably none of those are listed in the actual ticket itself, but they still form part of the product as sold.

If something is not supposed to be available in the public domain, for example restricted to agents, it probably isn't part of your contract with the airline. QF tries to tell us that their involuntary refund table applies because it is listed somewhere on the web. I disagree as it is not available to the general public (and therefore not relevant).

 

[serfty]

I am playing devil's advocate here and will be extremely happy to be proven wrong but I don't think I've ever seen stated anywhere in the terms and conditions of carriage, fare rules or contract drawn when a fare is purchased that interlining of bags over multiple PNRs or tickets was guaranteed or an advertised benefit. ...

It has been linked to several times here but when Qantas announced changes to their policy late 2010 after the Iceland volcano the document produced stated they would continue to through - check QF-*O & *O-*O in general.

http://www.qantas.com.au/agents/dyn/qf/policies/ReadytoFlyFAQ191010.pdf

 

[codash1099]

QF FAQs have been updated:
https://qantas.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/6638/related/1

Indeed, but that's not what they said when I first booked. (with apologies to CaviAck)

 

[codash1099]

It has been linked to several times here but when Qantas announced changes to their policy late 2010 after the Iceland volcano the document produced stated they would continue to through - check QF-*O & *O-*O in general.

http://www.qantas.com.au/agents/dyn/qf/policies/ReadytoFlyFAQ191010.pdf

It's interesting to note that, as far as I am aware, there has been no general announcement by QF of a change in policy. It was left to staff to advise customers booking in July that bags would not be checked through, but pax who had already booked would not know until they fronted up at the airport.

 

[cmon0005]

Has anyone confirmed yet whether QF's system 'enforces' the new policy or whether it is just up to staff to enforce?

I read somewhere in this thread that BA has locked down their checkin system so it is impossible to override it, but someone a couple of days ago reported that AA had a way for a supervisor to override.

 

[dfcatch]

It's actually in the new rules so they should know about it.
Sorry no published reference to post here but have had it confirmed from more than one source.

This is correct - although F check-in at SYD had no idea about it a couple of weeks ago - all they did was repeat the "you know the policy is changing" - they were surprised when I showed them the new policy - had no idea at all.

For reference, the policy states: "Are there any circumstances where customers can be through checked when holding oneworld separate PNRs?
Exemptions apply for customers travelling on oneworld separate PNRs when using a combination of award travel and revenue travel. These customers may be through checked and their baggage interlined as it is not possible to make both of these reservations in one PNR."