Questions and Answers

Hello OMAAT team!

I will be flying business class from SFO to Rome next week with a stopover in Chicago. The ticket was booked through British Airways, however all flights will be operated by American Airlines. Unfortunately the transatlantic flight from Chicago to Rome will be operated by AA’s old three class 777 with angle flat seats in Business. I was hoping that AA would switch to a refurbished two class 777 but that does not seem to be the case. 🙁

I did some research and found that AA has a 787 flight from Chicago to LHR that would enable me to connect to FCO on BA via same day change, however I am
Not sure who I need to call, AA or BA? My understanding is that BA is responsible for changes before departure and that the operating carrier (AA) takes over once I show up to the airport. Should I call BA or AA 24 hrs before departure and request a same day change or should I just show up at the AA counter in SFO and request the change? If you think there is another way to do this please do not hesitate to let me know! Thank you so much for all the things you guys do! 🙂

John, the day before I’d definitely call BA. However, any changes you initiate would be subject to BA’s change policies and differences in fare. I’m not sure exactly when the transition happens but on the day of travel AA should have control of the ticket and you’d have to talk to them. Again, they’re not likely to change you and add an extra stop unless you pay for that option or some sort of IRROPs happen.

I cant seem to find anything from BA but for AA’s same day flight changes, policies are here: [URL]https://www.aa.com/i18n/plan-travel/extras/same-day-travel.jsp[/URL]

Based on how it’s written, it seems that same day flight changes for BA issued tickets for travel on AA wouldnt be allowed since its not marketed [I]and[/I] operated by AA.

That being said, [USER=79]@Gaurav[/USER]’s advice is still great. Just keep in mind that AA isnt supposed to make or honor any such changes, based on the policy.

Agreed with everything said above, I would just add that I’d recommend asking the lounge agent at SFO and not the gate agent. You may have better luck there.

I had a somewhat similar situation in London last year, I was flying (paid) business class, ticketed through BA but operated by AA, to JFK. I arrived in London early and asked about hopping on an earlier flight (still AA), simply to get home earlier. There was space available, but they wanted to charge me $300 for the change. I skipped it at that price, but a few hundred dollars may be worth it for you to have a lie-flat rather than an angle-flat.