Should I book with BA or AA?

[Peko]

Originally Posted by JulesAyr

Flights show on Matrix and AA just not BA.

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The likely reason for this is that BA does not codeshare on the AA flight in question. BA codeshares on most, if not all, AA transatlantic flights, but not on all domestics or other international destinations. The BA website only shows flights which BA operates or markets as codeshare under its own flight number.

You should be able to book the flights you want via BA, but you’ll have to call to book because of the non-codeshare flight in the itinerary. Since it can’t be booked online, ask them (before making the booking) to waive any telephone booking fee.

As to which one you should book with, there isn’t really a lot of difference in this case. If no price difference, I’d probably go with BA on the basis that you’ll get (slightly) more Avios than if you booked the same flights with AA, and if more flights are with BA it’s a bit smoother for things like seat selection and OLCI (though this isn’t a big deal with AA, things work reasonably well between the systems unless the ticket is very complex).

[JulesAyr]

Originally Posted by Peko

The likely reason for this is that BA does not codeshare on the AA flight in question. BA codeshares on most, if not all, AA transatlantic flights, but not on all domestics or other international destinations. The BA website only shows flights which BA operates or markets as codeshare under its own flight number.

You should be able to book the flights you want via BA, but you’ll have to call to book because of the non-codeshare flight in the itinerary. Since it can’t be booked online, ask them (before making the booking) to waive any telephone booking fee.

As to which one you should book with, there isn’t really a lot of difference in this case. If no price difference, I’d probably go with BA on the basis that you’ll get (slightly) more Avios than if you booked the same flights with AA, and if more flights are with BA it’s a bit smoother for things like seat selection and OLCI (though this isn’t a big deal with AA, things work reasonably well between the systems unless the ticket is very complex).

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So I rang and as you said, the flight I was wanting was not a code share. They could book it for me but that meant the package went up by £200 - however with AA it stays the same price with that flight.

Thanks for everyone's advice, all booked now. For a rare occasion it didn't work out cheaper as a holiday booking but I agree with FamilyGWales that the holiday option normally saves loads.