Dear Alex,
I am a silver member of Krisflyer, Singapore Airlines’ (SIA) loyalty scheme. Last March I flew business class between Indonesia and Brazil via Singapore and Frankfurt with SIA and Lufthansa.
When I checked in for my return flight LH9829 between Sao Paulo and Frankfurt, I was surprised to find the Lufthansa code changed to one of TAM’s [a Brazilian airline that is now a Star Alliance member]. However, the agent assured me I would get my points and so my Krisflyer details were entered in the system.
I now learn I will get no points for this sector. When I complain, all I’m told is: “Sorry, that’s the way it is.” Can you help?
Emmo Italiaander, Jakarta
Alex replies:
Frequent flyer programme consultant Ravindra Bhagwanani at Global Flight explains: “TAM did not officially join Star Alliance [of which SIA is a member] until May. So that is why you did not receive the 10,000 miles you thought you were entitled to.”
Had you taken a Lufthansa rather than TAM-operated flight on this route then you would have received your miles. That is because last March, both Lufthansa and SIA were Star Alliance members. On the other hand, you would have wasted a big chunk of your working day. The Lufthansa flight departs Sao Paulo at 1905, whereas TAM leaves at 2245. As you were making a TAM connection from Salvador, you would have had to leave much earlier. So taking Lufthansa would have involved a departure from Salvador at lunchtime, rather than late afternoon had you been taking TAM.
Unfortunately, codeshare flights continue to trap the unwary. To avoid such glitches, do not rely solely on the airline code to inform you – always check to see which carrier is operating a particular flight.
