confused with airlines

[Dznypal]

Im looking into flights for our british isles cruise in sept and Im really confused
I went to biritsh air and it says operated by american airlines--so does this mean well actually be flying with american airlines

british is also twice the amount from when I went to american airlines why would there be such a price differnce if its run by american

with british economy fare you have to pay for bag and seat if you want to pick your seat then they have another economy for a little more $ but you get free seat 24 hr beforeand one checked bag
then they have premium economy which is around 400$ more then the premium upgrade but you do get a few more things like more legroom wider seats usually we like to upgrade on the way home it also mentions intimate cabin attentive service

so then I go to american and they offer basic economy which is basically you get a seat then for 375$PP extra you get to pick your seat and one free bag

so what Im confused mostly about is which airlines will be on if I book on british airlines does that mean well be on a british airlines plane even though it says operated by american
and on british they have there premium fare which is different then americans for the same flight

could someone please explain this to me
since covid things with travel sure arent the same--I used to just look around and book what sounded the best now it seems all different

thanks all

 

[Ross Kratter]

The BA flight is a codeshare, operated by AA (an AA flight that BA contracts with them to sell some seats on). You’re better off booking with AA so as to not run into any hiccups, especially if it’s a better deal.

 

[Jangles]

BA and AA have an alliance so that they can offer more flights and routes. If it says ‘operated by AA’ it will be an AA aircraft. I would book whichever is cheapest and easiest for you to contact if you may need to make any changes.

 

[chicagodisneyguy]

I personally wouldn't book a codeshare unless absolutely necessary. If there's a schedule change or issue with your AA flight, and you book with BA, AA won't help (unless day of irrops). I'm in the camp of always booking directly with whatever travel provider you are looking at....whether car/hotel/air. If things go right they go right. It's when they go wrong that booking direct will pay dividends.

 

[sam_gordon]

https://www.disboards.com/threads/so-confusing-looking-at-flights-from-chicago-to-london.3915192/

 

[Lewisc]

https://www.disboards.com/threads/so-confusing-looking-at-flights-from-chicago-to-london.3915192/

There are some people who should book air through a TA, maybe even B&M and pay a service fee.

Many cruise lines offer air. If available OP should consider the option.

 

[LAX]

I personally wouldn't book a codeshare unless absolutely necessary. If there's a schedule change or issue with your AA flight, and you book with BA, AA won't help (unless day of irrops). I'm in the camp of always booking directly with whatever travel provider you are looking at....whether car/hotel/air. If things go right they go right. It's when they go wrong that booking direct will pay dividends.

While I agree with the principle, sometimes codeshares are cheaper. Then, it becomes a matter of whether it's worth the potential headache. One thing I absolutely will never do again is book flights through a third party, especially online travel agencies. I had a nightmare experience back at the beginning of the pandemic trying to cancel a flight.

LAX