Open jaw companion voucher redepemption

[gustavo]

Hello, I booked my first open jaw LHR-GRU and on the way back GIG-LHR. I booked the first leg with my companion voucher for myself, my wife and baby. I have booked today the inbound and have tried to follow this article https://www.headforpoints.com/2024/03/21/booking-open-jaw-redemption-flight-using-avios-points-2/

Upon calling them, the advisor said merging the two bookings would have no effect in refunding avios, she said they would be kept as separate bookings, which is fine according to the article.

Is it a separate step to ask for the refund of the avios for the second flight or by merging them BA automatically refunds the avios to me? And I’m guessing it’s a case of try someone else (I called the UK number).

Thanks

NB I did use the same RFS multiplier for the avios when buying the ticket as I read somewhere it might block the merge.

[NorthernLass]

It’s not clear what you’ve actually done here. Did you not ask for the 50% avios refund when you spoke to BA after booking your inbound leg?

As noted, you will retain 2 separate PNRs, so there’s no point in asking for any merging or linking of bookings – in fact this has caused issues for other readers, which may be the case here as well.

[gustavo]

Thanks @NorthernLass I have asked for a merge and a refund of the avios. I didn’t proceed with that as the call cut off. Should I just ask for a refund of the avios?

[BA Flyer IHG Stayer]

You will have two separate bookings

You specifically need to ask for the 50% of the avios to be refunded for the inbound flight.

[NorthernLass]

Have you now logged back into your BAEC to check if the avios have been refunded? The agent may have gone ahead with that, but if nothing appears in the next 24 hours, you’ll need to call back and just ask for the avios.

This is what you needed to read re specifically the return sector.

https://www.headforpoints.com/forums/topic/booking-return-leg-with-companion-voucher/

[gustavo]

Thank you @BA Flyer IHG Stayer and @NorthernLass for the post. I just called them again and asked specifically for the refund of the avios rather than merging the two bookings and it’s been credited to my account. Appreciate your help.