For frequent flyers, Original Routing Credit (ORC) is a crucial tool to ensure your miles and tier points match the journey you originally booked, even when the airline makes changes. Whether it’s a last-minute cancellation, a missed connection, or a rerouted flight, ORC ensures that your travel plans don’t cost you valuable progress toward elite status. Here’s everything you need to know about making the most of this policy.
What Is Original Routing Credit?
Original Routing Credit is a benefit offered by many airline loyalty schemes, allowing you to earn miles and status credits based on your original ticketed itinerary, not the rerouted one. This protection comes into play when airlines make involuntary changes, such as rescheduling or placing you on an alternative flight. For example, if your direct flight is cancelled and you’re rebooked on a longer, less rewarding route, ORC ensures you still receive the miles and tier points as if your original flight had gone ahead.
When and How to Claim It
ORC isn’t automatic with all airlines. You’ll often need to take proactive steps to ensure your account is credited correctly. First, keep detailed records of your travel plans, including both the original and revised itineraries, ticket numbers, and boarding passes. These are essential for supporting your claim.
After completing your journey, contact the airline’s loyalty programme directly. Most airlines have dedicated customer service teams for frequent flyers, and a concise email or phone call explaining your situation can start the process. Provide all necessary documentation and be clear about your original routing and why you’re eligible for credit.
Processing times can vary. Some airlines handle requests within days, while others may take weeks. If you don’t receive a response within 10 days, follow up to ensure your claim is progressing.
Maximising Your Benefits
Understanding how Original Routing Credit works can save you from missing out on rewards. If you’re rerouted onto a different airline, particularly one outside the original carrier’s alliance, ORC becomes even more important. Ensure your frequent flyer number is attached to the booking at all times and ask staff at the airport to confirm eligibility for your original rewards.
Being polite yet persistent is key to successful claims. If your request is denied, don’t hesitate to escalate the matter or provide additional evidence. Airlines often process these credits manually, so clarity and persistence can make all the difference.
Why It Matters
For regular travellers, Original Routing Credit ensures that unexpected changes don’t derail your progress toward earning perks like lounge access, upgrades, or priority boarding. By taking a few proactive steps, you can protect the value of your travel investment, making the inconvenience of rerouting less impactful.
With ORC, you can stay on track to achieve your travel goals, no matter the disruptions. Knowing the ins and outs of this benefit is a simple yet powerful way to get the rewards you’ve earned, even when your journey doesn’t go to plan. Take a look at our other Collecting Miles & Points tips.
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