I agree with rkkwan that for most of us non-frequent flyers (meaning 3 to 6 trips a year versus a month), we would never think to try to find what matches what in advance. If nothing else this has been an education for me for future code share flights. While I look at flyertalk once in a while, again being a casual flyer I confess some of the jargon and topics zing past me. One reason I appreciate this forum in Fodor's.

So we'll see what happens after 30 days. Thanks to all for the input, comments, and education.

patandhank - You have my sympathy! Something similar actually happened to me a few years ago.

Their webpages definitely are not transparent about this. It does say that the code is determined by the operating carrier - but people have to think through what that means and what to do. It could/should tell you to contact the operator for the fare codes, but I am not sure United really wants to do that. I did do this once but it turned out that both carrier's codes had the same mileage credit rate.

They could say that "the codes in the table are the operator's codes and they match codes on tix issued by the other carrier but do not necessarily match the codes on tix issued by United". The could add: "contact the operating carrier to determine the code to use for determining mileage credit in the table." Maybe something like that would confuse fewer people.

UA could make one table for the partner's codes and a second table that shows the corresponding UA codes. "If your ticket was issued by XX use this table, if issued by UA use that table." It assume that this would cost UA to maintain those tables. Maybe then fewer people would be confused.

Well I told everyone I would get back with you and let you know the outcome. Nope - didn't get the miles. After two disputes (both by us and our friends), Swiss Air still denied us the milage and United wouldn't budge.

So now before I hit that purchase button, I double check to make sure it's a qualifying fare.

Milage run here I come