MidwestEngineer
May 13, 12, 10:17 am
I am a UA global services/ million miler. I wanted to book a round the world FIRST CLASS ticket. Calling global services 800 number, I was transferred to their "around the world desk." I found myself on hold for awhile (>15 minutes), then hung up as another call came in. A few days later, I did the same thing. After 20 minutes on hold, I called back to GS, and got a very helpful agent. She told me that GS agents were no longer allowed to book RTW tickets, and that she got her hand slapped a couple weeks earlier trying to be helpful. She first helped me review flight options, and then proceeded to transfer me to the round the world desk. She came back on the phone and informed me that there would be an estimated 30 minute hold time, as there were only two agents manning that desk. She hoped that in the near future they'd let GS agents once again handle these matters. http://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.flyertalk.com/get/forum/images/smilies/rolleyes.gif
Now the helpful part: Given all the computer problems United is having, my wife told me to book through Lufthansa. So I called their regular old 800 number in the US (1-800-645-3880). Note this is not a Star Gold or premium number, just the regular one. I was on hold maybe a minute. http://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.flyertalk.com/get/forum/images/smilies/biggrin.gif A dull but efficient Agent quickly booked my RTW ticket, I got an e-mail notifying me it had been priced, and when I called for the price (same number), I was again on hold maybe a minute. Not only that, but Lufthansa was able to get me seat assignments on ALL segments: UA, LH, SG, SA (whereas United can't). German efficiency at its finest! http://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.flyertalk.com/get/forum/images/smilies/wink.gif
Now the helpful part: Given all the computer problems United is having, my wife told me to book through Lufthansa. So I called their regular old 800 number in the US (1-800-645-3880). Note this is not a Star Gold or premium number, just the regular one. I was on hold maybe a minute. http://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.flyertalk.com/get/forum/images/smilies/biggrin.gif A dull but efficient Agent quickly booked my RTW ticket, I got an e-mail notifying me it had been priced, and when I called for the price (same number), I was again on hold maybe a minute. Not only that, but Lufthansa was able to get me seat assignments on ALL segments: UA, LH, SG, SA (whereas United can't). German efficiency at its finest! http://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.flyertalk.com/get/forum/images/smilies/wink.gif