Looking to get a Thailand airpass, and have already booked my flights from the US into Thailand on UA. Called their desk that deals with the airpasses, however, they tell me one of the segments I want is not available in Q class, which is what they need to book. I've called twice, and two agents have told me the same thing.
However, Thai is selling Q fares on their own website, and also confirmed with the Thai US phone reservation center (in LAX) that indeed, there is Q availability on the flight I'm looking at. Its BKK to USM, Dec. 18, TG 281.
Is there any reason why UA wouldn't be able to see this availability? Is it possible TG has availability that they are withholding from partners?
dsquared37
Aug 12, 12, 2:40 am
Think this is the best forum to post this on.
Looking to get a Thailand airpass, and have already booked my flights from the US into Thailand on UA. Called their desk that deals with the airpasses, however, they tell me one of the segments I want is not available in Q class, which is what they need to book. I've called twice, and two agents have told me the same thing.
However, Thai is selling Q fares on their own website, and also confirmed with the Thai US phone reservation center (in LAX) that indeed, there is Q availability on the flight I'm looking at. Its BKK to USM, Dec. 18, TG 281.
Is there any reason why UA wouldn't be able to see this availability? Is it possible TG has availability that they are withholding from partners?
If you're looking for Q and TG is showing it then I'm confused why OALs can't see it. There are only two fare class below it, W/V. It's a cheap ticket in general, but that is an odd situation.
IluvSQ
Aug 12, 12, 9:30 am
So why not book the airpass with TG, and give them the UA ticket number
for reference?
emcampbe
Aug 12, 12, 4:03 pm
So why not book the airpass with TG, and give them the UA ticket number
for reference?
When I called to ask them about this, they said based on what i wanted, it would likely be cheaper to book on the site normally. I knew from looking at it wasn't, so might just call them back and do that.
Only real reason to book through UA is because of the CC, I'd get some extra mileage, and thought it would be easier seeing as my inbound is with them. Though I suppose Thai actually may be as easy, also considering if I want to change flights/dates after my arrival, is probably easier to do it with them.
Allvest
Aug 12, 12, 5:02 pm
When I called to ask them about this, they said based on what i wanted, it would likely be cheaper to book on the site normally. I knew from looking at it wasn't, so might just call them back and do that.
Only real reason to book through UA is because of the CC, I'd get some extra mileage, and thought it would be easier seeing as my inbound is with them. Though I suppose Thai actually may be as easy, also considering if I want to change flights/dates after my arrival, is probably easier to do it with them.
I have never found the passes to be a good deal compared to the flexibility and ease of just paying domestic walk up fares or online tg bookings. You can use the cc on the TG website.
KVS
Aug 12, 12, 5:23 pm
Its BKK to USM, Dec. 18, TG 281.
Is there any reason why UA wouldn't be able to see this availability?
That flight departs quite early -- the UA Agent may need to specify a departure time in their system or it may not even show-up on their screen.
I did want to try once more, so I will specify the time, though I am pretty certain they could see the flight itself, just not the availability in the Q class needed. Unfortunately, TG only has the two flights a day, and want to get in there to take advantage of the entire day.
KVS
Aug 12, 12, 5:56 pm
I did want to try once more, so I will specify the time, though I am pretty certain they could see the flight itself, just not the availability in the Q class needed.
In that case, a Long-Sell should take care of it:
http://Help.KVSTool.com/#AgentSaysNo
emcampbe
Aug 12, 12, 5:57 pm
I have never found the passes to be a good deal compared to the flexibility and ease of just paying domestic walk up fares or online tg bookings. You can use the cc on the TG website.
Actually, the pass would have been a very good deal had the last segment back to BKK been available at the right fare - only full Y is available on the date/time I needed, and was told the flight was pretty full now (for Dec. 21st already). $88/person per segment on the pass is better than $200 +. That's what I get for coming to Thailand in high season, I guess.
Decided rather than wait to see if things got better, which given my luck, would only mean the flight would sell out, to pony up and pay the extra for a separate segment to get the extra few hours on the beach. Added an extra $7 for the two of us for a J fare vs. full Y. I realize its just an hour domestic flight, but since i don't get to sit up front much, figured why not.
For the remaining segments I need, pass is only a bit cheaper vs. purchasing separately online, but flexibility to change is better - can change date/time without a fee.
emcampbe
Aug 15, 12, 10:13 pm
So I called the UA desk again earlier this week. They confirmed they could see the specific flight I was asking about, and they read back to me the TG flight number and times. They still couldn't see the Q fare. I got the same line about how sometimes, partner airlines have availability they don't share with others. I know this for award, though not heard of this for revenue bookings.
So I ended up booking it through Thai. No big deal.
slariz
Sep 12, 12, 7:24 pm
So I called the UA desk again earlier this week. They confirmed they could see the specific flight I was asking about, and they read back to me the TG flight number and times. They still couldn't see the Q fare. I got the same line about how sometimes, partner airlines have availability they don't share with others. I know this for award, though not heard of this for revenue bookings.
So I ended up booking it through Thai. No big deal.
So, I'm curious as to the Q fare - from looking at Thai's own site (http://www.thaiairways.com/offers/special-fare-promotions/en/discover-thailand-fares-2011.htm), it says you need an H fare. Is this not correct? Getting the *A pass instead of booking individual tickets would save us hundreds of dollars.
Is there a direct number for UA's pass department? Or do you just call reservations? Thanks!
emcampbe
Sep 12, 12, 8:09 pm
So, I'm curious as to the Q fare - from looking at Thai's own site (http://www.thaiairways.com/offers/special-fare-promotions/en/discover-thailand-fares-2011.htm), it says you need an H fare. Is this not correct? Getting the *A pass instead of booking individual tickets would save us hundreds of dollars.
Is there a direct number for UA's pass department? Or do you just call reservations? Thanks!
There are two different products. The one on the Thai site is not the *A Thai Airpass, but the Discover Thailand fares. Similar products, but in my research, a little different. The differences I saw are this:
Discover Thai only available through TG, think the *A pass can be bought with any * carrier (both require international ticket into Thailand on a *A carrier)
*A pass requires Q fares, DT books into H (higher fare class, so presumably better availability)
First 3 segments are the same cost on both, *A additional segments are US $88, DT they are $96
*A allows free changes (except no changing the first segment), but no routing changes; DT has a $50 change or reissue fee, but I believe routing can be changed (note: Thai told me on the phone yesterday, when inquiring about possible changes to my DT fare ticket, that there would be no charge to make changes prior to travel beginning, so long as they were simple date or time changes (i.e. routing is the same).
I think there is a bigger cancellation fee for *A version, but I can't remember exactly
Since mine was only 3 segments, didn't seem to be too much difference for me.
To book the *A pass through UA, reservations will transfer you if you ask, but direct line (from US) is 877-726-7282, and select the option for around the world desk.
slariz
Sep 13, 12, 6:42 am
There are two different products. The one on the Thai site is not the *A Thai Airpass, but the Discover Thailand fares. Similar products, but in my research, a little different. The differences I saw are this:
This is hugely helpful! Thanks very much for the clear and concise explanation! :D^