RVBOOS
Jul 15, 03, 4:13 pm
Hi everyone.
Posted a report on the Delta forum about my new experience on HP and comparing the two. Thought you may be interested.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum21/HTML/011047.html
PS - This forum is a lot quieter than what i'm used to!!
smantl01
Jul 16, 03, 10:13 pm
Hi RVBOOS,
Yes - this is a quiet forum, isn't it?
Good rundown of your experience w/ HP. Comments:
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">** Being platinum, I was able to upgrade at the 72 hour mark (not at time of purchase). There is no limitations or exclusions based on fare class. I easily upgraded FLL-PHX and PHX - TUS. HP states that a program runs at the 72 hour mark for platinum, 48 hour mark for gold, and 24 hour mark for silvers to automatically upgrade everyone in order. Luckily I called the next day and found out that the program "did not run" and none of the upgrades went through. The nice lady at FlightFund upgraded me then. She told me that sometimes it just doesn't run.</font>
This is something pretty common at HP, unfortunately. Rule of thumb is to sign up for email notification of upgrades and/or call in and check to see if you were upgrade.
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">** HP web technology FAR behind DL technology. Cannot access your reservation online after it's made. Cannot change seats, cannot request upgrade online. </font>
HP definitely has some improvements to make in this area, but you can view your itinerary online - it's hidden under the Travel Tools menu.
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">** Phoenix airport on the HP side is total mayhem. HP seems to love last minute gate changes a lot more than anyone I recall.</font>
I'll echo that! They also have a nasty habit of booking "one-stop" flights with the same flight # thru PHX (ie. SEA-IAD via PHX, all on the same flight #), and telling you upon arrival in PHX that there will be an aircraft/gate change.
Cheers,
-Steve