UA/Star Alliance routes over priced?
Apr 8, 2017, 1:28 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: New York
Programs: UA 1K, 1MM, Marriott Platinum Premier Elite, HHonors Diamond
Posts: 7
UA/Star Alliance routes over priced?
Hello All,
I'm 1K on UA currently and that's where I keep all my miles for now.
I've recently started travelling to Asia usually on Star Alliance but I am finding if I try to book routes via UA (with Dollars not Points) on other Star Alliance carriers like Thai, ANA or Singapore I find they are typically much more expensive than booking them directly with Thai, ANA or Singapore. For example, a ticket to BKK From LHR costs £2200 with Thai when booked directly but over $6000 with UA.
I am also finding that putting together itineraries with multiple Star Alliance carriers is problematic. I tried to get from LAS to BKK and there was no route but from EWR there is a route.
So my questions:
1) Is it normal for UA (or any other Star Alliance carrier) to charge such a premium for other SA routes? Is there a better SA carrier (cheaper) to book through if this is the case?
2) Is there a better SA carrier to book complex routes through using other SA carriers?
Thanks in advance!
I'm 1K on UA currently and that's where I keep all my miles for now.
I've recently started travelling to Asia usually on Star Alliance but I am finding if I try to book routes via UA (with Dollars not Points) on other Star Alliance carriers like Thai, ANA or Singapore I find they are typically much more expensive than booking them directly with Thai, ANA or Singapore. For example, a ticket to BKK From LHR costs £2200 with Thai when booked directly but over $6000 with UA.
I am also finding that putting together itineraries with multiple Star Alliance carriers is problematic. I tried to get from LAS to BKK and there was no route but from EWR there is a route.
So my questions:
1) Is it normal for UA (or any other Star Alliance carrier) to charge such a premium for other SA routes? Is there a better SA carrier (cheaper) to book through if this is the case?
2) Is there a better SA carrier to book complex routes through using other SA carriers?
Thanks in advance!
Apr 8, 2017, 2:49 pm
#2
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,461
Or if you want to try to do this yourself, search and book using Google Flights.
Apr 9, 2017, 12:44 pm
#4
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: GVA (Greater Vancouver Area)
Programs: DREAD Gold; UA 1.035MM; Bonvoy Au-197; PCC Elite+; CCC Elite+; MSC C-12; CWC Au-197; WoH Dis
Posts: 52,140
Apr 11, 2017, 9:18 am
#5
Formerly known as mmihalik
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Oregon
Posts: 109
RTW info
I recently booked 2 RTW in biz class. Created route using book and fly tool at staralliance.com
You may know that an LH affiliate manages the tool and does the actual ticketing, so I did not ticket right away.
After selecting flights and finalizing itinerary, I contacted United, a travel agent, and 2 different RTW specialist travel providers. Both RTW specialists disappointed me as they made mistakes, reserved different flights, and in the end were amongst the highest prices quoted.
My travel agent was unable to secure flights and days I preferred, and came in with quote that was almost $4000 higher than my eventual fare ticketed.
My contact with united went very well, as the agent spent a lot of time with me exploring my route and explaining options. Again, quote was $4000+ more than what I got with staralliance tool.
in the end, I booked with Star Alliance LH affiliate @$10.5K per biz class ticket, on the flights I wanted, using all 16 permitted segments. After ticketing, I did change flight time on one segment. Initially waitlisted, but it cleared in a few days.
First segment, and last two segments are United, but I was not able to ticket on 016 United stock; it is LH issued ticket, but only 1 segment is LH.
I wanted UA issued ticket for spouse's dollar spend requirement, but that did not work out.
Nice way to get 60,000 PQM credit!
Moral: check each airline in Star Alliance for best pricing, and don't trust travel outfits specializing in RTW fares.
You may know that an LH affiliate manages the tool and does the actual ticketing, so I did not ticket right away.
After selecting flights and finalizing itinerary, I contacted United, a travel agent, and 2 different RTW specialist travel providers. Both RTW specialists disappointed me as they made mistakes, reserved different flights, and in the end were amongst the highest prices quoted.
My travel agent was unable to secure flights and days I preferred, and came in with quote that was almost $4000 higher than my eventual fare ticketed.
My contact with united went very well, as the agent spent a lot of time with me exploring my route and explaining options. Again, quote was $4000+ more than what I got with staralliance tool.
in the end, I booked with Star Alliance LH affiliate @$10.5K per biz class ticket, on the flights I wanted, using all 16 permitted segments. After ticketing, I did change flight time on one segment. Initially waitlisted, but it cleared in a few days.
First segment, and last two segments are United, but I was not able to ticket on 016 United stock; it is LH issued ticket, but only 1 segment is LH.
I wanted UA issued ticket for spouse's dollar spend requirement, but that did not work out.
Nice way to get 60,000 PQM credit!
Moral: check each airline in Star Alliance for best pricing, and don't trust travel outfits specializing in RTW fares.