And, in case of UA, MP will insist on reaccommodation on next available award inventory space.
It is highly likely that they will open up award inventory space (on their own metal) for those affected. Otherwise it would be close to impossible to re-accomodate almost anyone (given how few award seats are available to BKK).
It is highly likely that they will open up award inventory space (on their own metal) for those affected. Otherwise it would be close to impossible to re-accomodate almost anyone (given how few award seats are available to BKK).
Agreed 110%
It would be a logistical nightmare for UA if they only doled out re-bookings only at the next availability dates.
Keep in mind, as well, that there's a good chance that UA will move it's JFK-BKK award pax to the LAX-BKK flight--filling up even more of the very few reward seats Erik mentioned.
While I agree with the sentiment, whatever carrier you redeemed your mileage award on (UA, US, etc) is REQUIRED to get you from Point A to Point B in a compromise that's acceptable to the customer.
So, folks, you're not on your own--as mentioned, I would wait until there is an official confirmation. As we know, TG has a tendency to ponder a lot of ideas than change their mind at the last minute.
Worst case, they cancel the route. And UA, US, AC and others will then be required to route their pax with award tix booked to the same destination in the same class (as available). May not be direct, but at least you won't be cast adrift.
Not the best news in the world, but not the worse either.
All i can say is that when SQ cancelled the LAX-TPE-SIN route they didn't call me to inform me of it nor did UA (whoom I booked the award tix with), I heard about it on FT. When I called to get re-scheduled I was accomidated on a different SQ flight a day earlier, but my wife and I were originally flying on the same day different flights now it was different days, and they refused to make any changes to get us out the same day even if still on different flights. It was take it or leave it. Now becasue it was an award through UA, I was already dealing w/ UA and couldn't talk to SQ direct, but that was the only options we were given. The answer UA gave me was that I was still getting to my destination shat else do you want, SQ will not open an award seat on a different flight. So my lesson was... to be vigilant, and not wait for TG to make a move, be proactive.
Since the JFK-BKK non stop is the only service that TG offers out of JFK (or NYC for that matter), if the flight is canceled does that mean TG will withdraw completely from the NYC market? Is there a belief that TG will simply change the non stop into a one stop, via some other city, en route to BKK?
If they withdraw entirely that really would be awful. Their connections via BKK, with the ability to check bags through, is a very attractive option.
I leave next Monday (9th) for BKK in paid Premium Economy but my return to JFK is in August. The web site still shows a confirmed return and when I called the airline, I was essentially left in limbo as to what they will do.
Reading these posts and sighing - this was such a great route - have flown it several times since flying it a week after the inaugral flight...we are scheduled to fly J class on 15th June BKK - JFK and returning 1st July!
Do you think we will make it - will it be the last flight? After all, the plane has to get back to Bangkok right?
It is highly likely that they will open up award inventory space (on their own metal) for those affected. Otherwise it would be close to impossible to re-accomodate almost anyone (given how few award seats are available to BKK).
I very much doubt that UA will even try to open up award inventory on UA metal.
It's going off topic a little bit, but according to Mileage Plus Rules
Quote:
United shall have no liability for partner withdrawals from the Program or for award cancellations caused by partner withdrawals, discontinued United or partner service, or award or mileage accrual cancellations for any other reason. Partners may, in their discretion, change the amount of mileage required for their awards or impose other restrictions upon the use of their awards.
What it means is that when UA or its partner (in this case TG), cancels the flight, UA is not required to put pax in other carriers non-award inventory.
They might do indeed push pax to another carrier, but they are not required to do so.
Understood, but I think what he's saying is that UA wouldn't be so literal with those "rules"...not only because it's bad business to leave your pax stranded without a ticket on any carrier but because of the sheer amount of people who would be affected by this cancellation would never just be left out in the cold.
After being an MP member for quite some time (and not necessarily a huge fan of UA) I would say that they, at least, are extremely accomodating when it comes to inconveniences...and expect that's how this would be handled as well.
It's just always better not to put panic into the universe when no one really knows (a) what's going to happen or (b) how partner airliners will reshuffle--and wait and see what happens...the annoucement should be imminent.
I very much doubt that UA will even try to open up award inventory on UA metal.
It's going off topic a little bit, but according to Mileage Plus Rules
What it means is that when UA or its partner (in this case TG), cancels the flight, UA is not required to put pax in other carriers non-award inventory.
They might do indeed push pax to another carrier, but they are not required to do so.
MP rules nonwithstanding: The contract of carriage indicates the opposite - i.e. that they will try and find an acceptable alternative. It is likely that this is what they will do (though they may not be successful in all cases).
In your reading they could leave you stranded in Bangkok (if you're already there) after July 1st without you having any recourse.
Looking at the Star Alliance PC TravelDesk program there are two sets of flights that will allow you to get to BKK +1 day later (like the TG flight)...of course providing that the TG flight is indeed cancelled
Of course i am sure there are better routings...[oh yeah, even though it is showing up on the program that on July 4th the TG flight is operating, it is only cause there has been no offical announcement and thus the flight still exists)
TG Nonstop flight
From New York JFK NY US ( JFK )
To Bangkok Suvarnabhumi TH ( BKK ) Depart 4 July 2008
Departure Time 1135
Arrive 5 July 2008
Arrival Time 1610 +1
Distance 8659 mi 13854 km Duration 17h35m
----------------- Option 1
From New York JFK NY US ( JFK )
To Bangkok Suvarnabhumi TH ( BKK ) Depart 4 July 2008
Departure Time 0030
Arrive 5 July 2008
Arrival Time 1305 +1
Distance 9172 mi 14675 km Duration 25h35m
Flight 1 of 2:
Flight Asiana Airlines 221 From New York JFK NY US (JFK) Terminal 4
Departure Time 0030
To Seoul Incheon KR (ICN) Terminal
Arrival Time 0400
Duration 14h30m
Meal BS
Aircraft Type 747
Flight 2 of 2:
Flight Thai Airways Intl 659 From Seoul Incheon KR (ICN) Terminal
Departure Time 0930
To Bangkok Suvarnabhumi TH (BKK) Terminal
Arrival Time 1305
Duration 5h35m
Meal M
Aircraft Type 772
-------------------------------
option 2
From New York JFK NY US ( JFK )
To Bangkok Suvarnabhumi TH ( BKK ) Depart 4 July 2008
Departure Time 1230
Arrive 5 July 2008
Arrival Time 2125 +1
Distance 9625 mi 15400 km Duration 21h55m
Flight 1 of 2:
Flight ALL Nippon Airways 9 From New York JFK NY US (JFK) Terminal 7
Departure Time 1230
To Tokyo Narita JP (NRT) Terminal 1
Arrival Time 1525
Duration 13h55m
Meal M
Aircraft Type 777
Flight 2 of 2:
Flight Thai Airways Intl 677 From Tokyo Narita JP (NRT) Terminal 1
Departure Time 1655
To Bangkok Suvarnabhumi TH (BKK) Terminal
Arrival Time 2125
Duration 6h30m
Meal M
Aircraft Type 744
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My first name is spelt the same way as the first word in the SQ FFP...shouldn't I get a cookie or something
