Feb 22, 2017, 12:57 pm
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
Active thread Consolidated "Waitlist for Award Seats Questions/Issues"
Waitilisting for awards
Click for the current rules from United
Member experiences:
At the airport if you have not yet cleared:
Note: The correct priority term here may in fact be a code that is one of WAI, WBI, WCI, or WDI depending on status. The is per GG ONESTANDBY lines 32-55.
Note: PR-1 status is given to those who "paid" the requisite miles for an upgraded seat (i.e. biz) when only the non-upgraded space (i.e. coach) was available. The PR-1 status is to clue the system (and agents) in so that it is clear that you have been "displaced." (NOTE: once you have obtained PR-1 status, should there be any change to your ticket, e.g., an involuntary reroute by UA due to missing a connection, the PR-1 status will most likely get dropped and you must have it reattached (esp. before any UGs are given to others).
Unfortunately at T-24, many GAs do not get this concept. Use the above to plead your case but be prepared to be unsatisfied. One method that can get you to a higher level of understanding is the UC. Their staff seem to not only have a better understanding of the issues, but they can contact the gate and exert some influence on the less informed GAs, AND they seem to have more of an interest in helping PAX. If you can get into the UC, it will be worth your while.
**Note: If you get the UG on the long haul, the higher level of award miles you are using (like with the GPU) are considered used up regardless of the short haul. You will not be charged the lower level # of miles (i.e. refunded the diff between the lower level and the higher level you paid in advance), rather the higher level award miles will be considered spent. That is the risk you take when you do Plan B.
Waitilisting for awards
Click for the current rules from United
From the above link:You may redeem miles for travel in United Global First, United First, United Business or United BusinessFirst, even if the space is not available. In these cases, United Economy in the same award type must be confirmed, and the front cabin will be waitlisted. If the courtesy waitlist does not clear, it will expire 24 hours before itinerary departure, and you will automatically be added to the airport upgrade standby list upon check-in. In these cases, you will be confirmed on a space-available basis by a United airport representative at the gate once the flight has closed for check-in. For United BusinessFirst and United Business travel awards, the difference in miles will be refunded when the United BusinessFirst or United Business class segment of the trip could not be confirmed. Waitlist requests may only be made over the phone with your local United Customer Contact Center.
- You must have a confirmed segment to wait list for different cabin and/or a different flight.
- Can only waitlist for UA/UX operated flight, cannot waitlist for partner flights. Can waitlist for UA/UX flights on a mixed itin.
- Maximum number of WL segments in a PNR is 2.
- When confirmed segment is on a partner, you can waitlist for UA operated alternative.A report of being refused waitlisting for Economy{mixed reports - need further confirmation/clarification}.
At the airport if you have not yet cleared:
Note: The correct priority term here may in fact be a code that is one of WAI, WBI, WCI, or WDI depending on status. The is per GG ONESTANDBY lines 32-55.
The agent should give you “PR-1 status” which gives you top-priority status and moves you to the very top of the upgrade standby list, ahead of employees and everyone else trying to upgrade with miles+cash. If one agent won’t put you on the list as a displaced Business class passenger with PR-1 status then find another one who will. With this status the odds of you getting a business class are very high if there are still open seats (or if anybody no-shows).
If the agents in the airport are all clueless you should direct them to look
up “gg onestandby” in their system (they’ll know exactly what this is)
and look around lines 85-89 which spell out the details of the procedure for
this award.
If the agents in the airport are all clueless you should direct them to look
up “gg onestandby” in their system (they’ll know exactly what this is)
and look around lines 85-89 which spell out the details of the procedure for
this award.
Unfortunately at T-24, many GAs do not get this concept. Use the above to plead your case but be prepared to be unsatisfied. One method that can get you to a higher level of understanding is the UC. Their staff seem to not only have a better understanding of the issues, but they can contact the gate and exert some influence on the less informed GAs, AND they seem to have more of an interest in helping PAX. If you can get into the UC, it will be worth your while.
**Note: If you get the UG on the long haul, the higher level of award miles you are using (like with the GPU) are considered used up regardless of the short haul. You will not be charged the lower level # of miles (i.e. refunded the diff between the lower level and the higher level you paid in advance), rather the higher level award miles will be considered spent. That is the risk you take when you do Plan B.
Consolidated "Waitlist for Award Seats Questions/Issues [ARCHIVE]
Apr 7, 2017, 8:32 am
#1636
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 51
Yippee, outbound cleared I space at T60, and there were two seats together. I think wine country put in a good word. Thank you.
Apr 7, 2017, 1:37 pm
#1637
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: PDX
Programs: AS (MVP), UA (silver), AA, DL, Hilton (Gold)
Posts: 231
Alright. I feel like this might be the best for this, but feel free to direct me elsewhere.
Flying PDX-SFO-CDG 5/25. I am on a paid J ticket, wife on a standard business award ticket.
Looking at SFO-CDG loads Thursday's are often lighter, and United opened saver space this Thursday.
As a silver I believe I'd face a $50 change fee for a change inside of 21 days.
Well worth it for 92,500 miles. (might use them on the return leg, another post)
But the catch..The PDX-SFO leg, likely won't have I space open up.. So a couple questions.
1. Could I just switch it to a saver economy and waitlist for I and still pocket the 92,500 miles.
2. Is there any way to just switch to saver biz on the SFO-CDG. And remain standard on PDX-SFO. Would that save me any miles?
3. LONGSHOT- They have changed the flight departure times, multiple times (nothing major) I read on another thread that when times change agents can sometimes open up saver space on a different routing, what about on same routing as a goodwill gesture?
Thoughts? Tips? Advice?
Flying PDX-SFO-CDG 5/25. I am on a paid J ticket, wife on a standard business award ticket.
Looking at SFO-CDG loads Thursday's are often lighter, and United opened saver space this Thursday.
As a silver I believe I'd face a $50 change fee for a change inside of 21 days.
Well worth it for 92,500 miles. (might use them on the return leg, another post)
But the catch..The PDX-SFO leg, likely won't have I space open up.. So a couple questions.
1. Could I just switch it to a saver economy and waitlist for I and still pocket the 92,500 miles.
2. Is there any way to just switch to saver biz on the SFO-CDG. And remain standard on PDX-SFO. Would that save me any miles?
3. LONGSHOT- They have changed the flight departure times, multiple times (nothing major) I read on another thread that when times change agents can sometimes open up saver space on a different routing, what about on same routing as a goodwill gesture?
Thoughts? Tips? Advice?
Apr 7, 2017, 1:42 pm
#1638
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
Flying PDX-SFO-CDG 5/25. I am on a paid J ticket, wife on a standard business award ticket.
Looking at SFO-CDG loads Thursday's are often lighter, and United opened saver space this Thursday.
As a silver I believe I'd face a $50 change fee for a change inside of 21 days.
Well worth it for 92,500 miles. (might use them on the return leg, another post)
But the catch..The PDX-SFO leg, likely won't have I space open up..
Looking at SFO-CDG loads Thursday's are often lighter, and United opened saver space this Thursday.
As a silver I believe I'd face a $50 change fee for a change inside of 21 days.
Well worth it for 92,500 miles. (might use them on the return leg, another post)
But the catch..The PDX-SFO leg, likely won't have I space open up..
Apr 7, 2017, 1:47 pm
#1639
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,412
If saver economy is available on the PDX-SFO leg, I agree with the other posters -- book the saver ticket and waitlist for I on the short leg. If it doesn't clear, you can always swap seats with your wife, or with the person sitting next to her.
Apr 7, 2017, 1:47 pm
#1640
Join Date: Jun 2016
Posts: 33
Question,
IF there's no saver award for business on a flight can I book the economy award and 'upgrade later' to the saver award? Hows the best way to do this?
Thanks!
IF there's no saver award for business on a flight can I book the economy award and 'upgrade later' to the saver award? Hows the best way to do this?
Thanks!
Apr 7, 2017, 1:47 pm
#1641
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.995MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,855
If the business saver becomes available, you can call to do this. Better is to "waitlist" for the business saver space, you need to call to request this. The thread's wiki provides more detailed explanation.
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Apr 7, 2017 at 1:56 pm Reason: self-merge
Apr 7, 2017, 1:58 pm
#1642
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: PDX
Programs: AS (MVP), UA (silver), AA, DL, Hilton (Gold)
Posts: 231
Thanks all.
Now I just have to keep watching it like a hawk they appear to only be opening the I space super close in 72-48 hours out. And hope the saver econ space stays in place....
Now for the return flight. FCO-IAD-PDX...
This time I am in paid Y, she is in saver econ. Bird switched from a 767-400 to 777-200. Flight 6/9/17. Far out LOTS of space, and recent flights have room too.
If I space opens, I can just ask to switch to business saver for that leg and then waitlist IAD-PDX?
Would she be near the top of the list?
Again problem with the domestic leg...and far longer this time.
Now I just have to keep watching it like a hawk they appear to only be opening the I space super close in 72-48 hours out. And hope the saver econ space stays in place....
Now for the return flight. FCO-IAD-PDX...
This time I am in paid Y, she is in saver econ. Bird switched from a 767-400 to 777-200. Flight 6/9/17. Far out LOTS of space, and recent flights have room too.
If I space opens, I can just ask to switch to business saver for that leg and then waitlist IAD-PDX?
Would she be near the top of the list?
Again problem with the domestic leg...and far longer this time.
Last edited by pfpdx; Apr 7, 2017 at 2:02 pm Reason: clarity
Apr 15, 2017, 8:49 am
#1643
Join Date: Nov 2014
Programs: UA 2MM
Posts: 1,679
With the latest schedule change last night the flight I am waitlisted for showed "Class of Service: United First" in the app but then when I went online and accepted the schedule change it changed back to "United Economy" with the waitlist message. I did manage to get a screenshot of it showing United First on the app, has anyone seen this in the past and had success with UA honoring it?
Apr 16, 2017, 9:01 am
#1644
Join Date: Jul 2004
Programs: AA Plat, and about everything else
Posts: 359
mixed cabin reward
I'm ready to book a SFO-EWR-SJU award ticket and it shows that the SFO-EWR leg is in economy. If space in business becomes available, is an upgrade automatic (or even possible)? Where in the upgrade queue do I stand? Before, after, or mixed in with elites and mileage upgrades? Flight is about two weeks away, seat availability looks wide open with 4 out of 28 seats blocked in business and 15 out of 42 in premium economy blocked.
Apr 16, 2017, 10:36 am
#1645
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.995MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,855
At the gate it is less clear but it is believed you will have a high priority (when properly done, which has been an issue in the past).
SFO-EWR flights tend to have many last minute bookings but certain days of the week are better than others.
Apr 16, 2017, 7:37 pm
#1646
Join Date: Jun 2016
Posts: 33
So I called and said I wanted to book an economy award (btv-Lon [connecting in ewr], LON-IAD) and wanted to book the ewr-lon at the 70k business saver right (30k economy saver is available)
But when I called she said I couldn't book it at the business saver level. Is there some different terminology I should be using?
Thanks!
-Bob
But when I called she said I couldn't book it at the business saver level. Is there some different terminology I should be using?
Thanks!
-Bob
Apr 16, 2017, 7:56 pm
#1647
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.995MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,855
So I called and said I wanted to book an economy award (btv-Lon [connecting in ewr], LON-IAD) and wanted to book the ewr-lon at the 70k business saver right (30k economy saver is available)
But when I called she said I couldn't book it at the business saver level. Is there some different terminology I should be using?
Thanks!
-Bob
But when I called she said I couldn't book it at the business saver level. Is there some different terminology I should be using?
Thanks!
-Bob
-- was saver economy or business awards available on all legs?
-- LHR is the only London airport UA flies to, award searching for LON will generally not work well.
-- You do not want to book both an economy award and a business saver, you are booking a business save with some legs in economy
The business saver award will be 57.5K miles in each direction if on UA. If booking partners, waitlisting on partner legs are not allowed.
Apr 16, 2017, 7:59 pm
#1648
Join Date: Jun 2016
Posts: 33
A couple of things
-- was saver economy or business awards available on all legs?
-- LHR is the only London airport UA flies to, award searching for LON will generally not work well.
-- You do not want to book both an economy award and a business saver, you are booking a business save with some legs in economy
The business saver award will be 57.5K miles in each direction if on UA. If booking partners, waitlisting on partner legs are not allowed.
-- was saver economy or business awards available on all legs?
-- LHR is the only London airport UA flies to, award searching for LON will generally not work well.
-- You do not want to book both an economy award and a business saver, you are booking a business save with some legs in economy
The business saver award will be 57.5K miles in each direction if on UA. If booking partners, waitlisting on partner legs are not allowed.
2. Thanks for the tip on LHR
3. There is not currently business saver available on ewr-lhr so should I ask to book economy and be 'waitlisted' for business saver?
Thanks for the response!
Apr 16, 2017, 8:09 pm
#1649
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.995MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,855
Apr 16, 2017, 10:02 pm
#1650
Join Date: Nov 2014
Programs: UA 2MM
Posts: 1,679
So I called and said I wanted to book an economy award (btv-Lon [connecting in ewr], LON-IAD) and wanted to book the ewr-lon at the 70k business saver right (30k economy saver is available)
But when I called she said I couldn't book it at the business saver level. Is there some different terminology I should be using?
Thanks!
-Bob
But when I called she said I couldn't book it at the business saver level. Is there some different terminology I should be using?
Thanks!
-Bob
I have also had more luck when I use the "Have United Call you feature" as I usually get US based agents or supervisors
http://as00.estara.com/UI/gui.php?donotcache=1201839075925&accountid=2001041 7&referrer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.continental.com%2Fweb% 2Fen-US%2Fcontent%2FContact%2Ftechnical%2Fdefault.aspx& pagetitle=Continental+Airlines+-+continental.com+Support+Contact+Information&templ ate=1178&log1=www.continental.com%2Fweb%2Fen-US%2Fcontent%2Fcontact%2Ftechnical%2Fdefault.aspx& log2=&log3=&calltype=webvoicepop&guiid=43834a54eac 25×tamp=1201839058