Uncoordinated AC/UA experience: What alliance?
Oct 22, 2014, 5:29 am
#16
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Boston MA
Programs: UA 1K/1.5 million miler, SU Gold, JL Sapphire
Posts: 529
I think this alliance thing, albeit sometimes useful, is in fact overhyped a bit.
I came back from India, on AI, then transfer on to UA in DEL. Two tickets, the folks in HYD would not check my luggage through even if people told me that this is a benefit. Not that I mind too much since I had plenty of time in DEL, but still...
Then, went UA->NH in NRT. Two different tickets. UA checked my luggage to final destination alright, but no boarding pass. So, when I arrived in NRT, went to the domestic NH counter, where they dutifully issued a boarding pass... and retagged my luggage
(This time, I was late, but then this being Japan and the immigration not being busy, it went well).
Probably an area for improvement. Not that it mattered that much so far, but it would ease connections and flexibility when building an itinerary for servicing clients (just changing a ticket to change origination and termination points is way too expensive, and the UA service center told me not to do that anyway, not worth it!)
I came back from India, on AI, then transfer on to UA in DEL. Two tickets, the folks in HYD would not check my luggage through even if people told me that this is a benefit. Not that I mind too much since I had plenty of time in DEL, but still...
Then, went UA->NH in NRT. Two different tickets. UA checked my luggage to final destination alright, but no boarding pass. So, when I arrived in NRT, went to the domestic NH counter, where they dutifully issued a boarding pass... and retagged my luggage
(This time, I was late, but then this being Japan and the immigration not being busy, it went well).
Probably an area for improvement. Not that it mattered that much so far, but it would ease connections and flexibility when building an itinerary for servicing clients (just changing a ticket to change origination and termination points is way too expensive, and the UA service center told me not to do that anyway, not worth it!)
Oct 22, 2014, 1:20 pm
#18
Suspended
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Toronto YYZ UA-1K 1MM,QFgold
Programs: Royal Ambassador/ SPG Platinum 75/Marriott gold
Posts: 14,283
i am flying AC- EWR today then UA then Air India.
AC will not be able to ticket the bags all the way unless i get a supervisor and force the issue.. Most AC staff are so poorly trained they have no idea what stat rules are.
AC will not be able to ticket the bags all the way unless i get a supervisor and force the issue.. Most AC staff are so poorly trained they have no idea what stat rules are.
Oct 22, 2014, 7:32 pm
#19
Join Date: May 2003
Programs: UA Silver
Posts: 1,931
AC and UA computers don't talk that well. I can never check-in on a first-segment AC when travelling on a UA ticket: the system kicks me out just before printing the BP, just after entering passport information. AC agents cannot print BP until 12hrs before first flight. Definitely not as seemless as DL/KL/AF for instance.
Oct 22, 2014, 9:37 pm
#20
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: EWR
Programs: United
Posts: 89
I struggle with code share connections too. Last trip I couldn't check in on line (if AC is from the Stone Age, couldnt even begin to describe where Brussels Air is from).
Unfortunately, I had a tight connection and was informed at the transfer desk that I was too late, technically to check in for my next flight. They did let me board, so there was really no damage done other than stress and anxiety, I guess.
I think it's maybe a matter of better expectation setting. If the two airlines are really separate on the back end, dont pretend they are united on the front end.
I have one business destination that I think I'll need to switch to BA for.
Unfortunately, I had a tight connection and was informed at the transfer desk that I was too late, technically to check in for my next flight. They did let me board, so there was really no damage done other than stress and anxiety, I guess.
I think it's maybe a matter of better expectation setting. If the two airlines are really separate on the back end, dont pretend they are united on the front end.
I have one business destination that I think I'll need to switch to BA for.