Jan 4, 2016, 10:43 am
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
Welcome to this thread to ask your basic, simple questions about United Airlines, its operations, or the MileagePlus program. We know that the airline is complex and we’ve created this thread for new and veteran members to ask those basic questions about United Airlines that you think must have an easy answer but just can’t find it or aren’t sure where to look.
UA Moderator Team
Ocn Vw 1K, l'etoile, J.Edward, goalie, WineCountryUA
These are the two rules for this thread:
Generally there are not long discussions of an issue in this thread. If it appears that is needed, the posts will be moved to an existing thread or used as the start of a new separate thread.
Additional tools for members seeking information about MileagePlus:
United MileagePlus Master Wiki
"New" United Airlines Forum Glossary
Here is a link to the 2015's threads:
Have a Simple Question About United Airlines/MileagePlus? Ask Here [2015 Thread]...
Have a Simple Question About United Airlines/MileagePlus? Ask Here [2015 -Part II]...
UA Moderator Team
Ocn Vw 1K, l'etoile, J.Edward, goalie, WineCountryUA
These are the two rules for this thread:
- Use this thread for a simple, basic question. Moderators may move posts to other threads if the question deserves its own thread.
- Any member who can post a constructive, patient answer is welcome to reply.
Generally there are not long discussions of an issue in this thread. If it appears that is needed, the posts will be moved to an existing thread or used as the start of a new separate thread.
Additional tools for members seeking information about MileagePlus:
United MileagePlus Master Wiki
"New" United Airlines Forum Glossary
Here is a link to the 2015's threads:
Have a Simple Question About United Airlines/MileagePlus? Ask Here [2015 Thread]...
Have a Simple Question About United Airlines/MileagePlus? Ask Here [2015 -Part II]...
Have a Simple Question About United Airlines/MileagePlus? Ask Here [2016 Part I]
Feb 3, 2016, 4:18 am
#331
Join Date: Apr 2015
Programs: United Global Services, Amtrak Select Executive
Posts: 4,092
I'm booked tonight on the 8:27PM DCA-EWR flight. My meeting might go a bit late, and so I could SDC to the 9:27PM if necessary.
Given the rain, wind, and fog forecast for the Mid-Atlantic region all day and evening today, any thoughts on what I'm likely getting myself in for with these flights? I could also just stay overnight and travel tomorrow AM.
Given the rain, wind, and fog forecast for the Mid-Atlantic region all day and evening today, any thoughts on what I'm likely getting myself in for with these flights? I could also just stay overnight and travel tomorrow AM.
Feb 3, 2016, 6:57 am
#332
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Jersey Shore/YYZ
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Plat, Hilton Diamond, Hertz PC
Posts: 12,521
I'm booked tonight on the 8:27PM DCA-EWR flight. My meeting might go a bit late, and so I could SDC to the 9:27PM if necessary.
Given the rain, wind, and fog forecast for the Mid-Atlantic region all day and evening today, any thoughts on what I'm likely getting myself in for with these flights? I could also just stay overnight and travel tomorrow AM.
Given the rain, wind, and fog forecast for the Mid-Atlantic region all day and evening today, any thoughts on what I'm likely getting myself in for with these flights? I could also just stay overnight and travel tomorrow AM.
Those regionals tend to get delayed anyways - and so you may not need to SDC - I'd watch it via flight alerts for your inbound, as well as that flight's inbound.
Feb 3, 2016, 9:25 am
#333
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Binghamton, NY
Posts: 26
Hi everyone,
I have noticed a weird thing when looking for United tickets online. I am trying two different things: 1) search for tickets on United website; 2) search for tickets on Google Flights and then go to United website to book them. In both cases I select exactly the same flights, the only difference being that in the former case it says Economy (T) and in the latter, Economy (S). However, the prices differ substantially, with the latter being about $500 cheaper (for 2 adults and 1 infant in seat). Does anyone know what is going on here?
I have noticed a weird thing when looking for United tickets online. I am trying two different things: 1) search for tickets on United website; 2) search for tickets on Google Flights and then go to United website to book them. In both cases I select exactly the same flights, the only difference being that in the former case it says Economy (T) and in the latter, Economy (S). However, the prices differ substantially, with the latter being about $500 cheaper (for 2 adults and 1 infant in seat). Does anyone know what is going on here?
Feb 3, 2016, 11:34 am
#334
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.99MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,769
Hi everyone,
I have noticed a weird thing when looking for United tickets online. I am trying two different things: 1) search for tickets on United website; 2) search for tickets on Google Flights and then go to United website to book them. In both cases I select exactly the same flights, the only difference being that in the former case it says Economy (T) and in the latter, Economy (S). However, the prices differ substantially, with the latter being about $500 cheaper (for 2 adults and 1 infant in seat). Does anyone know what is going on here?
I have noticed a weird thing when looking for United tickets online. I am trying two different things: 1) search for tickets on United website; 2) search for tickets on Google Flights and then go to United website to book them. In both cases I select exactly the same flights, the only difference being that in the former case it says Economy (T) and in the latter, Economy (S). However, the prices differ substantially, with the latter being about $500 cheaper (for 2 adults and 1 infant in seat). Does anyone know what is going on here?
There is no practical difference between the fare classes to you unless you are trying to upgrade and that is minor (if waitlisted the higher fare class is higher prioritization).
Why the different fare classes is interesting.
Which is approach is giving which fare class?
The Google Flights might be working on stale (stored but not longer valid) inventory.
Obviously you should go with the cheaper approach to see if it books.
Feb 3, 2016, 11:52 am
#335
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,418
Feb 3, 2016, 12:25 pm
#336
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Binghamton, NY
Posts: 26
The fare difference is due to the fare class difference, S vs T. S is the (next) higher fare class and is typically more expensive than T.
...
Why the different fare classes is interesting.
Which is approach is giving which fare class?
Obviously you should go with the cheaper approach to see if it books.
...
Why the different fare classes is interesting.
Which is approach is giving which fare class?
Obviously you should go with the cheaper approach to see if it books.
I noticed in the past that sometimes, when I go from Google to United website, the latter says something like "selected itinerary is not available". However, in this case I am able to continue to traveler information without problems. I haven't tried to move on to seat selection yet, because I do not have all necessary information with me right now.
Last edited by ivan89; Feb 3, 2016 at 11:11 pm
Feb 3, 2016, 7:17 pm
#337
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: 52,121
Fare classes cover a whole range of actual fares. It's not uncommon to see a ticket in a higher fare class be cheaper than one in a lower fare class. The fare rules will have an impact.
Feb 3, 2016, 7:32 pm
#338
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.99MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,769
So a 7 day advance purchases (AP) S fare will likely be more expensive than 7 day AP T fare. And the same relationship for 14 day AP fares but it is quite possible a 14 day AP S fare will be less than a 7 day AP T fare -- so if Google Flights have a stale 14 day AP S fare and you were just inside that point, the UA site 7 day T fare might be more expensive (hope that is clear).
So you can get these fare inversion issues with stale fares at one of these AP transitions.
Feb 3, 2016, 7:35 pm
#339
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: NYC (Primarily EWR)
Programs: UA 1K / *G, Marriott Bonvoy Gold; Avis PC
Posts: 8,994
If I book a standard award ticket and saver award pops up later, can I get refunded the difference?
Feb 3, 2016, 7:48 pm
#340
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: 52,121
Feb 3, 2016, 8:57 pm
#341
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, UA Gold, WN, Global Entry; +others wherever miles/points are found
Posts: 14,392
At any given time a S fare will usually be more expensive than a T fare. S/T/... fare tend to have pricing breaks 7 day before departure and also at 14 days and at other points.
So a 7 day advance purchases (AP) S fare will likely be more expensive than 7 day AP T fare. And the same relationship for 14 day AP fares but it is quite possible a 14 day AP S fare will be less than a 7 day AP T fare -- so if Google Flights have a stale 14 day AP S fare and you were just inside that point, the UA site 7 day T fare might be more expensive (hope that is clear).
So you can get these fare inversion issues with stale fares at one of these AP transitions.
So a 7 day advance purchases (AP) S fare will likely be more expensive than 7 day AP T fare. And the same relationship for 14 day AP fares but it is quite possible a 14 day AP S fare will be less than a 7 day AP T fare -- so if Google Flights have a stale 14 day AP S fare and you were just inside that point, the UA site 7 day T fare might be more expensive (hope that is clear).
So you can get these fare inversion issues with stale fares at one of these AP transitions.
Feb 3, 2016, 11:13 pm
#342
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Binghamton, NY
Posts: 26
At any given time a S fare will usually be more expensive than a T fare. S/T/... fare tend to have pricing breaks 7 day before departure and also at 14 days and at other points.
So a 7 day advance purchases (AP) S fare will likely be more expensive than 7 day AP T fare. And the same relationship for 14 day AP fares but it is quite possible a 14 day AP S fare will be less than a 7 day AP T fare -- so if Google Flights have a stale 14 day AP S fare and you were just inside that point, the UA site 7 day T fare might be more expensive (hope that is clear).
So you can get these fare inversion issues with stale fares at one of these AP transitions.
So a 7 day advance purchases (AP) S fare will likely be more expensive than 7 day AP T fare. And the same relationship for 14 day AP fares but it is quite possible a 14 day AP S fare will be less than a 7 day AP T fare -- so if Google Flights have a stale 14 day AP S fare and you were just inside that point, the UA site 7 day T fare might be more expensive (hope that is clear).
So you can get these fare inversion issues with stale fares at one of these AP transitions.
Feb 4, 2016, 8:45 am
#343
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 38
Pretty sure the answer is no judging by my preliminary research, but I figured I would ask here anyway just to confirm.
If I book a ticket for someone else who is not an AU with my MileagePlus Explorer, then can they still get the free checked bag benefit?
If I book a ticket for someone else who is not an AU with my MileagePlus Explorer, then can they still get the free checked bag benefit?
Feb 4, 2016, 9:41 am
#344
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: PHX
Posts: 4,787
I'm not a very frequent traveller to LAX and so it's hard to get a sense of the scope of the place. I have a connection there on UA, likely from terminal 8 to terminal 7. I have about 2 hours. It sounds as though the UA club(s) in T7 are pretty dreadful and I was thinking about checking out the Alaska Board Room using priority pass. So, it would be a walk from T8 to the middle of T6 and then back to T7 for my onward flight. Is this silly to even consider, or are the distances relatively manageable? Do any of you actually do this, or is the Board Room no better than the UC?
Feb 4, 2016, 11:20 am
#345
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Ewa Beach, Hawaii
Posts: 10,907
Nope, the benefit is for the primary card holder only. They may if they are traveling with you.