Jan 6, 2016, 10:41 pm
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
Presented as Q&A format (Originally posted by Alex_B)
Q: What is a stopover?
A: A stopover on an international itinerary is any break in your air travel for more than 24 hours except at the destination.
Q: What is an open-jaw (OJ)?
A: An open-jaw is where you travel by your own means (either land, sea or a separate air ticket) between two points in a journey.
Q: How many stopovers am I allowed on a roundtrip award?
A: One stopover is permitted.
Q: How many open-jaws are allowed on a roundtrip award?
A: Two open-jaws are permitted.
Q: Can I have a stopover or open-jaw on a one-way award?
A: No
Q: Can I have a open-jaw at both the stopover and destination?
A: It has become extremely difficult to book an open-jaw at the stopover. Best not to count on getting one.
Q: When I try to book my OJ itinerary online, the website errors out. Does that mean there is something wrong with my itinerary?
A: Not necessarily. The website typically can't handle complex itineraries. These must generally be called in.
Q: Can I transit my destination multiple times (e.g. fly to JNB, fly to CPT and then return home via JNB)?
A: Yes, plenty of posters have reported success in booking this. You can only stop in your destination for > 24 hours once though.
Q: Can I cross both oceans?
A: No.
Q: Is EWR-PVG transatlantic or transpacific?
A: US-East Asia/South East Asia is always transpacific no matter what geography might suggest.
Q: Do I pay more for a stopover or open-jaw?
A: Typically no additional mileage is required but additional taxes or fees are often payable (especially in UK with high Air Passenger Duty). Extra mileage will often be required if an open-jaw or stopover adds a higher cost region into the itinerary. Also awards wholly within CONUS, Canada and Alaska (formerly known as Series 0 awards) require additional mileage (10K miles) for a stopover of >4 hrs.
Q: What's this about a "free one-way" I can get on a UA award?
A: The term "free one-way" is a misnomer and often confuses people (and may annoy the regulars here!). The technical definition of this concept is "stopover at origin." There have been mixed reports recently about UA's willingness to ticket a stopover at origin.
Important Notes - PLEASE READ:
1. Stopovers and open-jaws are NOT additive. You do not get extra stops included in your itinerary simply by making an open-jaw out of it. This is probably the number one error made in attempting to construct a complex itinerary. If you have more than two stops >24 hours on a roundtrip award, it is not legal and will not ticket.
2. An open jaw always creates a stopover, even if you're stopping for less than 24 hours.
3. Many awards are subject to segment or "transfer" limitations. For example, the North America to South Asia award is currently restricted to four transfers in each direction.
Seeing your fare construction on an already booked award ticket:
In order to see your award fare construction to see where your stopovers and destination are, follow these steps.
Go to http://www.saudiairlines.com/
Then hit "Manage My Bookings" and select "E-Ticket"
Enter your UA ticket number (hint: 016 will go in the first box, and then everything else in the second box). Then your last name and hit "Retrieve My Booking". On the next page you'll see a line like this under "Fare Calculation":
CHI LH X/FRA LH ROM0.00CSM/YB52 /- FLR LH X/FRA LH X/DUS LH CHI UA SEA
This example is:
ORD-FRA-FCO
Open Jaw at Destination
FLR-FRA-DUS-ORD
Stopover at origin
ORD-SEA
Previous thread on this topic:
Rules for Open Jaw & Stopover Award Flights (Consolidated)
Consolidated: Rules for Open Jaw & Stopover Award Flights [2014]
Questions on Open Jaw/Stopover and Award Routings for United UA/*A Partners [2015]
Q: What is a stopover?
A: A stopover on an international itinerary is any break in your air travel for more than 24 hours except at the destination.
Q: What is an open-jaw (OJ)?
A: An open-jaw is where you travel by your own means (either land, sea or a separate air ticket) between two points in a journey.
Q: How many stopovers am I allowed on a roundtrip award?
A: One stopover is permitted.
Q: How many open-jaws are allowed on a roundtrip award?
A: Two open-jaws are permitted.
Q: Can I have a stopover or open-jaw on a one-way award?
A: No
Q: Can I have a open-jaw at both the stopover and destination?
A: It has become extremely difficult to book an open-jaw at the stopover. Best not to count on getting one.
Q: When I try to book my OJ itinerary online, the website errors out. Does that mean there is something wrong with my itinerary?
A: Not necessarily. The website typically can't handle complex itineraries. These must generally be called in.
Q: Can I transit my destination multiple times (e.g. fly to JNB, fly to CPT and then return home via JNB)?
A: Yes, plenty of posters have reported success in booking this. You can only stop in your destination for > 24 hours once though.
Q: Can I cross both oceans?
A: No.
Q: Is EWR-PVG transatlantic or transpacific?
A: US-East Asia/South East Asia is always transpacific no matter what geography might suggest.
Q: Do I pay more for a stopover or open-jaw?
A: Typically no additional mileage is required but additional taxes or fees are often payable (especially in UK with high Air Passenger Duty). Extra mileage will often be required if an open-jaw or stopover adds a higher cost region into the itinerary. Also awards wholly within CONUS, Canada and Alaska (formerly known as Series 0 awards) require additional mileage (10K miles) for a stopover of >4 hrs.
Q: What's this about a "free one-way" I can get on a UA award?
A: The term "free one-way" is a misnomer and often confuses people (and may annoy the regulars here!). The technical definition of this concept is "stopover at origin." There have been mixed reports recently about UA's willingness to ticket a stopover at origin.
Important Notes - PLEASE READ:
1. Stopovers and open-jaws are NOT additive. You do not get extra stops included in your itinerary simply by making an open-jaw out of it. This is probably the number one error made in attempting to construct a complex itinerary. If you have more than two stops >24 hours on a roundtrip award, it is not legal and will not ticket.
2. An open jaw always creates a stopover, even if you're stopping for less than 24 hours.
3. Many awards are subject to segment or "transfer" limitations. For example, the North America to South Asia award is currently restricted to four transfers in each direction.
Seeing your fare construction on an already booked award ticket:
In order to see your award fare construction to see where your stopovers and destination are, follow these steps.
Go to http://www.saudiairlines.com/
Then hit "Manage My Bookings" and select "E-Ticket"
Enter your UA ticket number (hint: 016 will go in the first box, and then everything else in the second box). Then your last name and hit "Retrieve My Booking". On the next page you'll see a line like this under "Fare Calculation":
CHI LH X/FRA LH ROM0.00CSM/YB52 /- FLR LH X/FRA LH X/DUS LH CHI UA SEA
This example is:
ORD-FRA-FCO
Open Jaw at Destination
FLR-FRA-DUS-ORD
Stopover at origin
ORD-SEA
Previous thread on this topic:
Rules for Open Jaw & Stopover Award Flights (Consolidated)
Consolidated: Rules for Open Jaw & Stopover Award Flights [2014]
Questions on Open Jaw/Stopover and Award Routings for United UA/*A Partners [2015]
Questions on Open Jaw/Stopover and Award Routings for United UA/*A Partners [2016]
Jun 24, 2016, 4:47 pm
#271
Join Date: Jan 2008
Programs: Delta, United, Hilton, Marriott
Posts: 7
Award tickets
What is the best way to acquire a round trip award ticket with a stopover and/or an open jaw? I've tried using the multi city feature after finding each flight I want but the pricing doesn't seem right. Im obviously missing some key piece of information. I am transitioning from Delta and this is my first time trying to use my United miles this way. If there is a tutorial or a previous discussion on a newbie level, I can follow a link and figure it out. Thanks
Jun 24, 2016, 6:26 pm
#272
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: BDL/NYC/BOS
Programs: UA/*A Gold, Global Entry, Marriott Plat, Hilton+IHG Gold, Hertz PC, DL
Posts: 1,752
i ticketed the following for 60k earlier this year:
i'm trying to change my final leg to BOS-ORD. i called in, and the agent put me on hold so that she could speak with the rate desk. i was then told that the agent who initially booked this made a mistake and that the last leg's "coupon" shouldn't even be honored, as my "circle trip" has terminated. however, UA will honor my last leg (but UA will not allow me to change it to BOS-ORD).
none of that made sense to me; i don't see why i wouldn't be able to change that last leg since it still originates in BOS. does anyone have advice perhaps on how to word my request to make it more concise to a phone agent?
BOS-IAD-ZRH-IST-FRA (no layovers longer than 24h)
stayed in FRA for a week
FRA-BOS
(all of the above has already been flown)
BOS-SFO (still to be flown in october)
stayed in FRA for a week
FRA-BOS
(all of the above has already been flown)
BOS-SFO (still to be flown in october)
none of that made sense to me; i don't see why i wouldn't be able to change that last leg since it still originates in BOS. does anyone have advice perhaps on how to word my request to make it more concise to a phone agent?
Jun 24, 2016, 6:32 pm
#273
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: 66,852
i ticketed the following for 60k earlier this year:
i'm trying to change my final leg to BOS-ORD. i called in, and the agent put me on hold so that she could speak with the rate desk. i was then told that the agent who initially booked this made a mistake and that the last leg's "coupon" shouldn't even be honored, as my "circle trip" has terminated. however, UA will honor my last leg (but UA will not allow me to change it to BOS-ORD).
none of that made sense to me; i don't see why i wouldn't be able to change that last leg since it still originates in BOS. does anyone have advice perhaps on how to word my request to make it more concise to a phone agent?
BOS-IAD-ZRH-IST-FRA (no layovers longer than 24h)
stayed in FRA for a week
FRA-BOS
(all of the above has already been flown)
BOS-SFO (still to be flown in october)
stayed in FRA for a week
FRA-BOS
(all of the above has already been flown)
BOS-SFO (still to be flown in october)
i'm trying to change my final leg to BOS-ORD. i called in, and the agent put me on hold so that she could speak with the rate desk. i was then told that the agent who initially booked this made a mistake and that the last leg's "coupon" shouldn't even be honored, as my "circle trip" has terminated. however, UA will honor my last leg (but UA will not allow me to change it to BOS-ORD).
none of that made sense to me; i don't see why i wouldn't be able to change that last leg since it still originates in BOS. does anyone have advice perhaps on how to word my request to make it more concise to a phone agent?
The standard policy on "invalid" bookings is to freeze the booking and allow no changes. You certain can try but likely your PNR has been tagged and commented concerning this issue -- will be surprised if you get an exception.
Jun 24, 2016, 6:34 pm
#274
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: BDL/NYC/BOS
Programs: UA/*A Gold, Global Entry, Marriott Plat, Hilton+IHG Gold, Hertz PC, DL
Posts: 1,752
UA has cracked down on the "free OW" or "free segment" on the end of a RT and generally is no longer allowing.
The standard policy on "invalid" bookings is to freeze the booking and allow no changes. You certain can try but likely your PNR has been tagged and commented concerning this issue -- will be surprised if you get an exception.
The standard policy on "invalid" bookings is to freeze the booking and allow no changes. You certain can try but likely your PNR has been tagged and commented concerning this issue -- will be surprised if you get an exception.
Jun 24, 2016, 8:25 pm
#275
Moderator: Budget Travel forum & Credit Card Programs, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: YYJ/YVR and back on Van Isle ....... for now
Programs: UA lifetime MM / *A Gold
Posts: 14,429
Jun 24, 2016, 9:01 pm
#276
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: 66,852
Jun 25, 2016, 5:11 am
#277
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: san antonio, texas
Programs: 3.2MM AA, 1.4MM UA,StwdLftPlt
Posts: 1,586
UA has cracked down on the "free OW" or "free segment" on the end of a RT and generally is no longer allowing.
The standard policy on "invalid" bookings is to freeze the booking and allow no changes. You certain can try but likely your PNR has been tagged and commented concerning this issue -- will be surprised if you get an exception.
The standard policy on "invalid" bookings is to freeze the booking and allow no changes. You certain can try but likely your PNR has been tagged and commented concerning this issue -- will be surprised if you get an exception.
Jun 25, 2016, 3:03 pm
#278
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: IND
Posts: 2,005
UA has cracked down on the "free OW" or "free segment" on the end of a RT and generally is no longer allowing.
The standard policy on "invalid" bookings is to freeze the booking and allow no changes. You certain can try but likely your PNR has been tagged and commented concerning this issue -- will be surprised if you get an exception.
The standard policy on "invalid" bookings is to freeze the booking and allow no changes. You certain can try but likely your PNR has been tagged and commented concerning this issue -- will be surprised if you get an exception.
After being frozen, date change (and transfer at another city or change airline, etc.) is still possible while I couldn't change stopover/openjaw or dep/arr cities at all.
Jun 25, 2016, 4:32 pm
#279
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: 66,852
Jun 25, 2016, 4:41 pm
#280
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,454
UA has cracked down on the "free OW" or "free segment" on the end of a RT and generally is no longer allowing.
The standard policy on "invalid" bookings is to freeze the booking and allow no changes. You certain can try but likely your PNR has been tagged and commented concerning this issue -- will be surprised if you get an exception.
The standard policy on "invalid" bookings is to freeze the booking and allow no changes. You certain can try but likely your PNR has been tagged and commented concerning this issue -- will be surprised if you get an exception.
Last edited by Kacee; Jun 25, 2016 at 6:51 pm Reason: origin, not destination
Jun 25, 2016, 5:56 pm
#281
Moderator: Budget Travel forum & Credit Card Programs, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: YYJ/YVR and back on Van Isle ....... for now
Programs: UA lifetime MM / *A Gold
Posts: 14,429
Jun 28, 2016, 11:30 pm
#282
Join Date: Apr 2013
Programs: Starwood/Hyatt/IHG-PLAT/Hilton-DIA
Posts: 468
I booked this itinerary in summer 2015 for a flight in October 2015 from US to Europe with stopover in LAX until March 2016 before leaving for Hawaii. It was 65K round trip:
lax-cle-ewr-jfk-bru-fco-cdg-ewr-lax-ogg
First attempt w/phone agent and got booking fee waived, didn't even have to ask.
2 open jaws and domestic stopover en route to Hawaii.
Any recent 2016 success stories with a similar itinerary? I heard UA agents are cracking down on what they like to refer to as "pricing errors" for these creative bookings.
lax-cle-ewr-jfk-bru-fco-cdg-ewr-lax-ogg
First attempt w/phone agent and got booking fee waived, didn't even have to ask.
2 open jaws and domestic stopover en route to Hawaii.
Any recent 2016 success stories with a similar itinerary? I heard UA agents are cracking down on what they like to refer to as "pricing errors" for these creative bookings.
Jun 29, 2016, 8:57 am
#283
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 31
Trying to get an itinerary on united to price right and I think something is wrong
I can get NYC - PEK - NRT - NYC to price properly at 160k in J
however I actually want to fly NYC - NRT (stopover) - PEK - NYC and this is pricing at 200k, any idea why?
I can get NYC - PEK - NRT - NYC to price properly at 160k in J
however I actually want to fly NYC - NRT (stopover) - PEK - NYC and this is pricing at 200k, any idea why?
Jul 1, 2016, 11:56 am
#284
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 104
Possible to add on 'free' stopover after booking award ticket?
Booked an open jaw roundtrip for my parents but realized a week later I could have booked them on a one way for a trip a few months down the road. Called United and agent said no, supervisor said it was allowed online 'but they will take more miles from your account at the time of your trip. I told her I had done this countless times and they didn't but she didn't budge.
Any magic number I can call? Any way to do it myself online? I checked and there is availability for the flight I need...
Any magic number I can call? Any way to do it myself online? I checked and there is availability for the flight I need...
Jul 1, 2016, 5:51 pm
#285
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: 66,852
as mentioned, since UA considers this an abusive use of the program, few agents will be helpful.
As this is a change of origin/destination, unless the miles come from Plat or above elite's account, there will be change fees.