jsloan

If the question is, "can I purchase my ticket with cash, and then sit in E+ using miles," I believe the answer is "not currently." UA was supposedly working on the ability to do this but I don't think it exists yet.

Kacee

If that was the question, you're right. I thought the question was about using cash to purchase E+ when the ticket is purchased with miles, but re-reading it your interpretation is probably correct.

princeville

Yes, all one ticket from AGP to SLC We finally did depart for SFO without the opportunity to exit in ORD. The funeral is two hours from SLC, with viewing at 9am and services at 11am so United had no options to get me there at all.

I had a four hour connection in SFO so I wasn't concerned about the initial one hour delay. Once things started going sideways in FRA the united agent in the lounge was gone for the day so I got on the phone with united reservations. She couldn't find any other way to get me there last night or early this morning but when it was announced that the plane would stop in ORD for a crew switch I asked if I could get off with the crew and take a direct flight to SLC that arrived last night and she said yes. Then before I boarded I asked the agents at the gate. The initial answer was no then they consulted with a supervisor and told me that I could and they would book the ORD-SLC leg for me. In flight I saw on the app that I had indeed been confirmed on the ORD-SLC flight so everything seemed okay.

When we landed I was met by an agent at the aircraft door who said that Frankfurt had called ahead but that they had misinformed me and I could not leave the plane. This was my only shot to attend the funeral and if I hadn't been told
by two different employees that it would be possible, there would have been no point in boarding the plane and I may as well have headed back to rejoin my family in Spain. I know United's only obligation is to deliver me to SLC eventually but this is the reason I thought they might have agreed to put me on Delta to get there on time. They said they couldn't but to submit my receipt.

Anyway, I bought the delta ticket and thanks to their legendary schedule padding we landed 40 minutes early and I am almost there. But because g-d was not done laughing at my plans, my checked bag did not make it to SFO so I have no clothes or makeup. This wasn't discovered until about 3am and my Delta flight was at 6am, so no opportunity to buy anything. It's really been a day/night.

Kacee

Thanks for updating us and for the reminder what often happens to the best laid plans. It sounds like you've handled the situation with remarkable grace.

Definitely submit your receipts to UA. I would hope they will provide you with customer service compensation in the range of the DL ticket price (though they will undoubtedly expressly disclaim any obligation to reimburse that purchase).

energydj

That was it alright. Purchasing economy ticket and then using miles to purchase a plus seat. Pity thats not allowed.

justsawaufo

if I have an award itin - TLV-BRU(SN)-BRU(UA)-ORD-IAD
Who do I check in with? SN or UA?

mahasamatman

Always with the operator of the first segment.

richarddd

For a flight IAD-LGA (regional jet), economy plus bundle is $247 and first is $210. Does this make any sense? First seems the clear choice.

mahasamatman

E+ bundle comes with lounge access, doesn't it?

richarddd

Yes, although they seem to be selling lounge access for $50, so for another $13 over E+ you could get lounge and first.

Is there any way for someone (without UA status) to get the E+ seat, without lounge access or the rest of the bundle?

WineCountryUA

E+ access (only) is a standard offering and is offered at seat selection during the booking.

The E+ bundle (many times) and first class offer would give you a number of "free" checked bags.

IAD-LGA is about 80 minutes gate to gate. The F passagners will only get a small snack and free adult beverages.

mahasamatman

Most people don't run the calculations. United depends on this.

richarddd

Sounds good. I'm just looking for a not uncomfortable seat and 34" E+ seems much closer than 30" E.

FWIW, I'm not likely to have any bags, checked or carry-on, and hope not to be in IAD long enough for lounge access to matter.

Thanks.
Some version of: UA, for those who can't do the math.

oopl

I think it's $59 now?

WineCountryUA

That;s the new "list" price but it is offered in these bundles for $50 standalone.