UA896 SIN-HKG canceled. Rebooked on CX.
Jun 22, 2017, 8:40 pm
#16
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: SJC
Programs: Southwest, Alaska, United, American Airlines
Posts: 994
SQ has elected to not adhere to the Star Alliance Irregular Operations Rebooking Policy. Therefore, it's *much* more expensive (and tedious) to use SQ flights for IROPS rebookings, and many Star members (incl. United) will only use SQ flights as a last resort.
Jun 23, 2017, 3:04 am
#17
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Here today gone tomorrow
Programs: *G, ow Saph
Posts: 2,865
It always fascinates me when UA will rebook on OAL on a whim. But ask them to do that over the phone and unless you're GS they will say "heck no".
And what's even more puzzling is this is from another *A hub! SQ has a ton of flights from SIN-HKG. Why not rebook directly on a *A carrier? Isn't *A the preferred rebooking method when a flight cancels?
UA departs at 6am
CX departs at 645am, 800am, 955am, etc
SQ departs at 730am, 840am, 955am, etc.
-RM
And what's even more puzzling is this is from another *A hub! SQ has a ton of flights from SIN-HKG. Why not rebook directly on a *A carrier? Isn't *A the preferred rebooking method when a flight cancels?
UA departs at 6am
CX departs at 645am, 800am, 955am, etc
SQ departs at 730am, 840am, 955am, etc.
-RM
CX is definitely one of the easier carriers to work with based on my experience. I've been rebooked ON to them from AA, UA, and MH and in each case it was a less than 5 minute process.
Jun 23, 2017, 3:55 am
#18
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2003
Programs: UA*Lifetime GS, Hyatt* Lifetime Globalist
Posts: 12,332
As a SQ PPS member and UA GS member, here are my observations:
1. SQ is a fantastic airlines and is an absolutely a lousy airlines for customer services. PPS agents don't seem to be able to handle any issues that is not in their prescribed list. It is hard for customers to work with them not just other *A carriers.
2. I have successfully purchased UA/SQ itineries through United and redeemed awards on SQ using my UA points without issues, so not sure the comments that UA won't book on SQ.
3. CX is a great airlines for customer service. I don't like flying them, but they treat me well and make me feel important as a non-elite customer in Oneworls Alliance.
4. If you combine CX customer service with SQ onboard offerings, you will have a fantastic airlines.
5. Sad to see UA discontinue this route, I will schedule one more farewell flight before it ends.
1. SQ is a fantastic airlines and is an absolutely a lousy airlines for customer services. PPS agents don't seem to be able to handle any issues that is not in their prescribed list. It is hard for customers to work with them not just other *A carriers.
2. I have successfully purchased UA/SQ itineries through United and redeemed awards on SQ using my UA points without issues, so not sure the comments that UA won't book on SQ.
3. CX is a great airlines for customer service. I don't like flying them, but they treat me well and make me feel important as a non-elite customer in Oneworls Alliance.
4. If you combine CX customer service with SQ onboard offerings, you will have a fantastic airlines.
5. Sad to see UA discontinue this route, I will schedule one more farewell flight before it ends.
Jun 23, 2017, 4:34 am
#19
Moderator: Midwest, Las Vegas & Dining Buzz
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Posts: 17,976
Jun 23, 2017, 9:19 pm
#20
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Floating around
Programs: UA 1K (1MM), DL Gold (1MM), Marriott LTT
Posts: 10,344
During IROPS they are saying SQ is never used because of the above quote. CX has an easier policy so UA and CX can figure things out on the back-end.
I'm taking 896 (6am SIN-HKG) this week. It's not likely my last as I go to HKG frequently for business and UA isn't ending the flight for a few more months.
-RM
Jun 23, 2017, 10:04 pm
#21
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: LHR (sometimes CLE, SFO, BOS, LAX, SEA)
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 5,893
Hard to imagine that happening now.