mahasamatman

My gut feeling is yes. But if you don't ask, you'll never know...

SFOFastAir

The only way and SFO agent would take you as a VDB let you go to a city you are not ticketed to is if the flights to SEA are sold out for the next 2 or 3 days and they couldn't get anyone else. Beware it's not that hard to take an IDB, just have get the check brought out.

channa

GAs use alternate airports in VDBs all the time. I think the only caveat in this one is that SEA and YVR are in different countries. Had this been a more traditional swap (e.g., JFK/EWR, BWI/IAD, MIA/FLL, etc.), most GAs wouldn't think twice about it.

Often1

Have you looked at the cost of buying a SFO-YVR ticket? Maybe there's a deal to be had. If you can find one, grab it. Even if you have checked luggage, you will clear at SFO, so you still have to recheck your bag if you stay with what you have or check-in anew w. whatever carrier on to YVR.

hellyea

Its definately worth a shot. I've been rebooked due to a weather waiver from BUF to YYZ. I'm sure GA's can easily do it.

It'll be free only if they need volunteers.

haddon90

this got me thinking regarding intl taxes and such...what if there was a VDB from say, IAD-LAX. could they send you IAD-YYZ-LAX?

i don't believe cabotage applies since IAD-YYZ is on UA and YYZ-LAX would be on AC.

i know, not practical but it's a hypothetical situation.

SEA1K4EVR

SFOFastAir is a GA at SFO, and I would tend to give what he says about what a GA at SFO might do more weight than others.

channa

I understand your point, though it's worth noting that consistency amongst agents can vary significantly, even at the same station.

OfficeGlenn

My flight yesterday morning at SFO appeared to be oversold and they were looking for volunteers at the gate. I spoke to the gate agent about rerouting me on a flight to Vancouver, and as long as I didn't have checked baggage, he said it was possible.

However, they ended up not need the seats, as some people that had checked in did not show up for their flights, so the point became moot.

N1120A

Co-terminals certainly aren't an issue. I've been rerouted to both OXR (sigh, I miss OXR) and BUR after originally being booked into LAX because of IRROPS. YVR and SEA aren't co-terminals, but they are close enough together and have enough cross-traffic to justify the shift.

Actually, its not cabotage anyway, as Air Canada isn't carrying a domestic passenger. Its 2 international flights.

UA has actually been known to connect people over YYZ during bad IRROPS from time to time - even onto other United flights. As long as someone is carrying a passport and admissible to Canada, no big deal.

I think I know why this would have been possible - the Canadians only charge taxes/fees on the outbound. No Airport Improvement Fee (PFC in US speak), no other charges. That's why when you book an award inbound to Canada, you only pay $5 for it. Outbound, you pay the AIF and other taxes. There would be no loss to United on your ticket, and YVR is actually the closest major airport UA flies to (not counting Victoria for this exercise).