PB->PA, unpublished benefit for 1Ks?
Jun 26, 2005, 2:30 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Melbourne, FL
Programs: UA 1K 2MM
Posts: 158
PB->PA, unpublished benefit for 1Ks?
The last couple of intl flights I've taken, I've been forced to buy B fares, and thus, decided to use miles to upgrade (since it's cheaper on that fare) and save my SWUs. The first time I completely forgot miles puts you on the PB list, and got to within a week of my SFO->CDG leg without the upgrade clearing. When I finally realized that I was on the PB list, I called and asked the agent to move me to PA. After consulting with a supervisor, she did so.
Next flight, I did the same thing (minus the weeks on the PB list this time). Again, the supervisor OK'd it.
So my question is, am I being lucky and finding kind supervisors or is moving 1Ks onto PA under all circumstances an unpublished benefit?
Next flight, I did the same thing (minus the weeks on the PB list this time). Again, the supervisor OK'd it.
So my question is, am I being lucky and finding kind supervisors or is moving 1Ks onto PA under all circumstances an unpublished benefit?
Jun 26, 2005, 3:15 pm
#2
Join Date: May 2005
Location: PHL
Programs: UA 1K; SPG Plat LT; Marriott Plat LT; Hyatt Diamond; Hertz Gold
Posts: 158
My recent experiences with upgrades have involved the CSR's placing me on the PA lists instead of the PB list. One time, original CSR put me on PB, and thus, was on waiting list pergutory. When I called back to check on waitlist clearing, the CSR mentioned that original CSR placed me on the wrong list, and promptly changed it to PA, all without my prompting. So, it seems to me that PA is where they normally put 1K's (using any instrument), PB is where they put you by default/mistake. These are just my own experiences.
Jun 26, 2005, 6:45 pm
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Seattle, WA, USA
Programs: Bar Alliance Gold
Posts: 16,271
I was placed on the PB waitlist by the agent who handled my mileage upgrade award. I called back to reserve the outbound with 500s and the new agent noted I was on the PB, and moved me to the PA. I am a 1P.
I think if the PA WL is lightly loaded, some agents will move you as a courtesy, regardless of status.
I think if the PA WL is lightly loaded, some agents will move you as a courtesy, regardless of status.
Jun 26, 2005, 7:48 pm
#4
Join Date: May 2005
Programs: UA MM, AS MVP Gold, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 2,110
Originally Posted by CatHerder
The last couple of intl flights I've taken, I've been forced to buy B fares, and thus, decided to use miles to upgrade (since it's cheaper on that fare) and save my SWUs. The first time I completely forgot miles puts you on the PB list, and got to within a week of my SFO->CDG leg without the upgrade clearing. When I finally realized that I was on the PB list, I called and asked the agent to move me to PA. After consulting with a supervisor, she did so.
Next flight, I did the same thing (minus the weeks on the PB list this time). Again, the supervisor OK'd it.
So my question is, am I being lucky and finding kind supervisors or is moving 1Ks onto PA under all circumstances an unpublished benefit?
Next flight, I did the same thing (minus the weeks on the PB list this time). Again, the supervisor OK'd it.
So my question is, am I being lucky and finding kind supervisors or is moving 1Ks onto PA under all circumstances an unpublished benefit?
Jun 26, 2005, 7:57 pm
#5
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: SJC
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 609
Originally Posted by thegingerman
So, I take it you used miles to guarantee your upgrade, as the B fare would have been upgraded at the gate with space available, no?
Jun 27, 2005, 12:22 am
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: USA
Programs: UA Platinum, 1MM
Posts: 13,458
As the saying goes when dealing with United phone support, call call call again until you get what you want. I'll make sure to call until I get someone to put me on the PA list now for any upgrade.
Jun 27, 2005, 1:44 am
#7
Join Date: Dec 2003
Programs: UA Silver
Posts: 2,262
Moving from PB to PA is not a big deal for United. Agents have the right to change it while other *A carriers don't usually give their agents the access to change it.
Jun 27, 2005, 12:49 pm
#8
Join Date: May 2004
Programs: UA 1K 2MM, BA Gold, SQ TPP
Posts: 1,487
Is there any way to find out which waitlist you are on without calling?
Jun 27, 2005, 1:45 pm
#9
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Seat 1A, Juice pretty much everywhere, Mucci des Coins Exotiques
Posts: 34,339
Gosh I've been flying UA a long time and I don't know what PA and PB stand for or what they mean? But I always get my upgrade so maybe I shouldn't care?
Jun 27, 2005, 7:04 pm
#10
Join Date: Dec 2003
Programs: UA Silver
Posts: 2,262
Originally Posted by c1mth0g
Is there any way to find out which waitlist you are on without calling?
If you have a CRS or GDS, you definitely can check without calling. But if you don't have, calling is the only way.
Jun 28, 2005, 12:43 am
#11
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Los Angeles, USA
Programs: UA Plat-2MM, Marriott Life Titanium, Hyatt something
Posts: 1,888
If your PNR is visible on www.viewtrip.com, I believe you can see the PA and PB codes. As I recall, travel agency records are generally visible but not United website or phone reservations.
Charles
Charles
Jun 28, 2005, 2:37 am
#12
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: FLL
Programs: UA: 1K MM, Marriott Ambassador, Platinum IHG. Diamond: Hilton. Silver: Delta & Hyatt
Posts: 1,366
I am guessing this is the United staff in the USA. In China they certainly will not move you from one waitlist to another. Of course I am not yet a 1K. 
-UFFA
-UFFA
Jun 28, 2005, 10:33 am
#13
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Seat 1A, Juice pretty much everywhere, Mucci des Coins Exotiques
Posts: 34,339
Acroynm alert!
OK, help me please.
PA = ?
PB = ?
CRS = ?
GDS = ?
PA = ?
PB = ?
CRS = ?
GDS = ?
Jun 28, 2005, 10:54 am
#14
Join Date: Dec 2003
Programs: UA Silver
Posts: 2,262
PA and PB are levels of pax's priority in a waitlist. CRS and GDS is the program used to make reservations and issue tickets. Unless you're an employee of a carrier or a travel agency, you won't likely have them.
Basically, the order of letter after P indicates your priority.
In other words, PA>PB>PC and something like that.
Basically, the order of letter after P indicates your priority.
In other words, PA>PB>PC and something like that.
Last edited by N227UA; Jun 28, 2005 at 11:02 am