Consolidated "UA 'Z' Fare (Discounted Business Class)" Discussion Thread [Merged]
Jul 5, 2008, 1:26 pm
#91
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Los Angeles, USA
Programs: UA Plat-2MM, Marriott Life Titanium, Hyatt something
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Charles
Jul 5, 2008, 1:44 pm
#92
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Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: ORD
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If the stars align, you will be offered the chance to buy up. Might happen at at checkin (I get it about half the time when I use OLCI) or at the gate. If you checkin with another airline (LH for a FLR-MUC on UA xfering to UA for MUC-ORD for example) you won't be offered by LH, but you can check with UA a MUC to see if they have an offer.
Jul 5, 2008, 5:47 pm
#93
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Chicago 'burbs
Programs: UA 2P, HHonors Diamond, Hertz Gold
Posts: 873
I thought at-gate or OLCI "buy ups" didn't earn fare bonus? 
Dec 29, 2008, 8:49 am
#94
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 118
Upgrade Z Class
I did a quick search but couldn't find anything so thought it would be easier to tap into the vast FT knowledge vault. Can you upgrade "Z" class with an SWU?
Last edited by FlyinHawaiian; Dec 29, 2008 at 10:10 am Reason: merged into existing thread
Dec 29, 2008, 9:25 am
#97
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 118
Thanks all, I thought I read somewhere that 1K or GS or something like that could upgrade "Z" class but I guess no upgrade for me!
Dec 29, 2008, 9:51 am
#98
Join Date: May 2001
Posts: 4,771
If they are offering UFC (Upgrades for cash) at the gate or easy check in you are eligible on a Z fare (or even an award ticket).
Dec 29, 2008, 10:10 am
#99
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,102
Or, find an agent that does not quite know the rules/seems sweet-talk-able.
Dec 30, 2008, 1:19 pm
#100
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: UA 4 million miler; Hilton goldMarriott platinum elite
Posts: 63
As others have stated a Z to NF upgrade is unlikely as the upgrade rules require a C or D fare. These rules makes sense for UA as it protects the integrity of F and when you consider an international Z fare could be ~$4K compared with ~$10K for a C fare. This is not to say I have not been lucky enough to end up in F on a Z fare, its very rare and has only happened on full flights on domestic transcons. I think the number one rule of flying applies, always be polite to the gate agents and keep good upgrade karma in mind, they might need a C seat and be whiling to upgrade someone quickly to get the flight out on time. As others have stated Easy Check-in may offer you a buy up offer. You haven't said what route your flying that will also have a significant impact. If you have to fly in F the best option is to re-fare.
Dec 30, 2008, 1:28 pm
#101
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Portland
Programs: HH Gold, Alaska MVP Gold
Posts: 4,074
I disagree with idea that Z fares are so cheap that they should not be upgradeable, even by elites, to protect the integrity of the first class product. I am flying DCA-PEK-IAD next week on a Z fare priced at $13,980.44, which is hardly cheap and only a 25% discount to the C class fare. A far cry from the $4K Z fare vs. $10K C fare that was cited. Not only can I not upgrade I am stuck in the middle seat.
Dec 30, 2008, 2:05 pm
#102
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When most people talk of Z fares, they mean the discount fares (like ZHOL, which is $3,849 for your route). If you're paying $14K for a Z fare, you're getting ripped off since the D fare is less than $9K!
Dec 30, 2008, 3:13 pm
#103
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: UA 4 million miler; Hilton goldMarriott platinum elite
Posts: 63
Dec 30, 2008, 3:21 pm
#104
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: UA 4 million miler; Hilton goldMarriott platinum elite
Posts: 63
Z is typcially deeply discounted business. Many of my more than 2 million BITS miles have been on flights to China. I am certain that UA in the past couple of years has never had a business class seat from the east coast of the US at a price anywhere near $3,849. Even D fares are rarely available on the 897/898 nonstop between Dulles and Beijing.
Dec 30, 2008, 3:29 pm
#105
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Yes, I know. But the fare you're quoting is not deeply discounted.
I don't know what the restrictions are, but the fare is filed.
I have never see a case anywhere where there was Z fare availability but not D fare availability.
I have never see a case anywhere where there was Z fare availability but not D fare availability.