Can this be done: buy a tix, check-in, cancel, refund?
I have 3 hour lay-over at IAD on Sunday afternoon?
Just found out a friend, whom I have not seen in 35 years, is in America this week, visiting DC.
On Sunday morning, can I (as a 1K) purchase a ticket for him, departing late on Sunday night. He comes to Dulles, checks-in, he goes thru security and we visit for a few hours, then --before his flight is scheduled to depart -- I cancel his reservation?
If this all is done less than 24 hours, will the cost of his ticket be refunded to me? (Or I even could buy a fully-refundable ticket and manage this same thing, huh?)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by highflier1979
I have 3 hour lay-over at IAD on Sunday afternoon?
Just found out a friend, whom I have not seen in 35 years, is in America this week, visiting DC.
On Sunday morning, can I (as a 1K) purchase a ticket for him, departing late on Sunday night. He comes to Dulles, checks-in, he goes thru security and we visit for a few hours, then --before his flight is scheduled to depart -- I cancel his reservation?
If this all is done less than 24 hours, will the cost of his ticket be refunded to me? (Or I even could buy a fully-refundable ticket and manage this same thing, huh?)
Is there a down-side I'm not seeing?
Yes, you can do it. Just make it a refundable ticket to be on the safe side. I have done this myself and it's no problem.
can I (as a 1K) purchase a ticket for him, departing late on Sunday night. He comes to Dulles, checks-in, he goes thru security and we visit for a few hours, then --before his flight is scheduled to depart -- I cancel his reservation?
You can do this as a 1k. You can do this as a general member. You can even do this as zippy the pinhead!!! Enjoy!!!
Keep in mind that you don't have to purchase a UA flight. You can get a ticket or practically any airline!
Splurge and get an F ticket on BA!!! Go to that lounge.
Then again, there are ethical implications to that one!
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Last edited by iluv2fly; Nov 22, 12 at 2:14 pm..
Reason: merge
Keep in mind that you don't have to purchase a UA flight. You can get a ticket or practically any airline!
Splurge and get an F ticket on BA!!! Go to that lounge.
Then again, there are ethical implications to that one!
What's the latest international flight out of IAD on Sunday night? my flight leaves 7:00 pm...so I'd need a flight that departs then or later....to have access to the lounge but still have time to cancel/refund.
Is the UA IFL even worth it? (I usually fly out of LAX/ORD/SFO...it's been years since I have been at the IAD IFL...in fact, May, 2001, when it was downstairs, ancillary to one of the RCC. I was not impressed.)
What's the latest international flight out of IAD on Sunday night? my flight leaves 7:00 pm...so I'd need a flight that departs then or later....to have access to the lounge but still have time to cancel/refund.
Careful with the international part of this. Your friend may not be able to check in online, and may have to go to the counter to get his BP, where they may take away his I-94. If you are going to do this I would recommend you buy him a domestic flight.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CaptainMiles
Careful with the international part of this. Your friend may not be able to check in online, and may have to go to the counter to get his BP, where they may take away his I-94. If you are going to do this I would recommend you buy him a domestic flight.
+1
There are a lot of Regional jet/prop flights departing after 10 PM from IAD, get him in one of those, just make sure he does not go to the A concourse
Good advice....thanks. As a US citizen, I never would have thought about that.
What are the offers of a Premier/First Class line thru security at IAD? I could buy him an F ticket so he can move thru security more quickly.
4-5pm at IAD is pretty terrible for security. However, the premier line does little to help - many times the general line is quicker!
There is a Harry's Tap Room bar on the departures level of the main terminal pre-security (about half way through, near Lufthansa's check in desks if I remember correctly). It may be easier to meet him there - It's rarely busy and then he won't need to go through the hassle of going through security, taking the AirTrain, etc. As a 1K, you'll be able to use the premier security to get back in (or even better, the PreCheck line, which is right by the bar).
If you decide to meet him inside the terminal, I would suggest going to the Lufthansa lounge in Terminal B. As a 1K/*G you'll be able to get in even if you're on a domestic itinerary. As long as you get him a boarding pass for a Star Alliance flight you can guest him in. It's right up the stairs from the AirTrain, so you're 5 minutes away from Terminal C when you decide to go back to your flight.
Rather than going through the whole deal of buying, canceling and refunding a ticket for your friend I would suggest you simply leave the secure area, meet your friend and then go thru security again to catch your flight. Much simpler.
Rather than going through the whole deal of buying, canceling and refunding a ticket for your friend I would suggest you simply leave the secure area, meet your friend and then go thru security again to catch your flight. Much simpler.
Yes, it might simpler. But my worries....I am arriving at 4:00 pm. I'd have to leave security, meet him....and then work my way thru security again to make a 6:45 pm departure. My concern: how much time would I have to waste getting thru security.
I just thought, if he is flexible with his time, I'd at least buy him domestic F ticket (so he could use Premier line)....even if he's a little late due to backed up security....it's less stressful then me worrying about getting myself thru security and possibly missing my flight home.
Careful with the international part of this. Your friend may not be able to check in online, and may have to go to the counter to get his BP, where they may take away his I-94. If you are going to do this I would recommend you buy him a domestic flight.
The I-94 is not taken away from him until boarding the plane, so you are safe to buy him am international refundable ticket. He will also be able to check on line since the problems are are just when you have to do immigration in USA that the check in agent must validate your visa before.
This has been my experience (I hold a visa to enter US) so you are safe to buy an international refundable ticket if it is easier for both of you.
my flight leaves 7:00 pm...so I'd need a flight that departs then or later....to have access to the lounge but still have time to cancel/refund.
