Originally Posted by
CollegeFlyer
Sorry, but I think you're only seeing what you want to see.
The poster you are responding to didn't say that that's
what the rule is supposed to be, just that one time he was allowed to do it. In fact, he specifically said that UA has a customer-unfriendly rule to prohibit that change.
For example, UA rules do not permit a Y->NC ticket to then be upgraded NC->NF (a two-cabin upgrade). Sometimes FTers get two-cabin upgrades, but when someone says that she got one, it doesn't mean that the rule is supposed to be "two-cabin upgrades are allowed."
i've actually done it several times FWIW including in Hong Kong. in addition, i fully understand OP's frustration because i have also had numerous agents at the 1K desk tell me that i can switch to the higher cabin even after travel has begun if it becomes available (the difference is, I will force them to document it and once i recall relying on that documentation to push United to make the change).
all that said, the rule is what it is and the OP doesn't really have a leg to stand on. sorry, dude. i feel for you but not much can be done.
broader point though: i don't like this rule (in fact it is the thing i hate most about Mileage Plus) and i don't see a good rationale for it at all since NO other program i can think of-Star on non-Star) does the same thing.
Originally Posted by
ORDnHKG
If it is for a fact that OZ is selling for 2 class on a 3 class cabin, and OZ reserve F for its own elites like what NH does for NRT-HKG 77W or 744. I have no complain for that. In my case, OZ has F available, or I should say O, but OZ throw the ball to UA, saying if UA does not agree, they can't do anything about it.
sorry to go OT but i have a major bone to pick here.
OZ and NH are quite fair imho. in my book, the big culprit is
Singapore Airlines whose blocking of premium cabins 773ERs and 380s is absolutely unacceptable behavior for an alliance member. there are certain routes (SIN-SFO, SIN-CDG/ZRH/MXP-BCN for example) where it is IMPOSSIBLE to get a C- or F-class award seat because of this blocking.
will stop now. way OT!