Originally Posted by
aztimm
Why not just try to get on a different PHX-LAX flight. Check the loads, see if you can somehow get on an earlier or later flight. Talk to the gate agent, etc... There used to be a bunch of flights a day, I'm sure there's still several. Or maybe try to go to SNA, BUR, LGB, ONT, etc if you're not locked into LAX.
Well, here's what happened to my MEX-PHX-LAX "through flight". ^
First, I had the reservation transferred from Orbitz to US. Then I got a very understanding US agent on the line. She completely understood how a "through flight" screws elites' chances of UG's -- but she also said that she could not split the segments without creating a new reservation, which would mean a nasty repricing of the ticket.
Instead, she just put me on the next flight from PHX-LAX, at no charge. This is perfect because at worst I'm arriving in LA about an hour later -- with way better chances of getting UG'd on both segments (or at least one). I'm thinking that when I check in at MEX, I could see if the agent finds anything open in F on my original PHX-LAX leg. Then maybe the agent could book me straight through after all.
Overall, this was VERY well done by US. ^