FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - Can I book a standard award ticket and change it to saver award later?
Old Oct 17, 2013, 2:04 pm
  #4  
alex_b
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: London, UK
Programs: BA Gold, UA Nobody, Hilton Gold
Posts: 2,372
Originally Posted by clm4700
I must make an international trip at Christmas this year. For now the United only has the standard award available. And the economy class seats are almost filled up for the dates of my travel. Shall I book it now?

I know it is possible saver awards would be available at last minute. Can I change my booking to the saver award and get half of my miles back later? If yes, I can have my flight assured and save miles in the end.

I'd appreciate it if anyone can tell me whether I can do the award ticket switch and get some miles back. Thanks.
Essentially yes you can but depending on status level you may need to pay change fees for each change. As a 1k I have called in on the morning of each segment and changed a standard award to a saver award, sometimes I've had to chase up UA on getting the mileage refunded.
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