Originally Posted by
WineCountryUA
Ambiguity, so far, does not seem to be if BULK tickets credit or not -- the answer so fare has been a clear no.
The ambiguity is a purchasing issue, via your purchase channels, you are unsure if /when a BULK ticket is issued. That is an issue between you and the purchasing channel. Seems you can ask at time of purchase or cancel after purchase and specifically request non-BULK. That may or not fly with your employer and/or purchasing channel.
Understand this is a big issue for some, but unless UA changes its position or can work out a new arrangement with the BULK ticket suppliers, UA's position has no ambiguity.
Yup . . . nailed it. That's exactly the issue and the consequence. UA's not ponying up PQDs for BULK fares right now. It's clear.
Originally Posted by
milohoss
But the spirit of either is the same because neither United nor the purchasing point makes it remotely clear that you're going to get a BULK FARE. You *might* know after the fact but even then it's not obvious - my zero PQD experience with United did *not* say anything about a bulk fare.
Forcing us to do extensive research or worse - call someone - isn't acceptable.
So the only thing unambiguous is my decision to never touch a 3rd party purchasing option with a ten foot pole. If there were obvious clarity then I'd use them, but I'm not calling someone about it, that's nuts!
Equally good point. No way to know until you see the dreaded "BULK" on the UA ticket. It burned me (and "learned" me) recently via Vayama. Non-refundable vayama fee was my penalty. I only used Vayama because they could put a UA+LH flight together that UA.com didn't offer. Really didn't save any $$$, just connection time. But no thanks I actually want the PQD . . . well, that's to say I need it to ensure status. And I suppose I'm hanging out in an airport for a few hours to get it. Such is the result here.
That's all fine if I went in know there was a choice, I would have made a more informed decision. Just didn't think it would turn into BULK, because the fare wasn't particularly discounted, etc, and it was a UA charge on my CC. Now I know better. And YES . . . I know it is a stated possibility in the terms, which I DO find ambiguous (vs opaque). It says you might get a bulk fare via a 3rd party site. Yup . . . got it. That "might" is what gets ya!
And quoting directly:
"How can I make sure that I earn PQD? (Expanded)
No matter where you purchase your ticket, flights operated by United, United Express and Copa Airlines are eligible for PQD, even when marketed by another airline or issued on another airline’s ticket. In addition, when flying with Star Alliance and MileagePlus partner airlines, you will earn PQD as long as the ticket is a United ticket (ticket number starting with "016").
All tickets issued through United channels, such as united.com, are issued as United tickets (ticket number starting with "016"). As always, be sure to include your MileagePlus number in your reservation.
Certain specialty tickets, including but not limited to unpublished, consolidator, group/tour and opaque fares, do not earn PQD. Additional information can be found in the PQD terms and conditions."
... in my case, my ticket number DID start with 016, and the flights are being operated by United, but "no matter" I'm still not getting PQDs because the ticket is "BULK". The statements above from UA.com, if not ambiguous, are at least somewhat contradictory.
They say you will earn PQD above for UA operated and 016, then contradict that just below.
Hey, it is what it is. Lovely.