Thanks to all for the useful replies, but in particular...
Originally Posted by
j2simpso
Doesn't matter what airline program you use to book award flights with *A airlines the process is always the same, call the airline or go to manage reservations for the award ticket and update the frequent flyer number to your United one. The moment you do that you'll get access to all your *A Gold benefits. I've done this for LX, MS, AC and UA flights issued by Aeroplan as a UA Gold elite. In the case of AC I believe you have to call them update to do it (can't be changed online) but have done it before, literally takes a minute.
Alternatively, you can use the priority lane to check in, presenting your United card and telling them to update your FF card (can also be done at lounge) although doing it online or over the phone is by far the easiest. As others have noted, you won't get AC specific benefits like preferred seating since you're a UA elite, but you wouldn't get that anyways unless you're an elite with AC.
If travelling to/from Canada you'll have *A lounge (including all UC) the whole way, even if you're on a UA domestic leg like LAX -> SFO since the whole itinerary is marked as International.
Hope that helps.
Safe Travels,
James
Extremely helpful, James, Thanks very much !
I'm not very familiar with SQ miles, but if they let you book award tickets for other people (like UA), then you should be able to book it for yourself as another person with your UA MP number attached.
Good idea. Thanks!
Originally Posted by
bocastephen
Just an added data point - not only will you not receive free access to preferred seats, but you will not have free access to standard seats either. *G or not, everyone must pay for any AC seat at this point.
Hadn't known this, so thanks so much for the info. Wow, this makes the U.S. carriers look good in comparison. I think I'll need to fly AC to some extent on this trip, but for the flights where I have a choice I'll go with UA.
Originally Posted by
j2simpso
Just to clarify that point. During OLCI you can select a standard seat for free but anytime before check in you'll have to pay for seat selection (unless you're on a Flex fare or better or are Super Elite with Air Canada). I'm waiting for the day that AC actually charges to select a seat at check in forcing me to skip seat selection during check in and play the seat lottery at the gate!
Safe Travels,
James
Thanks again.