Originally Posted by
BThumme
So I'd like to return to GRR instead, which I'm guessing has similar rules.
Yes, the GRR-BKK fare has a routing table that appears to be identical.
Originally Posted by
BThumme
When I ask for this change, will it matter if I ask for the NH native or UA codeshare number? Also, The fare class I had (N), is not available, but G and E are. When paired with a connecting UA number, UA gives the Codeshare number with different fare buckets, and I'm unsure of fare mapping (but could look it up). I'd like to get E or G so I can use a GPU, that would be my goal, I just know this is all going to confuse whatever poor UA agent picks up my call.
The mapping is UA O -> NH G, A -> E, and R -> N.
And, yes, it will matter whether you ask for the NH native or UA codeshare number. They have two different sets of inventory, which may not match.
Originally Posted by
BThumme
So I'd like to switch to BKK-NRT-IAD-ORD-GRR, or if that iad-orr is a violation, BKK-NRT-ORD-GRR (iad-grr works but is a crj200, no polaris lounge). But I'm guessing the R fares might have a provision that one of the flights has to be on a flight that has R? Otherwise, why would the fare exist? Not sure if this is related:
On the R fare I'm looking at, you can't go TYO-WAS-CHI-GRR. (If you read through the routing table for DTT, and substitute GRR, note that WAS is only in the first group of cities listed; if you want to stop in WAS, it has to be adjacent to GRR -- no intermediate stops).
But, there are a couple of problems. The first is that if R isn't available on the BKK-NRT flight you want, you're going to have to upfare the entire return to A/E. While this will let you use your GPU, it's going to be really expensive. The second is that you do need a PE cabin on the overwater flight; you cannot use this fare on a flight that doesn't have that cabin, even though you're planning to upgrade. The only way to get on a flight that doesn't have PE is to re-fare, either to business directly or down to a W fare.
To get an idea of the fare difference, try pricing out similar flights, using multi-city search, starting from DTW. You're right that you don't want to just do a one-way search.
If you care to post your original travel dates (outbound and return), your original ticketing date (from your receipt), and your proposed return date, somebody can provide additional information -- but, ultimately, it sounds like you have enough to call UA and at least to get a quote.