Being 1K certainly has its perks!
Original plan: paid PEK-SHA on CA, and award ticket PVG-AKL on NZ with some 4 hrs 35 mins connection in Shanghai.
SEPARATE tickets!
Issue: plane delayed PEK-SHA by some 2 hrs 30 mins.
Take taxi SHA-PVG. Try to check-in PVG-AKL during Taxi ride but it fails due to not being able to prove onward ticket from New Zealand.
Get to PVG T-45 mins of PVG-AKL departure. Check-in counters closed at T-60 mins.
Call to UA 1K line.
They manage to rebook me on PVG-BKK-AKL on TG the next day: no additional cost or miles!
Thank you UA!
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Also: changed another flight's dates. Agent says: "Oh, I see you already changed this flight once before, and incurred the $450 change-fee. I will waive this new change-fee for you this time!"
Thank you UA!