Originally Posted by
jsloan
This doesn't actually work. I mean, sure, leave as small a delay as possible, but not for the reason you're suggesting.
Actually, I was only suggesting this to minimise the delay between purchases. Given that OP was posting in FT about this the point is already missed, and I know that too. I've had to do this a few times and will charge up two laptops with all relevant bits and then do one after the other. Obviously there could be bad luck within 5 seconds or 5 minutes.
The actual reason is twofold: (1) UA does seem to have some scheduled inventory update processes, and you don't want that to run in between, and (2) other passengers might also be buying tickets.
The implication that you can trick UA's system if you access the same inventory on two computers at the same time is false. Inventory is revalidated as part of the purchase flow; if UA only wants to offer one discount / award seat, and you buy it on one computer, it'll be gone when they revalidate the inventory for your second purchase on the other computer.
I know. I'm assuming (like you?) that UA queues purchases, with possible inventory updates squeezing in.