I've done this route a number of times the past two years, on a variety of airline combinations, most recently UA Polaris to Azul...
Originally Posted by
Explore
Entering the UA-supplied Azul confirmation number on Azul's website, I was told I didn't have authority to manage the reservation and would have to call. The Brazilian number was supplied. I had to navigate to the Contact Us tab and scroll all the way down to find a U.S. number.
Speaking of checking in, that sounds like it could be another ordeal with Azul since I can't manage my reservation on their website and their app doesn't have an English language option. I see that my selected seat has now popped up on United's website, but there's no managing it there.
I had the same experience, and was finally able to get through to them for seat selection on the phone. They did not recognize UA status, a seat closer to the front would have been an upcharge. I was never able to see the details of my reservation online.
Originally Posted by
dkc192
The relationship between the two could certainly use some work. I was at least able to select seats on my recent Azul flights (GRU-SDU-GRU, booked as UA codeshares) on UA.com, but to buy up to their extra legroom seats, I had to call, which was relatively painless. I was on a paid J fare and still had to pay (the low cost of $14 RT).
My Azul flights were UA codeshares and there was no ability to view or select seats on UA.com or the app. Or on Azul's website or app either.
Originally Posted by
dkc192
Check in, on the other hand, was a pain on the return. On the outbound, UA managed to print an Azul BP that worked both going through security and boarding the flight. For the return, I could not OLCI due to the same issues you were having OP, and UA would not allow me to OLCI due to the initial segment being operated by another airline. At SDU there was no priority line except for their own elite members, and the agents clearly are not well versed at performing check in for itineraries with downline international flights, ones going to the US no less. It took over 20 minutes while three agents attempted to enter APIS and complete other check-in procedures, despite me pleading several times with them to just check me in for SDU-GRU and leave UA agents in GRU to check me in for the onward flights.
No OLCI due to the first flight being Azul. The only way to check in was in person at the airport.
In Brazil, there are "prioridades" lines for special needs (which includes people over 60) and elite members. GRU Terminal 1 loads pax onto buses and drives them out to the plane, where you walk up a covered stairway. So the "prioridades" go on the buses first, followed by everyone else, who then get off the bus first and rush onto the plane, leaving the special needs folks to fend for themselves as they board the plane last.
Originally Posted by
Explore
Q: arriving GRU on UA, can you stay in the UA terminal and use lounges etc., then transfer later to the bare-bones Azul terminal? I have a 3.5-hour connection.
Alternatively, can you standby for an earlier departure?
Thx....
You go through customs and exit out into the landside area. There are baggage recheck stations for the regional airlines. The *A Lounge (one of my favorites!) is airside Terminal 3. The only landside lounge I'm aware of is Villa GRU but I've never gone there so I don't know the access rules. You could walk through to Terminal 2 where there are quite a few restaurant options.
And I tried to go on an earlier flight but was denied as my "reservation is non-changeable." There were plenty of seats available, but they kept me on the later flight that was oversold. Kinda kooky.
Originally Posted by
qfrodo
I connect frequently at GRU with Azul. Yes there is a shuttle between Terminal 3 and Terminal 1. It isn't that bad. Yes there are fewer restaurants and no lounge in Terminal 1, but changes are happening. More is being added (a Subway was recently opened) and the second floor area is being developed. Don't know all the plans though.
The Comforto seats do cost more unless you are Diamante on Azul or 1K on UA. I had it confirmed in an email from Azul that UA status is recognized. Unfortunately, some agents are not as well trained, so sometimes it is hit or miss for the UA status. When I have purchased for others, I did not feel the cost was unreasonable, in fact, pretty low. If you are 1K on UA, you should be able to use the Diamante line when boarding.
The shuttle is fine and runs frequently. Allow 20 minutes.
Azul did not recognize my 1K status at all. But they don't check the prioridades credentials anyway, so you could get in that line and no one would question it. The boarding area is pretty chaotic.
As much as I love collecting UA miles, the PQP on these is minimal especially if it's an 016 ticket, so I'd actually rather go on Latam or GOL for the comfort and better all around experience. (Altough Latam is discontinuing participation in OW so there goes the AA mileage credit.)
Why aren't you flying directly from the US to GIG?