Originally Posted by
username
- So, it sounds like you can still merge the values from different reservations into a single more expensive one to use?
- Does UA allow PNRs with multiple trips? For example: LAX-EWR-LAX-EWR-LAX? If yes, adding segments in to get over the residual values might be a way to get around this?
- What happns if you have a non-refundable and you added more money to a new reservation. Then the new flights are cancelled?
1. No. This has never been possible with FFC and likely still isn't.
2. In general, this isn't going to work. The entire trip has to be combinable in order for pricing to work, and UA doesn't offer an LAX-EWR RT fare that can be combined, end-on-end, with another LAX-EWR trip. (Or, at least, not a discount one). There may be some specific scenarios where you could use this technique, but it shouldn't be considered any sort of panacea.
3. If the new flights are cancelled voluntarily, you'll end up with non-refundable FFC for the entire amount. If the new flights are cancelled involuntarily, you'll end up with a refund to your original form of payment, also for the entire amount.
Originally Posted by
econ
When it says that "no residual value will be given" if you change to a cheaper flight, does that mean that the value of the underlying ticket stays the same in this scenario, or does UA pocket the residual value from the ticket once the change is made?
The latter.
Originally Posted by
econ
For example, if you change from a flight that had a fare of $250 to one that was $200, do you earn PQP based on the $250 fare or the $200?
No. However, keep in mind that there are multiple prices for every flight. If you are in a situation where you have a $250 ticket, and you want to change it to a flight that only costs $200, and you don't want to bank the existing ticket and buy a new one with fresh money, then you should research other fare classes to see if you can find out that's closer to $250. For example, you might find that the K fare is $200, the L fare is $220, and the S fare is $240. In that case,
buy the S fare.
Originally Posted by
econ
Or if the new flight later gets cancelled or has a significant schedule change, do you get $250 back or $200?
Technically, the answer here should be $200, but in practice it might be $250, as they may trace the refund request back to the original ticket. I think we'll have to wait and see.
If you cancel the second flight
voluntarily, you'd have FFC for $200, not $250.
Originally Posted by
WineCountryUA
The latter. Once the change is done the "residual" is gone and no way to get it back.
Exactly.