Please note - This will only work if you are starting with a US domestic flight flying United Airlines transferring to a SAS International flight holding a B ticket with a EBG card, silver will not work nor will discount or bonusflights.
Ive kept this to myself for quite a while now, but thought I would share with some of you EBG people out there because it has worked for me 12/15 times now....
Normally I fly to the USA on a "B" ticket unless my trip is shorter in which case I get a "Y" ticket.
However, what I have found with the "B" ticket and your EBG card is that with all transcontinental United Airlines flights you get put in Economy Plus... "thats nothing new" i hear you cry!!
Yes, but heres the sneaky bit....
If you are flying on a domestic flight eg CAE to ORD before you fly say ORD to ARN, ask the check-in agent at CAE to book you in 16G or 14F for the ARN flight (these seats are nearly always free). She/he might look confused when you already have a seat assigned, but stick with it! They dont seem to realise that SAS you must have a "Y" ticket to fly Economy Extra, unlike United where you must have a "B" and a *AG card.
I have been questioned twice on moving my seat, but I just said "It makes it easier for me to upgrade at ORD" and they just say "oh ok sir" and do it for me.
You normally have to check in again at ORD because you are holding a United Boarding Pass, however everytime I have gone there they have simply said "Oh, you have been upgraded because you are EBG, let me print your boarding pass". Et voila - a "B" ticket economy extra seat free of charge
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I admit I smile a lot and always go for the nice looking friendly lady at check-in, but you can try it - see if Im wrong.....
Try and do this discretely... I dont want you lot spoiling my trick!!