Originally Posted by jamespvg
Very strange -- though seeing as the system didn't automatically recognize it and put you in Y+, I'd guess that you aren't showing up as *G. You could try phoning UA reservations in the US -- Don't know about United, but I've always found AA US far more efficient and helpful than AA UK.
This is true. All UA customers in Europe are dealt with at the UA reservations centre in Dublin, whose staff make the Diamond Club mob in South Yorkshire look like a University Challenge quiz team. They employ staff in every European language except English and I have never,
ever, dealt with anyone there who wasn't either woefully inefficient or criminally stupid. Unfortunately Dublin has to issue all ex-Europe tickets so even if you booked your journey on united.com or at a north American call centre you will still get your e-itinerary from Dublin (usually several weeks late and incorrectly addressed). Once ticketing is completed, you are free to ignore Dublin and call UA in the US.
Call UA Premier Executive (UA Star Gold level) reservations in the US on +1 800 225 8900. When they ask for your Premier Executive number just act daft and tell them you were given the number by the Dublin res centre and that you are a Star Gold wanting to make a seat assignment. I'd be surprised if they didn't help. Check SeatGuru's seatmaps for the UA transatlantic 777
here; as you can see, you're after rows 17-26. If you still get stuck, PM me and I'll see if I can help.
Also note that UA is charging for onboard booze as of tomorrow
so either keep some readies about your person or, if your journey is more than 14 days away, you can buy drink vouchers from
this place (but beware a glitch in the online checkout that automatically selects courier delivery irrespective of where in the world you live so you'll need to email them after ordering to remove the US$80 shipment fee
in favour of ordinary air mail). Worked for me.