Originally Posted by
ausgambler
Thanks all for the help.
Yes, standing by doesn't seem a great idea - even if I get to LAX early my bags may not make it to SYD.
Good that you can see X5 (and I appreciate you finding the exact flight I'm talking about!). Unfortunately, I don't see any other flights on Aeroplan apart from one at 7am. I guess the X5 is for UA only. I guess it's still turn up at the airport and talk to whoever I can.
Still, good to know things haven't changed much in the years since I flew UA. Apart from not being called TED for all flights from LAS-LAX...(showing my age)
X is saver award avaialability, and if it’s showing, it’s available to book via another *A.
however, there would need to be availability on the long haul segment as well. UA also does the married segment stuff, meaning it may be available for someone going LAS to LAX, but not someone trying to get on that flight and connecting to SYD. Just like they do with revenue clssses.
your best bet is to not book a connection you are uncomfortable with in the first place (I would never book a connection that close to a once-a-day international flight, unless I had lots of flexibility on arrival time). Obviously, you’re past that part. You should be able to standby, I’d show up early and try that (ask for a supervisor at check in if the agent you are talking to won’t budge). I’m not quite sure if UA is able to do an SDC on another airline’s ticket - you can always call and ask at T-24 (from your currently scheduled flight). I believe SDC doesn’t require ticket re-isssue, so it may be possible, just not sure the mechanics on the backend.