I got a call yesterday from UA 1K desk telling me my Christmas trip has a segment which was "eliminated" from the schedule. The discussion to find alternative arranagements was a friendly negotiation, and in that single phone call, I reached a solution I was happy with, which included an NF upgrade seat.

I believe I read avek00's earlier thread where UA was reluctant to make changes for you. At the end of the day, they've changed the schedule on you (and as much as I'd like to have charged them a $75 change fee), it does leave the customer in the stronger negotiation position.

The tried-and-true principle of asking politely for what you want, and if you don't get it, politely hang-up and call-back, nearly always works. After the 2nd or 3rd try, get a supervisor or call the Customer Service line 877-228-1327. They seem to have the power to cut through bureaucracy, and they will certainly make the effort to get someone else on the phone who can help - like Mileage Plus, 1K reservations, etc... I have never been disappointed with the results when you escalate an issue in this way.

------------------
- Bob