LukasVIE

This is how I usually do it with US Airways:

I get the boarding passes with my *G status on them, do the check-in

At the gate prior to boarding I ask the agent to change the FQTV information ... so far it has always worked perfectly.

You may need to change your number twice, at YOW and YUL since AC and LH systems don't communicate

dominik208

Hi everyone,

I'm flying UA in a couple of days. I booked the flights with the M&B FF#, however I would like to credit it to M&M. From my understanding of this thread, I should check in with the M&B number and after I have my boarding pass, change it to M&M number and re-print the boarding pass and the Premier Access benefits should still be on the boarding pass (i.e. Group 2)? So the UA system would remember I am *G even if crediting it to a non-*G number?

Air Rarotonga

If UA Rep make their work right, you will end with a 'nobody' bording pass with the M&M benefits. *G status has to be cancelled (manually) if you change to a no elite FQT number!

If you want the benefits, credit the miles to this programme. This programme will also be charged for your benefits, as lounge access!

joepakid

I just did this the other night. Checked in with my A3*G, got free bag, and flew first regional leg with this number for credit because I forgot to ask them to change it before boarding began.

Got to first stop at SFO and went to the lounge. After entry, I asked the concierge desk to change the number in my booking to my UA MP (no status) number, which was done no questions asked. However, my boarding pass in no way continued to reflect my *G status, and my boarding group changed to 3 from 2. Now I don't know if the agent had to manually delete the status separate from changing the number, but she was working from a cheat sheet to carry out my request. She did hand me back my old boarding pass, which I suppose I could have used to board with group 2 (didn't have the chance because I tried to take VDB compensation, but someone no-showed, and I ended up as the last person to board anyway).

dominik208

I thought the operating airline is billed for lounge access...

geclub1

That's what I understand as well.

dominik208

Anyway, the only *G benefit I would be using is lounge access, which UA pays for anyway. I will not be checking any bags. Which is why I asked if I could use my *G Card to get into the lounge but still credit to M&M.

Will I be able to access the lounge just by showing the card, even though the boarding pass has non-*G on it?

geclub1

Generally, yes. That's what *A rules mandate, actually.

dominik208

You're right, from the Star Alliance website:

No where does it mention, that you must have *G indication on boarding pass.

Either way, this is what I will do. I shouldn't have a problem. I will report back.

dawk

It worked for me in the past in lounges both in Europe and Canada. Having M&M on my boarding pass while using AC card to get into the lounge.

yuzheny

It sounds that UA is fairly generous with benefits from A3 and crediting miles to others, while UA imposes more strict rules against this.

What if I ONLY present physical *A G card at check-in, enjoy benefits, and leaving FFP# blank? If that works, retro-claiming miles seems to solve the problem.

Forgive me if this approach has been discussed; appreciate any comments or experiences.

dawk

If you do that, the employee at the check in counter will be tempted to add your FFP to your reservation. And if you refuse to do so, they might deny you your benefits. But this will most likely depend on their mood. Just smile wide and hope for the best.

st1575

I think UA's systems are getting "smarter." For example, I OLCI'd for a trip tomorrow with my A3 number in the reservation. My boarding passes on the Web site and in the United iOS app show my *G status with Premier Access and Group 2 boarding, as expected.

However, if I edit the reservation in any way and specify my non-status MP number, the boarding passes re-print/refresh without *G status and drop me to general boarding (which may be wrong b/c I hold the UMPE Visa, but I digress).

I might just credit to A3 in the end, but does anyone know when the SHARES sweep for MP credit is done?

dominik208

Where did you change the FFP number? Did you re-do check in? Or did you change it on the Reservation details page?

I have a UA flight on Monday and will do check in tomorrow. I will notify what happens.

st1575

I tested changes made during various rounds OLCI and via "Edit traveler(s)" on the Reservation page without another OLCI. In both instances, the same result was seen: my non-status UA MP number triggered changes to the printable BPs and updates to the ones presented in the UA iOS app.