UA codeshare tix - baggage and booking class?
 

I recently returned from a last minute jaunt to SFO, which I booked last minute on AC.com w/ a Tango Plus ticket, on an AC codeshare operated by United Express (skywest).

I had planned to check my small rolling suitcase (mainly to ease TSA issues with my toothpaste) and figured since I had an AC ticket the surcharge for UA bags wouldn't apply. The other main reason I figured that was that AC.com offered me $3 off my ticket to decline the right to checked baggage.

When I got to the UA self-check-in machine, it wanted its $15 per bag. So my first question is whether complaining about to anyone would make a difference in the future, or should I just take the $3 off at booking and pay united their fee?

Second question was my outbound BP said "economy-plus" on it and I had the first row of economy class, while my return said "economy" and I was in row 14 of the RJ. Was that little bit of extra legroom a chance upgrade, or should I get it w/ a Tango-Plus ticket? (I'm not upset about the RT, especially, but it makes me more likely to take that flight in the future since I'm fairly tall)

Thanks for any help,
Michael

There have been threads on there lately about the offical regulations on codeshare flights. I recall it's the operating carrier rules that are in effect...from AC.com:

Because each airline has its own terms and conditions of carriage, whenever you are traveling on a flight operated by one of Air Canada's code share partners, you may be subject to terms and conditions that differ from those of Air Canada. It is therefore important to familiarize yourself with the operating carrier's terms and conditions, including those regarding:As far as getting Economy Plus...this is just good luck. Economy Plus is only available for United status members...even AC status members do not get this benefit any longer.

Hmmm... I guess I should have taken the $3 off each way then!

Thanks for the info. Probably questions I should have asked pre-trip!

Michael

You can also pay for Economy Plus upon check-in or at the gate. And if the regular Economy cabin is full, you're bumped automatically.

Baggage rules/fees are based on the operating carrier, and in the case of a connection, the carrier operating the first segment. Which can lead to different charges in each direction - i.e., if flying YVR-LAX-LAS with the first flight operated by AC and the second segment by UA, no first bag fee applies. However, on the return, the $15 bag fee would apply as UA is operating the first segment.

E+ was an anomoly, perhaps there were no E seats left when you booked - only UA elites get free E+ anymore.

Finally, I don't think AC.com was supposed to offer your -$3 for no checked bags if the flights weren't operated by them - probably an anomoly that you should take advantage of next time. And in that case, I'm honestly surprised they haven't offered me to a $25 ceritifcate for lounge access when leaving EWR for the (non-existant) lounge.

On a different, but related question, in the markets where AC is marketing Tango but the flight is UA operated, can I also assume that you will get 100% status miles even if you take the $3 no miles discount? If you did not take the discount, I would assume that you must at least get full status miles even on Tango as the Aeroplan rules are based on the carrier, not the ticketing airline, or am I missing something?

Hi guys I have a similar question to emcampbe's suggestion only I am connecting to International on another carrier: i.e. SFO-YVR-LHR. My SFO-YVR is operated by UA and YVR-LHR by AC (obviously). Will I have to pay UA the $15/ bag for 1st bag and $50 for 2nd? I am *G but I am flying with my mum who has no status and I am thinking 3 bags for the 2 of us may not be enough.

Many thanks

Another Q regarding AC UA code shares. How soon should I expect to see my Aeroplan miles/segs post?

My parents did SFO-YVR-HKG yesterday. SFO-YVR operated by UA. They're basic members and UA kiosk allows 2 bags each for fre.

If an international destination (not US or Canada) is on your itinerary, the UA machine will waive the fees.

Thank you flyingstudent & CorSter. I should be fine then cos our tickets are issued by AC and are under one booking ref.

Cheers.

Take note, that this is irrelevant to your question.
It is the operating carrier you first board (unless you short-check your bags) that will dictate your baggage alowance regardless of which airline issued the ticket. So what saves you here from UA's fee seems to be your overseas connection. Bon voyage.