Using GUV's from New York (EWR)
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: ATL
Programs: DL Diamond, AA Plat Exec, Hilton Gold, IHG Spire Ambassador & Marriott Plat
Posts: 756
Using GUV's from New York (EWR)
Mrs Dare and I are travelling MAN-ORD-EWR in a couple of weeks. We are booked in Y but am interested to understand other peoples experience of using BDG upgrade vouchers (GUV).
I realise that during check in at MAN we will be able to blag a couiple of PE seats if there is availability.
However on the return we will check in with UA at EWR - I wonder what others have done to use the upgrade.
We have a couple of hours layover at ORD and were wondering the best way to use the GUVs. Its a bit late at boarding so do I go out of security and to checkin at ORD?
Advice or previous experience of using GUV's with a prior sector would be really appreciated.
I realise that during check in at MAN we will be able to blag a couiple of PE seats if there is availability.
However on the return we will check in with UA at EWR - I wonder what others have done to use the upgrade.
We have a couple of hours layover at ORD and were wondering the best way to use the GUVs. Its a bit late at boarding so do I go out of security and to checkin at ORD?
Advice or previous experience of using GUV's with a prior sector would be really appreciated.
#2
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Manchester, England
Programs: Bonvoy LT Plat, HH Diamond, IHG Plat, BMI Gold (RIP)
Posts: 8,013
Hi.
Doing the exact same schedule in a week and a half for a long weekend in NY. Basically on the way back you have to try to use the GUV at ORD. UA in Newark won't be able to help at all.
Depending on how long we have on arrival at ORD from the connecting flight, first point of call is the SAS check-in desk if there is enough time to try to use the GUV. They may well say that this can only be confirmed at the gate, in which case that is your second point of call (or first if time is tight on the connection) to try to use them. It all depends on availability for PE and also amount of people looking to use GUVs. Unfortunately it is often first come, first served, so those of us connecting in will be at a disadvantage under those circumstances. At least that is how it was explained to me by the SAS team at ORD, although others may have different experiences in reality.
Doing the exact same schedule in a week and a half for a long weekend in NY. Basically on the way back you have to try to use the GUV at ORD. UA in Newark won't be able to help at all.
Depending on how long we have on arrival at ORD from the connecting flight, first point of call is the SAS check-in desk if there is enough time to try to use the GUV. They may well say that this can only be confirmed at the gate, in which case that is your second point of call (or first if time is tight on the connection) to try to use them. It all depends on availability for PE and also amount of people looking to use GUVs. Unfortunately it is often first come, first served, so those of us connecting in will be at a disadvantage under those circumstances. At least that is how it was explained to me by the SAS team at ORD, although others may have different experiences in reality.
#3
Moderator: British Airways Executive Club, Marriott Bonvoy
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Englandshire
Programs: SPG LT Plat, BA G, BD*LG, MG Blue+ ...
Posts: 16,014
Looks like there's are enough of us passing thru ORD that weekend to organise a rather exclusive FT "do"
#4
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Manchester, England
Programs: Bonvoy LT Plat, HH Diamond, IHG Plat, BMI Gold (RIP)
Posts: 8,013
Yep - just need you to miss your connection the day before I return and it will be drinks in the Swiss lounge all round. As exciting as a drink with me may be, I suspect you'd prefer your connection through ORD to be made though!
#5
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Home for the terminally bewildered.
Posts: 1,621
You will have to go out of the secure area anyway, as you'll be arriving at a different terminal to the one your are departing from (terminal 5). Terminal 5 is a complete stand alone structure and you'll need to take the landside automated train. Therefore it's not a huge detour to actually go to the check-in desk. You'll probably be told to ask at the gate, but you could at least ask about the chances of your upgrade.
#6
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: London, UK
Programs: BA Gold (and other non-status plastic)
Posts: 1,889
Unless PE is wide open and there is an oversell in Y, it is highly unlikely you'll get confirmed at check in. So it's worth finding out from the check in agents exactly when the gate agents will arrive*, so that you are first in line. The bmi gate is a real schlepp from the LX lounge, if that's the one being used, so be prepared to camp out at the gate to get on the upgrade list
*NB They only tend to get there an hour or so before the flight, so there's no big advantage in rocking up super early
#8
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: New York, NY
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy Lifetime Tit, Hilton Diamond, BA Gold, Carlson Gold, UA*S,
Posts: 1,360
I did this trip a few weeks back.
The signs at ORD from Terminal 1 to 5 are atrocious. I was lost, running late and it was only due to the fact I pushed my way to the front of the security line and found a helpful electric cart driver that I made the flight.
Even so, I had time to use a GUV... and despite the fact Chicago is a real schlep from New York, going back with Bmi in PE made it all worthwhile... and it was like a mini welcome-home party really.
The signs at ORD from Terminal 1 to 5 are atrocious. I was lost, running late and it was only due to the fact I pushed my way to the front of the security line and found a helpful electric cart driver that I made the flight.
Even so, I had time to use a GUV... and despite the fact Chicago is a real schlep from New York, going back with Bmi in PE made it all worthwhile... and it was like a mini welcome-home party really.