sbm12

They do if it is to a fare class that gets you the upgrade. But if you're a UA elite you don't get instant B-Ups on CO metal so it doesn't matter.

notquiteaff

Yup, thanks, I found an earlier thread in which buy-up was discussed, and then also realized that it's a moot point.

Ah, well, either I get the F seats with a 20k mile upgrade or we'll slum it in coach. I have done many long flights in coach before I came across FT.

PDXPremier

With regard to the seat poaching issue, if you paid extra for preferred seats or F seats, those are YOUR seats....you're not out of luck (or money) if someone else decides to sit there....just kindly show them your boarding pass and say that's your seat...if that doesn't work, tell a FA...it might not be a big a deal on a one hour domestic flight from IAH, but this is a 14.5 hour flight...you should get to sit where your boarding pass says. MANY FTers go to seatguru and read threads about the best/worst seats before they choose their seat so with all this time and research going into the process of seat selection, it makes no sense to let someone randomly decide to sit in your seat. On the rare occasion (both domestic and international) that someone has been in my seat, it ends up being that it was a mistake and once I show them my boarding pass, they discover where they were suppose to be and kindly move...it's really not a big deal.

notquiteaff

It seems to be a cultural thing, or maybe the perception that CO 957 is the shuttle bus of the islands. We'll see how it works out; while I certainly would want the (window) seat I selected, I am unlikely going to start a big argument with another passenger if a semi-equivalent seat is available (my wife probably wouldn't be very supportive, I think). If we end up in F or paying extra for "premium" coach seats, I do expect to get what I pay for, and the support of the FAs if necessary.

Speaking of seats... is the view from one side of the plane more "scenic" and thus preferable?


Right. It happens and never is an issue. (one time, I was even in the wrong seat)

chasbondy

>>>Speaking of seats... is the view from one side of the plane more "scenic" and thus preferable?>>>

I prefer the right, but that could change with the winds. But there are so many atolls from Majuro on, either side is terrific
Obviously in coach, avoid sitting over the wings

Paulchili

I am still trying to get a feel as to how difficult it will be landing 2 J awards saver pass (RT) 330 days out GUM - MAJ for non elites.
TIA

Kwaj boy

Leaving your checked bag behind is a definite possibility. While living on KWA, the baggage handlers in MAJ sent a live dog on to KWA that was supposed to be left in MAJ, despite the carrier having a big sign on it, in addition to the luggage tag, that clearly said it was destined for Majuro. It was a huge great dane and he had to be unloaded to gain access to other luggage so it wasn't like he was easy to miss or accidently leave on the plane.

Preferred seating makes no difference to some of the locals. They just board and plop themselves down in a seat. The FAs usually don't bother trying to get them to move because by then someone else has already taken their assigned seat, and so on. On the bright side, most times the person sitting in your seat is a local and will get off at the next stop, after which you can reclaim your seat. As far as "insisting" on your assigned seat, the schedule is fairly tight and it's rare that the FAs will try to move everyone around into their assigned seats, regardless of whether or not you paid extra for it (except for FC, where your seat is your seat). Keep in mind that this is not your average CO domestic flight. It's basically a bus in coach. As far as which side is best for seating, it really doesn't matter. You can get nice views on either side.

Keep in mind that you will only be allowed in the cleared area of each airport (except KWA). You can't go outside the airport and back in.

To clear for a FC seat it has to be available for your entire itinerary. If you're flying from HNL to KWA, for example, and there's an available FC seat from MAJ to KWA but not from HNL to MAJ, they will not move you up from coach to first for that segment. They will indeed fly FC seats empty for some segments at times if that's the way it works out.

ralfp

Not too bad (J rewards are the same for Silver & Gold as non-elites), though only if your dates are flexible. It might be easier closer in. The once (?) weekly nonstop (951/952, Sat GUM-MAJ, Mon. MAJ-GUM) might be easier to snag.

This comes up at 30,000 miles in J (I thought it was 40k).

Paulchili

Thank you - let's hope for the best.
I don't mind flying the daytime nonstop but not the overnight one (defeats the purpose of "sightseeing")
My dates are slightly flexible. If I get an economy award and business/first opens later, can I change the award?

notquiteaff

Does HNL-GUM and vice versa count as an international flight as far as Star Alliance access rules for *G are concerned? In other words, will I have access to the PC in HNL before the flight to GUM and will I have access to the RCC when connecting (separate ticket) from GUM-HNL to United's HNL-SFO?

COFreqFlyer

Did the island hopper back a month ago, westbound. Wonderful.

HNL-GUM is not truly international, as GUM is a US Trust Territory and you do not clear immigration or customs on arrival in GUM.

There is no RCC in GUM, only a PClub.

notquiteaff

Going westbound myself and looking forward to it.


yup, I know, but I meant the RCC in HNL on the way back.

ordiahnl

I had the opportunity to fly eastward from MNL to GUM then to HNL via the Micronesian Island Hopper. There were quite a number of Chuukese patients treated in Manila who were 'airlifted' back to their homeland. It was quite an experience learning about the different Micronesian customs, albeit quite on amhurried scale. The vistas were breathtaking on every landing. I was in the bulkhead 7A which was a great vantage point for pictures. We also had some mech problems when we got to MAJ thus a new plane came from HNL to pick us up. The 5 hour wait was not that bad though. I was beside a young man with his grandfather; they boarded in Pohnapei and the former was bringing the old man to Kentucky as a birthday gift. Such a long trip for them.

PDXPremier

They didn't make you sit on the broken plane for 5 hours I hope...maybe they bought you dinner? MAJ does have a food court, right?

usa18dca

I'd have went sightseeing in MAJ! 5 Hours is more than enough!