The CO FAQ Development Thread
#271


Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: TIP,PDX
Programs: UA 1p, GF Gold, EK
Posts: 404
thanks again for the input
#272

Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: NYC and SFO
Programs: UA 1MM (former 1K, Delta Platinum))
Posts: 1,244
Upgrade Hierarchy for Battle Field Upgrades
Upgrade Hierarchy for Battle Field Upgrades
There is one assertion here that is now wrong, and an ambiguity that interests me greatly.
With the increased commerce in all forms of upgrades, a lot has changed. I can't pinpoint the date, but a few times in the last six months I expressed puzzlement at my Plat upgrade standby position, in a President's club while waiting for my flight. It was explained that a number of people ahead of me had put in miles. Hmmm. I'm swimming in miles, so I started waitlisting a mileage upgrade on all westerly EWR SFO flights. I'm now usually in the first few passengers on the upgrade list; when someone leaves the exit-row "on deck circle" ahead of me, I've also confirmed they had put up miles.
So this is anecdotal, but I'm convinced that the mileage upgrade waitlists now dramatically influence the upgrade standby list after checkin, and determine battlefield upgrades.
As for my unanswered question, I'm willing to risk the experiment: I am now offered a confirmed mileage upgrade BOS IAH, which waitlists IAH SFO. This will of course deduct 15,000 miles whether I clear the second leg or not.
I would like to believe that I go on the PR-1 list for the second leg, at the absolute top of the battlefield upgrade queue, even though this is sort of a "Plan B" end run on capacity controls. (This wouldn't be so bad; Y and B fares are clearing now.)
Does anyone know how this works, with a certainty that would permit a FAQ clarification?
There is one assertion here that is now wrong, and an ambiguity that interests me greatly.
Note: ALL waitlists expire 24 hours before the flight. If you're an elite attempting upgrade with miles, and it has not cleared by the 24 hour mark, regardless of the kind of upgrade (domestic or international) it will not happen.
So this is anecdotal, but I'm convinced that the mileage upgrade waitlists now dramatically influence the upgrade standby list after checkin, and determine battlefield upgrades.
As for my unanswered question, I'm willing to risk the experiment: I am now offered a confirmed mileage upgrade BOS IAH, which waitlists IAH SFO. This will of course deduct 15,000 miles whether I clear the second leg or not.
I would like to believe that I go on the PR-1 list for the second leg, at the absolute top of the battlefield upgrade queue, even though this is sort of a "Plan B" end run on capacity controls. (This wouldn't be so bad; Y and B fares are clearing now.)
Does anyone know how this works, with a certainty that would permit a FAQ clarification?
#273

Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: NYC and SFO
Programs: UA 1MM (former 1K, Delta Platinum))
Posts: 1,244
Important Waitlist Terms and Conditions
So I went for the westerly mileage upgrades, confirming on BOS IAH and waitlisting on IAH SFO. Here is the fine print presented to me:
Note that this is "one size fits all" description of the waitlist. It does not address how to handle my situation, where one leg has cleared and I have now paid for both legs. By implication my position is no better for this reason, but the existence of a PR-1 list offers an alternative way to handle this.
I made and cleared a PR-1 list once before, changing flights on the domestic leg of an international BF award. I changed at the airport to the flight I would have booked had it been available, to avoid a forced stopover. So some parallels, but a different situation.
Edit: I realize that a phone call is weak evidence, but I spoke with an agent that sounded quite versed in these details. She asserted that once one segment of a mileage upgrade clears, I automatically make the "PR" list for the remaining segment. Same with a misconnect; I make the "PR" list for the new flight.
Important Waitlist Terms and Conditions
Immediate redemption is required. The service fees and mileage deduction for all OnePass upgrade rewards will be assessed at the time of request. If you change your mind and would like to redeposit your upgrade reward, your fees and mileage will be refunded upon payment of any applicable reward redeposit fees.
What happens when waitlists expire? At 24 hours before departure, any waitlists that did not clear will expire. Upon check-in, however, you will automatically be added to the airport upgrade standby list for any flights that were waitlisted. The airport upgrade standby list will be cleared by a Continental airport representative at the gate once the flight has closed for check-in.
What happens if your upgrade does not clear? For BusinessFirst upgrade rewards, all miles and service fees would be refunded, without a fee, if the BusinessFirst segment of the trip could not be upgraded. For all other upgrade rewards, miles will be refunded only when no segments of the trip could be upgraded. When applicable, service fees and miles will be refunded 7 to 10 days after the trip.
How are waitlists prioritized? Waitlists are prioritized based on the Elite status of the OnePass member who redeemed the upgrade reward, followed by the time in which the waitlist was requested.
Immediate redemption is required. The service fees and mileage deduction for all OnePass upgrade rewards will be assessed at the time of request. If you change your mind and would like to redeposit your upgrade reward, your fees and mileage will be refunded upon payment of any applicable reward redeposit fees.
What happens when waitlists expire? At 24 hours before departure, any waitlists that did not clear will expire. Upon check-in, however, you will automatically be added to the airport upgrade standby list for any flights that were waitlisted. The airport upgrade standby list will be cleared by a Continental airport representative at the gate once the flight has closed for check-in.
What happens if your upgrade does not clear? For BusinessFirst upgrade rewards, all miles and service fees would be refunded, without a fee, if the BusinessFirst segment of the trip could not be upgraded. For all other upgrade rewards, miles will be refunded only when no segments of the trip could be upgraded. When applicable, service fees and miles will be refunded 7 to 10 days after the trip.
How are waitlists prioritized? Waitlists are prioritized based on the Elite status of the OnePass member who redeemed the upgrade reward, followed by the time in which the waitlist was requested.
I made and cleared a PR-1 list once before, changing flights on the domestic leg of an international BF award. I changed at the airport to the flight I would have booked had it been available, to avoid a forced stopover. So some parallels, but a different situation.
Edit: I realize that a phone call is weak evidence, but I spoke with an agent that sounded quite versed in these details. She asserted that once one segment of a mileage upgrade clears, I automatically make the "PR" list for the remaining segment. Same with a misconnect; I make the "PR" list for the new flight.
Last edited by Syzygies; May 21, 2010 at 9:43 am Reason: Phoned CO
#274
FlyerTalk Evangelist




Join Date: Dec 2009
Programs: UA, LY
Posts: 13,179
Fleet Change
The FAQ page should delete 737-300 from the listed CO fleet as Continental has retired that aircraft.
#275
FlyerTalk Evangelist




Join Date: Dec 2009
Programs: UA, LY
Posts: 13,179
President's Club Access for Under 21
On the post detailing PC access, some important points should be edited/added:
However, I do not right now know all the rules concerning access to contract lounges, affiliate lounges, *A lounges, etc. in the USA. At international locations, where (most countries have a) drinking age of 18 and not 21, anyone with credentials over the age of 18 should have unrestricted access.
- The person holding the credentials to enter MUST be at least 21 (as in the PC member, OP Gold... so someone who otherwise holds credentials to enter but is under 21 cannot simply find a random person over 21 and guest them in.
- There is exactly ONE exception to this rule, and that applies to anyone under 21, flying alone, on BF. In such a case, the passenger DOES have access to the President's Club. However, upon entering, the person at the check-in desk will escort the passenger to the bar and introduce them to the bartender so that the bartender know he/she is under 21 and not allowed to drink. (This applies only to BF. Domestic First, International First, International Business, Latin First/Business... do not apply, and anyone under 21 flying those routes will be barred entry from the PC.)
However, I do not right now know all the rules concerning access to contract lounges, affiliate lounges, *A lounges, etc. in the USA. At international locations, where (most countries have a) drinking age of 18 and not 21, anyone with credentials over the age of 18 should have unrestricted access.
#276
FlyerTalk Evangelist


Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Jersey Shore/YYZ
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Plat, Hilton Diamond, Hertz PC
Posts: 12,529
Post #3 - AC now tends to mean Air Canada since *A. Haven't seen AC stand for aircraft in quite some time. Nonepass has also seen increased "disuse".
Post #4 - Should remove the "as of December 1, 2008".
Post #5 - Delete the large note upfront, and the dates for travel before 2009.
Correct the following:
In other words if you paid for an L ticket and received an EUA to domestic first you will still only receive 50% EQMs (should be 100%).
Post #6 - should be retired, or fully cross-reference #7.
Post #13 - delete the earnings for flying after October 2009 and January 2009(as it is superseded by January 1, 2010). Might wish to delete the references to 'ticketed after october 3' though some tix are probably still out there prior to that date.
Post #16 - Need to add Lima to the discussion.
Post #17 - change "the multiple" to "there multiple"
Post #17 - may need to update the aircraft listings (some all reconfiged, I think 733 retired)
Post #20 - same comment as above concerning aircraft.
Post #23 - retire/remove content.
Post #26 - remove the "as of" comments. Consider aligning with post #4.
Post #30 - delete the Delta SkyTeam paragraph and date. Update para 5 with new annual price and name of card.
Post #52 - delete the "as of" dates.
Post #53 - suggest changing EU to "countries in the European Union". Perhaps add hyperlink on European Union to the official list of countries.
Post #54 - change as per FAQ update.
Post #57, 61, 63, etc - let's message the OPs and ask them to remove content.
Post #4 - Should remove the "as of December 1, 2008".
Post #5 - Delete the large note upfront, and the dates for travel before 2009.
Correct the following:
In other words if you paid for an L ticket and received an EUA to domestic first you will still only receive 50% EQMs (should be 100%).
Post #6 - should be retired, or fully cross-reference #7.
Post #13 - delete the earnings for flying after October 2009 and January 2009(as it is superseded by January 1, 2010). Might wish to delete the references to 'ticketed after october 3' though some tix are probably still out there prior to that date.
Post #16 - Need to add Lima to the discussion.
Post #17 - change "the multiple" to "there multiple"
Post #17 - may need to update the aircraft listings (some all reconfiged, I think 733 retired)
Post #20 - same comment as above concerning aircraft.
Post #23 - retire/remove content.
Post #26 - remove the "as of" comments. Consider aligning with post #4.
Post #30 - delete the Delta SkyTeam paragraph and date. Update para 5 with new annual price and name of card.
Post #52 - delete the "as of" dates.
Post #53 - suggest changing EU to "countries in the European Union". Perhaps add hyperlink on European Union to the official list of countries.
Post #54 - change as per FAQ update.
Post #57, 61, 63, etc - let's message the OPs and ask them to remove content.
#277
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Under the Liberty Visual to 27L at PHL. Stranger in a strange land - a Devils fan in Flyers country.
Programs: PWP Le Chancelier des Clefs d'Or || Sarcasm, Anti-Stupidity, Obscure References top tier member.
Posts: 24,061
#278




Join Date: May 2001
Location: HNL
Posts: 1,076
wrt posts #55 & 56
If anyone can find out if there is a line number in the sonic reference for SDC that details this fact:
Changes are only available for the exact origin and destination airport. Connection points may be changed provided the new routing is permitted by the fare purchased.
this would be useful information. Had a phone CSR summarily deny my request to change routings insisting it wasn't allowed.
If anyone can find out if there is a line number in the sonic reference for SDC that details this fact:
Changes are only available for the exact origin and destination airport. Connection points may be changed provided the new routing is permitted by the fare purchased.
this would be useful information. Had a phone CSR summarily deny my request to change routings insisting it wasn't allowed.
#279
FlyerTalk Evangelist




Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Pacific Northwest
Programs: UA Gold 1MM, AS Plat, AA EP, Bonvoy Plat, Hilton Dia, Hyatt Glob, IHG Plat, ...
Posts: 21,476
Regarding Mileage-based upgrades and waitlisting:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/conti...ml#post7374763
It might be good to explain what happens when a waitlisted upgrade clears. The CO FAQ says:
"Upgrade is confirmed at time of reservation if a seat is available. Waitlisted customers are confirmed automatically once a seat becomes available"
Will the passenger get a notification, or is it best to keep checking the status online?
(great FAQ, by the way. Helps me a lot)
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/conti...ml#post7374763
It might be good to explain what happens when a waitlisted upgrade clears. The CO FAQ says:
"Upgrade is confirmed at time of reservation if a seat is available. Waitlisted customers are confirmed automatically once a seat becomes available"
Will the passenger get a notification, or is it best to keep checking the status online?
(great FAQ, by the way. Helps me a lot)
#280
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: IAH
Programs: UA 1K, 1MM; IHG Spire; HH Diamond; Marriott Gold (UA); National Executive Elite
Posts: 669
Transatlantic Points
Maybe I missed it, but I couldn't see in the FAQ an explanation of Transatlantic Points - how they are earned, and what they do for you.
#281
FlyerTalk Evangelist


Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Jersey Shore/YYZ
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Plat, Hilton Diamond, Hertz PC
Posts: 12,529
They help obtain elite status for EU-based OP members faster than otherwise normally possible. There's a few posts on the topic, but probably not enough EU-based FTers here to make it in the FAQ.
#282
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 219
FAQ post #19
WRT to the in-flight calling, I was recently on 777 #6, which has the new lie-flat cabin. Could not call from bf to y, the system would not accept the commands needed.
#283
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: East Coast
Programs: UA 1k & MillM
Posts: 563
Update to FAQ "Plan B..."
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/6883527-post25.html
The miles (100,000) will be debited from your account and you will then be placed on a waitlist for BusinessFirst. (If you do not clear into BusinessFirst you will receive a mileage refund for the difference between BF and Y more on this later)
1) 100,000 -> 105,000
2) "more on this later". I did not see anything about this "later" in the post.
The miles (100,000) will be debited from your account and you will then be placed on a waitlist for BusinessFirst. (If you do not clear into BusinessFirst you will receive a mileage refund for the difference between BF and Y more on this later)
1) 100,000 -> 105,000
2) "more on this later". I did not see anything about this "later" in the post.
#284
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend




Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: PSM
Posts: 69,232
I made updates to the FAQ going back to February (post 253) from this thread. I took most of the suggestions and skipped a couple for various reasons. If you see something that still is not correct, please post here.
I'm hoping to get something about BoB/F4S put together soon but I do not have a timeline for it as of right now.
I'm hoping to get something about BoB/F4S put together soon but I do not have a timeline for it as of right now.
#285
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Under the Liberty Visual to 27L at PHL. Stranger in a strange land - a Devils fan in Flyers country.
Programs: PWP Le Chancelier des Clefs d'Or || Sarcasm, Anti-Stupidity, Obscure References top tier member.
Posts: 24,061
I made updates to the FAQ going back to February (post 253) from this thread. I took most of the suggestions and skipped a couple for various reasons. If you see something that still is not correct, please post here.
I'm hoping to get something about BoB/F4S put together soon but I do not have a timeline for it as of right now.
I'm hoping to get something about BoB/F4S put together soon but I do not have a timeline for it as of right now.

