Buyup code to eliminate change fee?
Sep 13, 2009 | 12:37 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: EWR
Programs: UA Gold, UA MM, Marriott Gold, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,337
Buyup code to eliminate change fee?
I know Scott has posted the code but I cannot seem to find it. It was something like (buyupgg). Anyone remember what it is? My searches are coming up blank. I expected to see it in the One Pass changes thread but its eluding me. I am trying to do a paid upgrade to first and online wants to charge me the change fee as does the customer service rep i spoke with.
Sep 13, 2009 | 12:50 pm
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: 27 minutes north of EWR (on a good day)
Programs: UA PLAT, SPG PLAT. Collector of Chase UR points
Posts: 11,527
I know Scott has posted the code but I cannot seem to find it. It was something like (buyupgg). Anyone remember what it is? My searches are coming up blank. I expected to see it in the One Pass changes thread but its eluding me. I am trying to do a paid upgrade to first and online wants to charge me the change fee as does the customer service rep i spoke with.
When buying up in advance (outside of check-in), we will allow you to buy up to a front cabin fare on the exact same itinerary without having to pay any applicable change fees. In these cases, we'll simply charge you the difference between the fare you paid and the premium cabin fare. The applicable change fee will be waived, but the most restrictive fare rules between your original fare and the new fare will apply to the new ticket. If we're ever confused about this over the phone, politely refer us to GG BUYUP.
Sep 13, 2009 | 12:57 pm
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Between AUS, EWR, and YTO In a little twisty maze of airline seats, all alike.. but I wanna go home with the armadillo
Programs: CO, NW, & UA forum moderator emeritus. Eurobonus Millionaire
Posts: 38,730
Wow -- 13 minutes -- I'm impressed! ^
Sep 13, 2009 | 8:02 pm
#4
Join Date: Jan 2009
Programs: CO Gold
Posts: 52
It's also in the FAQ, along with other GG codes.
Useful GG Codes
No one really knows what "GG" stands for (at least no one on FlyerTalk seems to), but the double G is the beginning of just about every useful command that Continental agents can enter on their systems to get information or otherwise learn something about the way that Continental's policies actually work. Generally there is a GG code and also a line number for the specific details of whatever rule or policy is in question. Here are a few of the more useful (and publicly known) codes.Other useful codes/commands
Not everything is actually found with a GG code. Sometimes there are other things that the agents need to do for customers. Here are some tricks/shortcuts to help the agents make them happen.
No one really knows what "GG" stands for (at least no one on FlyerTalk seems to), but the double G is the beginning of just about every useful command that Continental agents can enter on their systems to get information or otherwise learn something about the way that Continental's policies actually work. Generally there is a GG code and also a line number for the specific details of whatever rule or policy is in question. Here are a few of the more useful (and publicly known) codes.
- GG SDC, line 118 - Explains the same-day change policy with respect to connecting passengers being permitted to change to an earlier flight for free at the connection point. See also FAQ post 55 for more details on this policy.
- GG CHECKPOINT, line 53 - Are you a Presidents Club member? Need a gate pass to get to a lounge on a day you aren't flying? This is your salvation.
- GG REVUP - This is the bit of CO's policy that explains the REVUP cash-based upgrades for flights between Hawaii and the mainland that are marketed with BusinessFirst service (currently EWR/IAH-HNL). More details can be found in FAQ post 39.
- GG ONESTANDBY, lines 85-89 - If you've booked a reward flight using the "Plan B" system to get a big comfy seat where only a small, hard seat exists in inventory this code will be most useful to you. It helps the BF conceirge to understand that you are a displaced BF customer rather than another leech trying to scam your way into the front cabin. More details (and another potentially useful GG code) can be found in FAQ post 25.
- GG BUYUP - Did you buy a low fare class ticket? Want to buy up to a higher fare class to ensure an upgrade (e.g. Y/B/M or even a true F fare)? Call in to the reservations line and feed them this little ditty and you'll be on your way without having to pay the change fee on your ticket; you'll only pay the fare difference. Sitting in first class has never been easier.
Not everything is actually found with a GG code. Sometimes there are other things that the agents need to do for customers. Here are some tricks/shortcuts to help the agents make them happen.
- Put a passenger on the upgrade list - This one depends on the status level involved:
6:123-FAQ$PLT#U will put passenger FAQ - a platinum - booked on CO 123 on the upgrade list. For a gold use GLD and for a silver use SLV. For a PR3 paper/promo upgrade cert use PR3 in the status field. - Move someone from a later flight to an earlier flight is called a "To/From".
6:new flt number . current flight number - last name (enter)
6:123.321-FAQ
This entry will put you on the revenue standby list and/or will give you a seat.
Sep 13, 2009 | 8:36 pm
#5
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: NYC, NJ, Long Island
Programs: DL DM, 1.6MM, UA Silver, NEXUS, SkyClub & AdmiralsClub Lifetime, Bonvoy Titanium
Posts: 6,652
Thanks MB-Reps. I just printed your post and added it to the CO travel document portfolio that I travel with.
Sep 13, 2009 | 9:17 pm
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: EWR
Programs: UA Gold, UA MM, Marriott Gold, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,337
Thanks all
Nov 17, 2009 | 6:17 pm
#7
Join Date: Mar 2008
Programs: CO plat
Posts: 36
I tried to buy up to a higher fare class today - not for the upgrade as it is an RJ, but because I need a B or a Y to get the 2 segments (otherwise I will be at 89 segments at year end). Not able to use GG BUYUP for a higher fare class, only valid for flights with a front cabin. My volunteering extra $$$ was refused...I am being asked to pay the change fee as well as fare difference.
Not sure Plat is worth paying the extra for, I am 0/65 on EUAs this year, because RJs dominate where I fly!
Not sure Plat is worth paying the extra for, I am 0/65 on EUAs this year, because RJs dominate where I fly!
Nov 17, 2009 | 6:50 pm
#8
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Between AUS, EWR, and YTO In a little twisty maze of airline seats, all alike.. but I wanna go home with the armadillo
Programs: CO, NW, & UA forum moderator emeritus. Eurobonus Millionaire
Posts: 38,730
Nov 17, 2009 | 7:05 pm
#9
Join Date: Mar 2008
Programs: CO plat
Posts: 36
Well, I can try calling again, but the language she quoted me specifically mentioned buy-ups for the purpose of an upgrade, not a buy up to a higher fare class. I was told that this provision is specifically for buying up to F
Edited to add:
Carefully rereading the original post confirms this:
"we will allow you to buy up to a front cabin fare on the exact same itinerary without having to pay any applicable change fees. In these cases, we'll simply charge you the difference between the fare you paid and the premium cabin fare. "
Edited to add:
Carefully rereading the original post confirms this:
"we will allow you to buy up to a front cabin fare on the exact same itinerary without having to pay any applicable change fees. In these cases, we'll simply charge you the difference between the fare you paid and the premium cabin fare. "
Last edited by mnbv; Nov 17, 2009 at 7:09 pm Reason: new info
Nov 17, 2009 | 7:14 pm
#10
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Between AUS, EWR, and YTO In a little twisty maze of airline seats, all alike.. but I wanna go home with the armadillo
Programs: CO, NW, & UA forum moderator emeritus. Eurobonus Millionaire
Posts: 38,730
<sigh> I guess that's correct, but you'd think they'd be happy to waive the fee in order to let you simply pay them more money. 
Nov 17, 2009 | 7:27 pm
#11
Join Date: Mar 2008
Programs: CO plat
Posts: 36
Sigh is right. Especially with all the DEQMs, it would be nice if they threw us segment fliers just a little bone!
With Y and B going down to 1.5 segs I'll probably miss Plat next year, for the first time in 8 years...Though at 0/65, doesn't much matter.
With Y and B going down to 1.5 segs I'll probably miss Plat next year, for the first time in 8 years...Though at 0/65, doesn't much matter.
Nov 18, 2009 | 10:52 am
#12
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 122
Sorry to jump in but seems relevant.
My current reservation at Christmas has the option to do this with miles and a $ amount. If i'm understanding this correctly i can buy up from a W to a B or Y and use miles to upgrade.
Does this 100% secure that seat up front? Or am i still on a waitlist?
My current reservation at Christmas has the option to do this with miles and a $ amount. If i'm understanding this correctly i can buy up from a W to a B or Y and use miles to upgrade.
Does this 100% secure that seat up front? Or am i still on a waitlist?
Nov 18, 2009 | 11:36 am
#13
Join Date: Jul 2004
Programs: CO Gold; SPG Gold***; AvisFirst;
Posts: 3,970
Sorry to jump in but seems relevant.
My current reservation at Christmas has the option to do this with miles and a $ amount. If i'm understanding this correctly i can buy up from a W to a B or Y and use miles to upgrade.
Does this 100% secure that seat up front? Or am i still on a waitlist?
My current reservation at Christmas has the option to do this with miles and a $ amount. If i'm understanding this correctly i can buy up from a W to a B or Y and use miles to upgrade.
Does this 100% secure that seat up front? Or am i still on a waitlist?
Nov 18, 2009 | 11:42 am
#14
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 122
Currently there are 22 seats left for that flight in BF.
What I meant was if I use miles to upgrade today can a full fare passenger bump me off at a later date?
What I meant was if I use miles to upgrade today can a full fare passenger bump me off at a later date?
Nov 18, 2009 | 11:54 am
#15
Join Date: Jul 2004
Programs: CO Gold; SPG Gold***; AvisFirst;
Posts: 3,970
CO does not oversell the front. That said, pick seats in the first four rows in case of an equipment change.