Basic Economy Question
Aug 12, 2019 | 4:57 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Raleigh, NC
Posts: 388
Basic Economy Question
Obviously BE tickets are nonrefundable and nonchangeable. Does the latter feature mean that I can't apply any portion of the value of a BE ticket to a DL ticket on a later date? Years ago, I did this with nonrefundable tickets on UA and US. I suspect I can't do this with a BE ticket but I wanted some confirmation.
Apologies in advance if this has been covered on other threads. I did a search but found nothing on point. Thx.
Apologies in advance if this has been covered on other threads. I did a search but found nothing on point. Thx.
Aug 12, 2019 | 5:05 pm
#2
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Atlanta
Posts: 6,494
BE tickets are use them or lose them. However, never ever cancel it if you cannot use it. There is always a chance of a cancellation, significant delay, schedule change, change of operating carrier or IROPS in which case you can request a full refund.
Aug 12, 2019 | 9:16 pm
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: San Antonio
Programs: DL DM, Former AA EXP now AY Plat, AC 75K, NW Plat, Former CO Gold, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 28,002
No. Most tickets are nonchangeable, however by paying a fee can be used as value for new ticket. Look at your receipt next time it'll say NONEND/NONCHG.
OTOH, BE tickets are also NONCHG, but there's nothing in fare rule allowing change by paying a fee.
OTOH, BE tickets are also NONCHG, but there's nothing in fare rule allowing change by paying a fee.
Last edited by flyerCO; Aug 13, 2019 at 8:01 am
Aug 13, 2019 | 7:54 am
#5
Flyertalk Evangelist, Moderator: United Airlines MileagePlus
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: MSP
Programs: DL DM, UA Nostalgist, Global Entry; +others wherever miles/points are found
Posts: 16,145
Restricted Economy tickets (at least typical domestic ones) on DL carry the endorsement "NONREF/PENALTY APPLIES"
Aug 13, 2019 | 8:01 am
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: San Antonio
Programs: DL DM, Former AA EXP now AY Plat, AC 75K, NW Plat, Former CO Gold, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 28,002
It's just like being refundable doesnt mean you can get the whole amount back. You could have a 50% penalty.
Aug 13, 2019 | 8:08 am
#7
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
Programs: UA US CO AA DL FL
Posts: 50,253
The terms of BE are very clear. They are flown as ticketed or lose their entire value unless there is an involuntary change/cancellation.
That is exactly what sets them apart from a standard penalty fare which is non-refundable, but which may be changed for a fee or cancelled with a residual credit.
That is exactly what sets them apart from a standard penalty fare which is non-refundable, but which may be changed for a fee or cancelled with a residual credit.
Aug 13, 2019 | 8:31 am
#8
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: San Antonio
Programs: DL DM, Former AA EXP now AY Plat, AC 75K, NW Plat, Former CO Gold, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 28,002
The terms of BE are very clear. They are flown as ticketed or lose their entire value unless there is an involuntary change/cancellation.
That is exactly what sets them apart from a standard penalty fare which is non-refundable, but which may be changed for a fee or cancelled with a residual credit.
That is exactly what sets them apart from a standard penalty fare which is non-refundable, but which may be changed for a fee or cancelled with a residual credit.
Aug 13, 2019 | 8:58 am
#9
Join Date: Mar 2018
Posts: 111
I have successfully changed a BE ticket to a main cabin and routing change outside the 24 hour window. I would not count on it but it doesnt hurt to ask. You may find the right person in the right mood, but also be aware that the person on the other end still needs to get a manager involved to do so, so they could also be overridden by that manager. At least this was my experience. I also had 5 other trips booked, GM, and was switching from a round trip to a multi city. By the time they changed it for me(cancelled and credited the BE and applied that to my multicity) it was about an hour on the phone and $50 fare difference.
Aug 13, 2019 | 12:42 pm
#11
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: San Antonio
Programs: DL DM, Former AA EXP now AY Plat, AC 75K, NW Plat, Former CO Gold, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 28,002
I have successfully changed a BE ticket to a main cabin and routing change outside the 24 hour window. I would not count on it but it doesnt hurt to ask. You may find the right person in the right mood, but also be aware that the person on the other end still needs to get a manager involved to do so, so they could also be overridden by that manager. At least this was my experience. I also had 5 other trips booked, GM, and was switching from a round trip to a multi city. By the time they changed it for me(cancelled and credited the BE and applied that to my multicity) it was about an hour on the phone and $50 fare difference.