Last edit by: drewguy
If you've never gone through this process read this before posting!
Note: Please consider that with high probability, United is monitoring this thread, so please pay attention on what you post!
DOT Investigation Updates
-------
According to USA Today, Ben Mutzabaugh:
Note that United has also accidentally cancelled "legitimate" tickets paid for in USD, purchased in USD from LHR... Please check your other tickets if purchased today to ensure they were not unilaterally cancelled.
However, there is no chance at all that you can have your tickets re-instated if you complain to DOT on the basis of DOT rule § 399.88:
Form for filing DOT complaint. File complaint as soon as your ticket is cancelled.
Link to PDF of enforcement bodies for European customers affected. File complaint as soon as your ticket is cancelled.
Tips for DOT Complaint:
Template For Complaint:
-----
Tips for retrieving your ticket number:
https://www.united.com/web/en-US/app...NRCD=2/11/2015
Freedom of Information Act Request
File #2015-147, Office of the Secretary of Transportation - Receipt acknowledged 3/13/15
http://www.dot.gov/individuals/foia/office-secretary-foia-information
Relevant excerpt from my request on 2/24/15. There no need for multiple requests for the same thing, though feel free to request more or different information obviously. I'll post any updates as I get them.
"Under the Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S. C. subsection 552, I am requesting access to any and all records of correspondence, including electronic, between anyone working for, or on the behalf of, United Airlines and its subsidiaries, and with anyone working for, or on the behalf of, the Department of Transportation; specifically this would include only the date range beginning on February 11th, 2015 through and including February 24th, 2015.
In addition, I am requesting access to any and all internal records and correspondence in relation to coming to the decision made on February 23rd, 2015 regarding the Office of Aviation Enforcement and Proceedings Determination Regarding United Airlines Mistaken Fare, with the exception of any of the consumer submitted complaints via phone, email, website, or letter. Specifically, this would be any records beginning on February 11th, 2015 through and including February 24th, 2015."
Note: Please consider that with high probability, United is monitoring this thread, so please pay attention on what you post!
DOT Investigation Updates
- 02/23/15: DOT says UA does not have to honor the fare; link to DOT's full explanation (pdf)
- 02/12/15: DOT Statement
- 02/12/15: fox news mentions DOT investigation and mention update by 5:00 pm ET -- posted by xSTRIKEx6864
- 02/12/15: Fox news clip -- posted by FlyingLasse
- 02/12/15: Another clip on fox news interviewing the pointsguy -- posted by FlyingLasse
- 02/12/15: Person in charge at the dot is Alex Taday (don't bombard him with email - or we will all regret it) -- posted by sonofzeus
- 02/12/15: Fox News update: UA honoring fares will depends on complaints made at the DOT.... -- posted by synd
-------
According to USA Today, Ben Mutzabaugh:
United is voiding the bookings of several thousand individuals who were attempting to take advantage of an error a third-party software provider made when it applied an incorrect currency exchange rate, despite United having properly filed its fares. Most of these bookings were for travel originating in the United Kingdom, and the level of bookings made with Danish Kroner as the local currency was significantly higher than normal during the limited period that customers made these bookings.
However, there is no chance at all that you can have your tickets re-instated if you complain to DOT on the basis of DOT rule § 399.88:
§ 399.88 Prohibition on post-purchase price increase.
(a) It is an unfair and deceptive practice within the meaning of 49 U.S.C. 41712 for any seller of scheduled air transportation within, to or from the United States, or of a tour (i.e., a combination of air transportation and ground or cruise accommodations), or tour component (e.g., a hotel stay) that includes scheduled air transportation within, to or from the United States, to increase the price of that air transportation, tour or tour component to a consumer, including but not limited to an increase in the price of the seat, an increase in the price for the carriage of passenger baggage, or an increase in an applicable fuel surcharge, after the air transportation has been purchased by the consumer, except in the case of an increase in a government-imposed tax or fee. A purchase is deemed to have occurred when the full amount agreed upon has been paid by the consumer.
(a) It is an unfair and deceptive practice within the meaning of 49 U.S.C. 41712 for any seller of scheduled air transportation within, to or from the United States, or of a tour (i.e., a combination of air transportation and ground or cruise accommodations), or tour component (e.g., a hotel stay) that includes scheduled air transportation within, to or from the United States, to increase the price of that air transportation, tour or tour component to a consumer, including but not limited to an increase in the price of the seat, an increase in the price for the carriage of passenger baggage, or an increase in an applicable fuel surcharge, after the air transportation has been purchased by the consumer, except in the case of an increase in a government-imposed tax or fee. A purchase is deemed to have occurred when the full amount agreed upon has been paid by the consumer.
Link to PDF of enforcement bodies for European customers affected. File complaint as soon as your ticket is cancelled.
Tips for DOT Complaint:
- File on DOT for every ticket number affected.
- If you have one reservation with four people traveling (four tickets) file 4 DOT complaints, one per ticket.
- If you have separate reservations, file a DOT complaint for each.
- The DOT complaint website may take several minutes to load, depending on demand.
- When you go to upload a file, be careful as it will reset all your radio buttons. So, if you want a copy of the complaint, make sure you double check that "Yes" is still selected before submitting, especially if you upload a file.
Template For Complaint:
United has unilaterally cancelled my ticket without my consent.
Facts:
1. The ticket was ticketed (had a ticket number).
2. I received a confirmation number, ticket number, and emails stating both
3. The ticket was paid for and my credit card charged.
United must reinstate the ticket within its original cabin. This trip is for travel TO the United States.
At no time during the booking process was any other fare than the Danish Krone equivalent displayed. As a reasonable, prudent consumer, I believed I was paying the price displayed to me on the website. United never sent or displayed the equivalent fare in any other currency.
Trip Details
Ticket #: 016XXXXXXXXXX
PNR: XXXXXX
Routing: LHR-EWR-LAX-HNL
Attachments: Attached is a document showing the ticket, routing, and providing proof that the reservation was ticketed.
Filename: Cancelled - UA Reservation - LHR-EWR-LAX-HNL - XXXXXX - 016XXXXXXXXXX.pdf
+-------------------------------------------------------+
| Relevant Law |
| http://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/14/399.88 |
+-------------------------------------------------------+
§ 399.88 Prohibition on post-purchase price increase.
(a) It is an unfair and deceptive practice within the meaning of 49 U.S.C. 41712 for any seller of scheduled air transportation within, to or from the United States, or of a tour (i.e., a combination of air transportation and ground or cruise accommodations), or tour component (e.g., a hotel stay) that includes scheduled air transportation within, to or from the United States, to increase the price of that air transportation, tour or tour component to a consumer, including but not limited to an increase in the price of the seat, an increase in the price for the carriage of passenger baggage, or an increase in an applicable fuel surcharge, after the air transportation has been purchased by the consumer, except in the case of an increase in a government-imposed tax or fee. A purchase is deemed to have occurred when the full amount agreed upon has been paid by the consumer.
+-------------------------------------------------------+
| Relevant FAQ |
| http://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov/rules/EAPP_2_FAQ.pdf |
+-------------------------------------------------------+
Does the prohibition on post-purchase price increases in section 399.88(a) apply in the situation where a carrier mistakenly offers an airfare due to a computer problem or human error and a consumer purchases the ticket at that fare before the carrier is able to fix the mistake?
Section 399.88(a) states that it is an unfair and deceptive practice for any seller of scheduled air transportation within, to, or from the United States, or of a tour or tour component that includes scheduled air transportation within, to, or from the United States, to increase the price of that air transportation to a consumer after the air transportation has been purchased by the consumer, except in the case of a government-imposed tax or fee and only if the passenger is advised of a possible increase before purchasing a ticket. A purchase occurs when the full amount agreed upon has been paid by the consumer. Therefore, if a consumer purchases a fare and that consumer receives confirmation (such as a confirmation email and/or the purchase appears on their credit card statement or online account summary) of their purchase, then the seller of air transportation cannot increase the price of that air transportation to that consumer, even when the fare is a “mistake.”
Facts:
1. The ticket was ticketed (had a ticket number).
2. I received a confirmation number, ticket number, and emails stating both
3. The ticket was paid for and my credit card charged.
United must reinstate the ticket within its original cabin. This trip is for travel TO the United States.
At no time during the booking process was any other fare than the Danish Krone equivalent displayed. As a reasonable, prudent consumer, I believed I was paying the price displayed to me on the website. United never sent or displayed the equivalent fare in any other currency.
Trip Details
Ticket #: 016XXXXXXXXXX
PNR: XXXXXX
Routing: LHR-EWR-LAX-HNL
Attachments: Attached is a document showing the ticket, routing, and providing proof that the reservation was ticketed.
Filename: Cancelled - UA Reservation - LHR-EWR-LAX-HNL - XXXXXX - 016XXXXXXXXXX.pdf
+-------------------------------------------------------+
| Relevant Law |
| http://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/14/399.88 |
+-------------------------------------------------------+
§ 399.88 Prohibition on post-purchase price increase.
(a) It is an unfair and deceptive practice within the meaning of 49 U.S.C. 41712 for any seller of scheduled air transportation within, to or from the United States, or of a tour (i.e., a combination of air transportation and ground or cruise accommodations), or tour component (e.g., a hotel stay) that includes scheduled air transportation within, to or from the United States, to increase the price of that air transportation, tour or tour component to a consumer, including but not limited to an increase in the price of the seat, an increase in the price for the carriage of passenger baggage, or an increase in an applicable fuel surcharge, after the air transportation has been purchased by the consumer, except in the case of an increase in a government-imposed tax or fee. A purchase is deemed to have occurred when the full amount agreed upon has been paid by the consumer.
+-------------------------------------------------------+
| Relevant FAQ |
| http://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov/rules/EAPP_2_FAQ.pdf |
+-------------------------------------------------------+
Does the prohibition on post-purchase price increases in section 399.88(a) apply in the situation where a carrier mistakenly offers an airfare due to a computer problem or human error and a consumer purchases the ticket at that fare before the carrier is able to fix the mistake?
Section 399.88(a) states that it is an unfair and deceptive practice for any seller of scheduled air transportation within, to, or from the United States, or of a tour or tour component that includes scheduled air transportation within, to, or from the United States, to increase the price of that air transportation to a consumer after the air transportation has been purchased by the consumer, except in the case of a government-imposed tax or fee and only if the passenger is advised of a possible increase before purchasing a ticket. A purchase occurs when the full amount agreed upon has been paid by the consumer. Therefore, if a consumer purchases a fare and that consumer receives confirmation (such as a confirmation email and/or the purchase appears on their credit card statement or online account summary) of their purchase, then the seller of air transportation cannot increase the price of that air transportation to that consumer, even when the fare is a “mistake.”
Tips for retrieving your ticket number:
- paste(right click copy link location first) following link into your web browser
- change XXXXXX next to COPNR= for your reservation number and LASTNAME next to LN= for you SURNAME
- go to the webpage address you have just created
https://www.united.com/web/en-US/app...NRCD=2/11/2015
Originally Posted by MatthewLAX
Originally Posted by MatthewLAX View Post
R E L A X
Breathe deep.
Congrats on all who got in.
Now comes the fun part.
1. Discovery - mistake fare is posted on FT. Novices frantically checks how much vacation time they have and if the dates of availability mesh with their schedules. Experienced FTers just book it and worry about contacting spouses or their boss later. Word spreads like wildfire.
2. Excitement - Tickets purchased, confirmation emails received and dates of travel shared with other FTers. Discussions of what to see and do and where to stay crop up in other threads. Novices contact source to change seats or inquire about upgrades, Seasoned FTers sit back and enjoy reading the discussion threads.
3. Stress Stage 1 - Concern over paper ticket delivery - Novices Frantically check otheFedEx website every few hours, constant monitoring of driveway for FedEx truck. Seasoned FT veterans sit back and relax.
4. Glee and happiness - Paper tickets in hand, vacation request submitted, spouses finally informed, hotel reservations made and bragging to friends and co-workers begins. Both novices and experts get very excited.
5. Stress Stage 2 - Rumors of fare not being honored, discussion threads about the airline and ticketing agency ensue. Rumors crop up like crabgrass at this stage. Many FTers begin to worry excessively about whether or not the trip will happen. Novices make non-refundable and financial committments to their trip. Seasoned FTers make mixed drinks (and maybe a sandwich) and is patient.
6. Reality Check - Accurate information is obtained - usually takes place a week to 10 days after mistake fare is published. Confirmed information from the source as to whether or not tickets will be honored.
7a. Pure Joy (Icelandair style- Fare is Honored) - Lots of happy people, FT threads on shared information regarding hotels, restaurants, tours, etc. Jealousy from others sets in. First "FT guinea pigs" embark, post confirmation threads that all is ok.
7b Hostile Feelings (Copa Airlines Style - fare is not honored) - Many angry and disappointed FTers. Refunds are issued. Novices have multiple discussion threads of lawsuits and hostile correspondence, FT pros mutter "c'est la vie" and look for the next fare mistake.
8a Success (Honored) - Trip Report thread becomes very active
R E L A X
Breathe deep.
Congrats on all who got in.
Now comes the fun part.
1. Discovery - mistake fare is posted on FT. Novices frantically checks how much vacation time they have and if the dates of availability mesh with their schedules. Experienced FTers just book it and worry about contacting spouses or their boss later. Word spreads like wildfire.
2. Excitement - Tickets purchased, confirmation emails received and dates of travel shared with other FTers. Discussions of what to see and do and where to stay crop up in other threads. Novices contact source to change seats or inquire about upgrades, Seasoned FTers sit back and enjoy reading the discussion threads.
3. Stress Stage 1 - Concern over paper ticket delivery - Novices Frantically check otheFedEx website every few hours, constant monitoring of driveway for FedEx truck. Seasoned FT veterans sit back and relax.
4. Glee and happiness - Paper tickets in hand, vacation request submitted, spouses finally informed, hotel reservations made and bragging to friends and co-workers begins. Both novices and experts get very excited.
5. Stress Stage 2 - Rumors of fare not being honored, discussion threads about the airline and ticketing agency ensue. Rumors crop up like crabgrass at this stage. Many FTers begin to worry excessively about whether or not the trip will happen. Novices make non-refundable and financial committments to their trip. Seasoned FTers make mixed drinks (and maybe a sandwich) and is patient.
6. Reality Check - Accurate information is obtained - usually takes place a week to 10 days after mistake fare is published. Confirmed information from the source as to whether or not tickets will be honored.
7a. Pure Joy (Icelandair style- Fare is Honored) - Lots of happy people, FT threads on shared information regarding hotels, restaurants, tours, etc. Jealousy from others sets in. First "FT guinea pigs" embark, post confirmation threads that all is ok.
7b Hostile Feelings (Copa Airlines Style - fare is not honored) - Many angry and disappointed FTers. Refunds are issued. Novices have multiple discussion threads of lawsuits and hostile correspondence, FT pros mutter "c'est la vie" and look for the next fare mistake.
8a Success (Honored) - Trip Report thread becomes very active
Freedom of Information Act Request
File #2015-147, Office of the Secretary of Transportation - Receipt acknowledged 3/13/15
http://www.dot.gov/individuals/foia/office-secretary-foia-information
Relevant excerpt from my request on 2/24/15. There no need for multiple requests for the same thing, though feel free to request more or different information obviously. I'll post any updates as I get them.
"Under the Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S. C. subsection 552, I am requesting access to any and all records of correspondence, including electronic, between anyone working for, or on the behalf of, United Airlines and its subsidiaries, and with anyone working for, or on the behalf of, the Department of Transportation; specifically this would include only the date range beginning on February 11th, 2015 through and including February 24th, 2015.
In addition, I am requesting access to any and all internal records and correspondence in relation to coming to the decision made on February 23rd, 2015 regarding the Office of Aviation Enforcement and Proceedings Determination Regarding United Airlines Mistaken Fare, with the exception of any of the consumer submitted complaints via phone, email, website, or letter. Specifically, this would be any records beginning on February 11th, 2015 through and including February 24th, 2015."
[PREM FARE GONE] UA: NCL-EWR 600 DKK (mistaken fare) DOT ruled; see wiki for link
#3136
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Bangkok or San Francisco
Programs: United 1k, Marriott Lifetime PE, Former DL Gold, Former SQ Solitaire, HH Gold
Posts: 11,886
That would assume that, but for United believing you were actually purchasing from Denmark, they would not have offered the mistake fare. In reality, United had no intention of offering the fare to anyone, regardless of location. It's not material. It may have been a website manipulation that violates United's terms of service, but it ain't fraud.
They you go tossing around the word "criminal" again! Do you have a particular statute in mind?
They you go tossing around the word "criminal" again! Do you have a particular statute in mind?
Again, intentional misrepresentation is the actual, literal definition of fraud (one of them).
Here's the "legal definition": http://legal-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Fraud
Statute? Start with (18 U.S.C.A. §§ 1341, 1342).
Here is a state example. Arizona. "[a]ny person who, pursuant to a scheme or artifice to defraud, knowingly obtains any benefit by means of false or fraudulent pretenses, representations, promises or material omissions" is guilty of a felony (Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 13-2310(A))."
Last edited by Tchiowa; Feb 12, 2015 at 9:25 pm
#3138
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 8
And that is correct. Only people claiming to by buying from Denmark saw the mistake fare. All others saw a real fare. United in fact intended the real fare.
Again, intentional misrepresentation is the actual, literal definition of fraud (one of them).
Here's the "legal definition": http://legal-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Fraud
Statute? Start with (18 U.S.C.A. §§ 1341, 1342).
Again, intentional misrepresentation is the actual, literal definition of fraud (one of them).
Here's the "legal definition": http://legal-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Fraud
Statute? Start with (18 U.S.C.A. §§ 1341, 1342).
#3139
Suspended
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: The electrified part of North Carolina
Programs: UA GM, AA GM, DL GM
Posts: 4,157
I have taken advantage of several UA mistake fares, but none of them required me to misrepresent my personal or payment details.
I used to fly UA because my employer demanded it. Now that I have a choice of carriers, I don't think I will step on a UA plane anytime soon. My only interaction with UA is using my MP miles to book award flights on partner airlines. LH F class is worth every penny that UA has to pay to LH.
I'm sure some posters think I'm a "United apologist" just because I disagree with their "yes, I lied in order to buy the ticket, but I deserve to get the ticket reinstated anyway" mentality.
#3140
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 47
Sooo much to read through... Sent my 3 DOT complaints last night ( 1 trip 3 people) I did not have my ticket #'s available at the time, however now that the WIKI made it easy. Thank you, to the one who posted it !!! Question is, is there a way to update the form? Is it necessary ? The info I have now is much more solid...Any advice?
#3141
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 33
And that is correct. Only people claiming to by buying from Denmark saw the mistake fare. All others saw a real fare. United in fact intended the real fare.
Again, intentional misrepresentation is the actual, literal definition of fraud (one of them).
Here's the "legal definition": http://legal-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Fraud
Statute? Start with (18 U.S.C.A. §§ 1341, 1342).
Again, intentional misrepresentation is the actual, literal definition of fraud (one of them).
Here's the "legal definition": http://legal-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Fraud
Statute? Start with (18 U.S.C.A. §§ 1341, 1342).
#3142
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Bangkok or San Francisco
Programs: United 1k, Marriott Lifetime PE, Former DL Gold, Former SQ Solitaire, HH Gold
Posts: 11,886
Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that most people who took advantage of the glitch had to misrepresent their billing address country in order to buy the tickets. How much sympathy do you think those people deserve?
I have taken advantage of several UA mistake fares, but none of them required me to misrepresent my personal or payment details.
I used to fly UA because my employer demanded it. Now that I have a choice of carriers, I don't think I will step on a UA plane anytime soon. My only interaction with UA is using my MP miles to book award flights on partner airlines. LH F class is worth every penny that UA has to pay to LH.
I'm sure some posters think I'm a "United apologist" just because I disagree with their "yes, I lied in order to buy the ticket, but I deserve to get the ticket reinstated anyway" mentality.
I have taken advantage of several UA mistake fares, but none of them required me to misrepresent my personal or payment details.
I used to fly UA because my employer demanded it. Now that I have a choice of carriers, I don't think I will step on a UA plane anytime soon. My only interaction with UA is using my MP miles to book award flights on partner airlines. LH F class is worth every penny that UA has to pay to LH.
I'm sure some posters think I'm a "United apologist" just because I disagree with their "yes, I lied in order to buy the ticket, but I deserve to get the ticket reinstated anyway" mentality.
#3143
Join Date: Nov 2006
Programs: D SM, AA A, SPG, HH, MR
Posts: 93
Looks like since I went to bed last night, there's been about 80 additional pages containing much of nothing even though it includes many philosophical differences and oneupsmanship. Looks like there's no new news on this at all since all I could stomach were the last two pages which included nothing but a lot of back and forth.
#3144
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 47
I have bought tickets from NZ Air on the NZ website and paid in NZ currency, because their domestic flights price out less than half as much as they would on the US site. There is no problem with this...So why can't I pay in Krones United ???
#3146
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 143
The point many of you are missing is this:
United sent out confirms that states "Ticketed and confirmed".
Ticketed and confirmed.
It means what it says.
Ticketed and confirmed.
Not "ticketed but unconfirmed until our software validates the fare".
But "Ticketed and confirmed".
That is meant as a finality.
For the DOT to overturn that meaning would leave every future ticket issued in doubt.
I doubt that is their preference.
United is not an innocent bystander.
They could have put in place safeguards against a mistaken price.
Instead, they chose a system that accepts your payment and completes the contract by stating your ticket is "Ticketed and Confirmed".
Absent those words, United had every ability to void the pending sale.
It chose, instead, to close the deal...Ticketed and Confirmed.
United sent out confirms that states "Ticketed and confirmed".
Ticketed and confirmed.
It means what it says.
Ticketed and confirmed.
Not "ticketed but unconfirmed until our software validates the fare".
But "Ticketed and confirmed".
That is meant as a finality.
For the DOT to overturn that meaning would leave every future ticket issued in doubt.
I doubt that is their preference.
United is not an innocent bystander.
They could have put in place safeguards against a mistaken price.
Instead, they chose a system that accepts your payment and completes the contract by stating your ticket is "Ticketed and Confirmed".
Absent those words, United had every ability to void the pending sale.
It chose, instead, to close the deal...Ticketed and Confirmed.
#3147
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Bangkok or San Francisco
Programs: United 1k, Marriott Lifetime PE, Former DL Gold, Former SQ Solitaire, HH Gold
Posts: 11,886
The point many of you are missing is this:
United sent out confirms that states "Ticketed and confirmed".
Ticketed and confirmed.
It means what it says.
Ticketed and confirmed.
Not "ticketed but unconfirmed until our software validates the fare".
But "Ticketed and confirmed".
That is meant as a finality.
For the DOT to overturn that meaning would leave every future ticket issued in doubt.
I doubt that is their preference.
United is not an innocent bystander.
They could have put in place safeguards against a mistaken price.
Instead, they chose a system that accepts your payment and completes the contract by stating your ticket is "Ticketed and Confirmed".
Absent those words, United had every ability to void the pending sale.
It chose, instead, to close the deal...Ticketed and Confirmed.
United sent out confirms that states "Ticketed and confirmed".
Ticketed and confirmed.
It means what it says.
Ticketed and confirmed.
Not "ticketed but unconfirmed until our software validates the fare".
But "Ticketed and confirmed".
That is meant as a finality.
For the DOT to overturn that meaning would leave every future ticket issued in doubt.
I doubt that is their preference.
United is not an innocent bystander.
They could have put in place safeguards against a mistaken price.
Instead, they chose a system that accepts your payment and completes the contract by stating your ticket is "Ticketed and Confirmed".
Absent those words, United had every ability to void the pending sale.
It chose, instead, to close the deal...Ticketed and Confirmed.
#3148
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
Posts: 35,373
Nobody said they lived in Denmark. They said they wanted to be billed in DKK. Those are VERY different. UA allows this sort of activity and has allwed it for quite some time. Note that UA also canceled the tickets of those who DO live in Denmark and who have Danish billing addresses. UA is making no claim about how or why people chose to be billed in DKK.
#3149
Suspended
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: The electrified part of North Carolina
Programs: UA GM, AA GM, DL GM
Posts: 4,157
The point many of you are missing is this:
United sent out confirms that states "Ticketed and confirmed".
Ticketed and confirmed.
It means what it says.
Ticketed and confirmed.
Not "ticketed but unconfirmed until our software validates the fare".
But "Ticketed and confirmed".
That is meant as a finality.
For the DOT to overturn that meaning would leave every future ticket issued in doubt.
I doubt that is their preference.
United is not an innocent bystander.
They could have put in place safeguards against a mistaken price.
Instead, they chose a system that accepts your payment and completes the contract by stating your ticket is "Ticketed and Confirmed".
Absent those words, United had every ability to void the pending sale.
It chose, instead, to close the deal...Ticketed and Confirmed.
United sent out confirms that states "Ticketed and confirmed".
Ticketed and confirmed.
It means what it says.
Ticketed and confirmed.
Not "ticketed but unconfirmed until our software validates the fare".
But "Ticketed and confirmed".
That is meant as a finality.
For the DOT to overturn that meaning would leave every future ticket issued in doubt.
I doubt that is their preference.
United is not an innocent bystander.
They could have put in place safeguards against a mistaken price.
Instead, they chose a system that accepts your payment and completes the contract by stating your ticket is "Ticketed and Confirmed".
Absent those words, United had every ability to void the pending sale.
It chose, instead, to close the deal...Ticketed and Confirmed.
Wal-Mart cancels orders, gives shoppers free gift cards after glitch posts wrong online prices
NEW YORK — Treadmills for $33? Computer monitors for $9? The deals are too good to be true — even at Wal-Mart.
It turns out they're not.
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. says a "technical error" caused certain products to be priced absurdly low or high on its website Wednesday morning.
NEW YORK — Treadmills for $33? Computer monitors for $9? The deals are too good to be true — even at Wal-Mart.
It turns out they're not.
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. says a "technical error" caused certain products to be priced absurdly low or high on its website Wednesday morning.
Online Standards
When an e-commerce website has had an incorrect price entered into its database, it can end up not only advertising that price but also accepting orders and charging customers' credit cards for that amount. The central issue here is whether retailers can void the contract created when orders were accepted. The easiest way for a company to deal with such situations is to have website "terms of use" that clearly state the company can cancel orders and refund customers' money because of pricing errors (or for any reason). Otherwise, a common law doctrine known as "unilateral mistake of fact" applies. This doctrine allows a party to a contract to set aside the contract if honoring it would be "unconscionable," or if the other party could have reasonably assumed it was a mistake. A $1,000 item advertised for $10 likely would meet this definition.
When an e-commerce website has had an incorrect price entered into its database, it can end up not only advertising that price but also accepting orders and charging customers' credit cards for that amount. The central issue here is whether retailers can void the contract created when orders were accepted. The easiest way for a company to deal with such situations is to have website "terms of use" that clearly state the company can cancel orders and refund customers' money because of pricing errors (or for any reason). Otherwise, a common law doctrine known as "unilateral mistake of fact" applies. This doctrine allows a party to a contract to set aside the contract if honoring it would be "unconscionable," or if the other party could have reasonably assumed it was a mistake. A $1,000 item advertised for $10 likely would meet this definition.
One essential element of a contract is an intention to create legal relations. If an item has been very heavily discounted and it is clear that an error has occurred, the trader could say that it was obvious that they had no intention to form a contract at that price.
(The situation is different for the ones who did NOT lie about the billing address country)
Last edited by Pat89339; Feb 12, 2015 at 11:56 pm Reason: TOS 14; consecutive posts
#3150
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 143
The billing address is NOT dispositive....unless you are suggesting that United intentionally posted these fares solely for the benefit of the wonderful Danish people? If that is your argument, then you are agreeing that these were legitimate fares.