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[PREM FARE GONE] UA: NCL-EWR 600 DKK (mistaken fare) DOT ruled; see wiki for link

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Old Feb 11, 2015, 11:49 am
FlyerTalk Forums Expert How-Tos and Guides
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 UpdatesNews Media Updates:

-------

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.
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:
§ 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.
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:
  • 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.”
-----
Tips for retrieving your ticket number:
  1. paste(right click copy link location first) following link into your web browser
  2. change XXXXXX next to COPNR= for your reservation number and LASTNAME next to LN= for you SURNAME
  3. 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


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."
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[PREM FARE GONE] UA: NCL-EWR 600 DKK (mistaken fare) DOT ruled; see wiki for link

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Old Feb 11, 2015, 12:23 pm
  #1231  
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: YYC - not the centre of the universe
Programs: AC*S100K 1MM, LH FTL, Hyatt Globalist, Accor Plat
Posts: 4,768
Originally Posted by GVA
Though wouldn't an unrestricted fare changed after departure mean free changes ??
Wasn't the case with the EY mistake fare.
jlisi984 is offline  
Old Feb 11, 2015, 12:23 pm
  #1232  
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: NYC
Programs: QF LTG
Posts: 1,200
I have booking references and ticket numbers (016 stock) for two round trips for two people but my credit card has no pending or recent charges from United.
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Old Feb 11, 2015, 12:24 pm
  #1233  
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Londinium
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Posts: 929
Originally Posted by Miami305
Someone has previously posted a nice summary (maybe it was on a blog somewhere?) of all of the mistake fares they have seen over the past 10 or so years, and the outcomes.

Does anyone recall or can link to this? Would be a fun read for all of us until we hear back from United.
I found this earlier in the day, Miami

https://flightfox.com/tradecraft/air...icing-glitches
SCSA is offline  
Old Feb 11, 2015, 12:24 pm
  #1234  
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: UK
Posts: 110
I've booked 2 itineraries that overlap as I couldn't confirm dates/time with my partner.

Now that I know should I cancel the PNR that I'm not going to take or do think I should just wait until they have clarified the situation and it maybe that the whole thing will be getting refunded?

Would be keen for any thoughts!
exitcontrol is offline  
Old Feb 11, 2015, 12:25 pm
  #1235  
 
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: YYZ
Programs: Aeroplan
Posts: 171
Originally Posted by Surface Interval
No such thing as a stupid question - only stupid answers!

You need a min # of posts to be able to edit a Wiki. I believe that to be 100.
Thanks i figured it was something like that. If this gets honored then it looks like i had amazing timing to start obsessing over flying haha. I'm liking my new routine of checking flyertalk as often as my email.
abari is offline  
Old Feb 11, 2015, 12:25 pm
  #1236  
 
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 4
This might be a silly question....but how does one tell if it is ticketed/confirmed?
AShearer09 is offline  
Old Feb 11, 2015, 12:25 pm
  #1237  
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: PEK
Programs: A3*G, UA Gold EY Silver
Posts: 8,949
Originally Posted by exitcontrol
I've booked 2 itineraries that overlap as I couldn't confirm dates/time with my partner.

Now that I know should I cancel the PNR that I'm not going to take or do think I should just wait until they have clarified the situation and it maybe that the whole thing will be getting refunded?

Would be keen for any thoughts!
You have 24 hrs to get it refunded for free (you may have to call the US 1-800 number on skype).
Palal is offline  
Old Feb 11, 2015, 12:26 pm
  #1238  
 
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Philadelphia
Programs: United 1K, Bonvoy Ambassador
Posts: 118
Was excited to purchase some flights on this deal. I'm going to be able to fly on some planes I have always wanted to fly on and in first class (Hopefully).

Feb 20---LHR-EWR-ZRH-FRA-ORD 145.00 (Swiss First, and LH 747-800)
Apr 10---LHR-LAX-MUC-FRA-IAH-ORD 175.00 (A380 and A340-600)
May 22--LHR-ORD-ZRH-MUC-ORD 162.00 (Swiss First and LH First again)
Jan 03---LHR-ZRH-JNB-FRA-LHR 108.00 (Swiss First and LH First)

I hope my decision to fly LH or LX instead of UA doesn't come back to bite me in the butt. All flights except for the Jan03 trip to JNB have UA flight numbers. I'm very excited. Crossing my fingers an toes.
Droundtheworld is offline  
Old Feb 11, 2015, 12:26 pm
  #1239  
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Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: London
Programs: Hilton, IHG - BA, GA, LH, QR, SV, TK
Posts: 17,008
Originally Posted by Wozza2404
Yup. In fact they can decide to "reverse themselves" at check in and bang you into Y. Knees up your nose in a middle seat.

People can scream DOT and EU261 until they're blue in the face, but LX did it on the RGN fares and they seemed to come out of it OK.
Gosh! You're in sour mood this evening I'm guessing you, like me, missed the party...

Originally Posted by Wozza2404
This is the biggest problem with bloggers; they spoon feed these deals to the masses like it's agiven they'll be honoured. So people who don't travel all that much book these fares for honeymoons, grandparents, family holidays, etc. etc. and then wonder why they're having such a terrible time when they're denied boarding at the airport.
i think most mistake fares DO work; some premium ones have gone belly up, but in general where this happens the airlines are sufficiently grown-up about cancelling rather than denying boarding. My only failure was a QR debacle, but even there, we had communication well before travel dates and I was not inconvenienced.


Originally Posted by Wozza2404
Let's not forget some people got all the way to ZRH in SQ F on the RGN fares before being greeted with a giant "Eff you" as they tried to board the LX flight.
The SWISS Rangoon case was complex - the airline cancelled its own tickets. It also cancelled its sectors on sectors issued by others, but offered "life-saver" transport on sectors booked. OK: in economy So not quite an "Eff off", they flew people home. And a relatively short TATL flight in Y after a First class meander through Asia on a $500 fare really isn't too bad.

In the current case, i reckon those who stuck to the original blog idea of UA metal to the US have a measure of protection. The more exotic routings may fail in the way of the Rangoon efforts failed. UA will have some pressure to conform from DOT legislation (covering flight to, or with stopovers in, the US). If they decide not to play we can expect them to inform consumers in a timely fashion.

Advice to prospective passengers on this fare is not to make ancillary arrangements until you are satisfied you are good to fly. Now the fun is over, it's OK to call the airline
IAN-UK is offline  
Old Feb 11, 2015, 12:26 pm
  #1240  
 
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 21
Is there a way to remove one passenger from the reservation without cancelling entire reservation?
Sfuzzi is offline  
Old Feb 11, 2015, 12:26 pm
  #1241  
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: PEK
Programs: A3*G, UA Gold EY Silver
Posts: 8,949
Originally Posted by AShearer09
This might be a silly question....but how does one tell if it is ticketed/confirmed?
It should say on your reservation on .bomb (aka united.com) "your reservation has been ticketed and confirmed"
Palal is offline  
Old Feb 11, 2015, 12:26 pm
  #1242  
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Phoenix, AZ
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Posts: 93
Mine still shows ticketed and confirmed....

2-AUG-2015 LHR-SFO-PHX UA F $61 (x2) via ua.com sjlandsverk (can't post to wiki, can someone post this up for me? thanks!)


United Confirmation Number XXXXXX

All customers are required to hold a valid passport or resident card to enter or transit through the United States. Many customers are also required to hold a valid visa. More information may be found in International Travel Document Requirements.

Visa Waiver Program (VWP) nationals must obtain an ESTA in lieu of a U.S. visa, and comply with all other VWP rules.

This reservation was ticketed and confirmed on Wed., Feb. 11, 2015 at 9:17 a.m. Central Time.

Flight Details


Sun., Aug. 2, 2015 | London, England (LHR - Heathrow) to Phoenix, AZ (PHX)

Depart:

2:10 p.m.

Sun., Aug. 2, 2015

London, England (LHR - Heathrow)

Arrive:

5:05 p.m.

Sun., Aug. 2, 2015

San Francisco, CA (SFO)
Flight Time:
10 hr 55 mn
Distance:
5,368 miles

Flight:UA931


Aircraft: Boeing 777-200

Fare Class: United Global First (F)

Meal: Lunch

Change Planes. Connect time in San Francisco, CA (SFO) is 2 hr 40 mn.

Depart:

7:45 p.m.

Sun., Aug. 2, 2015

San Francisco, CA (SFO)

Arrive:

9:41 p.m.

Sun., Aug. 2, 2015

Phoenix, AZ (PHX)
Flight Time:
1 hr 56 mn

Travel Time:
15 hr 31 mn
Distance:
651 miles

Total Distance:
6,019 miles

Flight: UA5206

Operated by Skywest Airlines dba United Express.

Aircraft: Canadair Regional Jet 700

Fare Class: United First (F)

Meal: Refreshments
No Special Meal Offered.

MileagePlus Members: Upon completion of this itinerary, you will earn up to 6,019 award miles.*

Last edited by SJLandsverk; Feb 11, 2015 at 12:29 pm Reason: added confirmation details
SJLandsverk is offline  
Old Feb 11, 2015, 12:27 pm
  #1243  
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 787
I was able to cancel a couple of mine that weren't going to work (book first, figure out other travel later) and I had the option to refund to original form of payment but my confirmation email says I got a credit for future travel.
tylerc is offline  
Old Feb 11, 2015, 12:27 pm
  #1244  
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: CLE
Programs: AA Exec Plat, Hilton Diamond, Hertz PC
Posts: 5,538
Originally Posted by abari
Thanks i figured it was something like that. If this gets honored then it looks like i had amazing timing to start obsessing over flying haha. I'm liking my new routine of checking flyertalk as often as my email.
Post your itin and I can add it for you.
Surface Interval is offline  
Old Feb 11, 2015, 12:27 pm
  #1245  
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: UK
Posts: 110
Originally Posted by Palal
You have 24 hrs to get it refunded for free (you may have to call the US 1-800 number on skype).
Cheers Paul
exitcontrol is offline  


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