For esoteric reasons (I'm tall and do not fit in united's economy), I want to try to get my employer to pay $500 more for a ticket to Europe on Delta/KLM instead of United.

How can I reasonably justify this expense?! Sincerely, Prima Donna Traveler

Flight times aren't convenient? Or Delta's are better suited for when you need to arrive.

You could also book United and pay the fee to upgrade to economy plus. My 6'4" S.O. does that often as he too has a hard time fitting.

If I were your employer, I would be more likely to pay the $500 if you told me the truth. Depending on your employer's corporate deal with UA, if the employer has one, $500 night get you into a fare bucket with UG, might actually pay for C and will certainly get you E+. Depending on the actual route which you don't specify, not likely that DL will have more convenient schedule than UA on a given TATL.

Why do you think Delta/KLM would be better? For less than $500 you could purchase E+ on United.

Economy is economy is economy. The services might vary, the food might vary, the IFE might vary, but they all have small, cramped seats.

I have DL Platinum, so instant upgrade to economy plus. An exit row on KLM is better than United's business class!

Why not just go with the truth? Your height is a physical condition beyond your control and it's a legit argument, especially if you drop the word "HR" in there.

Clearly the way to go, if you are too tall.

Not sure the other airlines will offer a better alternative, but I think upgrading to Economy Plus if they are insisting on United is a good compromise.

Bosses hate being lied to. Tell the truth.

If you're doing more than one trip per year on UA just get the annual E+ upgrade for $425.

https://store.united.com/traveloptio...ry_id=UM_LEGRM

+1

I don't get the feeling you are misrepresenting yourself (yet) to anyone. That, of course, is a good thing.

Is this employer the govt? Sorry, but my ex-SATO breeding kicked in...

Have you done the research yourself on this or are you taking the word of the booking/corporate travel agent? I know they hate to upended, but nicely done, you can inform them. Armed with the knowledge of your company travel policy and the right schedules/pricing could put you on the path of satisfaction.

Whenever my DH was overseas and had to go with the corporate quotes/flight schedules, I jumped on the web and did some research of my own. It's a matter of getting them to match the page you are on and it takes some tact, perseverance, and the idea that it can be done. Try to get them on your side briefly. They don't have time, otherwise.

My experience is passe' in light of automation with today's agents, but I still think getting more info is best. Knowledge evens the field.

Seems odd that the price difference would be so much for a flight between the same two cities at the same time.

I like this as a possible option.

Discuss with your boss all alternatives, and why these are alternatives.. at the very least, you should be able to get E+ with UA.. unless you're hoping to requalify for Delta status, hopefully on the backs of the company.. but better to tell your boss the reasons, then to hide behind the reasons.