skimple

Its been a few years since I had elite status on UA, and I just recently re-qualified for Elite on CO, so I'll admit I'm out of touch. But under UA rules, I can only have one companion sit with me in E+? Not only that, but I have to either pay for everyone else to sit in E+, or none of us can? Are you kidding me?

I can understand (but not like) the one companion rule, but making everyone pay, or no one gets to sit in E+? That's ridiculous. If I had known that, I would have been sure not to fly UA metal for this reservation.

I hope the new program follows the OnePass philosophy. Seating is really the only tangible benefit that I see out of having elite status now.

Big thumbs down to Mileage Plus for this rule.

SEA1K4EVR

I assume you're making this assumption because you've booked an itinerary with more than 2 people on it and it won't show you the E+ seat map. This is a system limitation, not policy. You can call UA and get 2 of you put in E+ for free.

computerquest

According to UA CSRs you are allowed to take only one person into E+ with you. If there are more people than that in your party, you may either split up (they will even let all of the kids sit together in the back of the plane!!!), fork over the extra money for everyone to sit in E+, or sit in the back together.

I personally would LOVE to let the 11, 10 and 8 year old sit in the back by themselves while I sit in E+ on our upcoming 8+ hour flight, but I don't have the guts to do it.

mikew99

But UA is the only domestic carrier with E+. If you were on CO metal, wouldn't you all be in E- by default?

cordelli

Call and two of you can sit in E+

Not sure how it can be better on another airline, since UA is the only one with E+.

But no, you can't book 20 people on one reservation and take them all into E+ if only you have status. And to me, that's a good thing.

euslaner

+!. E+ is a limited commodity. If you get 6 (or 20) seats, some elites won't get any.

aacharya

Odd, as CO (with far less ELR seats available) doesn't have this limitation.

ZenFlyer

For what it is worth, I would add the following:

-- by way of opinion: I tend to agree with the suggestion of others that the 1-companion rule for E+ is correct, even generous.

-- by way of fact: higher elite status members -- 1K -- actually get to bring up to 8 companions traveling on the same confirmation into E+ http://www.united.com/page/article/0,6867,1171,00.html

-- by way of suggestion: I suspect you won't like this, but as a practical matter, depending on how many "extra" people you are flying with, where you are flying to, and if you or someone else is planning to fly UA again in the next year, you may wish to consider having one of your companions purchase the United's annual E+ option for $425: https://store.united.com/traveloptio...nkTitle=UM_EPA Someone with annual E+ also gets to bring a companion with them, so between you and that individual, you would have 4 E+ seats covered. A lot of people don't like to shell out extra money for privileges they think should be free in the first place, but imho it is a pretty good deal if you plan on taking an international flight (or two), and an even better deal if you will be doing so with a companion. That extra 5" makes a big difference in comfort on a long flight.

Good luck!

skimple

In fact I did call the UA elite desk and the horrible CSR told me that I am welcome to buy the other two E+ seats. If I do not buy the E+, we CANNOT split up, and all have to sit in back.

And as I said, I can understand the only 1 companion rule, but both online and the CSR state that I cannot sit two in E+ and the rest of the party in back, which would at least allow me to sit my wife up front.

SEA1K4EVR

Call back again and ask them to split the PNR...2 on one and 2 on the other. Then you'll be able to do it yourself online for you and the other person on your itinerary.

WineCountryUA

absolutely incorrect --- not sure why you are getting bad information

Have you status matched to UA or are you using you CO status?
How did you call UA "elite desk?"

no need or reason to do that -- in fact potentially a bad idea in irrops (especially with childern)

computerquest

When I called them and asked about everyone sitting together I was told 2 in E+ and three in E, all 5 in E or buy the upgrades for the 3 additional tickets. When I joked and asked if I could seat the 3 kids in the back by themselves, the CSR said she would be happy to do that for me. I wish there wasn't a wall between E+ and E--then I would just seat the kids in the row behind me.

Obviously the CSR won't be on that flight.

fanger

There's no wall. Usually E- starts behind the second exit row on the single-aisles. There is a division (Galley+lav) on some of the widebodies.

You got the correct info; each pax with status can bring a +1, but that's it. OP got bad info, unfortunately.

ZenFlyer

It is unfortunately not unheard of to receive incorrect advice from a CSR, so would definitely phone again as others have suggested. However, you indicate that you believe you have seen this E+ policy stated online as well -- can you provide a link, or cut and paste the statement? I'm wondering if by chance you might be confusing this with the policy for Unlimited Domestic Upgrades (UDUs), which states:

c) If the reservation includes more than one companion, it is not eligible for an Unlimited Domestic Upgrade. For information on upgrades on a reservation with multiple companions, please call United reservations or ask an airport agent

http://www.united.com/page/article/1,,53475,00.html

This might also be the source of confusion with the CSR, if by chance you used the word "upgrade" instead of "Economy Plus" on your phone call.

cmdsea

As 1P my usual work around for this is to select an exit row seat at the front of E- and put kids in the row behind.. at least i know who and can control who is kicking my seat.. :-)