upgrade to HKG - better chance via ORD or EWR?
Jan 7, 2012, 8:51 am
#16
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Philadelphia, LAX, Paris
Programs: UA 1K/2MM, SPG/Marriott Lifetime Titanium, Lifetime HHonors Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, AA Exec Plat
Posts: 3,388
I asked an agent for an explanation. After checking with a supervisor, she said both the UA and CO websites say "Operated by United" because the HK airport authority only allows one operating certificate for the merged airline. This may be old news, but apparently there are a few different countries that have similar rules. In such cases the operating carrier is listed as United.
Although the website and presumably other things like tickets will say "operated by United", it's still a CO aircraft, check-in is with CO and, most importantly for Flyertalkers, the upgrades are handled by CO and according to CO rules.
Although the website and presumably other things like tickets will say "operated by United", it's still a CO aircraft, check-in is with CO and, most importantly for Flyertalkers, the upgrades are handled by CO and according to CO rules.
Jan 7, 2012, 8:59 am
#17
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: WAS
Programs: UA 1K MM | Marriott LTT | National Car EE
Posts: 694
Jan 7, 2012, 12:24 pm
#18
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: CVG
Programs: Delta - PM / MM, UA 1K Starwood-Gold
Posts: 451
A few years back there was a Tsunami in Hong Kong that delayed my return flight and I missed my connection in Chicago en route home, along with all other flights from ORD-EWR. Spent a few hours in a crap hotel in Chicago and swore to never connect again if I can avoid it.
I fly both ORD & EWR to HKG. Without giving consideration to which gateway city is easiest for an upgrade, I will say that CO's BF seat is unequivocally better than UA's C seat. Service, like on all airlines, can be hit or miss. YMMV
Jan 7, 2012, 12:31 pm
#19
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: YUL
Programs: UA 1K, MR Bonvoy Bonzaiiiii, National EE
Posts: 622
=)~
Was that the same year the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor ? :-) I think you meant Typhoon.
I fly both ORD & EWR to HKG. Without giving consideration to which gateway city is easiest for an upgrade, I will say that CO's BF seat is unequivocally better than UA's C seat. Service, like on all airlines, can be hit or miss. YMMV
I fly both ORD & EWR to HKG. Without giving consideration to which gateway city is easiest for an upgrade, I will say that CO's BF seat is unequivocally better than UA's C seat. Service, like on all airlines, can be hit or miss. YMMV
That being said: same same, but different.
Jan 7, 2012, 2:28 pm
#20
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Philadelphia, LAX, Paris
Programs: UA 1K/2MM, SPG/Marriott Lifetime Titanium, Lifetime HHonors Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, AA Exec Plat
Posts: 3,388
I happen to think that UA's lie flat bed in C is better than CO's BF lie flat bed, but like you said, YMMV
Jan 7, 2012, 6:15 pm
#21
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: CVG
Programs: Delta - PM / MM, UA 1K Starwood-Gold
Posts: 451
Really??? I don't know, call me old fashioned, but I prefer the 2-2-2 seating, not fighting for an arm rest, not facing the rear of the plane, and having a place to charge my iPhone. Oh, and lest I not forget, being able to have a storage space above my seat for my briefcase on the upper deck of a 747.
Jan 7, 2012, 6:48 pm
#22
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: LGA/JFK/EWR
Programs: UA 1K1.75MM, Hyatt Globalist, abandoned Marriott LTT (RIP SPG), Hertz PC
Posts: 21,174
Really??? I don't know, call me old fashioned, but I prefer the 2-2-2 seating, not fighting for an arm rest, not facing the rear of the plane, and having a place to charge my iPhone. Oh, and lest I not forget, being able to have a storage space above my seat for my briefcase on the upper deck of a 747.
They're basically identical seats, both average C seats in the industry - better than angled lie-flat, but behind the latest staggered / super wide seats (a la SQ) / US/CX herringbones.
Jan 8, 2012, 4:38 am
#23
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Philadelphia, LAX, Paris
Programs: UA 1K/2MM, SPG/Marriott Lifetime Titanium, Lifetime HHonors Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, AA Exec Plat
Posts: 3,388
That's why it's YMMV - I haven't fought for an armrest on UA C, I've been able to charge all sorts of devices at my seat, I've put bags in the window storage or above me, and facing the rear of the plane actually makes sleeping a bit easier for me. And it's tough to argue the BF AVOD interface isn't pretty poor.
They're basically identical seats, both average C seats in the industry - better than angled lie-flat, but behind the latest staggered / super wide seats (a la SQ) / US/CX herringbones.
They're basically identical seats, both average C seats in the industry - better than angled lie-flat, but behind the latest staggered / super wide seats (a la SQ) / US/CX herringbones.
1. Have never fought for an armrest on UA C.
2. Always able to charge iPhone, iPad (using AC power), BB, laptop, camera, etc
3. Never had problem with stowing my bag, although on BF, the space behind the headrest on the window side can be used for small items, but I have this constant fear of forgetting about them and leaving them behind.
4. I have no issue with facing the rear, and don't sleep any better or worse.
The AVOD on BF is fine to me, about the same on on UA C.
I am looking forward to trying out the SQ super wide C seat.
Jan 8, 2012, 3:03 pm
#24
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Los Angeles
Programs: UA plat (1 mm miler) ; AA plat (2 mm miler); Marriott lifetime Titanium
Posts: 918
upgrade update
So I decided to purchase W fares on both flights (NYC-ORD-HKG and EWR-HKG) figuring I would eat the cancellation fee on one of them, but boost my chances for an upgrade. Given the number of open seats and the relatively short waitlist on the ORD flight (when I made my res, the phone agent told me there entire upgrade waitlist was only about 12 people with well over 20 seats open), I figured my chances were excellent. I much prefer the nonstop from EWR, but I'm still very skeptical about the whole CO approach to upgrading. The only upgrade I missed last year (except some short haul last minute purchases) was on a CO flight where I suspect I was the victim of inexpensive buy-up offers to GMs at check-in.
I've been check my reservations and upgrade inventory a couple of times a day the last few days. This afternoon, by upgrade cleared on the ORD-HKG flight. I'm still waitlisted on the EWR nonstop. The number of open biz seats on 99 has remained about the same, so it seems as if no upgrades have cleared yet.
I've been check my reservations and upgrade inventory a couple of times a day the last few days. This afternoon, by upgrade cleared on the ORD-HKG flight. I'm still waitlisted on the EWR nonstop. The number of open biz seats on 99 has remained about the same, so it seems as if no upgrades have cleared yet.
Jan 8, 2012, 3:11 pm
#25
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: NYS
Programs: UA 1K MM, IHG Plat Amb, HH Diamond
Posts: 311
I've been check my reservations and upgrade inventory a couple of times a day the last few days. This afternoon, by upgrade cleared on the ORD-HKG flight. I'm still waitlisted on the EWR nonstop. The number of open biz seats on 99 has remained about the same, so it seems as if no upgrades have cleared yet.[/QUOTE]
I dont know if anybody else noticed this but for some reason the Upgrade Standby list for both today's and tomorrow's flight 99 to HKG are missing from the CO flight status page. Anybody know why?
I dont know if anybody else noticed this but for some reason the Upgrade Standby list for both today's and tomorrow's flight 99 to HKG are missing from the CO flight status page. Anybody know why?
Jan 8, 2012, 3:13 pm
#26
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Philadelphia, LAX, Paris
Programs: UA 1K/2MM, SPG/Marriott Lifetime Titanium, Lifetime HHonors Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, AA Exec Plat
Posts: 3,388
So I decided to purchase W fares on both flights (NYC-ORD-HKG and EWR-HKG) figuring I would eat the cancellation fee on one of them, but boost my chances for an upgrade. Given the number of open seats and the relatively short waitlist on the ORD flight (when I made my res, the phone agent told me there entire upgrade waitlist was only about 12 people with well over 20 seats open), I figured my chances were excellent. I much prefer the nonstop from EWR, but I'm still very skeptical about the whole CO approach to upgrading. The only upgrade I missed last year (except some short haul last minute purchases) was on a CO flight where I suspect I was the victim of inexpensive buy-up offers to GMs at check-in.
I've been check my reservations and upgrade inventory a couple of times a day the last few days. This afternoon, by upgrade cleared on the ORD-HKG flight. I'm still waitlisted on the EWR nonstop. The number of open biz seats on 99 has remained about the same, so it seems as if no upgrades have cleared yet.
I've been check my reservations and upgrade inventory a couple of times a day the last few days. This afternoon, by upgrade cleared on the ORD-HKG flight. I'm still waitlisted on the EWR nonstop. The number of open biz seats on 99 has remained about the same, so it seems as if no upgrades have cleared yet.
I don't know that my company will let me book 2 flights and then eat the cancellation fee like you do
Jan 8, 2012, 3:33 pm
#27
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: LGA/JFK/EWR
Programs: UA 1K1.75MM, Hyatt Globalist, abandoned Marriott LTT (RIP SPG), Hertz PC
Posts: 21,174
I've been check my reservations and upgrade inventory a couple of times a day the last few days. This afternoon, by upgrade cleared on the ORD-HKG flight. I'm still waitlisted on the EWR nonstop. The number of open biz seats on 99 has remained about the same, so it seems as if no upgrades have cleared yet.
Been like that for a few weeks now - think it's because they're "operated by United Airlines", seems like those flights don't show the UG list online.
Jan 8, 2012, 4:11 pm
#28
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Los Angeles
Programs: UA plat (1 mm miler) ; AA plat (2 mm miler); Marriott lifetime Titanium
Posts: 918
It's my company (and money), so I just look at it the same as buying a higher fare class that is upgradeable. I realize that might not work with a typical corporate controller. Even two W tickets are much less than a Z fare. I also pay for biz when I need to.
Jan 8, 2012, 4:21 pm
#29
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: NYS
Programs: UA 1K MM, IHG Plat Amb, HH Diamond
Posts: 311
Yes, but 79 is also operated by United and there they list it.
Jan 8, 2012, 4:23 pm
#30
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: WAS
Programs: UA 1K MM | Marriott LTT | National Car EE
Posts: 694
So I decided to purchase W fares on both flights (NYC-ORD-HKG and EWR-HKG) figuring I would eat the cancellation fee on one of them, but boost my chances for an upgrade. Given the number of open seats and the relatively short waitlist on the ORD flight (when I made my res, the phone agent told me there entire upgrade waitlist was only about 12 people with well over 20 seats open), I figured my chances were excellent. I much prefer the nonstop from EWR, but I'm still very skeptical about the whole CO approach to upgrading. The only upgrade I missed last year (except some short haul last minute purchases) was on a CO flight where I suspect I was the victim of inexpensive buy-up offers to GMs at check-in.
I've been check my reservations and upgrade inventory a couple of times a day the last few days. This afternoon, by upgrade cleared on the ORD-HKG flight. I'm still waitlisted on the EWR nonstop. The number of open biz seats on 99 has remained about the same, so it seems as if no upgrades have cleared yet.
I've been check my reservations and upgrade inventory a couple of times a day the last few days. This afternoon, by upgrade cleared on the ORD-HKG flight. I'm still waitlisted on the EWR nonstop. The number of open biz seats on 99 has remained about the same, so it seems as if no upgrades have cleared yet.
waitlist clearance was wacky for me last time on 99, the waitlist didn't clear automatically for me and then happened to catch that there were award upgrades available about 4 days out and called in to confirm. there were maybe 8 seats not showing as taken on CO.com following clearing me + 1 and there were still award upgrades available (didn't manually check to see how many were left, i just cared that i + my bro got cleared). this was on a Friday ex-EWR so clearance will depend on the day you are coming back.