Using United Miles-intl
Jan 22, 2019, 4:12 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Alaska
Programs: DL-Diamond/2MM, Alaska Gold, Marriott Titanium, LT Plat.
Posts: 114
Using United Miles-intl
I am trying to use United miles, but am confused. When I look on the United website, it is showing few possibilities for Saver Awards (Biz or F/C) from LAX or SFO to AKL. (Actually live in ANC), but SFO & LAX seems to have the award space. On the United website, the only saver award is on partner Air China with a long layover.
Going into Expert Flyer, I see several "O" space availability on United and Air New Zealand flights that are direct flights from SFO or LAX.. There does not appear to be any "I" space available. Am I looking in the wrong place, for the wrong thing, or ????
My trip plans are for Nov, and my dates are somewhat flexible.
My next question: is there the likelihood that more "saver" space will be available in the future; or is it typically booked up right at the 330 day and then usually gone? IOW, should I be waiting for more availability?
Sorry for such a novice question. I have plenty of United miles, but haven't flown United for years.
Thnx for any/all advice.
Advice appreciated.
Going into Expert Flyer, I see several "O" space availability on United and Air New Zealand flights that are direct flights from SFO or LAX.. There does not appear to be any "I" space available. Am I looking in the wrong place, for the wrong thing, or ????
My trip plans are for Nov, and my dates are somewhat flexible.
My next question: is there the likelihood that more "saver" space will be available in the future; or is it typically booked up right at the 330 day and then usually gone? IOW, should I be waiting for more availability?
Sorry for such a novice question. I have plenty of United miles, but haven't flown United for years.
Thnx for any/all advice.
Advice appreciated.
Jan 22, 2019, 4:16 pm
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Houston
Programs: UA Plat, Marriott Gold
Posts: 12,693
It's a popular route for both paid biz and biz awards, so it's unsurprising that there's no availability released or its already been booked.
Saver space can be released at any time, but it is not likely on these routes.
Saver space can be released at any time, but it is not likely on these routes.
Jan 22, 2019, 4:49 pm
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,409
Jan 22, 2019, 5:04 pm
#4
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Pacific
Programs: UA GS, Lifetime 4 MM, BA Gold, , Marriott Lifetime Titanium Elite, Marriott Ambassador Elite
Posts: 476
High demand in November, December, and January - with the holidays and NZ summer. Not likely for a saver award to show up.
Jan 22, 2019, 5:20 pm
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: MEL CHC
Posts: 21,024
However about 3 years ago I got a AKL-SFO business class on Air NZ with UA ff miles for June about 60 days out.
Going from Alaska you may find other availability via Asia to AKL (SEA, YVR or ?)
Jan 22, 2019, 6:22 pm
#6
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,459
Jan 22, 2019, 6:39 pm
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Alaska
Programs: DL-Diamond/2MM, Alaska Gold, Marriott Titanium, LT Plat.
Posts: 114
thnx for that info, obviously I am looking for the wrong fare class. And, it sounds as though my Nov travel dates are very restricted on NZ and I am not exactly keen on flying Air China. Reading bad reports.
But... what would the new fare class for Biz/First award space be on Air New Zealand. I am looking through Expert Flyer and NZ flights show up as "O" available, and the fare codes on Expert Flyer unfortunately still list O as award space.
No wonder I am having so much fun - NOT.
But... what would the new fare class for Biz/First award space be on Air New Zealand. I am looking through Expert Flyer and NZ flights show up as "O" available, and the fare codes on Expert Flyer unfortunately still list O as award space.
No wonder I am having so much fun - NOT.
Jan 22, 2019, 6:56 pm
#8
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: MEL CHC
Posts: 21,024
If you can get to Australia (any airport) paid east coast Au<---->NZ economy fares are about Au/NZ $250 one way (can be less or can be more) Many airlines from many cities fly trans Tasman. Not just SYD-AKL and by QF/NZ. Flight time is about 3:30hr.
Jan 22, 2019, 6:57 pm
#9
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.995MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,854
NZ (and UA) do not have 3-class First.
ExpertFlyer will not show any of the 2 letter fare class
Decoding the alphabet soup - fare buckets for UA - wiki has the present UA fare class definitions
Jan 22, 2019, 7:00 pm
#10
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,459
If you're looking to redeem UA miles, Expert Flyer is not going to be much help. Suggest you search the UA website for awards, as that's basically the universe of what can be booked.
Jan 22, 2019, 8:10 pm
#11
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Houston
Programs: UA Plat, Marriott Gold
Posts: 12,693
thnx for that info, obviously I am looking for the wrong fare class. And, it sounds as though my Nov travel dates are very restricted on NZ and I am not exactly keen on flying Air China. Reading bad reports.
But... what would the new fare class for Biz/First award space be on Air New Zealand. I am looking through Expert Flyer and NZ flights show up as "O" available, and the fare codes on Expert Flyer unfortunately still list O as award space.
But... what would the new fare class for Biz/First award space be on Air New Zealand. I am looking through Expert Flyer and NZ flights show up as "O" available, and the fare codes on Expert Flyer unfortunately still list O as award space.
Business class award space is class I. Air New Zealand doesn't have a Biz/First or First class product.
Jan 23, 2019, 1:14 am
#13
Join Date: May 2001
Location: HNL
Posts: 1,015
Good luck finding the award space you seek. I too would not be to keen on flying Air China to get to AKL. If I were in your shoes and schedule allowed, I would consider the AS non-stop to HNL, with an overnight (or two) before continuing on either HA or NZ to AKL. Auckland is only 8.5 hours from HNL, and if you watch the the fares for a while, they tend to go on sale every 4 weeks or so. HNL-AKL is easily doable in economy since it is a daytime flight. I booked one-ways, and was able to get the overnight AKL-HNL in Prem Economy for around $650. Then my $300 one-up bid to biz for came through. Unfortunately, non-stop NZ award availability out of HNL is no better than what you've already discovered for the West Coast.