Aug 13, 2013, 12:23 am
Last edit by: Guate87
What is this whole PNR auto-splitting thing about?
First, you need to realize there are two separate upgrade waitlists. There's the advance upgrade waitlist, which runs periodically from your applicable upgrade window until about four hours before departure, and the airport waitlist, which is manually cleared by the gate agents about 30 minutes before departure.
The first waitlist can handle an elite and a companion automatically. If you're next in line for an upgrade and there are at least two upgradeable seats available, you'll both get the upgrade.
The second waitlist (the airport one) can only handle upgrading one traveler on a PNR. If there is more than one person in your reservation when you check in, you'll be asked if you want to either split the reservation if waitlisted for CPU or stay on the same reservation and decline being on the gate waitlist. For supported waitlisted upgrades (PPs or Miles) you will not be asked and it will split (without choice) at check-in.
Next, you need to be familiar with United's "auto-check-in" feature. If you select this option when you check in for your original outbound flight (depending on how you check in, it may automatically default to selecting this), then shortly after 24 hours before your return flight segment, you'll automatically be checked in and boarding passes will be electronically delivered to you. discontinued
If you opt for this and the system automatically checks you in, and if you have two people in your reservation, the system will automatically split your reservation. You and your companion will now be on two separate reservations, and you'll be waitlisted for an upgrade and your companion won't.
Why might splitting be bad?
[color=#000000]If your companions are not elite, they will no longer qualify for the elite benefits they inherited from you. That means no free baggage (including credit card companion bag benefit), no Economy Plus seating access (although they won't be booted out of E+ if they're already seated in it, barring irregular operations), no Premier Access, and potential issues in irregular operations as a result of being on a separate reservation (they may be rebooked on a separate flight from you without agent intervention). If you have TSA pre-check your family traveling with you on the same PNR can use the precheck line - which they cannot do if you split. And if you are traveling with children
First, you need to realize there are two separate upgrade waitlists. There's the advance upgrade waitlist, which runs periodically from your applicable upgrade window until about four hours before departure, and the airport waitlist, which is manually cleared by the gate agents about 30 minutes before departure.
The first waitlist can handle an elite and a companion automatically. If you're next in line for an upgrade and there are at least two upgradeable seats available, you'll both get the upgrade.
The second waitlist (the airport one) can only handle upgrading one traveler on a PNR. If there is more than one person in your reservation when you check in, you'll be asked if you want to either split the reservation if waitlisted for CPU or stay on the same reservation and decline being on the gate waitlist. For supported waitlisted upgrades (PPs or Miles) you will not be asked and it will split (without choice) at check-in.
Next, you need to be familiar with United's "auto-check-in" feature. If you select this option when you check in for your original outbound flight (depending on how you check in, it may automatically default to selecting this), then shortly after 24 hours before your return flight segment, you'll automatically be checked in and boarding passes will be electronically delivered to you. discontinued
If you opt for this and the system automatically checks you in, and if you have two people in your reservation, the system will automatically split your reservation. You and your companion will now be on two separate reservations, and you'll be waitlisted for an upgrade and your companion won't.
Why might splitting be bad?
[color=#000000]If your companions are not elite, they will no longer qualify for the elite benefits they inherited from you. That means no free baggage (including credit card companion bag benefit), no Economy Plus seating access (although they won't be booted out of E+ if they're already seated in it, barring irregular operations), no Premier Access, and potential issues in irregular operations as a result of being on a separate reservation (they may be rebooked on a separate flight from you without agent intervention). If you have TSA pre-check your family traveling with you on the same PNR can use the precheck line - which they cannot do if you split. And if you are traveling with children
The stupid PNR auto-splitting at T-24 needs to stop
Apr 2, 2018, 5:56 pm
#1201
Join Date: Jan 2016
Programs: UA 1K; *G, AA Plat
Posts: 1,700
I typically travel alone but the last two times (over maybe 5 years), I tried to have someone else board with me in group 1, I tell the GA, the person is with me, the GA asks "Are you a GS or 1K?", I say yes, then the GA allows it. I dont know what the GA would say if I was not.
Apr 2, 2018, 6:01 pm
#1202
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2018
Programs: UA Premier Silver
Posts: 311
TSA PreCheck started with the airlines, and I highly doubt that it is a coincidence that many pax on same PNRs as high-level elites get PreCheck even without a KTN. Theoretically it should be close to 0% of the time if they don't have a KTN - yet data points I have seen suggest it is statistically significantly different than 0% (more like at least 1/4, some cases even well over 3/4 of the time).
And you can't say the airline isn't involved in the process at all - they are always involved as they are the ones that print the BP, send the KTN to the TSA, and the TSA verifies it. Given some personal situations where family members have been travelling with last minute fares for a death (which was stated to the agent when booking) booked <12 hours in advance, and always gotten PreCheck (3 different cases with different combinations of 3 people) - I highly suspect that the airline has a manner to push a "we want this person to have PreCheck TSA - are you okay with it" just as they used to do for their FFers in an opt-in process when it first started.
And you can't say the airline isn't involved in the process at all - they are always involved as they are the ones that print the BP, send the KTN to the TSA, and the TSA verifies it. Given some personal situations where family members have been travelling with last minute fares for a death (which was stated to the agent when booking) booked <12 hours in advance, and always gotten PreCheck (3 different cases with different combinations of 3 people) - I highly suspect that the airline has a manner to push a "we want this person to have PreCheck TSA - are you okay with it" just as they used to do for their FFers in an opt-in process when it first started.
Apr 3, 2018, 1:38 am
#1203
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: CO
Programs: UA OG-1K, Marriott Plat, Hertz PC
Posts: 1,360
So.. you're mad because exactly what is expected (a reservation split when upgrade instruments went to gate list) happened, and mad because United is following TSA regulations which only guarantee PreCheck to members of the related programs? United did everything they were supposed to. They are not just going to grant PreCheck to anyone who comes up asking for it - it is a risk based assessment not done at the airport during check in, and likely not even doable by phone agents prior. As for group 1, if your boarding pass printed with it, there is no sense for them to hassle with the others as you'll be able to take them with you. Same with Premier security.
If your family is not enrolled in PreCheck, it was not jacked" from you. You have no right to expect it - there is hint that UA may take the time and assessment to extend benefits "randomly" to companions of premiers on same reservation, but that is not a guarantee and you should not expect it. They are not entitled to PreCheck as someone enrolled in a program would be.
If your family is not enrolled in PreCheck, it was not jacked" from you. You have no right to expect it - there is hint that UA may take the time and assessment to extend benefits "randomly" to companions of premiers on same reservation, but that is not a guarantee and you should not expect it. They are not entitled to PreCheck as someone enrolled in a program would be.
OP lost me when he used the word "ghetto" to refer to OGG. A "ghetto" is defined as "a part of a city, especially a slum area, occupied by a minority group or groups." So, which minority group is it that offends OP and caused his misery?
UA does not "grant" Pre-Check. TSA authorizes it.
If OP wants Pre-Check for his 13 YOA, he should apply for it,
OP got exactly what is to be expected and none of it was particularly awful.
UA does not "grant" Pre-Check. TSA authorizes it.
If OP wants Pre-Check for his 13 YOA, he should apply for it,
OP got exactly what is to be expected and none of it was particularly awful.
Nice playing the racial card. Been to OGG lately? It is a slum. Maybe that would have been a better word.
I have less sympathy for frequent travelers who know security can be a PITA and not cough up for Pre. $85 for 5 years. $1.42/mo. Come on...
Travel can already be stressful for some people. Knowing you and your fellow travelers have a KTN associated w/ their reservation lessens some of that stress.
Travel can already be stressful for some people. Knowing you and your fellow travelers have a KTN associated w/ their reservation lessens some of that stress.
What makes travel less stressful is if UA doesn't jack with stuff and not train their agents to explain it.
Not true. UA has NOTHING to do with the Pre-Check. In fact it is a marketing scheme that TSA does by giving it to you occasionally so you get used to it and will buy it when you don't. This is not something to be upset with United about
My guess is they started on the same PNR.....THEN, they wanted the best shot at upgrades so they allowed it to be split and didn't realize this may happen
My guess is they started on the same PNR.....THEN, they wanted the best shot at upgrades so they allowed it to be split and didn't realize this may happen
To sum up..........
Boarding Groups are a UA controlled...There's rarely an issue with a family member going though Premier Security and/or Boarding with someone with a higher boarding group.
PreCheck is entirely controlled by TSA....It is not guaranteed for anyone but close to a sure thing with Global Entry. Kids 12 and under can go thought with a precheck parent. Everybody else needs to go though regular or Premier security.
Boarding Groups are a UA controlled...There's rarely an issue with a family member going though Premier Security and/or Boarding with someone with a higher boarding group.
PreCheck is entirely controlled by TSA....It is not guaranteed for anyone but close to a sure thing with Global Entry. Kids 12 and under can go thought with a precheck parent. Everybody else needs to go though regular or Premier security.
this is my experience. With regular CPU eligibility, you get asked. With an instrument applied, or a mileage upgrade appkied, if it doesn’t clear in advance, the reservation automatically splits at check in. Which isn’t necessarily what I want - when Im a gold, checking in to a hub-to-hub (say, IAD-SFO) and there’s only 2 or 3 seats left, I know no one on my PNR is going to get a seat. But I still have to split anyway.
An email when the R space opened would have been nice, maybe take care of it if all open F< group. Maybe if there were two, I'd split us up, or wave it off before it jacks it all up.
Apr 3, 2018, 2:12 am
#1204
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: NRT / HND
Programs: AA EXP, NH Plat, Former UA 1K
Posts: 5,667
I typically travel alone but the last two times (over maybe 5 years), I tried to have someone else board with me in group 1, I tell the GA, the person is with me, the GA asks "Are you a GS or 1K?", I say yes, then the GA allows it. I dont know what the GA would say if I was not.
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Apr 3, 2018 at 10:44 pm Reason: Splitting off OT discussion
Apr 3, 2018, 6:19 am
#1205
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: PHL
Programs: UA 1K 1MM, Marriott Gold, IHG Platinum, Raddison Platinum, Avis Presidents Club
Posts: 5,271
It's been a while ago but I was Gold or Platinum for years before I was 1K and I was never questioned about taking someone through my boarding group (1 or 2) if we had a separate PNR. Something else I haven't heard for quite a while, but they used to announce that people traveling together could board together with the highest boarding group of the group. (1 being highest, not 4 or 7 or whatever it was at the time). I remember I did this more often way back when I was Silver/Gold/Plat and never had an issue.
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Apr 3, 2018 at 10:47 pm Reason: splitting off OT discussion
Apr 3, 2018, 7:08 am
#1206
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Honolulu Harbor
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 15,025
That was fixed a couple of years ago. The cut-across of the regular line to enter the PreCheck line is gone. Both lines now start at same place at end of ticketing lobby.
Apr 3, 2018, 7:08 am
#1207
Join Date: Nov 2012
Programs: BA Bronze, United 1K, HH Gold, SPG Platinum, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 3,477
It's been a while ago but I was Gold or Platinum for years before I was 1K and I was never questioned about taking someone through my boarding group (1 or 2) if we had a separate PNR. Something else I haven't heard for quite a while, but they used to announce that people traveling together could board together with the highest boarding group of the group. (1 being highest, not 4 or 7 or whatever it was at the time).
My wife and I always have to buy our tickets on different PNRs due to how the receipt that I need for work appears if you book both tickets together. Last year, when I was Platinum on UA (Group 1) and my wife Gold (Group 2), we never had a problem with her boarding with me, although there would be a small wait because the boarding pass scanner would say: "Wait for your boarding group or wait for group 2". The agent would look up, see that we were traveling together and click a button. We don't have anymore that small wait as we both moved one rung up the ladder.
Apr 3, 2018, 9:17 am
#1208
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 69
Applied RPUs for myself (Plat) and companion (general member) on same PNR for ORD > HNL. So there is no way not to split upon check-in? Does that mean I'll have to call to restore Plat benefits (checked bags, priority boarding) for my companion on the return OGG > SFO > ORD?
Apr 3, 2018, 10:58 pm
#1209
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: 66,857
An OT discussion on Nexus has been moved to the Travel Safety/Security's Trusted Travelers forum as https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trus...bal-entry.html
Let's return to the discussion of impacts of the splitting of PNRs while waitlisting for upgrades.
WineCountryUA
UA coModerator
Let's return to the discussion of impacts of the splitting of PNRs while waitlisting for upgrades.
WineCountryUA
UA coModerator
Apr 4, 2018, 12:05 am
#1210
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Colorado
Programs: UA Gold (.85 MM), HH Diamond, SPG Platinum (LT Gold), Hertz PC, National EE
Posts: 5,656
UA has zero control over PreCheck, period. While TSA claimed they would do away with airline status having an impact in the past, the government screwed this up like they do with pretty much anything. I recall meeting first hand with The head of TSA(Pistol?)a few years ago at a conference and everything he told never happened in practice. Step up and get your family Global Entry. Pain in the you know what for the schedule, and I sympathize, but it's worth it. OP knows boarding is a non issue with lower level flyers, he/she is focused on what sucks, and I still sympathize. OGG is so used to leisure travelers that it's annoying when you know better.
Apr 4, 2018, 7:23 am
#1211
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Honolulu Harbor
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 15,025
No need to call. They can board just board with you. Just point out those who are travelling with you when you give him/her your BP. Same on luggage - just tell bag agent that they're traveling with you. You'll have to wave an agent down to waive the bag fees on your companions. UA OGG doesn't use contractors, so anyone you see behind counter can help. Probably best to get a hold of agent before using kiosks to explain the situation. They'll be able to see that all were originally on same record.
Last edited by IAH-OIL-TRASH; Apr 4, 2018 at 7:26 am Reason: speling
Apr 5, 2018, 1:46 am
#1212
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: CO
Programs: UA OG-1K, Marriott Plat, Hertz PC
Posts: 1,360
I never knew that this thread was about pre-flight stuff, I thought it was for itins that lasted longer than 24 hours and they are split.
Apr 24, 2018, 9:51 pm
#1213
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Las Vegas
Programs: DL DM, AA PlatPro, Hilton DM, Hyatt Glob, Marriott Titanium, Hertz PC, National EE
Posts: 1,532
Strange thing happened last weekend. Traveling with my wife and at OLCI the PNR was split; nothing I could do, no option given. Strangly enough I was #1 and she was right behind me on all UG lists (she is only Silver) and we both got upgraded on 3/4 fights. Very strange, previously she would have fallen back on the list w/ her status priority but last weekend she kept mine ... weird
Unfortunately I don't think either of us is going to clear as no seats left at all in FC.
Apr 24, 2018, 10:02 pm
#1214
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,413
I had the same thing happen to me today. I checked in using the app -- no option to not split -- nothing I could do. Strangely I was #2 and companion was #3 on a pretty long list on the first flight. I'm using an RPU on this, but I really don't think that my no-status companion would still be #3 on a list that's 20+...
Apr 24, 2018, 10:11 pm
#1215
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, UA Gold, WN, Global Entry; +others wherever miles/points are found
Posts: 14,421
There's no option not to split when using RPUs. Is this a CPU-elgible route? I could see a no-status RPU being #3 on a CPU route; it's tough to imagine on a non-CPU route unless #4-20 are non-rev