"Premiers might get better results by signing in" NOT
Apr 26, 2012, 5:40 am
#1
Suspended
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Southern, CA, USA
Programs: UA just 8800 mi short of Silver
Posts: 2,815
"Premiers might get better results by signing in" NOT
Is this typical UA or what... I punched up a late summer fare LAX to St Thomas with a return from San Juan and it showed a very decent $485, with a caveat that I might get a better result by signing in, So, I went back, signed in,, puched up the same flight and it was $533. I decided that their definition of a "better result" sucked, so I closed my browser, opened it up and punched in the fare without signing in and it popped up $485. There probably is a glitch, but I more and more expect this type of racketeering from United
Last edited by chasbondy; Apr 26, 2012 at 5:41 am Reason: to be nicer
Apr 26, 2012, 6:19 am
#2
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: DEN
Programs: Free checked in bag on UA & DL. Free icecream at Marriott checkin.
Posts: 2,862
Is this typical UA or what... I punched up a late summer fare LAX to St Thomas with a return from San Juan and it showed a very decent $485, with a caveat that I might get a better result by signing in, So, I went back, signed in,, puched up the same flight and it was $533. I decided that their definition of a "better result" sucked, so I closed my browser, opened it up and punched in the fare without signing in and it popped up $485. There probably is a glitch, but I more and more expect this type of racketeering from United
Apr 26, 2012, 8:03 am
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Brooklyn, NY, USA
Programs: DL SM Plat, B6 TrueBlue, UA MP, AAdvantage
Posts: 10,008
Apr 26, 2012, 8:06 am
#7
Moderator Hilton Honors, Travel News, West, The Suggestion Box, Smoking Lounge & DiningBuzz
Join Date: Jun 2000
Programs: Honors Diamond, Hertz Presidents Circle, National Exec Elite
Posts: 36,018
Apr 26, 2012, 8:11 am
#8
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Chicago
Programs: AA EXP, UA former 1K (1.9MM and gone), Marriott LT Plat, Hilton Diamond, SPG Plat
Posts: 1,111
I also check routes and fares on an independent reservation system since I've found major differences on the CO system. (Didn't UA offer a lowest-fare guarantee on their web site pre-merger?)
Apr 26, 2012, 8:12 am
#9
Used to be 'g_leyser'
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Brandon Johnson International Airport (expect delays)
Programs: AA PlatPro, HH Gold, Bonvoy Gold, IHG Plat, Reno Air MEGA Platinum
Posts: 10,036
Wow - it never occurred to me to try this. Thanks for the heads up.
I've seen this with Avis.com but never with airlines...
I've seen this with Avis.com but never with airlines...
Apr 26, 2012, 8:14 am
#10
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: LGA/JFK/EWR
Programs: UA 1K1.75MM, Hyatt Globalist, abandoned Marriott LTT (RIP SPG), Hertz PC
Posts: 21,166
Apr 26, 2012, 8:17 am
#11
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 19,492
I have not experienced this specific problem. However, when not signed in to the system, I occasionally see prices quoted in CAN$ or AUS$ rather than US$ when I search for an itinerary.
Apr 26, 2012, 8:17 am
#12
Join Date: May 2006
Location: PHL/EWR
Programs: UA, AA
Posts: 1,821
How far along did you go in the booking? Is it possible you pulled the last seats in the fare class, and it took a couple of minutes for them to be redeposited when you didn't complete the original booking?
Apr 26, 2012, 8:31 am
#13
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Chicago
Programs: AA EXP, UA former 1K (1.9MM and gone), Marriott LT Plat, Hilton Diamond, SPG Plat
Posts: 1,111
As evidence I'd point to some itineraries that actually price out cheaper on the "new" UA site than elsewhere, which makes no economic sense for the airline.
Apr 26, 2012, 8:36 am
#14
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 19,492
It's hard to tell without knowing the OP's intended dates of travel, but a check on Matrix shows US having better fares LAX-STT/SJU-LAX. As a Silver (barely), I doubt OP is counting on a CPU, so it might be worthwhile to check out US. Miles earned on US can be credited to MP.
Apr 28, 2012, 10:53 am
#15
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 55
Even though i fly UA/Star Alliance for most flights, i *always* check my itinerary in Kayak to see if there isn't a much better option on another carrier AND to ensure that i'm finding the best time/price on United.com. I'm doubly glad I do so now that I read this...