YCA (Government Fares) Upgrades?
May 24, 2018, 10:44 am
#122
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May 24, 2018, 11:52 am
#123
Join Date: May 2009
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Jul 25, 2019, 10:10 am
#124
Join Date: Jun 2016
Posts: 148
I have a Y fare. Can I call and buy up? There is C fare available on my flight. Will the AO care or will it effect anything regarding the flexibility of my ticket? Cancellation etc.
Does it get purchased on my Govt CC and I just don’t claim the extra amount?
Does it get purchased on my Govt CC and I just don’t claim the extra amount?
Jul 25, 2019, 10:42 am
#125
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If you buy it up to a regular fare, those new fare rules will apply. So if there are change fees, or it becomes nonrefundable - that would take precedence.
I think the safest way was to buy a HOD/TOD if offered, or use miles or a cert if you have them. That would all be paid on your personal card.
When in doubt, ask your org's travel department. They'll likely know more than the AO, and can help keep you running afoul of the rules. You don't want to lose government CC privileges.
Jul 25, 2019, 9:59 pm
#126
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I’ve been buying higher fares after original purchase in order to upgrade for more than a decade, and UA has never required that the fare increase be paid for on my government credit card.
Jul 25, 2019, 10:11 pm
#127
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Now that I'm green, I buy up when possible.
Jul 26, 2019, 4:09 am
#128
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I always did it through the UA Government Desk.
Jul 26, 2019, 9:46 am
#129
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Another difference between departments I guess. Seems everyone has different rules - and maybe more flexibility if you were a senior. The agency I worked for had a contracted travel company we had to book air travel thru. They knew the rules and wouldn't let anything thru. Other problem was they typically wouldn't ticket until 3 days out. Could make upgrades hard, though you could get approval to ticket early.
Hotel and car you had more leeway and could book direct.
I do all my own travel arrangements now. Just have to get the numbers approved before I book.
Hotel and car you had more leeway and could book direct.
I do all my own travel arrangements now. Just have to get the numbers approved before I book.
Jul 26, 2019, 12:59 pm
#131
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Another difference between departments I guess. Seems everyone has different rules - and maybe more flexibility if you were a senior. The agency I worked for had a contracted travel company we had to book air travel thru. They knew the rules and wouldn't let anything thru. Other problem was they typically wouldn't ticket until 3 days out. Could make upgrades hard, though you could get approval to ticket early.
Jul 26, 2019, 3:14 pm
#132
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Jul 26, 2019, 4:11 pm
#133
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I agree there isn't - especially if it's refundable. Just not how that particular agency rolls.
Jul 26, 2019, 7:08 pm
#134
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Ventura
Programs: Gov't Travel Aficionado, UA Plat
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I just made a massive presentation on what I learned about flying United that I presented to my command before I PCSed last week. I've attached the portion regarding upgrading.
Jul 26, 2019, 8:54 pm
#135
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I would include a caution about purchasing/selling RPUs/GPUs. What you say is correct, but selling is against United's T&C's. Wouldn't want a commanding officer to lose his MP account because he took your advice on this.