Last edit by: WineCountryUA
This is an archive thread, the active thread isTo split or not to split PNR
To split or not to split PNR {Archive}
#391
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: South Carolina
Programs: UA LT Gold, American Kettle, Hertz #1 Presidents Circle, Marriott LT Platinum
Posts: 927
On the IAD->LAX 757 (UA 719) in early October. We are waitlisted with RPUs at this point. Flight is listing as F7 right now. I'm a Plat and DW is GM.
Wondering if and if so then when I should split the PNR to maximize our chances of upgrade? I'm not worried about the split mucking up the return flight as our upgrades have already cleared for that flight. I can check all our bags on the outbound under my PNR and not worry about any fees for her. The only thing I'm worried about is her possibly getting bounced out of her E+ seat, but if I don't touch her seat assignment post split is that really something can happen?
Wondering if and if so then when I should split the PNR to maximize our chances of upgrade? I'm not worried about the split mucking up the return flight as our upgrades have already cleared for that flight. I can check all our bags on the outbound under my PNR and not worry about any fees for her. The only thing I'm worried about is her possibly getting bounced out of her E+ seat, but if I don't touch her seat assignment post split is that really something can happen?
#392
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, UA Gold, WN, Global Entry; +others wherever miles/points are found
Posts: 14,416
It basically won't matter unless you see R1 and want to split in order to snag it. If you don't mind being separated, splitting now is probably preferable as the odds of one clearing when two might get skipped are very small, but strictly higher than the odds of her losing her E+ seat due to a shuffle after you get upgraded.
#393
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: SYD
Programs: UA GS, BA Gold, Marriott Titanium/LT Plat, IHG Gold, National Exec Elite, Hertz PC
Posts: 1,419
On the IAD->LAX 757 (UA 719) in early October. We are waitlisted with RPUs at this point. Flight is listing as F7 right now. I'm a Plat and DW is GM.
Wondering if and if so then when I should split the PNR to maximize our chances of upgrade? I'm not worried about the split mucking up the return flight as our upgrades have already cleared for that flight. I can check all our bags on the outbound under my PNR and not worry about any fees for her. The only thing I'm worried about is her possibly getting bounced out of her E+ seat, but if I don't touch her seat assignment post split is that really something can happen?
Wondering if and if so then when I should split the PNR to maximize our chances of upgrade? I'm not worried about the split mucking up the return flight as our upgrades have already cleared for that flight. I can check all our bags on the outbound under my PNR and not worry about any fees for her. The only thing I'm worried about is her possibly getting bounced out of her E+ seat, but if I don't touch her seat assignment post split is that really something can happen?
Is it common for PNR splits to mess up E+ seat assignments? It's never happened to me. On a future flight schedule change, my family's E+ assignments were preserved across 3 split PNRs with a plane swap from 737 to ERJ. I'm on a separate PNR. Maybe being GS helped, I'm not sure.
#394
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Jersey
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Lifetime PLT
Posts: 1,154
Splitting PNR/Upgrade question
Quick Question. I am going to waitlist for a long haul flight using GPUs(IAH->SYD). It is 4 of us traveling, one of us is UA Plat. I figure we should split the PNR since 4 people clearing will be very difficult. A few questions though.
1. If we do that, only my PNR will be prioritzed as platinum correct?
2. GPUs are now processed using status of the person using them, not the person who owns the GPU(im my case the person giving me the GPU is Global Services).
3. Any other considerations when splitting? Are there any reasons i should not split? Should i wait until a few days prior to split?
Thanks.
1. If we do that, only my PNR will be prioritzed as platinum correct?
2. GPUs are now processed using status of the person using them, not the person who owns the GPU(im my case the person giving me the GPU is Global Services).
3. Any other considerations when splitting? Are there any reasons i should not split? Should i wait until a few days prior to split?
Thanks.
Last edited by njxbean; Sep 23, 2018 at 9:34 am
#395
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, UA Gold, WN, Global Entry; +others wherever miles/points are found
Posts: 14,416
GS GPUs waitlist for PN regardless of the status of the traveler, and so implicitly retain priority over all non-GS instruments. It's possibly worth considering your odds of clearing at all and who your party of 4 is; split PNRs can be a pain depending on the circumstances.
#396
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Jersey
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Lifetime PLT
Posts: 1,154
GS GPUs waitlist for PN regardless of the status of the traveler, and so implicitly retain priority over all non-GS instruments. It's possibly worth considering your odds of clearing at all and who your party of 4 is; split PNRs can be a pain depending on the circumstances.
#397
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, UA Gold, WN, Global Entry; +others wherever miles/points are found
Posts: 14,416
Some examples:
- if your party is a family with children, having minor children on their own PNR may cause system issues around unaccompanied minors, and clearing upgrades independently may actually not be desired
- if you are relying on elite benefits like the expanded baggage allowance, it is more challenging to keep the extra allowance applied to companion with a split PNR
- this is often completely impossible if relying on *G benefits for partner segments; e.g. NZ will assign good seats to *G pax but not to off-PNR companions
- you are much more likely to get separated in IRROPS if you are on separate PNRs as the system will not keep you together during an auto-rebook
On the other hand, if everyone in your party is a nimble, able adult with some knowledge of frequent flying, most of these things are minor inconveniences at worst and the increased upgrade odds are probably worth it. YMMV.
- if your party is a family with children, having minor children on their own PNR may cause system issues around unaccompanied minors, and clearing upgrades independently may actually not be desired
- if you are relying on elite benefits like the expanded baggage allowance, it is more challenging to keep the extra allowance applied to companion with a split PNR
- this is often completely impossible if relying on *G benefits for partner segments; e.g. NZ will assign good seats to *G pax but not to off-PNR companions
- you are much more likely to get separated in IRROPS if you are on separate PNRs as the system will not keep you together during an auto-rebook
On the other hand, if everyone in your party is a nimble, able adult with some knowledge of frequent flying, most of these things are minor inconveniences at worst and the increased upgrade odds are probably worth it. YMMV.
#398
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Jersey
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Lifetime PLT
Posts: 1,154
Some examples:
- if your party is a family with children, having minor children on their own PNR may cause system issues around unaccompanied minors, and clearing upgrades independently may actually not be desired
- if you are relying on elite benefits like the expanded baggage allowance, it is more challenging to keep the extra allowance applied to companion with a split PNR
- this is often completely impossible if relying on *G benefits for partner segments; e.g. NZ will assign good seats to *G pax but not to off-PNR companions
- you are much more likely to get separated in IRROPS if you are on separate PNRs as the system will not keep you together during an auto-rebook
On the other hand, if everyone in your party is a nimble, able adult with some knowledge of frequent flying, most of these things are minor inconveniences at worst and the increased upgrade odds are probably worth it. YMMV.
- if your party is a family with children, having minor children on their own PNR may cause system issues around unaccompanied minors, and clearing upgrades independently may actually not be desired
- if you are relying on elite benefits like the expanded baggage allowance, it is more challenging to keep the extra allowance applied to companion with a split PNR
- this is often completely impossible if relying on *G benefits for partner segments; e.g. NZ will assign good seats to *G pax but not to off-PNR companions
- you are much more likely to get separated in IRROPS if you are on separate PNRs as the system will not keep you together during an auto-rebook
On the other hand, if everyone in your party is a nimble, able adult with some knowledge of frequent flying, most of these things are minor inconveniences at worst and the increased upgrade odds are probably worth it. YMMV.
#399
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: South Carolina
Programs: UA LT Gold, American Kettle, Hertz #1 Presidents Circle, Marriott LT Platinum
Posts: 927
To maximise your chances for the second upgrade, you should not split. Upgrade waitlist no longer clear FIFO, it clears by status, then fare, etc.
Is it common for PNR splits to mess up E+ seat assignments? It's never happened to me. On a future flight schedule change, my family's E+ assignments were preserved across 3 split PNRs with a plane swap from 737 to ERJ. I'm on a separate PNR. Maybe being GS helped, I'm not sure.
Is it common for PNR splits to mess up E+ seat assignments? It's never happened to me. On a future flight schedule change, my family's E+ assignments were preserved across 3 split PNRs with a plane swap from 737 to ERJ. I'm on a separate PNR. Maybe being GS helped, I'm not sure.
#401
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: South Carolina
Programs: UA LT Gold, American Kettle, Hertz #1 Presidents Circle, Marriott LT Platinum
Posts: 927
#402
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,412
Miles (+ Copay) is another type of instrument, for these discussions. It makes no difference what type of instrument is used -- RPU, GPU, and miles + copay are all equivalent in priority.
#403
Join Date: Nov 2012
Programs: BA Bronze, United 1K, HH Gold, SPG Platinum, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 3,477
IAH->SYD is looooooooong for an older adult with back pain and leg cramps.
IAH->SYD is looooong for the parents of the 1 year old.
IAH->SYD is looong for the neighbors of the family that includes a 1 year old. Or is that reversed? Looong for the parents vs looooong for the neighbors.....
IAH->SYD is no problem for the 1 year old.
IAH->SYD is looooong for the parents of the 1 year old.
IAH->SYD is looong for the neighbors of the family that includes a 1 year old. Or is that reversed? Looong for the parents vs looooong for the neighbors.....
IAH->SYD is no problem for the 1 year old.
#404
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 140
Am I blind or did they totally remove the option to separate reservations online?
#405
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: 66,855
Go to the reservation while you want to split a passenger off of.
Select change flights
Look for "Would you like to change the flight(s) for all people in this reservation? "
Select " No, change flights only for those people selected below: "
And "continue", exit before confirming a flight change and the PNR will be split.