UAs Official Response to HKG Ticketing/IT Error: Redeem @ Correct Amount or Redeposit
Jul 18, 2012, 9:49 am
#916
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Maybe the delay really is due to UA's uncertainty about the implications of new DoT regs. It's one thing if all they have to do is make a straightforward business decision. They've faced these situations before and therefore have some experience handling them. It's another thing entirely, however, if they think there might be fines down the line on a per-violation basis. They may very well be seeking some kind of clarification from the DoT before scripting what to say when pax are contacted.
Personally, I think United's response on this forum was laughable. If they are told to honor these, I can't wait to hear how they come back and spin it.
Jul 18, 2012, 9:53 am
#917
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Maybe or maybe not. But if there are regulations which govern what they can do then they'll look even more stupid trying to act counter to those rules.
Jul 18, 2012, 9:54 am
#918
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So my understanding is most of the folks here who got these tickets had the requisite amount of miles (140k) in their accounts, so the proper mileage was eventually deducted - what is the end game everyone is expecting - a refund of 139,996 miles?
If the correct mileage was deducted from your accounts, then you have a valid and properly priced ticket, no?
If the correct mileage was deducted from your accounts, then you have a valid and properly priced ticket, no?
But I believe many (most?) of the people here who got these tickets had the requisite 4 miles in their account needed to purchase their ticket, but not the non-discounted number of miles (320,000 in some cases) in their account, so their reservation remains the same as the ticket they purchased. So far.
Jul 18, 2012, 9:55 am
#919
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I know that's the issue - but I'm trying to understand the expected outcome, especially as many folks are likely to fly these tickets with the correct mileage out of their accounts before there is an official decision from either UA or the DOT.
Jul 18, 2012, 9:56 am
#920
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That's also not the case. It's the worse it looks for Frequent fliers. Most people in their right mind will side with United on this one, believing that anybody who thinks they were going to Hong Kong for four miles is an idiot. Even many of the frequent fliers interviewed have said they didn't expect the tickets to be honored.
United would look stupid if they honored these tickets.
United would look stupid if they honored these tickets.
Jul 18, 2012, 9:57 am
#921
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We could debate whether UA should honor those who booked 1 or 2 tickets (some *might* have been legit customers, who knows), but for that guy who booked 75, I have no qualms if UA clamps down on him. No one *needs* to visit HKG 75 times within a 11 month period for leisure/personal trips. He's clearly trying the hardest he could within 3 hours to screw UA.
Heck, I don't think I could click the mouse fast enough to book 75 trips in 3 hours.
Heck, I don't think I could click the mouse fast enough to book 75 trips in 3 hours.
Jul 18, 2012, 9:58 am
#922
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Of course, this gets into the dicey territory of miles as "currency" and the fact that MP "owns" the program and all miles. Obviously United could also choose (at their own PR peril) to cancel mileage accounts rather than refund 139,996 miles, etc.
Jul 18, 2012, 9:59 am
#923
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Jul 18, 2012, 10:00 am
#924
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We could debate whether UA should honor those who booked 1 or 2 tickets (some *might* have been legit customers, who knows), but for that guy who booked 75, I have no qualms if UA clamps down on him. No one *needs* to visit HKG 75 times within a 11 month period for leisure/personal trips. He's clearly trying the hardest he could within 3 hours to screw UA.
Heck, I don't think I could click the mouse fast enough to book 75 trips in 3 hours.
Heck, I don't think I could click the mouse fast enough to book 75 trips in 3 hours.
Speaking of which...isn't this just the scene on FT and elsewhere when these events are unfolding:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4r7wHMg5Yjg
Jul 18, 2012, 10:00 am
#925
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And at the time of the change, if the miles required for your new itinerary are different from what you paid, you will be quoted a change in miles.
The no-fee policy is based on the assumption that your award type is still available, which in this case, they're not.
This is the way CO typically handles promo awards, award cost changes, etc.
The no-fee policy is based on the assumption that your award type is still available, which in this case, they're not.
This is the way CO typically handles promo awards, award cost changes, etc.
Jul 18, 2012, 10:01 am
#926
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Jul 18, 2012, 10:04 am
#928
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Seasoned FTers keep saying this, but I'm struggling to figure out what makes this "4 RDM" mistake any different from the "$0" mistake fares of yore. I don't seem to remember so many people insisting that airlines would "look stupid" for honoring $0 fares. (Am I not rembering correctly?)
Last edited by gvol21; Jul 18, 2012 at 10:05 am Reason: added a sentence.
Jul 18, 2012, 10:05 am
#929
Join Date: Jan 2008
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According to USAtoday regarding the DOT inquiry into this..
"Johnson says United is cooperating with the inquiry and that "we're confident of a fair outcome."
Johnson being the UA spokesperson quoted in the story.
"Johnson says United is cooperating with the inquiry and that "we're confident of a fair outcome."
Johnson being the UA spokesperson quoted in the story.
Jul 18, 2012, 10:09 am
#930
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