Holding an award ticket until 330 days before return
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: HPN
Programs: not anymore! I'm FREE!
Posts: 3,459
Holding an award ticket until 330 days before return
Some *A partners release award seats exactly 330 days before departure. If I want to grab one of these seats for a round trip, can I place the outbound reservation on hold until it's 330 days before the return date?
I did this before, but two things were different: (1) it was before the merger, and (2) it was an all-UA itinerary. This would be for an entirely *A itin.
I guess it would be too much to ask whether such holds, if they are allowed, can be placed online. I tried it with a dummy booking and there was no option for it.
I did this before, but two things were different: (1) it was before the merger, and (2) it was an all-UA itinerary. This would be for an entirely *A itin.
I guess it would be too much to ask whether such holds, if they are allowed, can be placed online. I tried it with a dummy booking and there was no option for it.
#2
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: PSM
Posts: 69,232
Generally no.
You can book a one-way and then book a different one-way for the return. Or you can book the one-way and then change it to a round-trip for the return. There may be fees involved, depending on status level.
You can book a one-way and then book a different one-way for the return. Or you can book the one-way and then change it to a round-trip for the return. There may be fees involved, depending on status level.
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: HPN
Programs: not anymore! I'm FREE!
Posts: 3,459
Ugh, sounds like another Change You'll Like.
There are multiple problems with using 2 one-way awards: no stopovers/open jaws; two change/cancellation fees if the need arises; and, if nothing works for the return flights, there would be a fee to cancel the outbound award.
There are multiple problems with using 2 one-way awards: no stopovers/open jaws; two change/cancellation fees if the need arises; and, if nothing works for the return flights, there would be a fee to cancel the outbound award.
#4
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
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: HPN
Programs: not anymore! I'm FREE!
Posts: 3,459
#7
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
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: HPN
Programs: not anymore! I'm FREE!
Posts: 3,459
Thanks, sbm12 and WineCountryUA!
So it looks like the choices are (1) booking 2 one-way awards, (2) booking a one-way award, then switching it to a round-trip 330 days before the inbound journey, or (3) waiting until 330 days before the inbound to book a round-trip.
Each of these come with their own unique combination of change fees and risks (not to mention that 1 and 2 are basically impossible if one wants an open jaw or stopover), so choosing one takes some real figgerin'.
So it looks like the choices are (1) booking 2 one-way awards, (2) booking a one-way award, then switching it to a round-trip 330 days before the inbound journey, or (3) waiting until 330 days before the inbound to book a round-trip.
Each of these come with their own unique combination of change fees and risks (not to mention that 1 and 2 are basically impossible if one wants an open jaw or stopover), so choosing one takes some real figgerin'.
#9
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: PSM
Posts: 69,232
This is exactly what option 2 in your list above accomplishes. You add on the extra segments to the original one-way award to make the return trip (plus open jaw/stopover) in a single booking. Yes, you have to pay the fees based on status, but it can be done.