Changes to *A Awards Without Incurring Additional Miles after 3-Feb-2014
Aug 12, 2014, 8:16 am
#706
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: NYC
Programs: UA, AA
Posts: 519
I currently have LH C tickets for ICN-FRA-IAH, and LH just released ICN-FRA F seats. The UA site quotes 10K additional miles + $50 fee for changing the first segment ICN-FRA from C to F.
It's highly unlikely but if LH opens up FRA-IAH seats as well before the departure.
1. Do I need to pay another change fee?
2. Do I also need to pay additional miles?
Thanks for any insight.
It's highly unlikely but if LH opens up FRA-IAH seats as well before the departure.
1. Do I need to pay another change fee?
2. Do I also need to pay additional miles?
Thanks for any insight.
Aug 13, 2014, 2:15 pm
#707
Join Date: Mar 2009
Programs: Hilton credit card Diamond, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 2,653
First class award for 140k miles.
Original routing -
SAN-ORD-NRT/HND-BKK-SIN(destination)-BKK-FRA(stopover)-SFO-SAN
New routing -
SNA-ORD-NRT/HND-BKK-SIN(destination)-BKK-FRA(stopover)-SFO-SNA
Changed SAN-ORD in coach (no I class available when originally booked) to SNA-ORD in first, and changed SFO-SAN in first to SFO-SNA in first. Had a schedule change on the two SAN flights a month ago and have been looking for better flights since then. Saw the attractive SNA flights today and called.
At first, agent asked for mileage difference (from 140K to 260K) due to change of routing. I told her that it was due to the schedule change and was not a significant routing change. She consulted with supervisor and after about 25 minutes came back with the change approved with no change fee (normally would be $75 since I have no United status).
Original routing -
SAN-ORD-NRT/HND-BKK-SIN(destination)-BKK-FRA(stopover)-SFO-SAN
New routing -
SNA-ORD-NRT/HND-BKK-SIN(destination)-BKK-FRA(stopover)-SFO-SNA
Changed SAN-ORD in coach (no I class available when originally booked) to SNA-ORD in first, and changed SFO-SAN in first to SFO-SNA in first. Had a schedule change on the two SAN flights a month ago and have been looking for better flights since then. Saw the attractive SNA flights today and called.
At first, agent asked for mileage difference (from 140K to 260K) due to change of routing. I told her that it was due to the schedule change and was not a significant routing change. She consulted with supervisor and after about 25 minutes came back with the change approved with no change fee (normally would be $75 since I have no United status).
Aug 13, 2014, 2:20 pm
#708
Join Date: Mar 2009
Programs: Hilton credit card Diamond, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 2,653
I currently have LH C tickets for ICN-FRA-IAH, and LH just released ICN-FRA F seats. The UA site quotes 10K additional miles + $50 fee for changing the first segment ICN-FRA from C to F.
It's highly unlikely but if LH opens up FRA-IAH seats as well before the departure.
1. Do I need to pay another change fee?
2. Do I also need to pay additional miles?
Thanks for any insight.
It's highly unlikely but if LH opens up FRA-IAH seats as well before the departure.
1. Do I need to pay another change fee?
2. Do I also need to pay additional miles?
Thanks for any insight.
Aug 14, 2014, 5:42 am
#709
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: New York NY
Programs: UA Gold, CO Plat, CO Million Miler
Posts: 2,617
DELETED
Last edited by hughw; Aug 14, 2014 at 6:21 am
Aug 14, 2014, 8:01 am
#710
Join Date: Jan 2002
Programs: HH Diamond, Marriott lifetime Plt, UA 1MM
Posts: 919
OLD
SIN-TPE BR I
TPE-LAX BR I
NEW
SIN-PEK CA I
PEK-SFO CA F
SFO-MCI UA X
Tried changing online and got an error. Called Web Support (Thank You FT) and got a very helpful CSA. Iniitally told it was going to be another 80K miles, I mentioned that it was a pre-2/3 ticket. CSA came back 20 minutes later with the confirmed changes and charged me 10K.
SIN-TPE BR I
TPE-LAX BR I
NEW
SIN-PEK CA I
PEK-SFO CA F
SFO-MCI UA X
Tried changing online and got an error. Called Web Support (Thank You FT) and got a very helpful CSA. Iniitally told it was going to be another 80K miles, I mentioned that it was a pre-2/3 ticket. CSA came back 20 minutes later with the confirmed changes and charged me 10K.
Aug 14, 2014, 10:24 am
#711
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: NYC
Programs: DL FO
Posts: 668
I have the following booked:
LGA-(UA)-ORD-(NH)-NRT
Stopover
HND-(NH)-MNL
Destination
MNL-(OZ)-ICN-(OZ)-JFK
All in J, booked pre-2/3 for 120k
F is now available on the ORD-NRT segment.
Is it possible to keep the LGA-ORD positioning flight and upgrade to F on ORD-NRT? It looks like it should be an extra 10k + $75 (I have no status in UA) .
And is F that much better than J on NH? This is ion the 77W.
LGA-(UA)-ORD-(NH)-NRT
Stopover
HND-(NH)-MNL
Destination
MNL-(OZ)-ICN-(OZ)-JFK
All in J, booked pre-2/3 for 120k
F is now available on the ORD-NRT segment.
Is it possible to keep the LGA-ORD positioning flight and upgrade to F on ORD-NRT? It looks like it should be an extra 10k + $75 (I have no status in UA) .
And is F that much better than J on NH? This is ion the 77W.
Aug 14, 2014, 10:29 am
#712
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,467
I have the following booked:
LGA-(UA)-ORD-(NH)-NRT
Stopover
HND-(NH)-MNL
Destination
MNL-(OZ)-ICN-(OZ)-JFK
All in J, booked pre-2/3 for 120k
F is now available on the ORD-NRT segment.
Is it possible to keep the LGA-ORD positioning flight and upgrade to F on ORD-NRT? It looks like it should be an extra 10k + $75 (I have no status in UA) .
And is F that much better than J on NH? This is ion the 77W.
LGA-(UA)-ORD-(NH)-NRT
Stopover
HND-(NH)-MNL
Destination
MNL-(OZ)-ICN-(OZ)-JFK
All in J, booked pre-2/3 for 120k
F is now available on the ORD-NRT segment.
Is it possible to keep the LGA-ORD positioning flight and upgrade to F on ORD-NRT? It looks like it should be an extra 10k + $75 (I have no status in UA) .
And is F that much better than J on NH? This is ion the 77W.
You should do it. Take advantage of the old price. That F award to S. Asia would now cost almost double (70,000 miles to 130,000 miles).
Don't call it an "upgrade." You want to change to F.
Aug 14, 2014, 12:01 pm
#713
Join Date: Sep 2005
Programs: UA 1K MM, HH Gold, Marriott Gold Elite
Posts: 1,478
My friend and I booked the following award itinerary in JAN 14 for NOV 14 travels with old rate:
Original
US-FRA (UA F on B-777) - 12 hours layover
FRA-BKK (TG F on A340) - destination
BKK-ZRH (TG F on A340)
ZRH-FRA (LH J on B737) - 3 days stopover
FRA-US (UA F on B777)
Changed to the following itinerary for basically the same dates (BKK-Europe leaving at 11:45 pm instead of 12:15 am)
New
US-FRA (UA F on B-777) - 12 hours layover
FRA-BKK (TG F on A340) - destination
BKK-FRA (TG F on A380) - 3 days stopover
FRA-US (UA F on B777)
No miles differentials. We got a $24 refund each for the ZRH tax. But my friend had to pay a $75 change fee since he is a GM.
Original
US-FRA (UA F on B-777) - 12 hours layover
FRA-BKK (TG F on A340) - destination
BKK-ZRH (TG F on A340)
ZRH-FRA (LH J on B737) - 3 days stopover
FRA-US (UA F on B777)
Changed to the following itinerary for basically the same dates (BKK-Europe leaving at 11:45 pm instead of 12:15 am)
New
US-FRA (UA F on B-777) - 12 hours layover
FRA-BKK (TG F on A340) - destination
BKK-FRA (TG F on A380) - 3 days stopover
FRA-US (UA F on B777)
No miles differentials. We got a $24 refund each for the ZRH tax. But my friend had to pay a $75 change fee since he is a GM.
Last edited by CAPT Tee; Aug 14, 2014 at 12:07 pm
Aug 14, 2014, 1:27 pm
#714
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 716
Ok everyone, here's a thought...
Back in March I successfully changed an Asia-US F award to US-Asia, with different origins and destinations (I didn't simply reverse it). Since other people have successfully been changing C awards to F, that got me thinking. It appears as though the system just looks at when the ticket was booked and honors the award tables from back then, even if you're changing cabin, routing, award type etc. So, what if you booked a domestic US award (or any award for that matter) prior to Feb 3? Could you conceivably click "Change" and have the old F rates honored for a long-haul F trip? I don't have any award tickets booked from that far back, but I'd love to hear what happens if someone decides to give it a try.
Back in March I successfully changed an Asia-US F award to US-Asia, with different origins and destinations (I didn't simply reverse it). Since other people have successfully been changing C awards to F, that got me thinking. It appears as though the system just looks at when the ticket was booked and honors the award tables from back then, even if you're changing cabin, routing, award type etc. So, what if you booked a domestic US award (or any award for that matter) prior to Feb 3? Could you conceivably click "Change" and have the old F rates honored for a long-haul F trip? I don't have any award tickets booked from that far back, but I'd love to hear what happens if someone decides to give it a try.
Aug 14, 2014, 10:20 pm
#715
Join Date: Jan 2013
Programs: Hyatt Glb, MR Plat
Posts: 2,577
Has anyone tried to re-book something past Feb 2015 on the old rate?
Aug 15, 2014, 8:23 am
#716
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: NYC
Programs: DL FO
Posts: 668
Would a change from LGA to JFK as the departure airport be considered a change of origin?
Aug 15, 2014, 11:45 am
#717
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2013
Programs: DL PM, MR Titanium/LTP, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 10,130
Ok everyone, here's a thought...
Back in March I successfully changed an Asia-US F award to US-Asia, with different origins and destinations (I didn't simply reverse it). Since other people have successfully been changing C awards to F, that got me thinking. It appears as though the system just looks at when the ticket was booked and honors the award tables from back then, even if you're changing cabin, routing, award type etc. So, what if you booked a domestic US award (or any award for that matter) prior to Feb 3? Could you conceivably click "Change" and have the old F rates honored for a long-haul F trip? I don't have any award tickets booked from that far back, but I'd love to hear what happens if someone decides to give it a try.
Back in March I successfully changed an Asia-US F award to US-Asia, with different origins and destinations (I didn't simply reverse it). Since other people have successfully been changing C awards to F, that got me thinking. It appears as though the system just looks at when the ticket was booked and honors the award tables from back then, even if you're changing cabin, routing, award type etc. So, what if you booked a domestic US award (or any award for that matter) prior to Feb 3? Could you conceivably click "Change" and have the old F rates honored for a long-haul F trip? I don't have any award tickets booked from that far back, but I'd love to hear what happens if someone decides to give it a try.
Aug 15, 2014, 4:00 pm
#718
Join Date: Sep 2008
Programs: A3 *G, AA exePlat, AS MVP 75k Gold, JL sapphire, UA silver
Posts: 4,035
Changed AKT HND PEK SZE changed to SZX PVG NRT CTS MMB CTS HND (stop), NRT PVG SZX. Old rate to old rate.
Aug 17, 2014, 10:20 am
#719
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: LFT
Programs: AA Plat, lots of AA, AS, DL, UA miles, former top level CO Elite (sigh...)
Posts: 10,795
We were originally booked at the old rate on an open jaw itinerary of LFT-IAH-FRA-VCE and then returning VIE-FRA-DFW-IAH-LFT with the TATL and intra-European flights in J on LH.
LFT-IAH r/t was in Y on UA Express (ERJ), IAH-FRA was in J on LH (A380), FRA-VCE and VIE-FRA were in biz on LH (A321 & A319), FRA-DFW on LH in J (A340) and DFW-IAH in F on UA Express (CR7). However, my fiancee then developed a case of severe pneumonia and this trip went out the window.
Good news, though.....I was able to rebook the following trip for April 2015 at the old rate: IAH-IAD on UA (Y and wait listed for F on a 757), IAD-VIE in J on OS (777), VIE-VCE on OS in Y (Q400), VIE-MUC in OS in business (A319) and MUC-IAH in BusinessFirst on UA (764).
The only bad news here is that I was unable to get seats at the old rate between LFT and IAH (also tried BTR-IAH, MSY-IAH and LCH-IAH r/t but no joy), so I'll probably just buy two round trip tickets between LFT and IAH as I really do not want to drive back and forth to Houston......
And BTW, during my search on UA.com, I was unable to find any available J seats for the TATL segments on LH at the Saver rates........not one.
LFT-IAH r/t was in Y on UA Express (ERJ), IAH-FRA was in J on LH (A380), FRA-VCE and VIE-FRA were in biz on LH (A321 & A319), FRA-DFW on LH in J (A340) and DFW-IAH in F on UA Express (CR7). However, my fiancee then developed a case of severe pneumonia and this trip went out the window.
Good news, though.....I was able to rebook the following trip for April 2015 at the old rate: IAH-IAD on UA (Y and wait listed for F on a 757), IAD-VIE in J on OS (777), VIE-VCE on OS in Y (Q400), VIE-MUC in OS in business (A319) and MUC-IAH in BusinessFirst on UA (764).
The only bad news here is that I was unable to get seats at the old rate between LFT and IAH (also tried BTR-IAH, MSY-IAH and LCH-IAH r/t but no joy), so I'll probably just buy two round trip tickets between LFT and IAH as I really do not want to drive back and forth to Houston......
And BTW, during my search on UA.com, I was unable to find any available J seats for the TATL segments on LH at the Saver rates........not one.
Last edited by jlemon; Aug 17, 2014 at 10:47 am Reason: clarification
Aug 17, 2014, 10:03 pm
#720
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: BUR / LAX
Programs: UA MM/Gold; WN A-list; HH something depending; Marriott Gold
Posts: 1,554
Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (BB10; Kbd) AppleWebKit/537.35+ (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/10.2.1.3253 Mobile Safari/537.35+)
Mid-trip, tried to change return from CAI-YYZ-ORD-LAX (MS to AC to UA) all in business to CAI-FRA-LAX. Saw wide open savers on both legs. SHARES split itinerary, so not comfortable changing one PNR and risking the second not happening. Called UA...
1 Can't change mid-itinerary. HUACA
2 Can't see the CAI-FRA availability on any day at all. "You must not be reading our website right." HUACA
3 "Change an award? You can't do that." Turns out she thought I meant change from saver business to full award. This is possible, of course, but not what I wanted. When I managed to explain what I meant, got a snitty "well, that's not what you said. And you already have flights to LAX, why would you want to change?" Given that attitude, and inability to see CAI-FRA, HUACA.
4 Great agent; "I can't understand why I can see what you see. Strange that LH FRA-LAX is open, you should grab it! Let me connect you to web support."
5 Web support worked hard, couldn't get the CAI-FRA to work. But we did find CAI-CPH-FRA. So changed to a stopover and get to see a city I've never seen for a day AND confirmed LH business on the 747-800 straight to LAX.
30-40 minutes on the phone. I'm not upset, ended up with a great option. Web support is the way to go IME...they collected 25 bucks close-in change fee.
Not sure why ua.com still shows CAI-FRA available but agents can't. Don't care, though. :-)
Mid-trip, tried to change return from CAI-YYZ-ORD-LAX (MS to AC to UA) all in business to CAI-FRA-LAX. Saw wide open savers on both legs. SHARES split itinerary, so not comfortable changing one PNR and risking the second not happening. Called UA...
1 Can't change mid-itinerary. HUACA
2 Can't see the CAI-FRA availability on any day at all. "You must not be reading our website right." HUACA
3 "Change an award? You can't do that." Turns out she thought I meant change from saver business to full award. This is possible, of course, but not what I wanted. When I managed to explain what I meant, got a snitty "well, that's not what you said. And you already have flights to LAX, why would you want to change?" Given that attitude, and inability to see CAI-FRA, HUACA.
4 Great agent; "I can't understand why I can see what you see. Strange that LH FRA-LAX is open, you should grab it! Let me connect you to web support."
5 Web support worked hard, couldn't get the CAI-FRA to work. But we did find CAI-CPH-FRA. So changed to a stopover and get to see a city I've never seen for a day AND confirmed LH business on the 747-800 straight to LAX.
30-40 minutes on the phone. I'm not upset, ended up with a great option. Web support is the way to go IME...they collected 25 bucks close-in change fee.
Not sure why ua.com still shows CAI-FRA available but agents can't. Don't care, though. :-)
