Sep 14, 2016, 10:42 am
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
During the COVID period, change fees are waived for many tickets
Sept 2020 - Change Fees Are Gone For Good
UA's definitions -- in red added editorial comments
*Most change fees have been eliminated
Refundability
o Some tickets are refundable but with a change / cancellation fee
o In the fare rules, words like "CHANGES PERMITTED" or "CANCELLATIONS PERMITTED" indicate refundability
Note: For a ticket with multiple segments and different fares classes / fare rules, the most restrictive applies to the entire ticket. So a single non-refundable segment makes the entire ticket non-refundable.
related thread -- How to book a refundable ticket on UA
Sept 2020 - Change Fees Are Gone For Good
There won’t be any change fees if:
You’re traveling:
You’re traveling:
- Within the U.S., including Alaska, Hawaii, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico
- Between the U.S. and Mexico or the Caribbean
- To other international destinations from the U.S.
- Economy
- Economy Plus®
- United First®
- United Business®*
- United Premium PlusSM*
Basic Economy (most restricted) ---- Our most restricted fare:Seat assigned prior to boarding
No group or family seating
No carry-on bag, just a personal item
Earn award miles only, no Premier® qualifying credit
Upgrades and Economy Plus® are not available
No refunds or changes
Economy ---- Our standard Economy fare:Seat selection at booking, if seats are available
Enjoy other options for customizing your travel
Non-refundable -- fee to change*, credit toward future flight
Economy (flexible) ---- Our flexible Economy fare:Refundable fare; cancellation and change* fees may apply
Seat selection at booking, if seats are available
Enjoy other options for customizing your travel
Economy (unrestricted) ---- Our unrestricted Economy fare:Fully refundable fare; no cancellation or change fees
Seat selection at booking, if seats are available
Enjoy other options for customizing your travel
First (lowest) ---- Our lowest fare in First:Personalized inflight service
More spacious seating and extra legroom
Expanded dining experience
Non-refundable -- a fee to change*, credit toward a future flight
First (unrestricted) ---- Our unrestricted First fare:Fully refundable fare; no cancellation or change fees.
Personalized inflight service
More spacious seating and extra legroom
Expanded dining experience
No group or family seating
No carry-on bag, just a personal item
Earn award miles only, no Premier® qualifying credit
Upgrades and Economy Plus® are not available
No refunds or changes
Economy ---- Our standard Economy fare:Seat selection at booking, if seats are available
Enjoy other options for customizing your travel
Non-refundable -- fee to change*, credit toward future flight
Economy (flexible) ---- Our flexible Economy fare:Refundable fare; cancellation and change* fees may apply
Seat selection at booking, if seats are available
Enjoy other options for customizing your travel
Economy (unrestricted) ---- Our unrestricted Economy fare:Fully refundable fare; no cancellation or change fees
Seat selection at booking, if seats are available
Enjoy other options for customizing your travel
First (lowest) ---- Our lowest fare in First:Personalized inflight service
More spacious seating and extra legroom
Expanded dining experience
Non-refundable -- a fee to change*, credit toward a future flight
First (unrestricted) ---- Our unrestricted First fare:Fully refundable fare; no cancellation or change fees.
Personalized inflight service
More spacious seating and extra legroom
Expanded dining experience
Refundability
o Some tickets are refundable but with a change / cancellation fee
o In the fare rules, words like "CHANGES PERMITTED" or "CANCELLATIONS PERMITTED" indicate refundability
Note: For a ticket with multiple segments and different fares classes / fare rules, the most restrictive applies to the entire ticket. So a single non-refundable segment makes the entire ticket non-refundable.
related thread -- How to book a refundable ticket on UA
Flex vs Unrestricted / Fully Refundable fare. What is/is not refundable, translation?
Aug 25, 2015, 9:03 pm
#61
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 18
Fare Class "P" Refund and Change Policy Question
Hello Everyone!
I'm new to this forum and have a simple question regarding United's refund and change policy. I tried to read its fare class rules and restrictions but it's really not "reading-friendly"...
I am trying to buy a Global First ticket roundtrip EWR-PEK-EWR. The first part EWR-PEK is on Sep 18, 2015, but there's not an exact date for the second part PEK-EWR; it may be around August or September next year.
If I buy a one way ticket it would be $5,000; a roundtrip ticket would be $5,000 also. Clearly buying a roundtrip ticket would be much worth it. However, for now I cannot select August 2016 or September 2016 for my return date but can only select July 2016 (the most latest date you can choose to buy a ticket).
I remember United change policy includes the ticket value will expire after one year of issuance date, so my question is if I buy this ticket today and select one day in July 2016, can I change the date of my second part flight (return) to August 2016 or September 2016? Do I have to pay a change fee? (The fare class is "P")
Any answers, comments or ideas would be really appreciated!!! Thanks very much!!!
The complete fare rule:
I'm new to this forum and have a simple question regarding United's refund and change policy. I tried to read its fare class rules and restrictions but it's really not "reading-friendly"...
I am trying to buy a Global First ticket roundtrip EWR-PEK-EWR. The first part EWR-PEK is on Sep 18, 2015, but there's not an exact date for the second part PEK-EWR; it may be around August or September next year.
If I buy a one way ticket it would be $5,000; a roundtrip ticket would be $5,000 also. Clearly buying a roundtrip ticket would be much worth it. However, for now I cannot select August 2016 or September 2016 for my return date but can only select July 2016 (the most latest date you can choose to buy a ticket).
I remember United change policy includes the ticket value will expire after one year of issuance date, so my question is if I buy this ticket today and select one day in July 2016, can I change the date of my second part flight (return) to August 2016 or September 2016? Do I have to pay a change fee? (The fare class is "P")
Any answers, comments or ideas would be really appreciated!!! Thanks very much!!!
The complete fare rule:
Code:
FARE RULES TEXT NOTE - -- HALF ROUNDTRIP FARE COMBINATION OF NON-REFUNDABLE / REFUNDABLE WITH A CANCELLATION PENALTY / FULLY REFUNDABLE - THE MOST RESTRICTIVE CANCELLATION PENALTY RULE APPLIES TO THE ENTIRE PRICING UNIT- -- NOTE - -- NON-REFUNDABLE APPLIES TO ADT/CHD/INF -- YR / YQ INTERNATIONAL SURCHARGE WILL NOT BE REFUNDED -- TAX/CHARGE - US / ZP / XF WILL NOT BE REFUNDED NON-REFUNDABLE ON NON-REFUNDABLE FARE TICKETS -- CANCELLATIONS ANY TIME TICKET IS NON-REFUNDABLE. WAIVED FOR SCHEDULE CHANGE. NOTE - -- A. EXCHANGE - WHOLLY UNUSED TICKET / CHANGE TO 1ST TICKETED FLIGHT COUPON -- ) FULL VALUE OF A WHOLLY UNUSED TICKET MAY BE APPLIED TOWARDS PURCHASE OF A NEW TICKET PRICED AT -CURRENT- FARE LEVELS UPON PAYMENT OF AN ADMINISTRATIVE FEE EQUAL TO CHANGE FEE CONTAINED WITHIN THIS RULE. -- APPLY CAT 19 PROVISIONS FOR INFANT WITHOUT A SEAT // INFANT WITH A SEAT // CHILD -- RESIDUAL VALUE // IF ANY // WILL BE RETURNED IN THE FORM OF A NON-REFUNDABLE VOUCHER VALID ON UNITED AIRLINES//AGENCY TO RETURN RESIDUAL VALUE VIA A NON-REFUNDABLE MCO/EMD VALID ON UNITED AIRLINES ONLY. IF APPLICABLE ANY DIFFERENCE IN FARE/CARRIER FEE AND ANY APPLICABLE TAX/FEE/CHARGE IS COLLECTABLE AT TIME OF EXCHANGE. --PROVIDED-- --ORIGINAL RESERVATIONS ARE CANCELLED PRIOR TO ORIGINALLY SCHEDULE FLIGHT OR TICKET HAS NO VALUE. -- WHOLLY UNUSED TICKET MUST BE EXCHANGED NO LATER THAN ONE YEAR / 365 DAYS / OF THE ORIGINAL TICKET ISSUED DATE OR TICKET HAS NO VALUE. -- THE NON-REFUNDABLE CANCELLATION AMOUNT OF THE TICKET BEING EXCHANGED REMAINS NON-REFUNDABLE AND CARRIED FORWARD IN THE ENDORSEMENT BOX OF THE NEW TICKET. -- ORIGINAL RESERVATIONS ARE CANCELLED PRIOR TO ORIGINALLY SCHEDULE FLIGHT OR TICKET HAS NO VALUE. -- TAG 5 -- WHOLLY UNUSED TICKET / CHANGE TO 1ST TICKETED FLIGHT COUPON -- REPRICE USING CURRENT QUALIFYING FARES -- CHARGE CHANGE FEE OR HIGHEST FEE OF ONLY CHANGED FARE COMPONENTS. -- 1. ADV RES IS MEASURED FROM RESISSUE DATE TO DEPARTURE OF PRICING UNIT 2. UA FARES ARE USED -- WHEN CHANGE RESULTS IN FARE DIFFERENCE -- 2 STEP PROCESS - UA RETURN RESIDUAL VALUE IN THE FORM OF VOUCHER -- AGENCY RETURN RESIDUAL VALUE IN FORM OF A NON-REFUNDABLE MCO/EMD VALID UA ONLY. ) -- RESIDUAL VALUE MAY NOT BE APPLIED TOWARD FEE. -- CHARGE FULL ADMINISTRATIVE FEE EQUAL TO CHANGE FEE. -- ADD-COLLECT FARE DIFFERECE - IF APPLICABLE -- -- B. BOOKING CODE CHANGE PERMITTED -- WHEN A FARE IS INTRODUCED INTO THE MARKET OR A CURRENT FARE IS REDUCED OR BOOKING CODE BECOMES AVAILABLE / THE TICKETED PASSENGER MAY QUALIFY FOR ONE OF THE ABOVE OPTIONS. ALL PROVISIONS OF THE NEW AIR FARE MUST BE MET BEFORE DEPARTURE. NO CHANGE TO ORIGIN/DESTINATION/DATES/FLIGHTS. --- ONLY BOOKING CODE CHANGE IS PERMITTED.--- -- AN ADMINISTRATIVE FEE EQUAL TO CHANGE FEE WILL BE ASSESSED. RESIDUAL VALUE /IF ANY / WILL BE RETURNED IN THE FORM OF A NON-REFUNDABLE VOUCHER VALID FOR TRAVEL ON UNITED AIRLINES. AGENCY RETURN RESIDUAL VALUE VIA A NON-REFUNDABLE MCO/EMD VALID UA. -- TAG 7 - ONLY BOOKING CODE CHANGE PERMITTED REPRICE USING QUALIFYING CURRENT FARES 1. NO CHANGE TO FARE BREAKS/FLIGHTS/DATES 2. UA FARES ARE USED 3. ADV RES IS MEASURED FROM REISSUE DATE TO DEPARTURE OF PRICING UNIT -- WHEN CHANGE RESULTS IN FARE DIFFERENCE -- 2 STEP PROCESS - UA RETURN RESIDUAL VALUE VIA VOUCHER -- AGENCY RETURN RESIDUAL VALUE VIA A NON-REFUNDABLE MCO/EMD VALID UA ONLY -- RESIDUAL VALUE MAY NOT BE APPLIED TOWARD FEE -- CHARGE FULL ADMINISTRATIVE FEE EQUAL TO CHANGE FEE -- ADD-COLLECT FARE DIFFERENCE - IF APPLICABLE -- CHANGES ANY TIME CHARGE USD 450.00 FOR REISSUE/REVALIDATION. WAIVED FOR SCHEDULE CHANGE. NOTE - -- ) APPLY CAT 19 PROVISIONS FOR INFANT WITHOUT A SEAT // INFANT WITH A SEAT // CHILD -- CHANGE MADE TO OTHER THAN THE FIRST TICKETED FLIGHT COUPON -- TICKET RESERVATIONS NOT BEING USED ARE TO BE CANCELLED PRIOR TO ORIGINAL SCHEDULED FLIGHT. RETURN RESERVATIONS MAYBE SCHEDULED ANYTIME WITHIN TICKET VALIDITY. TICKET MUST BE REISSUED AT SAME TIME WHEN VOLUNTARY CHANGE IS CONFIRMED. -- IF CHANGES ARE MADE TO OTHER THAN THE FIRST TICKETED FLIGHT THE FARE LEVELS IN EFFECT AT TIME OF ORIGINAL TICKET ISSUE WILL APPLY PROVIDED THE NEW ITINERARY QUALIFIES FOR ALL THE PROVISIONS OF THE ORIGINALLY TICKETED FARE BASIS CODE / SAME BOOKING CODE IGNORING ADVANCE RESERVATION OR TICKETING REQUIREMENTS. -- CHARGE ONLY ONE CHANGE FEE THE HIGHEST CHANGE FEE OF ONLY THE CHANGED FARE COMPONENTS. -- UA DOMESTIC FARE PROVISIONS MAY BE OVERRIDDEN BY UA INTERNATIONAL FARES -- TAG 1 - REPRICE USING CURRENTLY TKTD FARE SAME BOOKING CODE/SAME FARE BASIS CODE -- PROVIDED THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS ARE MET -- 1. NO CHANGE TO 1ST FLIGHT COUPON/ NO CHANGE TO FARE BREAKS 2. WHEN NO INTL COUPONS REMAIN - ALL NEW TRAVEL MUST BE DOMESTIC 3. ALL RULE AND BOOKING CODE PROVISIONS ARE MET EXCEPT ADV RES/TKG 4. ADV RES IS MEASURED FROM ORIGINAL TKT DATE TO DEPARTURE OF PRICING UNIT -- EVEN REISSUE CHARGE FULL CHANGE FEE -- IF THE NEW ITINERARY QUALIFIES FOR THE ORIGINALLY TICKETED BOOKING CODE FARE / BUT RESULTS IN FARE DIFFERENCE DUE TO CHANGE IN DAY OF WEEK TRAVEL / SEASONALITY / CHANGE TO FARE BREAK POINTS - -- TAG 2 - HISTORICAL FARES / REPRICE USING FARES IN EFFECT WHEN TICKET WAS ISSUED -- PROVIDED THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS ARE MET ) -- 1. NO CHANGE TO 1ST FLIGHT COUPON / CHANGE TO FARE BREAK POINTS PERMITTED 2. WHEN NO INTL COUPONS REMAIN - ALL NEW TRAVEL MUST BE DOMESTIC 3. ALL RULE AND BOOKING CODE PROVISIONS ARE MET INCLUDING ADV RES/TKG 4. ADV RES IS MEASURED FROM ORIGINAL TKT DATE TO DEPARTURE OF PRICING UNIT -- NO REFUND WILL BE MADE CHARGE FULL CHANGE FEE ADD COLLECT FARE DIFFERENCE - IF APPLICABLE -- IF CHANGES BY THE PASSENGER NO LONGER QUALIFY FOR THE ORIGINALLY TICKETED BOOKING CODE FARE / DUE TO ORIGINAL BOOKING CODE NOT AVAILABLE OR ORIGINAL TICKETED FARE NO LONGER QUALIFIES DUE TO OTHER RULE RESTRICTIONS - THE FULL VALUE OF THE ORIGINAL TICKET MAY BE APPLIED TOWARDS EQUAL OR HIGHER BOOKING CODE QUALIFYING FARE - USING FARES IN EFFECT ON THE ORIGINAL TICKETING DATE. -- RECALCULATION TO LOWER BOOKING CODE IS NOT PERMITTED. -- FARE IS RECALCULATED FROM POINT OF ORIGIN. ANY DIFFERENCE IN FARE/TAXES/FEES/SURCHARGE WILL BE APPLICABLE AT TIME OF CHANGE/REISSUE. ----- CHARGE ONLY ONE CHANGE FEE THE HIGHEST CHANGE FEE OF ONLY CHANGED FARE COMPONENTS. -- TAG 2 - REPRICE USING FARE IN EFFECT WHEN TKT WAS ISSUED -- 1. NO CHANGE TO 1ST FLIGHT COUPON / CHANGE TO FARE BREAK POINTS PERMITTED 2. WHEN NO INTL COUPONS REMAIN - ALL NEW TRAVEL MUST BE DOMESTIC 3. NEW TKT HAS EQUAL OR HIGHER BOOKING CODE QUALIFYING FARE 4. ALL BOOKING CODE PROVISIONS ARE MET 5. ADV RES IS MEASURED FROM ORIGINAL TKT DATE TO DEPARTURE OF PRICING UNIT -- WHEN CHANGE RESULTS IN FARE DIFFERENCE -- CHARGE FULL CHANGE FEE ADD COLLECT FARE DIFFERENCE - IF APPLICABLE --
Aug 25, 2015, 9:13 pm
#62
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Honolulu Harbor
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 15,023
The following is from Contract of Carriage and may be easier to understand. A P fare is subject to a change fee....
"A) Period of Validity - Except as otherwise provided in this Rule or required by the applicable local law of a foreign jurisdiction, any eligible Ticket issued by UA or its authorized agent on UA Ticket Stock will be valid for transportation for one year from the date on which transportation commences at the point of origin as designated on the original Ticket or, if no portion of the Ticket is used, one year from the date of issuance of the original or reissued Ticket, whichever is later. When an unused published fare Ticket is completely reissued, the new Ticket validity on the reissued Ticket will be determined from the date the Ticket was reissued."
If you want to change your ticket down the road, you might have to pay a much higher fare, in addition to change fee.
"A) Period of Validity - Except as otherwise provided in this Rule or required by the applicable local law of a foreign jurisdiction, any eligible Ticket issued by UA or its authorized agent on UA Ticket Stock will be valid for transportation for one year from the date on which transportation commences at the point of origin as designated on the original Ticket or, if no portion of the Ticket is used, one year from the date of issuance of the original or reissued Ticket, whichever is later. When an unused published fare Ticket is completely reissued, the new Ticket validity on the reissued Ticket will be determined from the date the Ticket was reissued."
If you want to change your ticket down the road, you might have to pay a much higher fare, in addition to change fee.
Aug 25, 2015, 9:15 pm
#63
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 18
The following is from Contract of Carriage and may be easier to understand. A P fare is subject to a change fee, but your plan won't work for you anyway....
"A) Period of Validity - Except as otherwise provided in this Rule or required by the applicable local law of a foreign jurisdiction, any eligible Ticket issued by UA or its authorized agent on UA Ticket Stock will be valid for transportation for one year from the date on which transportation commences at the point of origin as designated on the original Ticket or, if no portion of the Ticket is used, one year from the date of issuance of the original or reissued Ticket, whichever is later. When an unused published fare Ticket is completely reissued, the new Ticket validity on the reissued Ticket will be determined from the date the Ticket was reissued.
"A) Period of Validity - Except as otherwise provided in this Rule or required by the applicable local law of a foreign jurisdiction, any eligible Ticket issued by UA or its authorized agent on UA Ticket Stock will be valid for transportation for one year from the date on which transportation commences at the point of origin as designated on the original Ticket or, if no portion of the Ticket is used, one year from the date of issuance of the original or reissued Ticket, whichever is later. When an unused published fare Ticket is completely reissued, the new Ticket validity on the reissued Ticket will be determined from the date the Ticket was reissued.
Aug 25, 2015, 9:23 pm
#64
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Honolulu Harbor
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 15,023
Aug 25, 2015, 9:25 pm
#65
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: New York, NY, USA
Posts: 12,482
Aug 25, 2015, 9:26 pm
#66
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 18
Thanks again for reply! Isn't the issuance of date the date I buy the ticket? So it should be Aug 24, 2016 if I buy the ticket today, isn't it?
Aug 25, 2015, 9:33 pm
#67
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Los Angeles
Programs: UA Plat 2MM. DL Plat, AS MVP
Posts: 12,752
A couple of creative ticketing thoughts...
How much is the one way business fare Ewr-pek? It may be worth seeing, then buying up to F (if offered during booking).
How much is the one way pek-ewr? Often those fares are much cheaper when originating in China.
It could be that buying two one way fares is better.
How much is the one way business fare Ewr-pek? It may be worth seeing, then buying up to F (if offered during booking).
How much is the one way pek-ewr? Often those fares are much cheaper when originating in China.
It could be that buying two one way fares is better.
Aug 25, 2015, 9:37 pm
#68
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: New York, NY, USA
Posts: 12,482
No, depending on fare rules, many P fares are valid for one year from date of departure. UA ticket value expires one year after ticketing if you want to apply value to a new ticket. Two different issues. Note some discount fares have shorter validity, you need to follow fare rules.
Aug 26, 2015, 3:44 am
#69
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,413
Aug 26, 2015, 4:23 am
#70
Suspended
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 981
are you sure united flies global first ewr-pek? last time i flew it, it was a sCO 777 with no F.
also, paying for F isn't worth it on UA. althought $5k roundtrip is normal for a P fare, so if you can get F for $5k (and you are stuck on UA) then it's worth it. othwerwise, i'd recommend F on OAL.
also, paying for F isn't worth it on UA. althought $5k roundtrip is normal for a P fare, so if you can get F for $5k (and you are stuck on UA) then it's worth it. othwerwise, i'd recommend F on OAL.
Aug 26, 2015, 6:43 am
#71
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 14,890
Aug 26, 2015, 8:32 am
#72
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Houston
Programs: UA Plat, Marriott Gold
Posts: 12,693
Aug 26, 2015, 10:24 am
#73
Join Date: May 2008
Location: BOI (formerly ORD)
Programs: UA 1K 1.4MM; AA PLT 2.5MM; Hilton Diamond; Starwood Gold; Hyatt Platinum; Amex MR; Chase UR, et al
Posts: 465
So, a couple things.
I don't see any P fares with validity longer than 6 months, and most are 3 months. That means that you'd have to reprice at valid fares to change beyond that return date. In fact, the lowest fare I see with a 12 month validity and no end date on the published fare is actually a D fare, and if you try to price EWR-PEK-EWR with a July 2016 return, that's exactly what comes up. Now, there are some constructed fares with ORD-PEK in a Z that is valid through next summer, that prices in the $6k range, and that would come with a change fee to change the return of $450, and you'd just be looking for Z inventory to use the originally ticketed fare. If you do ticket with one of the 3/6 month P fares, what will happen is that when you go to change the return, UA will reprice the entire itin based on current rules, since the original fare would have expired.
So...
Not sure there are many good options if you don't have a use for the return in the next 3 or 6 months.
There is a D-up fare that books into A for about $5900 for the one way.
Or, you can get UA to sell you a ticket EWR-SFO-PEK with EWR-SFO in Y and SFO-PEK in P for $3900 one way on the 17th - the fares are about $500 higher on Fridays (the 18th).
Or, AA will sell you a one-way NYC-PEK in F for $4k.
Or, AC will sell you a round-trip in J with a 12 month validity for $4k.
Or, OZ will sell you a one-way in J NYC-PEK for $2500, or in F for $5,000.
I don't see any P fares with validity longer than 6 months, and most are 3 months. That means that you'd have to reprice at valid fares to change beyond that return date. In fact, the lowest fare I see with a 12 month validity and no end date on the published fare is actually a D fare, and if you try to price EWR-PEK-EWR with a July 2016 return, that's exactly what comes up. Now, there are some constructed fares with ORD-PEK in a Z that is valid through next summer, that prices in the $6k range, and that would come with a change fee to change the return of $450, and you'd just be looking for Z inventory to use the originally ticketed fare. If you do ticket with one of the 3/6 month P fares, what will happen is that when you go to change the return, UA will reprice the entire itin based on current rules, since the original fare would have expired.
So...
Not sure there are many good options if you don't have a use for the return in the next 3 or 6 months.
There is a D-up fare that books into A for about $5900 for the one way.
Or, you can get UA to sell you a ticket EWR-SFO-PEK with EWR-SFO in Y and SFO-PEK in P for $3900 one way on the 17th - the fares are about $500 higher on Fridays (the 18th).
Or, AA will sell you a one-way NYC-PEK in F for $4k.
Or, AC will sell you a round-trip in J with a 12 month validity for $4k.
Or, OZ will sell you a one-way in J NYC-PEK for $2500, or in F for $5,000.
Mar 16, 2016, 7:28 am
#74
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,193
Fare Basis EAA00AFY - Refundable?
After searching for an answer to this I did not see anything.
I have already taken the outbound leg of a round trip flight in UA that was booked as an E class fare with paid upgrade to A in both directions. The fare basis for each leg is EAA00AFY.
I would like to do an SDC on the return leg to take an earlier flight, but would rather not go in economy.
My understanding is that if I change the flight with SDC I will get put in economy and will have to again pay or use an instrument to upgrade to first. Is this correct?
The E fare when purchased was marked as "/-REFUNDABLE-/" on the receipt under Fare Rules. Does this mean I would get a refund for the return leg if I canceled it at this stage? I'm pretty sure the upgrade fee would not be refunded.
I have already taken the outbound leg of a round trip flight in UA that was booked as an E class fare with paid upgrade to A in both directions. The fare basis for each leg is EAA00AFY.
I would like to do an SDC on the return leg to take an earlier flight, but would rather not go in economy.
My understanding is that if I change the flight with SDC I will get put in economy and will have to again pay or use an instrument to upgrade to first. Is this correct?
The E fare when purchased was marked as "/-REFUNDABLE-/" on the receipt under Fare Rules. Does this mean I would get a refund for the return leg if I canceled it at this stage? I'm pretty sure the upgrade fee would not be refunded.
Mar 16, 2016, 8:07 am
#75
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 14,890
After searching for an answer to this I did not see anything.
I have already taken the outbound leg of a round trip flight in UA that was booked as an E class fare with paid upgrade to A in both directions. The fare basis for each leg is EAA00AFY.
I would like to do an SDC on the return leg to take an earlier flight, but would rather not go in economy.
My understanding is that if I change the flight with SDC I will get put in economy and will have to again pay or use an instrument to upgrade to first. Is this correct?
The E fare when purchased was marked as "/-REFUNDABLE-/" on the receipt under Fare Rules. Does this mean I would get a refund for the return leg if I canceled it at this stage? I'm pretty sure the upgrade fee would not be refunded.
I have already taken the outbound leg of a round trip flight in UA that was booked as an E class fare with paid upgrade to A in both directions. The fare basis for each leg is EAA00AFY.
I would like to do an SDC on the return leg to take an earlier flight, but would rather not go in economy.
My understanding is that if I change the flight with SDC I will get put in economy and will have to again pay or use an instrument to upgrade to first. Is this correct?
The E fare when purchased was marked as "/-REFUNDABLE-/" on the receipt under Fare Rules. Does this mean I would get a refund for the return leg if I canceled it at this stage? I'm pretty sure the upgrade fee would not be refunded.
As for rules of our fare - UA makes it hard to find the rules yourself. The only way you can find that out (after purchasing) is to call and ask an agent, or if you have a subscription to a service like EF (and even then, if the fare no longer is for sale, it likely won't have it, either). Refundable means canceling can get you money back in general, however, there are potential caveats. For example, refundable doesn't necessarily mean it is free - you may still be subject to a fee (I.e., you might get refund minus an $X fee). UAs site, if you bought from there, at least used to have a green note before confirming purchase noting a fare is refundable, but it doesn't say what the fee (if any applies) there - you'd have to see the fare rules. Also, if any fare rules are broken, your refund may be smaller than you thought (I.e., if your fare requires a round-trip, your fare will be recalculated based on whatever the one-way was at time of cancelation, which may leave you with little to nothing back).
As for SDC, yes, you will typically go back to a seat in the original fare class, and need space to re-clear the upgrade. If you call, an agent might be able to get you directly into premium cabin, however, not really SOP, so definitely wouldn't expect that.