IRROPS, United's ongoing fare fraud and why you should complain to the DOT
Jul 5, 2014, 3:37 pm
#76
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: NYC
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I had this problem with AA, and I filed a DOT complaint. As posted in my thread, I ultimately got a full refund for the downgraded segment.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...ted-fares.html
I think it's important to call this what the DOT accused AA of doing: "False Advertising" - they advertised a flight as "First Class" when it wasn't.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...ted-fares.html
I think it's important to call this what the DOT accused AA of doing: "False Advertising" - they advertised a flight as "First Class" when it wasn't.
Jul 5, 2014, 4:53 pm
#77
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I routinely purchase Z and P fares, i.e. discounted Business Class on international flights, usually to/from Bahrain. In more than one instance, I have experienced MX or other IRROPS. The default position for UA is to book me on the next UA flight in Business class, but since the UA flights to/from BAH operate 4 times per week, the next flight can sometimes be two days later. My question, does Rule 240 and the CoC require UA to book me into Business Class on LH or TK even if there are no Z or P fare seats ? I have never been successful in getting UA to book me into Business Class on MX and IRROPS situations.
Jul 5, 2014, 5:40 pm
#78
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: ORD
Programs: United Plat 2MM, Hilton Gold
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Jul 5, 2014, 6:51 pm
#79
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: ORD
Programs: 1K, MM, Marriott Plat
Posts: 427
My point though was for the last 30 years, when you 'bought' a first class seat with miles (and not even a saver award but full boat), it used to say F. It never said upgrade confirmed and if you called or asked an agent, you had a first class seat not an upgraded seat. This is only new to UAdbaCO.
Jul 5, 2014, 7:25 pm
#81
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My point though was for the last 30 years, when you 'bought' a first class seat with miles (and not even a saver award but full boat), it used to say F. It never said upgrade confirmed and if you called or asked an agent, you had a first class seat not an upgraded seat. This is only new to UAdbaCO.
Jul 5, 2014, 7:31 pm
#82
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Seattle WA
Programs: AS 100K, Marriott LT Platinum
Posts: 1,828
Did we figure out what the actual fare basis was for this?
I've heard reports from others about going to buy TATL Business Class tickets and getting a "free upgrade" to First, but have not been able to repro it myself on United.com
I know about the -UP fares domestically, but was not aware of it from C/D/J to F on TATLs....
I've heard reports from others about going to buy TATL Business Class tickets and getting a "free upgrade" to First, but have not been able to repro it myself on United.com
I know about the -UP fares domestically, but was not aware of it from C/D/J to F on TATLs....
Jul 5, 2014, 9:11 pm
#83
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Jul 5, 2014, 10:06 pm
#84
Join Date: Jun 2006
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Jul 5, 2014, 10:21 pm
#85
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Independent! But mostly BKK, BCN, SFO, PDX, SEA...
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With all due respect, I disagree with your proposed solution to this problem. If you believe United is committing s devious act or not providing service to you, then you shouldn't fly them. Take your business elsewhere. Some government department should not be responsible for your transactions.
What ever happened to caveat emptor.
As today is the 4th of July, it is time people start standing up and bringing back the spirit and ethos that made this country great. United will suffer as their business declines and if they don't change they will go bankrupt, unless the government steps in.
What ever happened to caveat emptor.
As today is the 4th of July, it is time people start standing up and bringing back the spirit and ethos that made this country great. United will suffer as their business declines and if they don't change they will go bankrupt, unless the government steps in.
Jul 6, 2014, 12:48 am
#86
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Join Date: May 2007
Location: London and Madrid
Programs: BA Gold, UA 2MM, Hyatt Globalist, Columbia Record & Tape Club Triple Diamond VIP
Posts: 580
My receipt says "A" as the fare class, "Global First" as the cabin.
The fare rules, which I read and downloaded, refer to this as a Global First fare between areas 1 and 2 (or some such). No mention of "instant upgrade" at any point.
I believe that telling people they were upgraded and must now accept inferior substitute transport is United's stock response to IRROPS. There is no contractual basis for it. They must just figure that they'll give it a try to see if it sticks.
United is not unique in this regard, except perhaps for being so brazen in their attempt at fraud.
The fare rules, which I read and downloaded, refer to this as a Global First fare between areas 1 and 2 (or some such). No mention of "instant upgrade" at any point.
I believe that telling people they were upgraded and must now accept inferior substitute transport is United's stock response to IRROPS. There is no contractual basis for it. They must just figure that they'll give it a try to see if it sticks.
United is not unique in this regard, except perhaps for being so brazen in their attempt at fraud.
Jul 6, 2014, 2:01 am
#87
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I've also heard the line that "We don't have a [First/Business] class agreement with [Other Air Line] so if we put you on them, it would have to be in coach."
But pressing on that will get 'er done as well.
Jul 6, 2014, 2:27 am
#88
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It's wrong to refer to these as upgrade fares. Poor agent training on UA's part.
Jul 6, 2014, 4:53 am
#89
Join Date: Sep 2009
Programs: UA GS>1K>Nothing; DL DM 2MM; AS 75K>Nothing>MVP
Posts: 9,341
IME, it used to be if there were IRROPS, UA would try to get you to your destination as quickly as possible in the same class of service regardless of carrier. Nowadays they bend over backwards to keep you on UA metal, and won't put you on another carrier unless not doing so will cause a delay of a day or more.
Jul 6, 2014, 6:59 am
#90
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: ORD
Programs: United Plat 2MM, Hilton Gold
Posts: 2,727
You know, this makes a lot of sense. My last experience with this was on a P, with a fare basis of Pxxxxx, bought on UA.com asking for First, and with a hard copy of the T&C's that said nothing of upgrades - and I still got this story. I couldn't figure out how this could possibly be an -UP. Maybe it wasn't.