Check Your UA Itineraries for Schedule Changes and what to do after one [Archive]
Jun 11, 2015, 11:23 pm
#302
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Sacramento, CA, US
Posts: 2,229
Connecting Time at IAH Was 1'35" -- Now 40 Min.
I booked a 3-segment award from SMF to IAH to ORD to DUB for September 2015. The connecting time at IAH had been 1 hour, 35 minutes, but has now been cut to just 40 minutes due to schedule changes. Our flight on Aer Lingus (ORD-DUB) is not until 8pm, and there are about 3 other United flights after ours (IAH-ORD) that likely would still make the connection at ORD.
Should I be concerned at all that the connecting time at IAH is too short, and try to get on the following flight instead? Would United even rebook me? I have no UA status.
Or should I just stay with the current 40-minute connection?
Should I be concerned at all that the connecting time at IAH is too short, and try to get on the following flight instead? Would United even rebook me? I have no UA status.
Or should I just stay with the current 40-minute connection?
Jun 11, 2015, 11:29 pm
#303
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Los Angeles
Programs: UA Plat 2MM. DL Plat, AS MVP
Posts: 12,751
I booked a 3-segment award from SMF to IAH to ORD to DUB for September 2015. The connecting time at IAH had been 1 hour, 35 minutes, but has now been cut to just 40 minutes due to schedule changes. Our flight on Aer Lingus (ORD-DUB) is not until 8pm, and there are about 3 other United flights after ours (IAH-ORD) that likely would still make the connection at ORD.
Should I be concerned at all that the connecting time at IAH is too short, and try to get on the following flight instead? Would United even rebook me? I have no UA status.
Or should I just stay with the current 40-minute connection?
Should I be concerned at all that the connecting time at IAH is too short, and try to get on the following flight instead? Would United even rebook me? I have no UA status.
Or should I just stay with the current 40-minute connection?
Are you in business or economy?
Are you ok if you are delayed a day?
Jun 11, 2015, 11:33 pm
#304
Join Date: Jan 2005
Programs: SQ, QF, UA, CO, DL
Posts: 2,875
I booked a 3-segment award from SMF to IAH to ORD to DUB for September 2015. The connecting time at IAH had been 1 hour, 35 minutes, but has now been cut to just 40 minutes due to schedule changes. Our flight on Aer Lingus (ORD-DUB) is not until 8pm, and there are about 3 other United flights after ours (IAH-ORD) that likely would still make the connection at ORD.
Should I be concerned at all that the connecting time at IAH is too short, and try to get on the following flight instead? Would United even rebook me? I have no UA status.
Or should I just stay with the current 40-minute connection?
Should I be concerned at all that the connecting time at IAH is too short, and try to get on the following flight instead? Would United even rebook me? I have no UA status.
Or should I just stay with the current 40-minute connection?
Jun 11, 2015, 11:36 pm
#305
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Redwood City, CA USA (SFO/SJC)
Programs: 1K 2010, 1P in 2011, Plat for 2012,13,14,15 & 2016. Gold in 17 & 18, Plat since
Posts: 8,824
Doesn't seem like you have anything to worry about, if subsequent flights would still get you there in time. Not sure I see an advantage to rebooking to a later flight; if there are weather issues, having the earlier flight out will likely give you more options. If things really go south, is there a direct SMF-ORD flight that would work?
I looked up SMF-ORD flights; if you're on the 6:30am SMF flight, you've got a ton of options for getting to ORD in time. Way too early to worry about things, I think!
I looked up SMF-ORD flights; if you're on the 6:30am SMF flight, you've got a ton of options for getting to ORD in time. Way too early to worry about things, I think!
Jun 11, 2015, 11:39 pm
#306
Join Date: Feb 2006
Programs: UA, Starwood, Priority Club, Hertz, Starbucks Gold Card
Posts: 3,952
Personally, I prefer a longer connecting time for the international flight, so I would leave the itinerary unchanged as it currently stands, since it's a domestic segment, and also because there are three later flights should you miss it. Have a good trip and safe travels!
Jun 12, 2015, 12:07 am
#307
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Sacramento, CA, US
Posts: 2,229
This is all in economy.
Of course, I would have preferred to be on the direct SMF-ORD flight, rather than the routing via IAH, but saver awards were only available via IAH.
There's plenty of connecting time to the international flight at ORD....4 hours, maybe 4 1/2 now with the adjusted schedule (SMF-IAH operates slightly later than when originally booked...630am SMF departure, rather than 615am; and IAH-ORD is now earlier (1250 vs. 130pm). The only issue is that the connecting time at IAH is now 40 minutes...a bit less than I bargained for!
I guess I will leave things as they are and hope for a 15 minute early arrival in IAH! Hopefully, in case of a missed connection we could still be accommodated on one of the 3 other afternoon UA IAH-ORD flights that arrive before the 8pm Aer Lingus departure from ORD.
Thanks for the input.
Of course, I would have preferred to be on the direct SMF-ORD flight, rather than the routing via IAH, but saver awards were only available via IAH.
There's plenty of connecting time to the international flight at ORD....4 hours, maybe 4 1/2 now with the adjusted schedule (SMF-IAH operates slightly later than when originally booked...630am SMF departure, rather than 615am; and IAH-ORD is now earlier (1250 vs. 130pm). The only issue is that the connecting time at IAH is now 40 minutes...a bit less than I bargained for!
I guess I will leave things as they are and hope for a 15 minute early arrival in IAH! Hopefully, in case of a missed connection we could still be accommodated on one of the 3 other afternoon UA IAH-ORD flights that arrive before the 8pm Aer Lingus departure from ORD.
Thanks for the input.
Jun 12, 2015, 12:09 am
#308
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Los Angeles / Basel
Programs: UA 1K MM, AA EXP, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 26,912
I'd stick with what you have over a later IAH-ORD flight, but if you get the right agent you might get moved to SMF-IAD-DUB...
Jun 12, 2015, 12:18 am
#309
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: LAS HNL
Programs: DL DM, 5.7 MM, UA 3.1 MM, MARRIOTT PLATINUM, AVIS FIRST, Amex Black Card
Posts: 4,479
I would stick with what you have at this time.
Jun 12, 2015, 12:32 am
#310
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 812
I'm pretty sure that UA will be willing to move you to the direct flight due to this schedule change for free. I'm pretty sure they can do this even if there are no saver seats on the direct flight. Can't hurt to ask.
Jun 12, 2015, 12:32 am
#311
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: sba/bur/lax
Programs: ua 1k/*g, ge, hh g, spg/mr plat
Posts: 85
Keep checking on the non-stop flight for saver inventory - every year I book several saver smf-ord tickets in September for family (both biz & economy)...and I usually have to wait until July/Aug to get what I want (occasionally even Sep). Just be patient and persistent - good luck! 
Jun 12, 2015, 12:58 am
#312
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: SAN
Programs: AS MVP 100K, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Lifetime Titanium Elite, UA 1MM,
Posts: 1,707
Way too tight of a connection for my comfort. Here is why:
You are in Y on this award, all things perfect, it will take you about 5 minutes to get off that plane. The distance between gates could be 10 minutes or more depending on your speed of walked. You mentioned "our" so I am assuming there is more than one of you. I know the first flight of the day has the best on-time rating, and I would be less worried if i KNEW that plane would park right next to the next flight to ORD. Only then would I maybe consider this connection. But its unlikely, and you will probably find yourself with less time at IAH than you are comfortable with.
Your IAH-ORD flight will probably be well in to boarding before you get to the gate. Depending on when you arrrive at that gate, can you risk having your carry on bags checked? You might be able to get them short checked to ORD but you will have to wait - a hassle you wont want to have.
Back to the fact that there is more than just you. If the situation gets bad, i.e. your flight is late, do you really want to have the stress of trying to get more than one of you all the way to DUB that day? If I am traveling alone, I get a little riskier than when I am with others. Finding two seats to be rebooked is a lot harder than finding one.
Consider that on the day of travel, unless its a Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday, flights between IAH-ORD will be pretty full.
I may sound conservative here, but when I book, I consider backup plans. You are smart to arrive in to ORD several hours before an international flight. But getting to ORD just has some variables that are too risky for my comfort.
You are in Y on this award, all things perfect, it will take you about 5 minutes to get off that plane. The distance between gates could be 10 minutes or more depending on your speed of walked. You mentioned "our" so I am assuming there is more than one of you. I know the first flight of the day has the best on-time rating, and I would be less worried if i KNEW that plane would park right next to the next flight to ORD. Only then would I maybe consider this connection. But its unlikely, and you will probably find yourself with less time at IAH than you are comfortable with.
Your IAH-ORD flight will probably be well in to boarding before you get to the gate. Depending on when you arrrive at that gate, can you risk having your carry on bags checked? You might be able to get them short checked to ORD but you will have to wait - a hassle you wont want to have.
Back to the fact that there is more than just you. If the situation gets bad, i.e. your flight is late, do you really want to have the stress of trying to get more than one of you all the way to DUB that day? If I am traveling alone, I get a little riskier than when I am with others. Finding two seats to be rebooked is a lot harder than finding one.
Consider that on the day of travel, unless its a Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday, flights between IAH-ORD will be pretty full.
I may sound conservative here, but when I book, I consider backup plans. You are smart to arrive in to ORD several hours before an international flight. But getting to ORD just has some variables that are too risky for my comfort.
Jun 12, 2015, 1:44 am
#313
Join Date: Apr 2003
Programs: UA *G 1MM LT United Club & Global Entry
Posts: 2,756
Call United and tell them you are concerned about the schedule change.
Let them offer a remedy.
Know what is acceptable to you.
Have alternatives available to offer just in case.
If necessary - politely push for an acceptable remedy.
Do not be belligerent as it will be noted on the reservation record.
If necessary - hang up/call back later and speak to a different agent.
While 40 minutes is a tight domestic to domestic connection at IAH it is within the MCT. And while a low probability; my concern would be a checked luggage snafu with a missed connection and changed flights.
SunLover
Let them offer a remedy.
Know what is acceptable to you.
Have alternatives available to offer just in case.
If necessary - politely push for an acceptable remedy.
Do not be belligerent as it will be noted on the reservation record.
If necessary - hang up/call back later and speak to a different agent.
While 40 minutes is a tight domestic to domestic connection at IAH it is within the MCT. And while a low probability; my concern would be a checked luggage snafu with a missed connection and changed flights.
SunLover
Jun 12, 2015, 2:15 am
#314
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: LAS HNL
Programs: DL DM, 5.7 MM, UA 3.1 MM, MARRIOTT PLATINUM, AVIS FIRST, Amex Black Card
Posts: 4,479
This flt is in Sept 2015. If uneasy call and keep calling for a flt change. OP: Do what SunLover said. I am a gambling man and would risk it. I live in LAS, so it is in my blood to take the risk. Kidding.
SunLover is correct - do what he/she said:
Brilliant. Also call around 11pm PST and get an agent in Hawaii. I do not know if this works without status? It works for me.
Ahoha and safe travels to the OP. I am sure it will work out.
SunLover is correct - do what he/she said:
Call United and tell them you are concerned about the schedule change.
Let them offer a remedy.
Know what is acceptable to you.
Have alternatives available to offer just in case.
If necessary - politely push for an acceptable remedy.
Do not be belligerent as it will be noted on the reservation record.
If necessary - hang up/call back later and speak to a different agent.
Let them offer a remedy.
Know what is acceptable to you.
Have alternatives available to offer just in case.
If necessary - politely push for an acceptable remedy.
Do not be belligerent as it will be noted on the reservation record.
If necessary - hang up/call back later and speak to a different agent.
Ahoha and safe travels to the OP. I am sure it will work out.
Jun 14, 2015, 12:00 am
#315
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: PHX SLC PVG TPE COK
Programs: UA Platinum. 1MM IHG Platinum. National EE. Hertz PC
Posts: 56
Hi, still hoping to work this out. My goal is to end up in a class that will allow a GPU.
Background: I was on #890 7/16 which was cancelled. I was automatically rebooked to #836 but had them switch me to #199 because I need something later.
#199 is now showing availability only in M and above. I was rebooked into K and am not sure how as there was 0 K availability at the time of rebooking. Could anyone suggest a plan to get in under M?
Thanks.
Background: I was on #890 7/16 which was cancelled. I was automatically rebooked to #836 but had them switch me to #199 because I need something later.
#199 is now showing availability only in M and above. I was rebooked into K and am not sure how as there was 0 K availability at the time of rebooking. Could anyone suggest a plan to get in under M?
Thanks.
