Last edit by: WineCountryUA
For those wanting a extra seat for
It is booked like an additional passenger on your PNR but when you check in and when BP is scanned at the gate - both you and the "EXTRASEAT" are properly handled. Requires an agent to book and can not be done online. (This may have changed)
This concept is valid for either paid or award tickets.
Since the "EXTRASEAT" and you are on the same PNR, they both need to be of the same type -- no mixing award and paid. Likewise the same cabin.
You will get the RDMs (no elite bonus) for the "EXTRASEAT" but no extraPQMs & PQD PQPs?
You will also get the additional standard baggage allowance for the EXTRASEAT but no extra carryon.
Can be upgraded per Upgraded my extra seat.
Other methods one might think of but don't work --
Caution: There is a chance a GA or FA will try to fill the empty seat with a standby passenger. Best to inform the GA of the "EXTRASEAT" prior to boarding.
- Person of Size
- Extra space to be less cramped
- Space for large musical instrument / artwork
It is booked like an additional passenger on your PNR but when you check in and when BP is scanned at the gate - both you and the "EXTRASEAT" are properly handled. Requires an agent to book and can not be done online. (This may have changed)
Since the "EXTRASEAT" and you are on the same PNR, they both need to be of the same type -- no mixing award and paid. Likewise the same cabin.
You will get the RDMs (no elite bonus) for the "EXTRASEAT" but no extra
If you buy a second seat on United or United Express®, you are eligible to earn award miles equal to the number of base miles for the flight. Members are not entitled to Premier® qualifying earnings and associated Premier benefits on the extra ticket purchased.
Can be upgraded per Upgraded my extra seat.
Other methods one might think of but don't work --
- Book and assign the desired seat but be a "no show" -- No show ticket will be canceled and seat is likely to be assigned to another passenger
- Book and assign the desired seat and try to scan both BPs -- generally, agents will not allow this, it is against UA policy.
Caution: There is a chance a GA or FA will try to fill the empty seat with a standby passenger. Best to inform the GA of the "EXTRASEAT" prior to boarding.
How to buy an extra seat? "EXTRASEAT" for paid or award flights
#31
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 29
Some Clarifications...
I have done this as recently June 2013 on an international flight. Two separate PNRs in my case. My award seat plus SEAT/EXSTMS and my traveling companion had an award seat. We are both 1Ks.
I chose my aisle and SEAT/EXSTMS middle and he chose the window seat. The SEAT/EXSTMS had to be booked over the phone. I booked my award seat first and added the extra seat later.
If all of the miles are coming out of one account, you could do it in one PNR.
I chose my aisle and SEAT/EXSTMS middle and he chose the window seat. The SEAT/EXSTMS had to be booked over the phone. I booked my award seat first and added the extra seat later.
If all of the miles are coming out of one account, you could do it in one PNR.
The miles are coming out of my account, and yes I want to book the middle seat as an SEAT/EXTMS using miles. While not biz class, certainly better than 2 E+ seats for 12+ hours.
I know I would have to use an agent and pay the extra fee.
I really wanted feedback:
a) If you could do this with award miles.
b) Anyone with experience to make sure there are no last minute, oh an empty seat in E+, let's put someone in it...gate agent SNAFU.
c) Anyone who has actually done this
Thanks for the feedback and information...
#33
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Last edited by WineCountryUA; Mar 17, 2016 at 2:50 pm Reason: cleanup after merge
#34
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: MRY
Programs: UA Silver
Posts: 28
You've asked an interesting question. You can certainly buy three seats for two people if you pay for them. You have to do it by phone, but it's quite permissible. Can you buy three seats with miles? Call them and ask.
#36
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Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: BOS, PVG
Programs: United 1K and 1MM, Marriott Ambassador
Posts: 10,000
A question:
I'm booked SIN-NRT in Y, waitlisted with GPU.
I fear that the GPU may not clear. SIN-NRT is 7 hour flight and I don't feel like sitting in Y.
Can I book a saver F award in case the GPU doesn't clear?
I'm booked SIN-NRT in Y, waitlisted with GPU.
I fear that the GPU may not clear. SIN-NRT is 7 hour flight and I don't feel like sitting in Y.
Can I book a saver F award in case the GPU doesn't clear?
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Mar 17, 2016 at 2:51 pm Reason: cleanup after merge
#37
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I'd be concerned that seat assignment changes would result in two seats together for the designated passenger with the other passenger sitting separately.
#38
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Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 14,884
Ah my bad, I read UA Gold. Thanks for catching *G...
Paying for E+ and then cancelling the unused mileage ticket 12 minutes prior to takeoff then creates one additional step to request the E+ refund on the cancelled ticket, unless EXTRASEAT is allowed to stand and the ticket is considered used.
Paying for E+ and then cancelling the unused mileage ticket 12 minutes prior to takeoff then creates one additional step to request the E+ refund on the cancelled ticket, unless EXTRASEAT is allowed to stand and the ticket is considered used.
#39
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That's possible, one imagines - but a relatively unlikely event. I haven't had a switched seat this year (49 segments).
#40
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: MRY
Programs: UA Silver
Posts: 28
We have never had a problem.
#41
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: ATL
Programs: UA 3.6 MM, Marriott Lifetime Plat
Posts: 2,582
Three Economy Seats in a Row on a 777
I am on a 777 with absolutely no chance of an upgrade or even buying a seat in business class.
I have an aisle seat in economy and the two seats next to it (the center and the window) are empty.
How can I buy with cash or redeem miles so that i can secure those two other seats? I assume UA would allow this. I would like to use these seats as my "lie flat bed" on the flight? I assume that there is no problem with the arm rests going and staying upgright. Have never done this before so any advice would help!
I have an aisle seat in economy and the two seats next to it (the center and the window) are empty.
How can I buy with cash or redeem miles so that i can secure those two other seats? I assume UA would allow this. I would like to use these seats as my "lie flat bed" on the flight? I assume that there is no problem with the arm rests going and staying upgright. Have never done this before so any advice would help!
#42
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: UA 1K 1MM, AA, DL
Posts: 7,418
You can buy an extra seat just like a passenger of size, although I'm not sure you can buy two. Also, you only have about 60", or less, so you can't really lie flat.
Not sure how miles will help - you'd be buying another ticket that you won't be able to use, which will become clear when you check in. Although I suppose you could book the ticket and then cancel shortly before the flight and hope the seat doesn't get filled.
Not sure how miles will help - you'd be buying another ticket that you won't be able to use, which will become clear when you check in. Although I suppose you could book the ticket and then cancel shortly before the flight and hope the seat doesn't get filled.
#43
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EXTRASEAT process is the only way to reliably to do this -- it allows one person to book two adjacent seats. I know of not way to do three for one person. he problem of purchasing extraseat independently is at boarding UA will not scan multiple BPs for the same person and therefore the seat assignment will be lost.
#44
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: ORD
Programs: United Plat 2MM, Hilton Gold
Posts: 2,727
You don't say where you are going, but if you have miles for two Y seats, you may very well have miles for a C seat. You cannot, however, travel on both revenue and miles on the same flight.
Sleeping 5 across on a 777 is nice. Sleeping 3 across on a 737 is less nice. It's hard to squeeze in and it's harder to get a seat belt around you. (Ask for an extender and use the belts from adjacent seats)
Sleeping 5 across on a 777 is nice. Sleeping 3 across on a 737 is less nice. It's hard to squeeze in and it's harder to get a seat belt around you. (Ask for an extender and use the belts from adjacent seats)
#45
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: SEA
Programs: AS MVP Gold75K
Posts: 850
I am on a 777 with absolutely no chance of an upgrade or even buying a seat in business class.
I have an aisle seat in economy and the two seats next to it (the center and the window) are empty.
How can I buy with cash or redeem miles so that i can secure those two other seats? I assume UA would allow this. I would like to use these seats as my "lie flat bed" on the flight? I assume that there is no problem with the arm rests going and staying upgright. Have never done this before so any advice would help!
I have an aisle seat in economy and the two seats next to it (the center and the window) are empty.
How can I buy with cash or redeem miles so that i can secure those two other seats? I assume UA would allow this. I would like to use these seats as my "lie flat bed" on the flight? I assume that there is no problem with the arm rests going and staying upgright. Have never done this before so any advice would help!