Dec 27, 2016, 9:23 pm
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
United's Announcement and FAQ
Kacee's Interpretation
Main Impact Since October 6
Useful Links
This is an archive thread, the active thread is Award booking questions/ issues/ routing/ excursionist problems / help
Kacee's Interpretation
Main Impact Since October 6
- Fee Changes such as platinum members are subject to various award fees
- No more free stopover - replaced with Excursionist Perk
- Agents no longer have the ability to find routings that do not show up on united.com
- Manually constructing trips using multi-city search results in multiple award fares being charged
- Changing any segment MIGHT require current availability for all existing Os&Ds in the PNR (as if a brand new booking is made) - YMMV
- Singapore Airlines segments are priced separately (add-ons)
Useful Links
This is an archive thread, the active thread is Award booking questions/ issues/ routing/ excursionist problems / help
UA award booking,change questions/fees/issues/routing/excursionist problems {Archive}
Apr 5, 2017, 4:55 am
#1411
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: The Netherlands
Posts: 47
Quick question about awards:
Is it allowed to transit in a second region when your travel originates and ends in the same region? For example travelling inside Europe but transiting in the middle east.
Is it allowed to transit in a second region when your travel originates and ends in the same region? For example travelling inside Europe but transiting in the middle east.
Apr 5, 2017, 9:03 am
#1412
Moderator, Hertz; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: KRK
Programs: UA 1MM, BA GGL, Hyatt Glob, Hilton Diamond and others
Posts: 12,689
Apr 5, 2017, 9:39 am
#1413
Ambassador: Alaska Airlines
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: BWI
Posts: 7,390
One more question - ever since UA came up with the new so-claimed more flexible multi-city option I have been noticing some routings despite having availability will not show up in a straightforward search, but if we do multi-city it drives up the price of the award.
For example - Europe to US... Say both ZRH and VIE have availability to IAD. So when doing the search like this:
XXX-PIT - I can only see the ZRH connection option on LX via IAD but if I search XXX-IAD it shows both LX option via ZRH or OS option via VIE.
Why can't I get them to show the VIE option? I can't imagine PIT having a more stringent MPM limits than IAD for EU-US.
For example - Europe to US... Say both ZRH and VIE have availability to IAD. So when doing the search like this:
XXX-PIT - I can only see the ZRH connection option on LX via IAD but if I search XXX-IAD it shows both LX option via ZRH or OS option via VIE.
Why can't I get them to show the VIE option? I can't imagine PIT having a more stringent MPM limits than IAD for EU-US.
At least from what I am hearing, AC has really improved their C product in the past few years and aside from fifth freedom flights it seems that they are probably one of the better US-EU carriers in J.
Last edited by golfingboy; Apr 5, 2017 at 9:47 am
Apr 5, 2017, 10:56 am
#1414
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Hawai'i Nei
Programs: Au: UA, Marriott, Hilton; GE
Posts: 7,125
We had a great (at least as great as can be expected) 13-hour flight in an AC 787. Would take one again anytime.
Apr 5, 2017, 1:05 pm
#1415
Join Date: Feb 2017
Programs: United MileagePlus Gold
Posts: 58
I hope this is the right thread to post this in. If not, my apologies.
I'm trying to understand the process for using MileagePlus miles on Star Alliance Partners. I can see that some of them are visible via a search through United (for example, there are plenty of ANA IAD->NRT flights available) but many aren't. From doing some basic research, it sounds like you have to go to other airlines to search for their Star Alliance award flights, and that booking them requires a call to United.
I find it easier to work with examples. See the attached Star Alliance award flight I found from IAD->SYD RT with mostly ANA and one Air China leg. Through the ANA site, it's quoting 120k miles plus $323.24. Does that mean I can call United and get them to book that same itinerary for 120k MP miles? Does it vary by airline? Or am I getting it all wrong in terms of how it works? Must I have a certain amount of United legs/miles in order to book through them? Can I book directly through ANA and use MP?
Sorry - I know this is a broad question. It's probably already answered in bits and pieces but I would appreciate a coherent summary of how all of this works. Apologies for my lack of clue.
I'm trying to understand the process for using MileagePlus miles on Star Alliance Partners. I can see that some of them are visible via a search through United (for example, there are plenty of ANA IAD->NRT flights available) but many aren't. From doing some basic research, it sounds like you have to go to other airlines to search for their Star Alliance award flights, and that booking them requires a call to United.
I find it easier to work with examples. See the attached Star Alliance award flight I found from IAD->SYD RT with mostly ANA and one Air China leg. Through the ANA site, it's quoting 120k miles plus $323.24. Does that mean I can call United and get them to book that same itinerary for 120k MP miles? Does it vary by airline? Or am I getting it all wrong in terms of how it works? Must I have a certain amount of United legs/miles in order to book through them? Can I book directly through ANA and use MP?
Sorry - I know this is a broad question. It's probably already answered in bits and pieces but I would appreciate a coherent summary of how all of this works. Apologies for my lack of clue.
Apr 5, 2017, 1:39 pm
#1416
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Between AUS, EWR, and YTO In a little twisty maze of airline seats, all alike.. but I wanna go home with the armadillo
Programs: CO, NW, & UA forum moderator emeritus
Posts: 35,363
I hope this is the right thread to post this in. If not, my apologies.
I'm trying to understand the process for using MileagePlus miles on Star Alliance Partners. I can see that some of them are visible via a search through United (for example, there are plenty of ANA IAD->NRT flights available) but many aren't. From doing some basic research, it sounds like you have to go to other airlines to search for their Star Alliance award flights, and that booking them requires a call to United.
I find it easier to work with examples. See the attached Star Alliance award flight I found from IAD->SYD RT with mostly ANA and one Air China leg. Through the ANA site, it's quoting 120k miles plus $323.24. Does that mean I can call United and get them to book that same itinerary for 120k MP miles? Does it vary by airline? Or am I getting it all wrong in terms of how it works? Must I have a certain amount of United legs/miles in order to book through them? Can I book directly through ANA and use MP?
Sorry - I know this is a broad question. It's probably already answered in bits and pieces but I would appreciate a coherent summary of how all of this works. Apologies for my lack of clue.
I'm trying to understand the process for using MileagePlus miles on Star Alliance Partners. I can see that some of them are visible via a search through United (for example, there are plenty of ANA IAD->NRT flights available) but many aren't. From doing some basic research, it sounds like you have to go to other airlines to search for their Star Alliance award flights, and that booking them requires a call to United.
I find it easier to work with examples. See the attached Star Alliance award flight I found from IAD->SYD RT with mostly ANA and one Air China leg. Through the ANA site, it's quoting 120k miles plus $323.24. Does that mean I can call United and get them to book that same itinerary for 120k MP miles? Does it vary by airline? Or am I getting it all wrong in terms of how it works? Must I have a certain amount of United legs/miles in order to book through them? Can I book directly through ANA and use MP?
Sorry - I know this is a broad question. It's probably already answered in bits and pieces but I would appreciate a coherent summary of how all of this works. Apologies for my lack of clue.
t the same as UA requirements. UA has been pretty good about removing the rules and redemption rates. It also charges more for booking forward cabin space on on its partners than for booking forward cabin space on UA. I'd suggest trying to price this out on the UA site or simply calling and asking a UA representative.
Apr 5, 2017, 1:43 pm
#1417
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,337
ANA mileage requirements are nt the same as UA requirements. UA has been pretty good about removing the rules and redemption rates. It also charges more for booking forward cabin space on on its partners than for booking forward cabin space on UA. I'd suggest trying to price this out on the UA site or simply calling and asking a UA representative.
t the same as UA requirements. UA has been pretty good about removing the rules and redemption rates. It also charges more for booking forward cabin space on on its partners than for booking forward cabin space on UA. I'd suggest trying to price this out on the UA site or simply calling and asking a UA representative.
Apr 5, 2017, 2:11 pm
#1418
Ambassador: Alaska Airlines
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: BWI
Posts: 7,390
I am on the 77W so it has the new B/E super diamond seats. I would have probably avoided AC if it is on an A330 or B767 as it has the original coffin style herringbone seats.
Apr 5, 2017, 2:15 pm
#1419
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,399
The sole exception is for flights operated by SQ, which are not visible on the United website.
Apr 5, 2017, 3:05 pm
#1420
Join Date: Feb 2017
Programs: United MileagePlus Gold
Posts: 58
Thanks, all.
I figured out what I was doing wrong. ANA's site does a good job of putting Star Alliance award fares together. United's doesn't. United won't show that itinerary, but I can book the same flights as long as I do it multi-city. So using ANA's site is a good way to discover itineraries.
It's a bit depressing how vast the gap between award cost seems to be. ANA wants 85k miles for an IAD->HKG RT. It's 230k miles via United. Is that difference fairly standard?
Edit: If I book it as two separate one ways, it's down to 160k miles. Narrowing the gap.
I figured out what I was doing wrong. ANA's site does a good job of putting Star Alliance award fares together. United's doesn't. United won't show that itinerary, but I can book the same flights as long as I do it multi-city. So using ANA's site is a good way to discover itineraries.
It's a bit depressing how vast the gap between award cost seems to be. ANA wants 85k miles for an IAD->HKG RT. It's 230k miles via United. Is that difference fairly standard?
Edit: If I book it as two separate one ways, it's down to 160k miles. Narrowing the gap.
Last edited by saltydog75; Apr 5, 2017 at 3:11 pm
Apr 5, 2017, 3:14 pm
#1421
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,337
Thanks, all.
I figured out what I was doing wrong. ANA's site does a good job of putting Star Alliance award fares together. United's doesn't. United won't show that itinerary, but I can book the same flights as long as I do it multi-city. So using ANA's site is a good way to discover itineraries.
It's a bit depressing how vast the gap between award cost seems to be. ANA wants 85k miles for an IAD->HKG RT. It's 230k miles via United. Is that difference fairly standard?
I figured out what I was doing wrong. ANA's site does a good job of putting Star Alliance award fares together. United's doesn't. United won't show that itinerary, but I can book the same flights as long as I do it multi-city. So using ANA's site is a good way to discover itineraries.
It's a bit depressing how vast the gap between award cost seems to be. ANA wants 85k miles for an IAD->HKG RT. It's 230k miles via United. Is that difference fairly standard?
North America to South Asia, roundtrip, using ANA metal from IAD to NRT, and assuming saver availability on any UA segments, should be 80K in coach, 160K in business, and 260K in first.
Apr 5, 2017, 3:37 pm
#1422
Join Date: Feb 2017
Programs: United MileagePlus Gold
Posts: 58
Yep - just tried an IAD->SIN via NRT RT and it's 160k. I guess the difference is in copay. ANA wants 100k miles and $522.03. United wants 160k miles but only $74.56.
Thanks for the help, everyone. This site is awesome.
Thanks for the help, everyone. This site is awesome.
Apr 5, 2017, 7:09 pm
#1423
Join Date: Jun 2016
Posts: 33
Question... if I book an economy saver award and business saver opens at a later date, can I "buy (point) up"?
Thanks!
Thanks!
Apr 5, 2017, 8:35 pm
#1424
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.99MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,731
The "maybe" is because the circumstances of the rest of the ticket might create problems. But a simple single segment award can be "up-cabined."
Apr 7, 2017, 4:56 pm
#1425
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 4
I eventually was able to book it by just calling again. Another agent was able to book the ticket for me without any charge.
