Jan 29, 2017, 11:59 am
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
Years ago, there was a pattern of release award space at begin-of-schedule, some 330+ before travel. That is not longer the default situation. There may be some released at that time and a few weeks later but just as common for airlines to wait to see how the flight is selling versus historical data. Then if sales are falling behind, they may release some seats. If sold seats are on historical trends or better, the likelihood of awards space is less. Some airlines are more sophisticated than others and some like UA for their flights tend to hold onto space until closer to departure.
So in summary, predictable patterns are few and award space is getting harder to find.
Business award space for some routes can be nearly impossible to find and generally is never easy. BUT it can happen with some flexibility and perseverance.
A couple of suggestions for finding space
== Avoid peak travel periods -- seasons, days --- midweek tends to be better than weekends, be flexiable -- fixed dates are a killer
== Look early, look late, look all the time
== Partner space tends to be more available than UA space for international flights
== For those not starting at a hub, first look for "gateway" non-stop space to Europe or Asia. Find the long haul flight possibilities first and then build from there (or separate ticket to the gateway -- with plenty of buffer time)
What does "Advance seat assignments are restricted for this flight" mean?
What time (and time zone), how many days out does UA release awards for booking?
Previous Thread -- United Saver Award/Upgrade Inventory (& partners) - when is it released? [Archive]
So in summary, predictable patterns are few and award space is getting harder to find.
Business award space for some routes can be nearly impossible to find and generally is never easy. BUT it can happen with some flexibility and perseverance.
A couple of suggestions for finding space
== Avoid peak travel periods -- seasons, days --- midweek tends to be better than weekends, be flexiable -- fixed dates are a killer
== Look early, look late, look all the time
== Partner space tends to be more available than UA space for international flights
== For those not starting at a hub, first look for "gateway" non-stop space to Europe or Asia. Find the long haul flight possibilities first and then build from there (or separate ticket to the gateway -- with plenty of buffer time)
What does "Advance seat assignments are restricted for this flight" mean?
What time (and time zone), how many days out does UA release awards for booking?
Previous Thread -- United Saver Award/Upgrade Inventory (& partners) - when is it released? [Archive]
UA Saver Award/Upgrade Inventory (& partners)-when is it released? Ever any business?
Feb 5, 2023, 4:09 pm
#16
Join Date: Feb 2023
Posts: 21
Thanks all for the input. I did a trip to Istanbul and Paris in business last year in November and it was very simple. This year, not so much!!
im flying out of ORD and would like to end up either in spain, Italy, or the Balkans. This is not my first rodeo of course, been to many places all over the world and haven’t paid for an overseas flight in over 12 years!!
I did see 4 business flight out of BCN for 90k a piece, perhaps I will snag them!
im flying out of ORD and would like to end up either in spain, Italy, or the Balkans. This is not my first rodeo of course, been to many places all over the world and haven’t paid for an overseas flight in over 12 years!!
I did see 4 business flight out of BCN for 90k a piece, perhaps I will snag them!
Feb 5, 2023, 6:41 pm
#19
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,406
BTW, your initial assertion that the excursionist perk can be "done later" is perilous. If all of your flights are UA-operated, that might be true (but you'll probably need to book the outbound and return simultaneously). If there are any partner flights, you may need current inventory on those flights when you look to add the ExPerk. You should be prepared to need to pay for your intra-Europe flight(s) separately.
Feb 5, 2023, 7:28 pm
#20
Join Date: Feb 2023
Posts: 21
I agree about the excursionist perk. I’m going to nail down where I want to go this week, it will help with making the flights easier as I didn’t realize how common these married award flights are.
I really don’t mind a coach seat for 8-10 hours, 16 is a different story haha. We have two kids (1 and 3) so I just want them to sleep all night. Also bringing my mom so that’s the 4th seat
I really don’t mind a coach seat for 8-10 hours, 16 is a different story haha. We have two kids (1 and 3) so I just want them to sleep all night. Also bringing my mom so that’s the 4th seat
Feb 5, 2023, 7:34 pm
#21
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Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 57,595
Feb 5, 2023, 8:20 pm
#22
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And that’s the conundrum - a lot of travelers want to have the business seats in hand long before that (instead of redeeming for a lesser cabin and hope something opens). Definitely a reason to book one-way awards.
Feb 6, 2023, 6:48 am
#24
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: SFO
Programs: Marriott LT Plat; WoH Exp; AS Gold; AA Plat
Posts: 369
I agree about the excursionist perk. I’m going to nail down where I want to go this week, it will help with making the flights easier as I didn’t realize how common these married award flights are.
I really don’t mind a coach seat for 8-10 hours, 16 is a different story haha. We have two kids (1 and 3) so I just want them to sleep all night. Also bringing my mom so that’s the 4th seat
I really don’t mind a coach seat for 8-10 hours, 16 is a different story haha. We have two kids (1 and 3) so I just want them to sleep all night. Also bringing my mom so that’s the 4th seat
Feb 6, 2023, 9:02 am
#25
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: SF Bay Area
Programs: None - previously UA
Posts: 4,864
While I agree that saver award seat releases are as likely to happen in any month ahead of planned travel except for the final month which is probably the most likely, ignoring seasonal variations, new route introductions & aircraft size changes. There are some other factors to consider: 1.There are typically less people searching for awards further out meaning they stick around for a bit longer. 2. Starting your search earlier maximizes the chances of finding something.
Feb 6, 2023, 9:32 am
#26
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Join Date: Apr 2013
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Overall I agree, and would add that most of my award booking successes have happened well in advance.
Feb 6, 2023, 10:00 am
#27
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Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BOS/EAP
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I booked my xmas TATL award flights 12/19 --> 1/2 last Friday. For peak demand time you need to book early and as soon as you see seats.
Feb 6, 2023, 10:10 am
#28
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Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: GVA (Greater Vancouver Area)
Programs: DREAD Gold; UA 1.035MM; Bonvoy Au-197; PCC Elite+; CCC Elite+; MSC C-12; CWC Au-197; WoH Dis
Posts: 52,140
You're booking way too late to expect any award inventory.
Not at all. It's extremely rare for airlines to add choice award inventory once it's been snapped up.
Not at all. It's extremely rare for airlines to add choice award inventory once it's been snapped up.
Feb 6, 2023, 12:43 pm
#29
Join Date: Aug 2016
Programs: Avios
Posts: 438
United has very good saver J availability now to LHR but only out of IAD and EWR, You will have to get to those cities on your own dime as connecting cities will cost much more than the 60K they are charging . I booked a few tickets last week
Feb 6, 2023, 1:01 pm
#30
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Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 57,595
While I always try to book early when using miles because the chance of finding saver is better, the last two times I booked saver (in 2019 and 2021), I found much cheaper J saver fares inside of 5 days before departure. UA gladly let me exchange my flights and redeposited my miles.