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 6, 2023, 1:48 pm
#31
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One tactic I have used before on further out dates is to book the tightest allowable connection in economy for the domestic segment. When the connection goes illegal due to a schedule change you can typically ask to be put on the non-stop in overwater cabin segment. Doesn't always work of course.
Feb 6, 2023, 2:51 pm
#32
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I was trying to find a business saver award for this summer for 4 people and there are basically zero flights available. Quite disappointing. I tried looking basically everywhere, then use the excursionist perk to get to my final destination (which is still unknown for certain but that can be done later)
I found some flights for saver awards to Zurich in business with Luftansa connecting in Munich. When I go to find a direct flight to Munich, the saver awards are no longer available. Should I call United to book?
Also - would I have better luck using Aeroplan versus the United website?
I found some flights for saver awards to Zurich in business with Luftansa connecting in Munich. When I go to find a direct flight to Munich, the saver awards are no longer available. Should I call United to book?
Also - would I have better luck using Aeroplan versus the United website?
Pre covid, one could always expect some fares to be available months in advance and/or at least have inventory open up the week you want to travel.
No more.
Feb 6, 2023, 3:15 pm
#33
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The problem is you can't count on a late release, it's really luck of the draw, and 4 seats is particularly challenging.
Also, the notion that carriers regularly release "choice award inventory" at some date far in advance is simply not true for most carriers any longer, and it is absolutely not true for UA. It's not uncommon for UA to release I/IN only close to departure, if ever.
The main reason to start looking early is that you increase what are not great odds to begin with simply by expanding the period in which award inventory may be released.
Feb 6, 2023, 3:34 pm
#34
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A 3 year old alone in a business seat and a one year old as a lap child could be......interesting. A better strategy might be to get one business seat for the person on primary child care duty once you get there. Then 4 E+ seats in a row where the arm rests can be raised. Even if you got 4 business tickets, good luck on seats.
Feb 6, 2023, 5:22 pm
#35
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Inventory simply does not work like you're describing. It is rebalanced all the time. Flights will open award inventory on one day and the close it again the next day without anyone "snapping anything up." In fact, the vast, vast majority of travelers have never booked a flight 11 months ahead of time.
Feb 6, 2023, 10:36 pm
#36
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Inventory simply does not work like you're describing. It is rebalanced all the time. Flights will open award inventory on one day and the close it again the next day without anyone "snapping anything up." In fact, the vast, vast majority of travelers have never booked a flight 11 months ahead of time.
Feb 7, 2023, 12:09 am
#37
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Feb 7, 2023, 5:22 am
#38
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Yes-it's on the Early Bird from IAD flight which arrives LHR in the evening. I personally prefer this flight as you can get to the hotel and get a good night's sleep. Apparently most people prefer overnight flights to Europe and spending the arrival day as zombies. Unfortunately this flight would require most connecting pax to arrive at IAD the night before the flight since it departs at 8:30am.
Feb 7, 2023, 6:55 am
#39
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Yes-it's on the Early Bird from IAD flight which arrives LHR in the evening. I personally prefer this flight as you can get to the hotel and get a good night's sleep. Apparently most people prefer overnight flights to Europe and spending the arrival day as zombies. Unfortunately this flight would require most connecting pax to arrive at IAD the night before the flight since it departs at 8:30am.
Feb 7, 2023, 7:36 am
#40
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Feb 7, 2023, 7:44 am
#41
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Feb 7, 2023, 7:53 am
#42
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Feb 7, 2023, 9:14 am
#44
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So, sure, if you know where you need to be 330 days before you need to be there, it doesn't hurt to check, and book something if you have the miles and see a good deal.
Feb 7, 2023, 9:25 am
#45
Join Date: Jul 2022
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The other problem compounding these outdated assumptions for UA is that some airlines (ANA, anyone?) do release partner-level business flights on a schedule