Feb 22, 2017, 12:57 pm
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
Active thread Consolidated "Waitlist for Award Seats Questions/Issues"
Waitilisting for awards
Click for the current rules from United
Member experiences:
At the airport if you have not yet cleared:
Note: The correct priority term here may in fact be a code that is one of WAI, WBI, WCI, or WDI depending on status. The is per GG ONESTANDBY lines 32-55.
Note: PR-1 status is given to those who "paid" the requisite miles for an upgraded seat (i.e. biz) when only the non-upgraded space (i.e. coach) was available. The PR-1 status is to clue the system (and agents) in so that it is clear that you have been "displaced." (NOTE: once you have obtained PR-1 status, should there be any change to your ticket, e.g., an involuntary reroute by UA due to missing a connection, the PR-1 status will most likely get dropped and you must have it reattached (esp. before any UGs are given to others).
Unfortunately at T-24, many GAs do not get this concept. Use the above to plead your case but be prepared to be unsatisfied. One method that can get you to a higher level of understanding is the UC. Their staff seem to not only have a better understanding of the issues, but they can contact the gate and exert some influence on the less informed GAs, AND they seem to have more of an interest in helping PAX. If you can get into the UC, it will be worth your while.
**Note: If you get the UG on the long haul, the higher level of award miles you are using (like with the GPU) are considered used up regardless of the short haul. You will not be charged the lower level # of miles (i.e. refunded the diff between the lower level and the higher level you paid in advance), rather the higher level award miles will be considered spent. That is the risk you take when you do Plan B.
Waitilisting for awards
Click for the current rules from United
From the above link:You may redeem miles for travel in United Global First, United First, United Business or United BusinessFirst, even if the space is not available. In these cases, United Economy in the same award type must be confirmed, and the front cabin will be waitlisted. If the courtesy waitlist does not clear, it will expire 24 hours before itinerary departure, and you will automatically be added to the airport upgrade standby list upon check-in. In these cases, you will be confirmed on a space-available basis by a United airport representative at the gate once the flight has closed for check-in. For United BusinessFirst and United Business travel awards, the difference in miles will be refunded when the United BusinessFirst or United Business class segment of the trip could not be confirmed. Waitlist requests may only be made over the phone with your local United Customer Contact Center.
- You must have a confirmed segment to wait list for different cabin and/or a different flight.
- Can only waitlist for UA/UX operated flight, cannot waitlist for partner flights. Can waitlist for UA/UX flights on a mixed itin.
- Maximum number of WL segments in a PNR is 2.
- When confirmed segment is on a partner, you can waitlist for UA operated alternative.A report of being refused waitlisting for Economy{mixed reports - need further confirmation/clarification}.
At the airport if you have not yet cleared:
Note: The correct priority term here may in fact be a code that is one of WAI, WBI, WCI, or WDI depending on status. The is per GG ONESTANDBY lines 32-55.
The agent should give you “PR-1 status” which gives you top-priority status and moves you to the very top of the upgrade standby list, ahead of employees and everyone else trying to upgrade with miles+cash. If one agent won’t put you on the list as a displaced Business class passenger with PR-1 status then find another one who will. With this status the odds of you getting a business class are very high if there are still open seats (or if anybody no-shows).
If the agents in the airport are all clueless you should direct them to look
up “gg onestandby” in their system (they’ll know exactly what this is)
and look around lines 85-89 which spell out the details of the procedure for
this award.
If the agents in the airport are all clueless you should direct them to look
up “gg onestandby” in their system (they’ll know exactly what this is)
and look around lines 85-89 which spell out the details of the procedure for
this award.
Unfortunately at T-24, many GAs do not get this concept. Use the above to plead your case but be prepared to be unsatisfied. One method that can get you to a higher level of understanding is the UC. Their staff seem to not only have a better understanding of the issues, but they can contact the gate and exert some influence on the less informed GAs, AND they seem to have more of an interest in helping PAX. If you can get into the UC, it will be worth your while.
**Note: If you get the UG on the long haul, the higher level of award miles you are using (like with the GPU) are considered used up regardless of the short haul. You will not be charged the lower level # of miles (i.e. refunded the diff between the lower level and the higher level you paid in advance), rather the higher level award miles will be considered spent. That is the risk you take when you do Plan B.
Consolidated "Waitlist for Award Seats Questions/Issues [ARCHIVE]
Jan 20, 2014, 5:15 pm
#166
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: Australia
Posts: 2,814
Changes were listed on my reservation.
Jan 22, 2014, 11:45 am
#167
Moderator: Smoking Lounge; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: SFO
Programs: Lifetime (for now) Gold MM, HH Gold, Giving Tootsie Pops to UA employees, & a retired hockey goalie
Posts: 28,878
Originally Posted by goalie
I think I have it right but here goes.....
Waitlist to:
CDG-EWR (UA) and only std award is available as of now
EWR-FLL (UA and currently on this flight)
So if yes, any "special words" to mention to the agent when I call in?
Thanks as always
Waitlist to:
CDG-EWR (UA) and only std award is available as of now
EWR-FLL (UA and currently on this flight)
So if yes, any "special words" to mention to the agent when I call in?
Thanks as always
Changes were listed on my reservation.
How late could the wailtist for the n/s CDG-EWR clear as the reason I ask is that their scheduled flight departs CDG to FRA at 10:45am and the waitlisted UA flight CDG-EWR departs at 9:25am and I'm wondering if it might be advisable that if after checking in on-line with LH to stop at the UA counter at CDG "just in case" (or not check-in on-line with LH and then stop by UA before heading over to the LH counter to check-in)
Jan 22, 2014, 4:40 pm
#168
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: London
Programs: UA GS
Posts: 2,438
If and when a waitlisted segment clears, in particular on a more direct routing, what happens to the other segments you were confirmed on? Do they automatically drop off or do you need to call in to get the ticket reissued with the new routing?
Can you waitlist for part of a multi-segment trip, for example if you have AAA-BBB-CCC-DDD-EEE, can you waitlist for AAA-CCC and keep the rest to DDD-EEE?
Can you waitlist for part of a multi-segment trip, for example if you have AAA-BBB-CCC-DDD-EEE, can you waitlist for AAA-CCC and keep the rest to DDD-EEE?
Jan 30, 2014, 6:57 pm
#170
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 45
I am speechless about what just happened to me.
I just recently found this thread, and decided to waitlist a flight in the hope that it will not reprice after Feb. 1st. The original itinerary was RNO-SFO-ORD-FRA-OTP with ORD-FRA in UA Global First. I decided to waitlist SFO-FRA in UA Global First as well, and I did that by using the United Click-to-Call service this morning. 6 hours later I received an email that the waitlist has cleared, I called and had the reservation re-ticketed (and without any change fees).
How is this possible, to have the waitlisted segment (in O, not in ON) clear in several hours? I checked before calling, and the United website didn't show an award availability when searching for an award. Did the system just opened availability for us (we are talking about 3 award tickets)? I have no status, only the United Explorer credit card. I've been checking the United website almost daily for the last 8 months and I saw availability for SFO-FRA in United Global First only for one day in June 2014, and unfortunately it wouldn't have worked for us.
I just recently found this thread, and decided to waitlist a flight in the hope that it will not reprice after Feb. 1st. The original itinerary was RNO-SFO-ORD-FRA-OTP with ORD-FRA in UA Global First. I decided to waitlist SFO-FRA in UA Global First as well, and I did that by using the United Click-to-Call service this morning. 6 hours later I received an email that the waitlist has cleared, I called and had the reservation re-ticketed (and without any change fees).
How is this possible, to have the waitlisted segment (in O, not in ON) clear in several hours? I checked before calling, and the United website didn't show an award availability when searching for an award. Did the system just opened availability for us (we are talking about 3 award tickets)? I have no status, only the United Explorer credit card. I've been checking the United website almost daily for the last 8 months and I saw availability for SFO-FRA in United Global First only for one day in June 2014, and unfortunately it wouldn't have worked for us.
Last edited by ioananv; Jan 31, 2014 at 12:54 pm
Jan 30, 2014, 7:07 pm
#171
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,455
I am speechless about what just happened to me.
I just recently found this thread, and decided to waitlist a flight in the hope that it will not reprice after Feb. 1st. The original itinerary was RNO-SFO-ORD-FRA-OTP with ORD-FRA in UA Global First. I decided to waitlist SFO-FRA in UA Global First as well, and I did that by using the United Click-to-Call service this morning. 6 hours later I received an email that the waitlist has cleared, I called and had the reservation re-ticketed (and without any change fees).
How is this possible, to have the waitlisted segment (in O, not in XO) clear in several hours? I checked before calling, and the United website didn't show an award availability when searching for an award. Did the system just opened availability for us (we are talking about 3 award tickets)? I have no status, only the United Explorer credit card. I've been checking the United website almost daily for the last 8 months and I saw availability for SFO-FRA in United Global First only for one day in June 2014, and unfortunately it wouldn't have worked for us.
I just recently found this thread, and decided to waitlist a flight in the hope that it will not reprice after Feb. 1st. The original itinerary was RNO-SFO-ORD-FRA-OTP with ORD-FRA in UA Global First. I decided to waitlist SFO-FRA in UA Global First as well, and I did that by using the United Click-to-Call service this morning. 6 hours later I received an email that the waitlist has cleared, I called and had the reservation re-ticketed (and without any change fees).
How is this possible, to have the waitlisted segment (in O, not in XO) clear in several hours? I checked before calling, and the United website didn't show an award availability when searching for an award. Did the system just opened availability for us (we are talking about 3 award tickets)? I have no status, only the United Explorer credit card. I've been checking the United website almost daily for the last 8 months and I saw availability for SFO-FRA in United Global First only for one day in June 2014, and unfortunately it wouldn't have worked for us.
Jan 30, 2014, 7:14 pm
#172
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.995MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,854
.... I decided to waitlist SFO-FRA in UA Global First as well, and I did that by using the United Click-to-Call service this morning. 6 hours later I received an email that the waitlist has cleared, I called and had the reservation re-ticketed (and without any change fees). .....
Just disappointed that don't know the magic words to make this happen more often.
Jan 30, 2014, 7:15 pm
#173
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 45
. Maybe I can hit the casinos on my way home tonight .I have had the same experience for upgrades / award waitlist happen a few times (not the norm IME but it has happen). Put the request in and it clears in 12-24 hours and in the days of EF alerts, no hint of space being made available. Have surmised the waitlist triggers a message to a computer / human that for some reason decided to clear the waitlist -- one reason I have spoke against the idea of not using waitlists and waiting to T-24. The existence of a waitlist can seem to trigger a response.
Last edited by iluv2fly; Jan 30, 2014 at 7:28 pm Reason: merge
Feb 2, 2014, 6:13 am
#174
Join Date: Nov 2006
Programs: Marriott Platinum, Hilton Diamond, IHG Platinum
Posts: 3,714
I have the following first class saver ticket:
IND-EWR, UA X
JFK-FRA, LH I
FRA-BKK, TG O
BKK-SIN, TG I
1. Waitlisting is only possible for UA flights (not partner), right?
2. For the UA flight that I have in economy now, do I ask to be waitlisted for ON or IN? All 6 first class seats are available (yet none are bookable with miles
).
IND-EWR, UA X
JFK-FRA, LH I
FRA-BKK, TG O
BKK-SIN, TG I
1. Waitlisting is only possible for UA flights (not partner), right?
2. For the UA flight that I have in economy now, do I ask to be waitlisted for ON or IN? All 6 first class seats are available (yet none are bookable with miles
).
Feb 2, 2014, 6:22 am
#175
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: LGA/JFK/EWR
Programs: UA 1K1.75MM, Hyatt Globalist, abandoned Marriott LTT (RIP SPG), Hertz PC
Posts: 21,169
I have the following first class saver ticket:
IND-EWR, UA X
JFK-FRA, LH I
FRA-BKK, TG O
BKK-SIN, TG I
1. Waitlisting is only possible for UA flights (not partner), right?
2. For the UA flight that I have in economy now, do I ask to be waitlisted for ON or IN? All 6 first class seats are available (yet none are bookable with miles).
IND-EWR, UA X
JFK-FRA, LH I
FRA-BKK, TG O
BKK-SIN, TG I
1. Waitlisting is only possible for UA flights (not partner), right?
2. For the UA flight that I have in economy now, do I ask to be waitlisted for ON or IN? All 6 first class seats are available (yet none are bookable with miles
).2. You waitlist for I/IN for domestic flights.
Feb 2, 2014, 9:03 am
#176
Join Date: Nov 2006
Programs: Marriott Platinum, Hilton Diamond, IHG Platinum
Posts: 3,714
Feb 2, 2014, 11:59 am
#177
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.995MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,854
I/IN are business class award inventory. IN, for elites Plat and above, and should have availablity >= I, for those below Plat. The agent/computer will pick the correct category for you.
Feb 2, 2014, 2:39 pm
#178
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: ALB
Posts: 41
I have an itinerary that is an international business saver award, all but 2 segments in "I", the exceptions showing as "X" (but on aircraft with BF cabins). I called in to ask to be waitlisted for those two segments should any "I" inventory open up. The CSR checked, told me that there was currently no "I" seats available on those flights (which I already knew), and proceeded to tell me that I should check in again sometime to see if seats became available. I inquired as to why I couldn't be waitlisted for those seats, and he told me that they do not waitlist in that way. So, if I diligently check on a daily basis to see if "I" seats become available, they will happily give them to me, but not put me on a waitlist for the seats.
Is this now policy, or was I just talking to the wrong CSR? He added that he had a made a note on the reservation that I had called in looking to 'upgrade' to I. Will this hamper me if I call back in the hopes of a better CSR?
Is this now policy, or was I just talking to the wrong CSR? He added that he had a made a note on the reservation that I had called in looking to 'upgrade' to I. Will this hamper me if I call back in the hopes of a better CSR?
Feb 2, 2014, 2:51 pm
#179
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.995MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,854
I have an itinerary that is an international business saver award, all but 2 segments in "I", the exceptions showing as "X" (but on aircraft with BF cabins). I called in to ask to be waitlisted for those two segments should any "I" inventory open up. The CSR checked, told me that there was currently no "I" seats available on those flights (which I already knew), and proceeded to tell me that I should check in again sometime to see if seats became available. I inquired as to why I couldn't be waitlisted for those seats, and he told me that they do not waitlist in that way. So, if I diligently check on a daily basis to see if "I" seats become available, they will happily give them to me, but not put me on a waitlist for the seats.
Is this now policy, or was I just talking to the wrong CSR? He added that he had a made a note on the reservation that I had called in looking to 'upgrade' to I. Will this hamper me if I call back in the hopes of a better CSR?
Is this now policy, or was I just talking to the wrong CSR? He added that he had a made a note on the reservation that I had called in looking to 'upgrade' to I. Will this hamper me if I call back in the hopes of a better CSR?
Waitlisiting for partner flights can not be done (and never has been), that requires manual checking (now banned EF alerts were good for this).
Feb 2, 2014, 4:09 pm
#180
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: NYC
Programs: UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist, Bonvoy Titanium, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 368
I have a award booking, as listed below. Is it possible to call united and change it to the First class redemption level so I can change it to LH F when it opens up? Is that allowed?
MNL-BKK TG business
BKK-FRA TG economy
FRA-JFK LH business
MNL-BKK TG business
BKK-FRA TG economy
FRA-JFK LH business