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]
Dec 9, 2015, 2:56 pm
#871
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: CLE, DCA, and 30k feet
Programs: Honors LT Diamond; United 1K; Hertz PC
Posts: 4,164
After at most 2-3 minutes on hold she said of course it was still possible but she would have to redeposit the original award and take out the IN miles... And if the SYD-SFO cleared but the other segment didn't I'd still be charged for the business award (that's the only segment and cared about)... As it turns out buying a MEL-LAX-CLE and GPUing made more sense so I canceled that res but definitely poasible, though I got the impression if doesn't come up daily...
Dec 13, 2015, 4:34 pm
#872
Join Date: Dec 2015
Programs: United MileagePlus PP, SPG, Hilton, AMEX Platinum
Posts: 3
Booked RTW Ticket in Business using UA Points--But WAITLISTED on UA!
Hello all, hope some more seasoned mileage gurus can assist.
I'm United PP and called the airline early in the year (July) to confirm that it would be 350K points to buy a RTW award ticket in business. I was specifically instructed to call as close to Oct 1 (180 days from my 1 April travel start date//new FY) to book my ticket.
I called on 3 October and booked (perens are layovers) EWR-(LAX)-SYD-BKK-BOM-JNB-(ADD)-TLV-VIE-(OVERLAND) LHR-EWR. Start 1 April and return 1 Aug 2016. I got Business class on every single leg EXCEPT the UA legs EWR-SYD and LHR-EWR. I was told there were no saver awards, so I would have to sit on a waitlist (my reservation says "IN" requested).
I feel a bit bait-and-switched. Searched different dates, and no Saver awards existed in the entire months of Mar, Apr, Jul or Aug 2016 on these routes.
My questions are as follows:
1. Was it just too far out for Saver Awards to show? Should I keep following up to UA, rather than expecting the system to upgrade?
2. If not, what is the likelihood that I will actually get upgraded? From what I understand, I will be behind all the paid Business fares, but ahead of GPUs, all other mileage upgrades (like Paid + miles). Is this correct?
3. If I do not get upgraded, should I be entitled to a partial mileage refund?
4. Finally, is it worth it to do a mileage run to make it to 1K to up my chances? I have 95K miles and can have the PQD requirement waived by using my APO address (which would be mega-awkward, but desperate times)
Thanks ahead of time for your thoughts on my first world problem!
I'm United PP and called the airline early in the year (July) to confirm that it would be 350K points to buy a RTW award ticket in business. I was specifically instructed to call as close to Oct 1 (180 days from my 1 April travel start date//new FY) to book my ticket.
I called on 3 October and booked (perens are layovers) EWR-(LAX)-SYD-BKK-BOM-JNB-(ADD)-TLV-VIE-(OVERLAND) LHR-EWR. Start 1 April and return 1 Aug 2016. I got Business class on every single leg EXCEPT the UA legs EWR-SYD and LHR-EWR. I was told there were no saver awards, so I would have to sit on a waitlist (my reservation says "IN" requested).
I feel a bit bait-and-switched. Searched different dates, and no Saver awards existed in the entire months of Mar, Apr, Jul or Aug 2016 on these routes.
My questions are as follows:
1. Was it just too far out for Saver Awards to show? Should I keep following up to UA, rather than expecting the system to upgrade?
2. If not, what is the likelihood that I will actually get upgraded? From what I understand, I will be behind all the paid Business fares, but ahead of GPUs, all other mileage upgrades (like Paid + miles). Is this correct?
3. If I do not get upgraded, should I be entitled to a partial mileage refund?
4. Finally, is it worth it to do a mileage run to make it to 1K to up my chances? I have 95K miles and can have the PQD requirement waived by using my APO address (which would be mega-awkward, but desperate times)
Thanks ahead of time for your thoughts on my first world problem!
Dec 13, 2015, 10:58 pm
#873
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BOS/EAP
Programs: UA 1K, MR LTT, HH Dia, Amex Plat
Posts: 32,052
Hello all, hope some more seasoned mileage gurus can assist.
I'm United PP and called the airline early in the year (July) to confirm that it would be 350K points to buy a RTW award ticket in business. I was specifically instructed to call as close to Oct 1 (180 days from my 1 April travel start date//new FY) to book my ticket.
I called on 3 October and booked (perens are layovers) EWR-(LAX)-SYD-BKK-BOM-JNB-(ADD)-TLV-VIE-(OVERLAND) LHR-EWR. Start 1 April and return 1 Aug 2016. I got Business class on every single leg EXCEPT the UA legs EWR-SYD and LHR-EWR. I was told there were no saver awards, so I would have to sit on a waitlist (my reservation says "IN" requested).
I feel a bit bait-and-switched. Searched different dates, and no Saver awards existed in the entire months of Mar, Apr, Jul or Aug 2016 on these routes.
My questions are as follows:
1. Was it just too far out for Saver Awards to show? Should I keep following up to UA, rather than expecting the system to upgrade?
2. If not, what is the likelihood that I will actually get upgraded? From what I understand, I will be behind all the paid Business fares, but ahead of GPUs, all other mileage upgrades (like Paid + miles). Is this correct?
3. If I do not get upgraded, should I be entitled to a partial mileage refund?
4. Finally, is it worth it to do a mileage run to make it to 1K to up my chances? I have 95K miles and can have the PQD requirement waived by using my APO address (which would be mega-awkward, but desperate times)
Thanks ahead of time for your thoughts on my first world problem!
I'm United PP and called the airline early in the year (July) to confirm that it would be 350K points to buy a RTW award ticket in business. I was specifically instructed to call as close to Oct 1 (180 days from my 1 April travel start date//new FY) to book my ticket.
I called on 3 October and booked (perens are layovers) EWR-(LAX)-SYD-BKK-BOM-JNB-(ADD)-TLV-VIE-(OVERLAND) LHR-EWR. Start 1 April and return 1 Aug 2016. I got Business class on every single leg EXCEPT the UA legs EWR-SYD and LHR-EWR. I was told there were no saver awards, so I would have to sit on a waitlist (my reservation says "IN" requested).
I feel a bit bait-and-switched. Searched different dates, and no Saver awards existed in the entire months of Mar, Apr, Jul or Aug 2016 on these routes.
My questions are as follows:
1. Was it just too far out for Saver Awards to show? Should I keep following up to UA, rather than expecting the system to upgrade?
2. If not, what is the likelihood that I will actually get upgraded? From what I understand, I will be behind all the paid Business fares, but ahead of GPUs, all other mileage upgrades (like Paid + miles). Is this correct?
3. If I do not get upgraded, should I be entitled to a partial mileage refund?
4. Finally, is it worth it to do a mileage run to make it to 1K to up my chances? I have 95K miles and can have the PQD requirement waived by using my APO address (which would be mega-awkward, but desperate times)
Thanks ahead of time for your thoughts on my first world problem!
2) Nope. GPUs and other mileage upgrades book into R and R is almost always > IN. At the airport you should get onto the PR1 waitlist AHEAD of GPUs, but that doesn't work very well.
3) Nope
4) Does not matter much here.
EWR-SYD is tough. LHR-EWR you should be able to find something in IN.
Dec 14, 2015, 10:27 am
#874
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Hawai'i Nei
Programs: Au: UA, Marriott, Hilton; GE
Posts: 7,142
Hello all, hope some more seasoned mileage gurus can assist.
I'm United PP and called the airline early in the year (July) to confirm that it would be 350K points to buy a RTW award ticket in business. I was specifically instructed to call as close to Oct 1 (180 days from my 1 April travel start date//new FY) to book my ticket. ...
I called on 3 October and booked (perens are layovers) EWR-(LAX)-SYD-BKK-BOM-JNB-(ADD)-TLV-VIE-(OVERLAND) LHR-EWR. Start 1 April and return 1 Aug 2016. I got Business class on every single leg EXCEPT the UA legs EWR-SYD and LHR-EWR. I was told there were no saver awards, so I would have to sit on a waitlist (my reservation says "IN" requested).
I feel a bit bait-and-switched. Searched different dates, and no Saver awards existed in the entire months of Mar, Apr, Jul or Aug 2016 on these routes.
Thanks ahead of time for your thoughts on my first world problem!
I'm United PP and called the airline early in the year (July) to confirm that it would be 350K points to buy a RTW award ticket in business. I was specifically instructed to call as close to Oct 1 (180 days from my 1 April travel start date//new FY) to book my ticket. ...
I called on 3 October and booked (perens are layovers) EWR-(LAX)-SYD-BKK-BOM-JNB-(ADD)-TLV-VIE-(OVERLAND) LHR-EWR. Start 1 April and return 1 Aug 2016. I got Business class on every single leg EXCEPT the UA legs EWR-SYD and LHR-EWR. I was told there were no saver awards, so I would have to sit on a waitlist (my reservation says "IN" requested).
I feel a bit bait-and-switched. Searched different dates, and no Saver awards existed in the entire months of Mar, Apr, Jul or Aug 2016 on these routes.
Thanks ahead of time for your thoughts on my first world problem!
Good luck. Tough to get seats midstream....as previous poster said, it is either 330 days, or close in.
Dec 14, 2015, 10:45 pm
#875
Join Date: Dec 2015
Programs: United MileagePlus PP, SPG, Hilton, AMEX Platinum
Posts: 3
Thank you! Did not know about waitlisting multiple flights. Guess there's always SFO-SYD as well. Expert Flyer an excellent tip as well. I searched over on NZ and there were no flights available yet, but we'll see.
Guess I'll keep following up. It makes sense, and something to add to the list of the "cons" of flying RTW on miles.
Built up all those miles flying around with the military and this is my terminal leave gift to myself
Guess I'll keep following up. It makes sense, and something to add to the list of the "cons" of flying RTW on miles.
Built up all those miles flying around with the military and this is my terminal leave gift to myself
Dec 14, 2015, 11:25 pm
#876
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
- Connecting flights: Customers may waitlist on only one leg of the connecting flights and the flight must meet the required minimum connecting time.
- Nonstop flights: Customers can waitlist on only one flight per direction. Alternate dates and times are allowed
Dec 15, 2015, 8:47 am
#877
Join Date: Dec 2015
Programs: United MileagePlus PP, SPG, Hilton, AMEX Platinum
Posts: 3
I don't agree with that all. Seats may be released at any time. On some routes, the best odds are within 30 days of departure, but it's really not predictable. Last year, for example, UA opened a bunch of seats SFO-BOS for marathon weekend about 90 days out. Once they were gone (took about 48 hours), they were gone for good.
Thanks, all.
Dec 17, 2015, 12:50 pm
#878
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 33
Quick question, I was able to successfully be waitlisted for a flight to Zurich next summer (I class requested shows), am I able to select an economy seat right now should I not clear for business? Or would selecting an economy seat get rid of the waitlist? Thanks.
Dec 17, 2015, 1:01 pm
#879
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: CLE, DCA, and 30k feet
Programs: Honors LT Diamond; United 1K; Hertz PC
Posts: 4,164
Seat assignments (should) have no bearing on waitlist status I'd recommend choosing a seat you'd like -- or at least tolerate -- just in case, otherwise you run the risk of getting stuck in a middle in the last row of E-
Dec 17, 2015, 1:59 pm
#880
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 33
I really don't want to take the risk unless someone can positively confirm that though.
Dec 17, 2015, 2:23 pm
#881
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Hawai'i Nei
Programs: Au: UA, Marriott, Hilton; GE
Posts: 7,142
Dec 17, 2015, 5:57 pm
#883
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 33
I have another question, I read somewhere that I will automatically be confirmed into business saver if an I OR R space opens. Is this true, or is it just "I".
Also, does anyone think I will clear for my Friday flight to Zurich in mid June?
Thanks!
Also, does anyone think I will clear for my Friday flight to Zurich in mid June?
Thanks!
Dec 17, 2015, 6:01 pm
#884
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, UA Gold, WN, Global Entry; +others wherever miles/points are found
Posts: 14,415
I or IN (if plat or better). No R.
Dec 18, 2015, 6:46 am
#885
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 33
Oh okay, thanks. What are the chances of my hub to hub flight (EWR - ZRH) waitlist clearing for mid June next year?
What do I do if my reservation no longer shows "I class requested"? I just checked now and it's gone but I'm still in economy X.
What do I do if my reservation no longer shows "I class requested"? I just checked now and it's gone but I'm still in economy X.
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Dec 18, 2015 at 8:22 pm Reason: merging consecutive posts by same member