TAP (TP) award booking experiences using United miles
Jan 9, 2019, 6:16 pm
#46
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Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,452
I got confirmation from 1kvoice that they were having some "technical" problems (that they blamed on TP), and that they pulled all TP award availability from the UA system. Quite frustrating... I actually do think this could be UA not wanting as many redemptions happening on TP as they'd have to pay TP for it, vs. charging ridiculous standard award prices on their own metal.
It's a cheaper award through AP or LM.
Jan 9, 2019, 8:19 pm
#47
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Wherever the lounge is
Posts: 145
Jan 9, 2019, 9:30 pm
#48
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Jan 23, 2019, 11:55 am
#49
Join Date: Dec 2017
Programs: United, Starwood
Posts: 14
United Airlines and TAP Air Integration Issues
Howdy Fellow Frequent Flyers:
I wanted to share with you some complications that I have had in terms of TAP Air Portugal flights on United Airlines Tickets:
Cheers and Good Travels!
Herb
I wanted to share with you some complications that I have had in terms of TAP Air Portugal flights on United Airlines Tickets:
- Cancelled Tickets (After Journey Started): A few weeks ago, I flew internationally from US to Madrid on United and had to connect to TAP Air Portugal. In fact, I had my paper boarding pass printed for the TAP Air connection. After arriving in Madrid and transiting Passport Control, re-entering Security, etc . . . I made my way to the gate for the ongoing TAP Air flight. Upon arriving at the gate, my boarding pass was scanned and I was told that my flight had been cancelled by United. Obviously, this created additional drama and resulted in a missed flight connection. United was able to rebook me on a later flight that day (Iberia Airlines) and could not explain the problem. Of course, this necessitated delays, changing terminals to a non-partner flight, re-checkin and all the fun you may expect after a missed international connection.
- Missing TAP Airline Segments in United Bookings: On three separate occasions, the TAP Airways leg of my United reservation was deleted / missing from my United.com reservation. In discussing with United, it was their statement that TAP still held the reservation but it somehow disappeared from the United.com reservation (for reasons that were not apparent). Based on what occurred previously (as mentioned above), I was obviously concerned about additional and unnecessary international travel stress.
- Award Bookings: As has been addressed on other threads . . . United is Acknowledging Problems with Award Tickets on TAP. As a United Representative explained to me, integration problems are the reason TAP (and some other carriers) are not accepting United Mileage Plus based award bookings properly.
Cheers and Good Travels!
Herb
Jan 23, 2019, 1:17 pm
#51
Join Date: Dec 2017
Programs: United, Starwood
Posts: 14
It may well be a larger issue and I know that TAP is aligned to Amadeus based on how one checks in. To the extent this is a larger issue, I just hope that not too many folks are "losing" flight reservations as the matter could have a larger impact on travelers then just award ticket redemptions for Star Alliance flights.
Apr 17, 2019, 12:06 pm
#52
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,631
I see that TAP is one of the many partners whose awards cannot be booked on united.com. (I tried, and nothing is shown; the input box won't even accept the destination airport, FEZ, and other airports served by TAP are shown only due to LH flights.)
Can TAP be booked by calling UA? I would call only if AwardNexus (checking AC web site) shows availability.
If yes, will they waive the phone booking fee?
Many thanks!
Can TAP be booked by calling UA? I would call only if AwardNexus (checking AC web site) shows availability.
If yes, will they waive the phone booking fee?
Many thanks!
Apr 17, 2019, 12:59 pm
#53
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: 66,850
Are you see no TP for any route?
Generally if you can not see it, they can not either. The airport issue they may have different visibility
Jul 9, 2019, 7:38 am
#55
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 87
Any recent experience using Business Saver Awards on TAP?
Am really hoping to find a Business Saver seat on United EWR-TXL for next June, but seems there will be a much better chance of finding one on TAP EWR-LIS-TXL.
I believe this flight is on their new equipment with 1-2-1 Business Class configuration which has gotten good reviews.
But have never flown TAP so would appreciate any input from those who have...thank you!
I believe this flight is on their new equipment with 1-2-1 Business Class configuration which has gotten good reviews.
But have never flown TAP so would appreciate any input from those who have...thank you!
Jul 22, 2019, 1:21 pm
#57
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Anywhere but home
Programs: UA 1K/MM, DL GM/MM, HH Dia, PC Plat, MR Gold, ALL Sil,
Posts: 4,552
Pleased to report I had a seamless experience on UA.com booking 4 business award tickets to ZRH with a connection in LIS for next June. The reservation appears on the TAP website and I was able to select seats, which were then updated on the UA reservation. Seems like the problems encountered earlier this year have been resolved.
Feb 22, 2020, 10:26 pm
#58
Join Date: Sep 2015
Programs: UA Million Mile, Mileage Plus Premier 1K, SkyMiles Gold Medallion, AAdvantage Gold
Posts: 875
I am trying to book an award ticket with UA miles through Lisbon with TAP operating both the US-LIS and LIS-EU segments. United is saying I am in fare class X, but I cannot find out if that would slot me into Discount, Basic, Classic, or Plus on TAP. I am mostly concerned about checked baggage being extra in Discount. I am 1K/Star Alliance Gold if that matters at all. Thanks for any help!
Feb 22, 2020, 10:31 pm
#59
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Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Los Angeles / Basel
Programs: UA 1K MM, AA EXP, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 26,923
I am trying to book an award ticket with UA miles through Lisbon with TAP operating both the US-LIS and LIS-EU segments. United is saying I am in fare class X, but I cannot find out if that would slot me into Discount, Basic, Classic, or Plus on TAP. I am mostly concerned about checked baggage being extra in Discount. I am 1K/Star Alliance Gold if that matters at all. Thanks for any help!
Feb 24, 2020, 10:01 pm
#60
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,042
I am trying to book an award ticket with UA miles through Lisbon with TAP operating both the US-LIS and LIS-EU segments. United is saying I am in fare class X, but I cannot find out if that would slot me into Discount, Basic, Classic, or Plus on TAP. I am mostly concerned about checked baggage being extra in Discount. I am 1K/Star Alliance Gold if that matters at all. Thanks for any help!