lleung1980

Hello,

My gf and I will be flying to EZE in Dec this year (right before Christmas). Currently, they have ECO Saver for 30K each way. While if I pay by cash for this ticket, it is listed at $2317
How do I know if I'm getting a good deal if I book this trip with my United miles? If I do my calculation base on 1.5 cents per mile, I'm getting a great deal.

I do have enough for Business Saver, but none is available at this time. Should I wait or should I just book this now while the ECO Saver still available?

FYI, i do not have any status, just the United Explorer card holder

ContinentalFan

If I were I your shoes, I’d book the saver fare now.

EWR764

Book the saver Y, waitlist for Business (I class), the old "plan B". They'll deduct the mileage for J, but if it doesn't clear, you'll get the miles back.

Flying Kiwi

How can you waitlist for J on United?

jsloan

There's a board thread on it. OP should make the booking, then call as soon as it tickets and ask to "waitlist for a business class award." If the first person seems confused, or thinks it isn't possible, etc., thank them politely, hang up, and try again. Don't use the word "upgrade."

OP: The only truly important thing in valuing your miles is whether or not it's a good deal for you personally. It's possible that the cash price might come down, but considering that it's not only Christmas but also South American summer, it might not come down very far. Having said that, in your shoes, I would consider it a great use of miles.

Exiled in Express

December/January is peak season for Buenos Aires, take the economy availability. Unless you are departing from NYC or Miami, it is unlikely the cash fare will ever drop below a $1000 roundtrip. Bring sun gear and lots of USD cash and enjoy!

IAD1k

for some reason UA's EZE prices are always high, you may get a better deal out of/or connecting in EWR than IAH. I have been searching for a good deal around Xmas since Feb, finally bought a P fare 12/24-1/8 for $2780. I could not find any IN or R space (which I needed for my kids), it's going to be impossible right before Xmas unless it's a few weeks prior and can't wait that long. If you're flexible, that P fare is really good, almost the same price as Y. BUT I had to book out of BWI - lucky for me, right after booking UA discontinued their BWI-EWR flights so I was switched to DCA which is much more convenient for me. not sure if the deal is still available since DCA/IAD flights are always more expensive. good luck!

WineCountryUA

Call and request it. Best if done at the time of booking.
If done more than 24 hours after booking you may be charged an award change fee.
Generally, the waitlisted class mileage is deducted and will be refunded if unsuccessful

Consolidated "Waitlist for Award Seats Questions/Issues"

lleung1980

My flight is going thru Air Canada, I was told I cannot book the save and waitlist for Busines on non-United flight. Is that correct?

aacharya

That nuance is covered in that other cited thread. Best to read that wiki for the full picture.

returnoftheyeti

Do you mind me asking what awards you see for EZE. I can find a couple saver fares from SFO and LAX on the 23rd/24th, but all the returns (1st - 2nd / 3rd) are 70k standard awards. I'd love to find a 30k Saver award for the return. Even if I end up in Canada 'eh ?

findark

Correct. Waitlist is for UA metal segments only.

EWR764

I assumed you were on United metal... that is correct, you can't waitlist at all on partner awards. The only way it works is if you have confirmed saver Y (X/XN) inventory on a UA-operated flight, and then list for saver business (I/IN) on the same flight.

lleung1980

I'm debating if I should switch to UA metal but the layover is like 7 plus hours at Newark

In general, what is the chance of getting move to business saver?

I'm leaving on Dec 7 and return on Dec 23.
For Dec 7, I can find a few flights that is on 30k saver. But not much luck on the return flight. Still 70k is not too bad consider the round trip price is at least $2k.

EWR764

It's impossible to say, but anecdotally I've had success with it. You're going to EZE during peak season, so availability will be tricky.