Non-Rev: Standby for first, what if only coach avail?
May 17, 2018, 7:56 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: San Diego, CA
Programs: AAdvantage, HHonors
Posts: 4
Non-Rev: Standby for first, what if only coach avail?
I am fortunate to be listed as a "friend" under a United employee's benefits account.
If I "book" a flight (which I understand is really standby/positive space available) for first class, and there is no first but there is coach, will I simply be put in coach? Or do I not go?
If the former, is there any downside (besides potential price) to just always "book standby" as first?
Thanks!
If I "book" a flight (which I understand is really standby/positive space available) for first class, and there is no first but there is coach, will I simply be put in coach? Or do I not go?
If the former, is there any downside (besides potential price) to just always "book standby" as first?
Thanks!
May 17, 2018, 8:30 pm
#3
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
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Are you traveling with your "friend?"
Have you had a discussion with your sponsor on your standby priority?
Have you had a discussion with your sponsor on your standby priority?
May 17, 2018, 8:56 pm
#4
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: The counter of lost hopes and dreams, and for the creation of new ones in DEN
Programs: MP Rehab... or something like that...
Posts: 317
If only coach is available, as most domestic flights are now a day for non-revs, you would be cleared as a standby into coach then put on the upgrade list in priority order for first. If traveling with friend then you would both be listed as SA1P (assuming friend works for mainline and not express otherwise it would be SA5X). If not travelling with friend, your designation would be SA7P or X (again assuming mainline vs express carrier.) But do chrck with your buddy on how you are listed, and if standby, please try to be patiebt with the GA's as sometimes the non revs are a last minute deal towards the final 10 minutes, especially on flights that may seem oversold at the beginning.
Cheers and happy travels
Cheers and happy travels
May 17, 2018, 9:04 pm
#6
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: The counter of lost hopes and dreams, and for the creation of new ones in DEN
Programs: MP Rehab... or something like that...
Posts: 317
May 17, 2018, 10:19 pm
#7
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,324
Booking for the highest class possible means that you will be placed in that cabin, or any cabin below it, should the booking class not be available.
If you only list for coach, and there are no Y seats, but there are in First or Business, you won’t be cleared for the flight.
If you only list for coach, and there are no Y seats, but there are in First or Business, you won’t be cleared for the flight.
May 17, 2018, 10:21 pm
#8
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: Tacoma, WA
Programs: UA Mileage Plus, Alaska Mileage Plan, Marriott Bonvoy
Posts: 82
Hard to believe an employee would give you a buddy pass and not explain how it works. As stated earlier, be patient and be prepared to spend some time in the airport as most flights I am on are 100% full.
May 17, 2018, 11:03 pm
#9
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: HNL
Programs: UA GS4MM, MR LT Plat, Hilton Gold
Posts: 6,447
That's it.
What is more hard to believe they are asking here rather than who gave out the pass.......
May 18, 2018, 6:00 am
#10
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Sunshine State
Programs: Avis Trump. Costco Exec. SPG PLAT PREM-90. WN A+/CP. AA SLV. Nat EE..
Posts: 456
What’s with all the judgement of someone trying to best value a purchase they’re about to make? When you’re shopping for a car you’re not going to just trust the dealer of everything he says. Gotta do your research.
May 18, 2018, 7:27 am
#11
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
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Posts: 50,262
OP - You need to ask your "friend" the question. Is he a C-level or a part-time check-in agent for a UX carrier? Rather than worrying about the priority code, better to simply understand where you are in the pecking order and your "friend" can tell you that.
May 18, 2018, 9:06 am
#12
Senior Moderator
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United non-rev. travel passes, like those of other major airlines, are surrounded by a host of rules available to the sponsor. Moreover, the consequences of a sponsored traveler acting outside of those rules, affects directly the sponsoring employee. Put simply, sponsoring employees are responsible for travelers they sponsor as to rule compliance. Airlines reserve the right to take action against both that could result in taking away pass privileges from the sponsor. Hence the community's "chorus" of "ask your sponsor for the answers to your questions."
May 18, 2018, 9:10 am
#13
Join Date: Apr 2005
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And if you do research (or complain), or begin to bother employees or customers of the dealership..... at best your friend loses their vehicle and at worst you could get your executive friend fired.
May 18, 2018, 11:10 am
#14
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: IND/NYC/MEX
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Posts: 1,134
If only coach is available, as most domestic flights are now a day for non-revs, you would be cleared as a standby into coach then put on the upgrade list in priority order for first. If traveling with friend then you would both be listed as SA1P (assuming friend works for mainline and not express otherwise it would be SA5X). If not travelling with friend, your designation would be SA7P or X (again assuming mainline vs express carrier.) But do chrck with your buddy on how you are listed, and if standby, please try to be patiebt with the GA's as sometimes the non revs are a last minute deal towards the final 10 minutes, especially on flights that may seem oversold at the beginning.
Cheers and happy travels
Cheers and happy travels
May 20, 2018, 11:39 am
#15
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Sunshine State
Programs: Avis Trump. Costco Exec. SPG PLAT PREM-90. WN A+/CP. AA SLV. Nat EE..
Posts: 456
It wouldn't be a just comparison to analogize use of an airline-sponsored travel pass benefit to a best value car purchase.
United non-rev. travel passes, like those of other major airlines, are surrounded by a host of rules available to the sponsor. Moreover, the consequences of a sponsored traveler acting outside of those rules, affects directly the sponsoring employee. Put simply, sponsoring employees are responsible for travelers they sponsor as to rule compliance. Airlines reserve the right to take action against both that could result in taking away pass privileges from the sponsor. Hence the community's "chorus" of "ask your sponsor for the answers to your questions."
United non-rev. travel passes, like those of other major airlines, are surrounded by a host of rules available to the sponsor. Moreover, the consequences of a sponsored traveler acting outside of those rules, affects directly the sponsoring employee. Put simply, sponsoring employees are responsible for travelers they sponsor as to rule compliance. Airlines reserve the right to take action against both that could result in taking away pass privileges from the sponsor. Hence the community's "chorus" of "ask your sponsor for the answers to your questions."