Connecting an award segment ticket to a regular fare ticket
#16
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i've done exactly what the OP did for a cheaper BOS-ORD-BRU flight, with a o/w reward ticket EWR-BOS.
If one has status, this is not a big deal and a neat way to save actual cash and burn a few leftover miles in family accounts.
One caveat - the day I flew, UA had a new overlay and could not figure out the bag tags. I had to reclaim at BOS. But it might also have been the total length of the flight.
If one has status, this is not a big deal and a neat way to save actual cash and burn a few leftover miles in family accounts.
One caveat - the day I flew, UA had a new overlay and could not figure out the bag tags. I had to reclaim at BOS. But it might also have been the total length of the flight.
#17
Join Date: Nov 2012
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The OP is not planning to upfare. Just wants to buy a cheaper fare in one direction and at least a W fare in the other direction so that the GPU that will be received before the return can be used.
#18
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: AUS after 40+ SFO/OAK
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Rent a car at PHL and drive to IAD. The cost is well worth the peace of mind and stress reduction.
I routinely do SFO/CVG nonstop, renting a car for the 90-minute drive to SDF, vs. nasty connections through ORD, and I'm just concerned with reaching my hotel at a reasonable time in advance of meeting with my client the next day - nothing at all like worrying about multiple international connections on another airline. Also, one less opportunity for the airlines to lose your luggage.
I routinely do SFO/CVG nonstop, renting a car for the 90-minute drive to SDF, vs. nasty connections through ORD, and I'm just concerned with reaching my hotel at a reasonable time in advance of meeting with my client the next day - nothing at all like worrying about multiple international connections on another airline. Also, one less opportunity for the airlines to lose your luggage.
#19
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Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Malvern, Pennsylvania
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i've done exactly what the OP did for a cheaper BOS-ORD-BRU flight, with a o/w reward ticket EWR-BOS.
If one has status, this is not a big deal and a neat way to save actual cash and burn a few leftover miles in family accounts.
One caveat - the day I flew, UA had a new overlay and could not figure out the bag tags. I had to reclaim at BOS. But it might also have been the total length of the flight.
If one has status, this is not a big deal and a neat way to save actual cash and burn a few leftover miles in family accounts.
One caveat - the day I flew, UA had a new overlay and could not figure out the bag tags. I had to reclaim at BOS. But it might also have been the total length of the flight.
In the past, when checking-in, I mention right away to the attendant the baggage part may be complicated. This usually leads to a floor supervisor appearing sooner than later.
That's precisely it!
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Jun 29, 2018 at 10:19 am Reason: merging consecutive posts by same member
#20
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Thanks for the tip. I did just that and arrived 30 minutes earlier than usual. Even though I had linked the 2 tickets on United site, the counter agent could not figure out how to get my bags to Cape Town via the 2 tickets. I asked for a supervisor. Took her 20 minutes...but she persevered and succeeded.
#21
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#22
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Glad to hear everything worked out.
I am assuming from a cost savings standpoint, it may be more than $300 - PHL-IAD-FRA would normally be cheaper than IAD-FRA due to origin.
I am assuming from a cost savings standpoint, it may be more than $300 - PHL-IAD-FRA would normally be cheaper than IAD-FRA due to origin.
#24
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Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Malvern, Pennsylvania
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Posts: 114
Long over due follow-up. However, will be helpful for others with a long layover in DC. Instead of going to United Lounge for the long layover, I opted for the LH Lounge in Terminal B. Much nicer space, not as crowded and really good food. Rather easy too getting back to the United side via the shuttle train. All in all was a good layover.