747FC

In learning to read the Flight Status and Information pages, I've come to appreciate that NR Standby passengers always seem to be listed last on the Upgrade Standby List, but usually re also on the Flight Standby list (also in last positions).

For an upcoming flight, I saw something I have never observed, that is two people with the exact same name (XXX, A) listed for the Flight Standby list, and yet only one of these person(s) (XXX, A) also listed on the Upgrade Standby list.

This seemed a bit odd, and had me wondering whether NR Standby passengers can seek to book and block an empty seat next to them in coach? For example, if a revenue passenger desired to buy two seats (blocking one), they both would be in their name, IIRC.

Kmxu

Do both XXX, A appear next to each other on the flight Standby list? If not, they may be Andrew XXX, and Alexander XXX. Cheers.

dmurphynj

sinoflyer

It was more likely two people with the exact same initials.

fumje

People flying nonrev do not have to list for the front cabin. There are reported to be extra fees for clearing into F/J, although I don't know what magnitude.

So here are a couple possible explanations (with arbitrarily chosen numbers for the list position):

--

SBY
8. XXX, A (1) [rev, standby for earlier flight]
9. XXX, A (2) [nonrev]

UPG
16. XXX, A (2)

--

SBY
8. XXX, A (1) [nonrev, likes chances for UPG, willing to pay extra fees]
9. XXX, A (2) [nonrev, doesn't want to upgrade]

UPG
16. XXX, A (1)

--

jsloan

Block it from whom?

This would be (nearly) pointless. The only way this alleged second identical reservation would clear would be if all revenue passengers were already assigned seats, check-in is closed, and the flight is under gate control. At that point, when the gate agents are clearing standbys, there'd have to be two seats available next to one another. When the gate agent clears the standbys, the non-revs are going to be placed into windows and aisles first. Only after that would they fill any empty middle seats. So, the only way this would make any difference is if there were two seats together, more standbys than aisle / window seats, and the open pair of seats was toward the front (they'll fill middles front-to-back, although sometimes they'll give out the exit row first).

Also, IIRC, an extra seat reservation uses the first name "EXTRASEAT." So, even if this were permitted, I imagine you'd see it as AAA, X and AAA, E, not AAA, X and AAA, X.

DENviaLAX

It's possible that a non-rev could list themselves twice, though its not supposed to be done and they would never be given two boarding passes even if they did. Usually what happens is you get someone who doesn't know how things work so they list themselves for multiple flights on the same route, not realizing that if they miss the first flight that they'll be automatically rolled over to the next flight anyway. So then when the agent rolls the list over, they show up twice. But again, once it comes to actually clearing the seats the agent will just cancel one of the reservations anyway.

As someone mentioned it'd be quite pointless since non-revs only get the left over scraps 15 min before departure anyway. If they get called up to the counter for their seat assignment they can simply ask for the seat that has an empty one next to it.

LarryJ

Non-revs don't block anything. We get whatever is left over at T-15.

Most domestic non-revs list are for economy. Most don't want to pay the fee for a higher cabin on domestic flights and, with CPUs, there are rarely any available, anyway. If we list for FC, we show up on both lists. If we list for economy, we show up only on the standby list and will be left behind if an economy seat isn't available--even if a FC seat was open.

747FC

Very interesting to learn how the system works. Thanks!

elperro

Curious - is having to pay to sit in F a recent thing? When I worked at Delta nonrevs never had to pay a fee to sit in F (domestic) or J (if 3 class INTL). We could list for Y only if we were traveling with children (DL set an age minimum for nonrevs sitting up front).

Now what we did have to do was pay the taxes/fees on international flights and they were based on the full fare of the cabin we were assigned - which could get pretty pricey for some destinations.

At any rate, what is said here about nonrevs is correct - they list for space available on the flight and can for both classes of service. Their priority is far, far lower than any paying customer, however. If space is available after all paying customers are accommodated then they clear nonrevs. Always an adventure traveling that way.

BThumme

jsloan

With status, I would ask if I could be cleared into first on a CPU-eligible route. It might not be technically within policy, but it's a reasonable request and one that I'd expect could be granted. Without status, or on a non-CPU route, they will not op-up someone to clear a standby.

sexykitten7

I am also shocked to hear this. Care to explain why they charge you to sit upfront domestically? And what kind of range are we talkin? If those seats are "free" for elites, then they ought to be free for employees too. Sounds like a money grab to me!

wxguy

Every employee benefit is negotiated and stipulated in the contract. Down to the last decimal point. And so UA isn't "grabbing" anything -- it was mutually agreed to by both parties.

FlyingNone

This actually happened to me (as a non-rev).......I cleared for a F-class seat on a transcon. As soon as I was settled (plane still at gate), a gate agent promptly came on board, apologized profusely but had mixed up my name with the name of someone else (XXX, J (me) and XXX,J (a well-known comedienne). I don't know if they were originally confirmed or were standing by but it was definitely "their" seat. I graciously moved back to coach (reseated there by the gate agent); we all had a good laugh. It happens.

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UAL does not charge non-revs a fee for higher cabins on domestic flights. Like DL, there is only airport departure fees/taxes on international flights (price depends on the international airport one is departing from, ie., departing LHR versus departing SIN is a big difference in fees).

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No money grab at all. UAL does not charge non-revs a fee to sit in a higher cabin domestically. The only fees/taxes collected are when non-revs are departing international cities (all cabins). They are really airport or country departure? taxes. So whether I travel in coach or first class from an international airport, only then will a fee be charged. Deduction will vary, for example, LHR and FRA are much higher than SIN or TPE. Delta is the same.