Nov 11, 2018, 9:43 pm
Last edit by: Ocn Vw 1K
Updated waiver as of >14 Nov. 2018: Note added cities and extended dates:
November 9, 2018 - November 23, 2018
Flight changes: The change fee and any difference in fare will be waived for new United flights departing on or before December 2, 2018, as long as travel is rescheduled in the originally ticketed cabin (any fare class) and between the same cities as originally ticketed.
Earlier waivers for this incident:
older waiver
- Burbank, CA (BUR)
- Los Angeles, CA (LAX)
- Sacramento, CA (SMF)
- San Francisco, CA (SFO)
- Santa Rosa, CA (STS)
November 9, 2018 - November 23, 2018
Flight changes: The change fee and any difference in fare will be waived for new United flights departing on or before December 2, 2018, as long as travel is rescheduled in the originally ticketed cabin (any fare class) and between the same cities as originally ticketed.
Earlier waivers for this incident:
older waiver
Travel Waiver California Wildfires 9-23 November 2018
Nov 14, 2018, 1:54 pm
#61
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: ORD | LGA | 2E
Programs: UA GS 1.6MM UC | AA CK 0.7MM AC | Bonvoy Ambassador | Hyatt Globalist | Hertz PC
Posts: 1,053
I have been ex-SFO 3 times in the last 5 days and, while it is certainly smokey/fogey, I haven't caught a material flight delay yet. Sitting in the lounge waiting for an EWR flight as we speak which looks good on the inbound equipment time-wise so far. Would also note that the 757-200 is 100% booked while my SEA > SFO flight this AM was probably only 70% full (perhaps with people choosing other routing for connecting travel).
Nov 14, 2018, 10:32 pm
#63
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: HND, NRT
Programs: UA Gold (1K 2016–2023 by miracle extensions; RIP 1K status), 1MM
Posts: 220
I was flying MEX SFO NRT on Monday. Sunday evening, I got a barrage of texts and an email about changing my flight. I almost did—trying that night—but couldn't find another flight that day with PZ space (I'd already used a GPU) so I decided to risk it. Both flights were showing as on time and the planes were already where they needed to be (must have been some scheduled maintenance at SFO for the 777 for that route). ... The long and the short of it is that in spite of all the warnings, both flights departed more or less on time and arrived 20 minutes or more early. 20 more minutes to enjoy that Polaris lounge! 
Nov 14, 2018, 10:34 pm
#64
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: BDL/NYC/BOS
Programs: UA/*A Gold, Global Entry, Marriott Plat, Hilton+IHG Gold, Hertz PC, DL
Posts: 1,752
not exactly unexpected, but .bomb is being somewhat bizarre in terms of what it's allowing for changes.
i was ticketed OGG-SFO-EWR, K fare. i wanted to change flights, same routing. no dice, still got the $200 change fee.
for whatever reason, i tried OGG-SFO-IAD-BDL. no problem, $0 change fee even though my originally ticketed fare class was not available. sweet, closer to home. UA.com gave me the expected "error" change when attempting to ticket on the final rebooking screen, but my reservation was changed. all i had to do was to call in and have my ticket re-synced.
i then tried random cities for my final destination. i couldn't get anything international to work, but BOS, SRQ and MHT all worked.
i was ticketed OGG-SFO-EWR, K fare. i wanted to change flights, same routing. no dice, still got the $200 change fee.
for whatever reason, i tried OGG-SFO-IAD-BDL. no problem, $0 change fee even though my originally ticketed fare class was not available. sweet, closer to home. UA.com gave me the expected "error" change when attempting to ticket on the final rebooking screen, but my reservation was changed. all i had to do was to call in and have my ticket re-synced.
i then tried random cities for my final destination. i couldn't get anything international to work, but BOS, SRQ and MHT all worked.
Nov 14, 2018, 10:35 pm
#65
Moderator: United Airlines
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.995MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,850
United Airlines Offers Funds, Bonus Miles and First Responder Assistance in Response to California Wildfires
Airline making direct cash donations to communities affected by wildfires while offering bonus miles for Crowdrise by GoFundMe donations and flights for first responders
LOS ANGELES, Nov. 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- United Airlines today reaffirmed its commitment to California and to lifting up communities in need by announcing $150,000 in direct donations to Ventura County Community Foundation and North Valley Community Foundation for their efforts in areas affected by the ongoing California wildfires, while launching a new Crowdrise by GoFundMe campaign to award up to five million bonus miles for individuals who make donations of $50 or more. All funds will go toward efforts to support affected communities in California. The airline also continues to work with the Governor's Office of Emergency Services and both community foundations with offers to fly first responders who need to get in or around California.
"United is deeply connected to the affected communities and with a profound sense of both sadness and duty during this difficult time, we are proud to offer our assistance," said Janet Lamkin, United's president for California. "We will continue to engage our generous customers, employees and MileagePlus members and work with local leadership to support all those affected by these devastating fires."
Donations to the Crowdrise by GoFundMe campaign support three relief partners: American Red Cross, Ventura County Community Foundation and North Valley Community Foundation. This commitment to American Red Cross is in addition to United's annual gift to the American Red Cross Annual Disaster Giving Program. Since the fires began, this annual funding has enabled the organization to mobilize its immediate response to support evacuees in emergency shelters and provide food, water and other needed services.
"Stepping forward during treacherous times is the sign of great leadership and, in this case, a great company," said Vanessa Bechtel, Executive Director of Ventura County Community Foundation. "With United's generous donation to support those impacted by the wildfires, Ventura County Community Foundation is able to provide direct financial support to help get our community back on its feet."
"The generosity of United helps provide shelter, food and hope, making a compassionate difference for people affected by the destructive wildfires in California," said Elizabeth Penniman, vice president, Communications at the American Red Cross.
"The outpouring of support is immense and amid the flames and smoke it is a ray of light. We are so grateful to United Airlines for immediately responding with care and support," said Alexa Benson-Valavanis, president and CEO of North Valley Community Foundation.
Today's announcement builds on United's continued commitment to California and recent campaigns to aid in response to wildfires and other disasters. Over the last 12 months, United has raised and donated more than $900,000 to help communities affected by the wildfires.
The airline is offering a travel waiver for customers ticketed on flights to, from or through Los Angeles International Airport, Hollywood Burbank Airport and San Francisco International Airport. Customers may reschedule their itineraries for travel through Nov. 25 with a one-time date or time change, and the airline will waive the change fees and any difference in fare for flights booked in the same cabin and same arrival/destination airports. United will continue to monitor conditions and will make updates and announcements on its Twitter handle @United and on united.com.
Airline making direct cash donations to communities affected by wildfires while offering bonus miles for Crowdrise by GoFundMe donations and flights for first responders
LOS ANGELES, Nov. 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- United Airlines today reaffirmed its commitment to California and to lifting up communities in need by announcing $150,000 in direct donations to Ventura County Community Foundation and North Valley Community Foundation for their efforts in areas affected by the ongoing California wildfires, while launching a new Crowdrise by GoFundMe campaign to award up to five million bonus miles for individuals who make donations of $50 or more. All funds will go toward efforts to support affected communities in California. The airline also continues to work with the Governor's Office of Emergency Services and both community foundations with offers to fly first responders who need to get in or around California.
"United is deeply connected to the affected communities and with a profound sense of both sadness and duty during this difficult time, we are proud to offer our assistance," said Janet Lamkin, United's president for California. "We will continue to engage our generous customers, employees and MileagePlus members and work with local leadership to support all those affected by these devastating fires."
Donations to the Crowdrise by GoFundMe campaign support three relief partners: American Red Cross, Ventura County Community Foundation and North Valley Community Foundation. This commitment to American Red Cross is in addition to United's annual gift to the American Red Cross Annual Disaster Giving Program. Since the fires began, this annual funding has enabled the organization to mobilize its immediate response to support evacuees in emergency shelters and provide food, water and other needed services.
"Stepping forward during treacherous times is the sign of great leadership and, in this case, a great company," said Vanessa Bechtel, Executive Director of Ventura County Community Foundation. "With United's generous donation to support those impacted by the wildfires, Ventura County Community Foundation is able to provide direct financial support to help get our community back on its feet."
"The generosity of United helps provide shelter, food and hope, making a compassionate difference for people affected by the destructive wildfires in California," said Elizabeth Penniman, vice president, Communications at the American Red Cross.
"The outpouring of support is immense and amid the flames and smoke it is a ray of light. We are so grateful to United Airlines for immediately responding with care and support," said Alexa Benson-Valavanis, president and CEO of North Valley Community Foundation.
Today's announcement builds on United's continued commitment to California and recent campaigns to aid in response to wildfires and other disasters. Over the last 12 months, United has raised and donated more than $900,000 to help communities affected by the wildfires.
The airline is offering a travel waiver for customers ticketed on flights to, from or through Los Angeles International Airport, Hollywood Burbank Airport and San Francisco International Airport. Customers may reschedule their itineraries for travel through Nov. 25 with a one-time date or time change, and the airline will waive the change fees and any difference in fare for flights booked in the same cabin and same arrival/destination airports. United will continue to monitor conditions and will make updates and announcements on its Twitter handle @United and on united.com.
Nov 16, 2018, 11:04 am
#67
Join Date: May 2006
Location: PMD
Programs: UA*G, NW, AA-G. WR-P, HH-G, IHG-S, ALL. TT-GE.
Posts: 2,910
Nov 16, 2018, 12:29 pm
#68
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 812
Has anyone been able to get the agents to move the return flight for free, if the outbound falls within the waiver time frame but the return does not?
I've not had a problem doing that in the past if it's a reasonable request (e.g. move both outbound and return to 1 day earlier so the total duration of the trip stays the same) but not this time.
edit: The website let's you do this for free.
I've not had a problem doing that in the past if it's a reasonable request (e.g. move both outbound and return to 1 day earlier so the total duration of the trip stays the same) but not this time.
edit: The website let's you do this for free.
Last edited by sincx; Nov 16, 2018 at 12:44 pm
Nov 16, 2018, 12:43 pm
#69
Moderator: United Airlines
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.995MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,850
Nov 16, 2018, 4:16 pm
#71
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 11,460
I'm not sure if there is a definitive answer on that. The website definitely will dump you back in Y if you change. However, if you ask an agent, you may get one to do it for you. If so it will take some doing, though, so perhaps you want to wait for the weather re-accomodations are more settled.
Nov 16, 2018, 5:21 pm
#72
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Tri Valley Area Northern CA
Programs: UA GS
Posts: 579
Are award tickets eligible for the travel waiver? I just called United reservations to change a SFO/LAX award ticket (take an earlier flight on 11/23). The orginial award ticket was at 10k, and earlier flight requires 20k. The GS agent said it would take another 10k to make the change. I asked the agent "So the Travel Waiver does not apply to Award tickets?" She replied that this is correct.
Is the agent correct, or is this a HUCA situation.
Is the agent correct, or is this a HUCA situation.
Nov 16, 2018, 7:26 pm
#73
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: ORD
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 16,901
We are scheduled to fly from ORD to PPT on Sunday, with a two-hour connection at SFO (connection was originally three hours, but a schedule change somewhere along the way reduced it). So far, it looks like the ORD>SFO flights are mostly running on time, but this still makes me a little nervous, especially since UA doesn't fly to PPT every day. I know the waiver doesn't cover Sunday (yet), but I'm thinking it might be a good idea to switch to the first (6am) morning flight or the evening before, if and when possible. What would you do? Thanks!
I’d be more concerned about ORD-SFO. If you don’t mind the early flight you could change to the 6:00am, or even better go the night before but check hotels first, I hear they’re fairly full.
Nov 16, 2018, 7:33 pm
#74
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 2,531
Are award tickets eligible for the travel waiver? I just called United reservations to change a SFO/LAX award ticket (take an earlier flight on 11/23). The orginial award ticket was at 10k, and earlier flight requires 20k. The GS agent said it would take another 10k to make the change. I asked the agent "So the Travel Waiver does not apply to Award tickets?" She replied that this is correct.
Is the agent correct, or is this a HUCA situation.
Is the agent correct, or is this a HUCA situation.
Nov 16, 2018, 7:47 pm
#75
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: ORD
Programs: UA 1K 1.5 MM, AA PLAT PRO 1MM
Posts: 573
We were in this exact situation on Tuesday. Both our flights were dead on time with no problems. I think they’ll get 115 out but check “where is this flight coming from” to see if the bird has arrived. In our case it was coming from PVG and overnighted at SFO.
I’d be more concerned about ORD-SFO. If you don’t mind the early flight you could change to the 6:00am, or even better go the night before but check hotels first, I hear they’re fairly full.
I’d be more concerned about ORD-SFO. If you don’t mind the early flight you could change to the 6:00am, or even better go the night before but check hotels first, I hear they’re fairly full.
