United called traveller to check source of GPU (purchased online)
Dec 21, 2018, 6:55 am
#46
Join Date: May 2009
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spare one instance where a check-in agent at LHR pulled an already cleared GPU from my at the time girlfriend's LHR > LAX flight because she couldn't get me on the phone at what was likely 3AM in LA. The much nicer ladies in the Star Alliance lounge reversed that out-trade once she cleared security, however.
Dec 21, 2018, 7:07 am
#47
Join Date: Aug 2008
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I was removing RPU's from another reservation, and applying them to my son, and that can't be done online. Quite reasonable to ask before they let you modify someone else's reservation, even with the same sirname.
When you apply RPU/GPU online, all you need is the PNR and Sirname in my experience.
Actually, that could be a good idea - if they asked for more personal info at the time of applying instruments on-line, many people wouldn't be willing to give that away together with the sale of an instrument, and perhaps it would deter fraud.
When you apply RPU/GPU online, all you need is the PNR and Sirname in my experience.
Actually, that could be a good idea - if they asked for more personal info at the time of applying instruments on-line, many people wouldn't be willing to give that away together with the sale of an instrument, and perhaps it would deter fraud.
They use to ask for a pin. Now they ask the three questions. I've never heard them ask for the birthdays of the other party (unless those were your three questions)
Overall, I think calling to check FIRST is MUCH BETTER than (stories I've read about) cancelling someones account/reservation/instrument without notice only finding out at the airport and being stranded in another country. If UA want's to do that, fine, but actually speak to the person once and/or give some warning.
Dec 21, 2018, 7:15 am
#48
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I agree but the personal information should be about yourself (the original owner of the instrument), not the other party.
They use to ask for a pin. Now they ask the three questions. I've never heard them ask for the birthdays of the other party (unless those were your three questions)
Overall, I think calling to check FIRST is MUCH BETTER than (stories I've read about) cancelling someones account/reservation/instrument without notice only finding out at the airport and being stranded in another country. If UA want's to do that, fine, but actually speak to the person once and/or give some warning.
They use to ask for a pin. Now they ask the three questions. I've never heard them ask for the birthdays of the other party (unless those were your three questions)
Overall, I think calling to check FIRST is MUCH BETTER than (stories I've read about) cancelling someones account/reservation/instrument without notice only finding out at the airport and being stranded in another country. If UA want's to do that, fine, but actually speak to the person once and/or give some warning.
If the other individual purchased the upgrade or is somehow involved in the fraud, the last thing you want to do is simply give them the opportunity to disappear. Far better to interview them at the airport. That's when people blurt out all kinds of stuff.
Dec 21, 2018, 7:19 am
#49
Join Date: Aug 2008
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On the contrary.
If the other individual purchased the upgrade or is somehow involved in the fraud, the last thing you want to do is simply give them the opportunity to disappear. Far better to interview them at the airport. That's when people blurt out all kinds of stuff.
If the other individual purchased the upgrade or is somehow involved in the fraud, the last thing you want to do is simply give them the opportunity to disappear. Far better to interview them at the airport. That's when people blurt out all kinds of stuff.
Dec 21, 2018, 8:21 am
#50
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The Star Alliance lounge (old LHR) agents asked my girlfriend to describe the agent that had done it and when she did they both rolled their eyes at each other and immediately reapplied the SWU. I think this was an agent-specific issue.
Dec 23, 2018, 5:47 pm
#52
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If freely given, with no expectations in return, you are fine.
Dec 23, 2018, 7:27 pm
#53
Join Date: Nov 2006
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Lets say you, WineCountryUA, were going to have a couple of GPUs left over and you decided to give me, N198UA, one of them. I PM you my PNR and you sponsor the upgrade. Then, at the airport, an agent decided to ask me questions about our relationship and how I came about getting the GPU, and I don't know you from Adam. What would happen then ?
Dec 23, 2018, 7:42 pm
#54
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When someone gives you a GPU, make sure you get name and phone number as a minimum. If the donor is not willing to give these out, don't accept the GPU.
Dec 23, 2018, 7:43 pm
#55
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Likely your upgrade would be rescinded and both your accounts would be flagged by UA for possible audit and punitive action.
Dec 23, 2018, 7:56 pm
#56
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Dec 23, 2018, 9:45 pm
#57
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If the recipient cannot identify the provider of the GPU / miles / .... there is a reasonable presumption the provider was not a relative and/or close friend. The remaining options are suggestive of situations UA would not find permissible.
Remember the GPUs are not your property to use or give away at your whim, they are UA's property and UA gives the rights to use them in accordance with the rules and conditions UA dictates. These are the rules you agreed to in becoming an MP member. And UA wrote the rules giving them sole discretion to determine if you are in compliance. It's their game, their rules, their decisions, we play.
Or in other words, IT IS THEIR BUSINESS, because they say so.
Dec 23, 2018, 11:21 pm
#58
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If the traveler doesn't even know the name of the person from whom the upgrade was obtained, that would be a strong indicator of an internet purchase rather than a true gift. And since UA will have no other way to determine how the transfer actually occurred, these sorts of circumstantial indicators are all it has to go on.
Dec 23, 2018, 11:26 pm
#59
Moderator: Midwest, Las Vegas & Dining Buzz
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I remember in the olden days when I would give someone a GPU or RPU, I would always send them an email stating what I was doing with my name, MP number and phone number. They would have this in case someone would question their getting one. I was actually called once by an agent due to an issue that came up with a GPU (f/k/a Systemwides).
Dec 26, 2018, 12:59 pm
#60
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I remember in the olden days when I would give someone a GPU or RPU, I would always send them an email stating what I was doing with my name, MP number and phone number. They would have this in case someone would question their getting one. I was actually called once by an agent due to an issue that came up with a GPU (f/k/a Systemwides).