NRT-GUM-HKG (both segments UA, Boeing 737) crazy or OK?
Mar 1, 2019, 7:55 pm
#2
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: BDL/NYC/BOS
Programs: UA/*A Gold, Global Entry, Marriott Plat, Hilton+IHG Gold, Hertz PC, DL
Posts: 1,751
makes sense. enjoy the extra PQMs. as a gold, upgrades are relatively easy on both routes, although i’ve only flown NRT-GUM on the 772.
Mar 1, 2019, 8:55 pm
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,352
GUM is an easy airport for connections. That said, I'm surprised it saved you cash; UA doesn't have any discount fares filed between HKG and NRT.
Mar 1, 2019, 9:20 pm
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,352
There must also have been an inventory issue with the competition on that date.
Mar 1, 2019, 11:16 pm
#7
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 127
If you think that routing is crazy then I should be institutionalized for taking a 737 all the way from Hong Kong to Newark. HKG-GUM-HNL(via 5 stop island hopper)SFO-ORD-EWR.
Take the cheap fare and enjoy the ride and hopefully an upgrade
Take the cheap fare and enjoy the ride and hopefully an upgrade
Mar 2, 2019, 1:29 am
#8
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: HND, NRT
Programs: UA Gold (1K 2016–2023 by miracle extensions; RIP 1K status), 1MM
Posts: 220
Note the upgrade possibility is likely timing-depending. I'm flying NRT GUM rt next week and J is almost full both ways. I used RPUs and got the outbound right away and now see only one seat open (tho' it's possible some are blocked) and am still waiting for an upgrade on the return. So enjoy it if you can. If not, snag those exit rows or bulk heads. It's not so different from doing something like LAX ORD BOS in 737s.
Mar 2, 2019, 6:44 am
#9
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: NRT / HND
Programs: AA EXP, NH Plat, Former UA 1K
Posts: 5,632
Could be that the OP is looking at a ticket for Golden Week (last week of April), I've frequently seen UA via GUM to HKG as cheapest during major Japanese holidays. That's about the only time though, otherwise the carriers that fly direct are much more competitive.
Mar 2, 2019, 7:13 am
#10
Join Date: May 2002
Location: US
Programs: UA GS 2MM
Posts: 1,735
I, too, am surprised UA is the cheapest. Have you looked at HK Express or Vanilla (LCCs) who fly the route nonstop?
The GUM-based 737s are essentially LCC-like aircraft. No PTVs, no WiFi. I do like the novelty of flying through GUM, though. Although the airport and especially the lounge leave a bit to be desired.
NRT-GUM is also a crapshoot for an upgrade. As another poster mentioned, it is very day/time specific. The toughest upgrade is the flight that connects from the US-NRT bank.
If UA is the cheapest and you have the time to kill with that routing, go for it. Otherwise, I wouldn’t shun the LCCs who fly direct. Pay for an exit row or bulkhead and get their faster and just as comfortable.
The GUM-based 737s are essentially LCC-like aircraft. No PTVs, no WiFi. I do like the novelty of flying through GUM, though. Although the airport and especially the lounge leave a bit to be desired.
NRT-GUM is also a crapshoot for an upgrade. As another poster mentioned, it is very day/time specific. The toughest upgrade is the flight that connects from the US-NRT bank.
If UA is the cheapest and you have the time to kill with that routing, go for it. Otherwise, I wouldn’t shun the LCCs who fly direct. Pay for an exit row or bulkhead and get their faster and just as comfortable.
Mar 2, 2019, 11:26 am
#11
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: ORD
Programs: United Plat 2MM, Hilton Gold
Posts: 2,727
Mar 2, 2019, 12:52 pm
#13
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: NRT / HND
Programs: AA EXP, NH Plat, Former UA 1K
Posts: 5,632
I used to fly NRT-GUM monthly and never missed an upgrade, even on award tickets. Usually I took the 11am flight from NRT and returned on the flight from GUM around 5pm. I even flew several times when business class was less than half full due to lack of Premiers. I guess the late flight might be harder to upgrade, that makes sense since you'd have a higher likelihood of Premiers connecting from the US, I never took that flight.
