On UA metal, yes

On UA metal, maybe. Prior to the DOT guidance on refunds, this would have been an easy yes; however, there are multiple reports that they've gotten more stringent recently.

Are these reports on FT or elsewhere? I haven't seen many in the "what to do after a schedule change" thread. I'm not doubting you; I just want to go read them to edify myself.

Just sharing my experience the last go around (month ago) on UA Business Saver award with 3 segments (2 on UA and 1 on Star Alliance Partner). The Star Alliance partner flight had a schedule change of about 1.5 hours and it gave me a similar message to confirm change or cancel (no re booking optons). I contacted UA 1K Reservations twice and they basically both told me that they only re accomodate me on UA metal (I found a better routing with UA metal only, so I asked) if the UA segment had the schedule change. they do not re accomodate on UA metal if a partner has a schedule change and it does not result in a mis-connect.

No answers, but it is only off for June 22. It's on for June 21.

I was referring to the reports here on FT. Yes, there hasn’t been a deluge, but in those particular cases, it went from “no problem” to “all we can offer you is a refund” pretty much overnight. OP can certainly call and find out, but whereas a year ago I would have confidently stated that pretty much anytime the reservation got flagged, you could get any reasonable itinerary on UA metal on the same day, I’m no longer confident. (To be fair, if the only thing that changed is the flight number, it likely would never have even triggered the ‘IRROPS has occurred’ flag, and so people woudln’t have been asking to make a change under that scenario).

Any experiences with having a Polaris 772 turned into HD 772 for p.s. flights?

For my schedule, the best alternative flight with Polaris seats is about 15 hours earlier; sort of thinking I'd rather do that, but not sure how the ask would go.

that tends to be a tough ask if nothing else changed. I have successful in the past, but a lot of YMMV here

Thanks, well then we'll see. There were already some 20-40 minute (don't recall exactly) time adjustments, but none were large enough to make sense as justification for requesting change — and really it is about the seat.

With those time changes, especially if >30 minutes, you might have more luck with your request. Doesn't hurt to try IMO.

Does or should aircraft change from 787 to 777 qualify for refund? I thought it would qualify, but my reservation only offers future flight credit if I cancel.

What would be the grounds for a refund? An aircraft change is generally not a reason, a change in seat / seat configuration might qualify. Such as, lie-flat to non-lie flat

In any case, refunds in an aircraft change is never offered proactively, and requires a call to make your case.

I'm not sure, I just thought in the past when the aircraft type had changed, it allowed a refund. Maybe my mistake. It got changed from 787 to 777HD, which is so miserable.

I prefer the refund, but I can use the credit, so I will do that rather than call and plead, I suppose.

Never automatic, always required a call

There are varying opinions on the 777HD, window seats are better then center section for sure.

You could likely get a free change to a Polaris seating aircraft. A full refund will take making the case.

Some July domestic changes loaded yesterday evening.