Maximizing J chances on earlier flight if holding J ticket for later flight
Feb 8, 2020, 7:55 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 296
Maximizing J chances on earlier flight if holding J ticket for later flight
Suppose:
Is there a way for me to switch to the 3pm DEN-SEA and be at the top of the J upgrade waitlist because I originally had a confirmed J seat on a later flight?
I've tried to do this a few times at the gate (well before things got busy, to avoid needlessly annoying the GA) and the gate agents have said it's not possible. But they seemed confused about what I wanted to do, so I didn't take those refusals as definitive.
- I have a confirmed, unrestricted J ticket on a later flight (eg DEN-SEA at 5pm)
- An earlier DEN-SEA at 3pm has J0 right now but the J cabin is big and I think there's a good chance of someone getting off the upgrade waitlist
- It's 1pm on the day of departure and I'm at the gate
Is there a way for me to switch to the 3pm DEN-SEA and be at the top of the J upgrade waitlist because I originally had a confirmed J seat on a later flight?
I've tried to do this a few times at the gate (well before things got busy, to avoid needlessly annoying the GA) and the gate agents have said it's not possible. But they seemed confused about what I wanted to do, so I didn't take those refusals as definitive.
Feb 8, 2020, 8:11 am
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, UA Gold, WN, Global Entry; +others wherever miles/points are found
Posts: 14,493
I want to maximize my chances of getting a J seat on the earlier flight. I would accept the risk of sitting in Y (if J0 never opens up) and also would not expect a refund (of the J-Y differential) if that happens.
Is there a way for me to switch to the 3pm DEN-SEA and be at the top of the J upgrade waitlist because I originally had a confirmed J seat on a later flight?
Is there a way for me to switch to the 3pm DEN-SEA and be at the top of the J upgrade waitlist because I originally had a confirmed J seat on a later flight?
Feb 8, 2020, 8:47 am
#3
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: CT/NY
Programs: UA 1K/1MM, AA EXP, Marriott LT Titanium, Hyatt Globalist, IHG Plat Amb
Posts: 6,042
Effectively, you are asking for either a same day change or standby into the earlier flight. As long as you are OK with potentially being in a middle seat in Y, just do the same day change, but confirm with the gate agent that you're listed for priority upgrade list.
It's definitely do-able. However, if you throw too many variables at them, they get confused and just say no. The agents at United Club can do the same thing.
It's definitely do-able. However, if you throw too many variables at them, they get confused and just say no. The agents at United Club can do the same thing.
