Converting Fully Refundable One Way “Back-Up” Ticket To Existing R/T If UA Cancels
May 13, 2021, 2:42 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: NYC/HNL
Posts: 459
Converting Fully Refundable One Way “Back-Up” Ticket To Existing R/T If UA Cancels
Booked R/T FC NS UA363 EWR-HNL, UA has already changed itinerary once (without notice).
363 is almost fully booked around my departure date and I’m a bit over-anxious about a worst case scenario; being a bit older, I really want the non-stop.
If I purchase a OW fully refundable EWR-HNL ticket for day after original departure and existing EWR-HNL flight is cancelled/equipment swap/connection added by UA will it be possible to:
Replace outbound with the next-day ticket keeping the return flight intact?
If so, what would the fare implications be, will UA refund the (hefty) fare difference or are there just too many moving parts?
I guess what I’m trying to do is use the next day refundable as a place holder, and cancel if no problems arise.
Mahalo for your input.
363 is almost fully booked around my departure date and I’m a bit over-anxious about a worst case scenario; being a bit older, I really want the non-stop.
If I purchase a OW fully refundable EWR-HNL ticket for day after original departure and existing EWR-HNL flight is cancelled/equipment swap/connection added by UA will it be possible to:
Replace outbound with the next-day ticket keeping the return flight intact?
If so, what would the fare implications be, will UA refund the (hefty) fare difference or are there just too many moving parts?
I guess what I’m trying to do is use the next day refundable as a place holder, and cancel if no problems arise.
Mahalo for your input.
May 13, 2021, 2:48 pm
#2
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: HNL
Programs: UA GS4MM, MR LT Plat, Hilton Gold
Posts: 6,447
May 13, 2021, 2:56 pm
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
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The last thing airlines want is passengers buying a bunch of seats that aren't going to be used.
Last edited by IAH-OIL-TRASH; May 13, 2021 at 3:02 pm
May 13, 2021, 2:58 pm
#5
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: HNL
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May 13, 2021, 3:06 pm
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: NYC/HNL
Posts: 459
Buying two seats with intention of using only one violates Contract of Carriage. Such a purchase potentially 1) precludes another from buying a ticket and 2) deprives UA of revenue.
The last thing airlines want is passengers buying a bunch of seats that aren't going to be used.
The last thing airlines want is passengers buying a bunch of seats that aren't going to be used.
Last edited by WineCountryUA; May 13, 2021 at 3:12 pm Reason: merging consecutive posts by same member
May 13, 2021, 3:19 pm
#7
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: HNL
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May 13, 2021, 3:24 pm
#8
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
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You can not take two separate reservations and combine / merge them in any way.
For a given reservation, if you skip segment without formally changing the ticket, the remaining segments will be cancelled. Removing the first segment will reprice the return based on the prices at the time of the change.
Holding separate reservations on separate days (with the intent of flying just one) is a violation of your contract with UA --- but in reality it is not going to be noticed. But holding space does prevent it from being purchased by another traveler -- not very courtesy of the other travelers.
Yes, UA has been changing flights, but if the flight is regularly operating as a non-stop (which it is), I would not be concern that a random day would turn into a change in routing. Not sure there is any need for the backup flight.
For a given reservation, if you skip segment without formally changing the ticket, the remaining segments will be cancelled. Removing the first segment will reprice the return based on the prices at the time of the change.
Holding separate reservations on separate days (with the intent of flying just one) is a violation of your contract with UA --- but in reality it is not going to be noticed. But holding space does prevent it from being purchased by another traveler -- not very courtesy of the other travelers.
Yes, UA has been changing flights, but if the flight is regularly operating as a non-stop (which it is), I would not be concern that a random day would turn into a change in routing. Not sure there is any need for the backup flight.
May 13, 2021, 3:52 pm
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: NYC/HNL
Posts: 459
You can not take two separate reservations and combine / merge them in any way.
For a given reservation, if you skip segment without formally changing the ticket, the remaining segments will be cancelled. Removing the first segment will reprice the return based on the prices at the time of the change.
Holding separate reservations on separate days (with the intent of flying just one) is a violation of your contract with UA --- but in reality it is not going to be noticed. But holding space does prevent it from being purchased by another traveler -- not very courtesy of the other travelers.
Yes, UA has been changing flights, but if the flight is regularly operating as a non-stop (which it is), I would not be concern that a random day would turn into a change in routing. Not sure there is any need for the backup flight.
For a given reservation, if you skip segment without formally changing the ticket, the remaining segments will be cancelled. Removing the first segment will reprice the return based on the prices at the time of the change.
Holding separate reservations on separate days (with the intent of flying just one) is a violation of your contract with UA --- but in reality it is not going to be noticed. But holding space does prevent it from being purchased by another traveler -- not very courtesy of the other travelers.
Yes, UA has been changing flights, but if the flight is regularly operating as a non-stop (which it is), I would not be concern that a random day would turn into a change in routing. Not sure there is any need for the backup flight.
understood thanks.
Right I used to fly HA all the time until they raised prices/miles, anyway I’m already booked on United.
Last edited by WineCountryUA; May 13, 2021 at 4:28 pm Reason: merged consecutive posts by same member
May 14, 2021, 9:05 am
#10
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: LAX
Posts: 10,908
I doubt this flt will cancel - most restrictions are gone and demand is high.
If your flt is canceled you should be able to call and request another nonstop the following day.
You can not merge existing backup with original return.
In theory if the next day is sold out and your flt is canceled you can cancel placeholder, release a seat and immediately call to rebook hoping that seat is there - an unlikely scenario overall imo.
I don't see booking on separate days as coc violation and it seems perfectly ethical and sensible in the days when airlines routinely sell tickets and cancel flights.
If your flt is canceled you should be able to call and request another nonstop the following day.
You can not merge existing backup with original return.
In theory if the next day is sold out and your flt is canceled you can cancel placeholder, release a seat and immediately call to rebook hoping that seat is there - an unlikely scenario overall imo.
I don't see booking on separate days as coc violation and it seems perfectly ethical and sensible in the days when airlines routinely sell tickets and cancel flights.