Jun 12, 13, 8:18 pm
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
What is ORC?
ORC=Original Routing Credit: Claiming credit for your original routing as you originally booked it in the event you are rerouted on flights that earn fewer miles than you originally booked.
When do I qualify for ORC?
If you are flying a UA flight on a UA-issued ticket and crediting to UA Mileage Plus, then generally after being rebooked during IROPS due to a misconnect or canceled flight (regardless of the cause--weather, mechanical, ATC delays, etc.) on a more direct routing than you originally booked that earns fewer United miles. This includes being rebooked on other airlines, even if they are not United partners, as well as being rebooked on other UA flights or UA partner flights.
What if I SDC and then have IROPS?
Reports suggest SDCing AAA-BBB to AAA-XXX-BBB and then having IROPS where you are placed back on AAA-BBB, that ORC might be denied for AAA-XXX-BBB. As your original purchase was AAA-BBB.
Unknown what would happen in more complex situations, such as you traveled to XXX and then IROPS occurred, you would probably just be better without ORC.
You will generally not qualify for ORC under the following circumstances:
A reroute during a VDB has been an open issue (best if you can get the VDB marked INVOL but still should be possible -- may take some pushback if refused)
How do I get ORC?
ORC will not post automatically (even if a gate agent assures you otherwise). You will have to call in or write into the MPSC (Mileage Plus Service Center--NOT the reservations center or Premier reservations line), provide your record locator or e-ticket number, and state that you were rerouted at United's request and would like to receive the mileage as you originally booked. You cannot do this until the miles for the flights you actually flew posted (which, for United metal, is usually shortly after your flight, as of mid-2019) and at least 5 days have passed between the original VDB flight date and the date of the request for ORC. If the agent grants you ORC, and you have UA miles already posted from the flights you actually took, they will send it to auditing. After about a week the miles for the flights you actually flew will be removed from your account and the miles for the original routing will be deposited, so check and make sure that your original routing would have indeed given you more miles than you actually earned!
If you were rebooked on a carrier which isn't a United partner (i.e. AA, DL, etc.), you can generally credit the flight you actually flew to that carrier's mileage program and still claim ORC with UA.
Any tips to ensure I am successful?
When dealing with UA over a rebooking that will earn you fewer miles, make sure the agent marks your ticket as "INVOL." When the MPSC sees this note, they will be much more likely to quickly agree to grant you ORC. The absence of "INVOL" on your ticket makes the agent think you may have voluntarily rerouted yourself on a shorter itinerary, in which case you wouldn't be able to claim ORC.
Automated rebookings (the kind where you misconnect and then check your itinerary or go to a kiosk after landing and find yourself already booked on another flight) generally seem to properly be marked "INVOL," so you should be fine in these cases. You can see if your ticket was marked "INVOL" by clicking on the "View Receipt" function for your itinerary on united.com; it will be shown next to "Fare Rules" below the fare breakdown section, like so:
Note that some people have reported success in claiming ORC on VDB rebookings if they were able to successfully persuade the agent to mark the itinerary "INVOL."
Is there ORC for MM / Lifetime credit? for PQDs?
Yes and Yes (Generally included but to be safe specifically mention these in your request)
Can a get a refund?
It is believed that requesting a refund will block the ability to request ORC.
Other issues?
You may run into difficulty if any of the following are true:
The first two may not be impossible to overcome, but you may need to work harder to get the credit (YMMV, though, especially if both #1 and #2 are true).
The third one is a different case--you need to request credit through the program you're crediting to, as third parties don't have the ability to make adjustments to programs they don't own (UA can't adjust your LH balance, for example--they can only send LH a feed of what flights that person flew, a process which is automated and tied to their operations system).
Archive of older posts - Original Routing Credit (ORC) After Involuntary Re-Routing/Re-Booking (Archive)
ORC=Original Routing Credit: Claiming credit for your original routing as you originally booked it in the event you are rerouted on flights that earn fewer miles than you originally booked.
When do I qualify for ORC?
If you are flying a UA flight on a UA-issued ticket and crediting to UA Mileage Plus, then generally after being rebooked during IROPS due to a misconnect or canceled flight (regardless of the cause--weather, mechanical, ATC delays, etc.) on a more direct routing than you originally booked that earns fewer United miles. This includes being rebooked on other airlines, even if they are not United partners, as well as being rebooked on other UA flights or UA partner flights.
What if I SDC and then have IROPS?
Reports suggest SDCing AAA-BBB to AAA-XXX-BBB and then having IROPS where you are placed back on AAA-BBB, that ORC might be denied for AAA-XXX-BBB. As your original purchase was AAA-BBB.
Unknown what would happen in more complex situations, such as you traveled to XXX and then IROPS occurred, you would probably just be better without ORC.
You will generally not qualify for ORC under the following circumstances:
- A change to your itinerary made in advance
- A United-initiated schedule change made prior to departure
- A voluntary change made during travel (i.e. SDC, walking away from a segment, etc.)
A reroute during a VDB has been an open issue (best if you can get the VDB marked INVOL but still should be possible -- may take some pushback if refused)
How do I get ORC?
ORC will not post automatically (even if a gate agent assures you otherwise). You will have to call in or write into the MPSC (Mileage Plus Service Center--NOT the reservations center or Premier reservations line), provide your record locator or e-ticket number, and state that you were rerouted at United's request and would like to receive the mileage as you originally booked. You cannot do this until the miles for the flights you actually flew posted (which, for United metal, is usually shortly after your flight, as of mid-2019) and at least 5 days have passed between the original VDB flight date and the date of the request for ORC. If the agent grants you ORC, and you have UA miles already posted from the flights you actually took, they will send it to auditing. After about a week the miles for the flights you actually flew will be removed from your account and the miles for the original routing will be deposited, so check and make sure that your original routing would have indeed given you more miles than you actually earned!
If you were rebooked on a carrier which isn't a United partner (i.e. AA, DL, etc.), you can generally credit the flight you actually flew to that carrier's mileage program and still claim ORC with UA.
Any tips to ensure I am successful?
When dealing with UA over a rebooking that will earn you fewer miles, make sure the agent marks your ticket as "INVOL." When the MPSC sees this note, they will be much more likely to quickly agree to grant you ORC. The absence of "INVOL" on your ticket makes the agent think you may have voluntarily rerouted yourself on a shorter itinerary, in which case you wouldn't be able to claim ORC.
Automated rebookings (the kind where you misconnect and then check your itinerary or go to a kiosk after landing and find yourself already booked on another flight) generally seem to properly be marked "INVOL," so you should be fine in these cases. You can see if your ticket was marked "INVOL" by clicking on the "View Receipt" function for your itinerary on united.com; it will be shown next to "Fare Rules" below the fare breakdown section, like so:
Fare Rules: Additional charges may apply for changes in addition to any fare rules listed.
INVOL;CXL BY FLT DT/
INVOL;CXL BY FLT DT/
Is there ORC for MM / Lifetime credit? for PQDs?
Yes and Yes (Generally included but to be safe specifically mention these in your request)
Can a get a refund?
It is believed that requesting a refund will block the ability to request ORC.
Other issues?
You may run into difficulty if any of the following are true:
- You're not flying on a UA-issued ticket (recent 2022 reports suggest this is possible)
- The rebooking was done by a third-party due to IROPS on that third party carrier
- You're not crediting to UA MP
The first two may not be impossible to overcome, but you may need to work harder to get the credit (YMMV, though, especially if both #1 and #2 are true).
The third one is a different case--you need to request credit through the program you're crediting to, as third parties don't have the ability to make adjustments to programs they don't own (UA can't adjust your LH balance, for example--they can only send LH a feed of what flights that person flew, a process which is automated and tied to their operations system).
Archive of older posts - Original Routing Credit (ORC) After Involuntary Re-Routing/Re-Booking (Archive)
Original Routing Credit (ORC) After Involuntary Re-Routing/Re-Booking (Merged)
Nov 20, 17, 10:56 am
#226
Moderator: United Airlines; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.85MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 62,375
Originally Posted by GreigM
...
1. What are my rights to compensation under the EU rules (do these apply to US carriers?). Going onto the United "Customer Appreciation" site they offer a $300 e-certificate, ....
1. What are my rights to compensation under the EU rules (do these apply to US carriers?). Going onto the United "Customer Appreciation" site they offer a $300 e-certificate, ....
See https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unit...st-united.html
Originally Posted by GreigM
...2. Somewhat my bigger issue - I needed this flight to retain my Gold status. ...
You will have some issues
-- you independently rescheduled
-- asking for a refund usually prevents getting ORC
As you have labeled this as the bigger concern, will merge this in the ORC for discussion of these complicating issues
WineCountryUA
UA coModerator
Nov 27, 17, 8:56 pm
#227
Join Date: Sep 2008
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold, Starwood Gold
Posts: 951
I'm considering booking a single day transcon mileage run with an extremely tight connection (39min) and a very short (90 min) turnaround. If I miss the tight connection (39 minutes @ ORD), will UA give me the ORC for the entire flight and let me turn around and head home since I won't make my original return flight?
Nov 27, 17, 8:59 pm
#228
Moderator: United Airlines; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.85MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 62,375
Originally Posted by 100% Green
I'm considering booking a single day transcon mileage run with an extremely tight connection and a very short turnaround. If I miss the tight connection (39 minutes @ ORD), will UA give me the ORC for the entire flight and let me turn around and head home since I won't make my original return flight?
Instead of punting, you probably should press for any alternative routing that gets you to the "destination" and then file for ORC if greater miles.
Dec 1, 17, 1:05 am
#229
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Scotland / New York City
Programs: United 1K, United 1MM, HH Diamond
Posts: 31
Originally Posted by WineCountryUA
Yes, for UA flights departing an airport covered by EU261. The ETC is separate and does not replace the EU261
See https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unit...st-united.html
As others have mentioned, you will need to try ORC.
You will have some issues
-- you independently rescheduled
-- asking for a refund usually prevents getting ORC
As you have labeled this as the bigger concern, will merge this in the ORC for discussion of these complicating issues
WineCountryUA
UA coModerator
See https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unit...st-united.html
As others have mentioned, you will need to try ORC.
You will have some issues
-- you independently rescheduled
-- asking for a refund usually prevents getting ORC
As you have labeled this as the bigger concern, will merge this in the ORC for discussion of these complicating issues
WineCountryUA
UA coModerator
All-in a relatively painless process.
Dec 1, 17, 7:54 pm
#230
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Houston, TX
Programs: UA 1K, 2.3 MM
Posts: 439
Re-Accomodated - How to ensure proper UA credit
Greetings All,
In all my years of flying, this hasn;t happened to me - so I count myself as lucky. Also, let me say, I have limited access, so I haven;t researched this as I should, my apologies. I am pretty sure this has been previously covered elsewhere.
I was mechanicaled/diverted yesterday. I was connecting from Jeddah via Frankfurt on UA8866/LH440. We had an engine problem over the Atlantic and diverted back to Frankfurt. My ticket is a 016 ticket, but this leg’s PNR code was a LH. The first half of my trip was UA PNR Code. I was booked as UA8866 codeshare on LH440 metal. Let me say LH handled well and within 1.5 hours of landing, I was in my FRA Sheraton room. LH has rebooked me FRA-MAN-IAH via SQ on their A350 for Saturday.
My question, as I would like to ensure the proper BIS miles/EQM and PQD is recorded (I know 1st world issue and not losing sight of fact I am safe and will get to my destination). Will UA book/honor my original FRA-IAH UA8866 values or do I need to do something afterwards to ensure proper accounting. Or will the fact I am on Star A mean my accounting will be correct. I know SQ doesn’t talk well to other Star A - LH couldn’t print out a bourding pass for me.
Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks - ErgoTraveler
In all my years of flying, this hasn;t happened to me - so I count myself as lucky. Also, let me say, I have limited access, so I haven;t researched this as I should, my apologies. I am pretty sure this has been previously covered elsewhere.
I was mechanicaled/diverted yesterday. I was connecting from Jeddah via Frankfurt on UA8866/LH440. We had an engine problem over the Atlantic and diverted back to Frankfurt. My ticket is a 016 ticket, but this leg’s PNR code was a LH. The first half of my trip was UA PNR Code. I was booked as UA8866 codeshare on LH440 metal. Let me say LH handled well and within 1.5 hours of landing, I was in my FRA Sheraton room. LH has rebooked me FRA-MAN-IAH via SQ on their A350 for Saturday.
My question, as I would like to ensure the proper BIS miles/EQM and PQD is recorded (I know 1st world issue and not losing sight of fact I am safe and will get to my destination). Will UA book/honor my original FRA-IAH UA8866 values or do I need to do something afterwards to ensure proper accounting. Or will the fact I am on Star A mean my accounting will be correct. I know SQ doesn’t talk well to other Star A - LH couldn’t print out a bourding pass for me.
Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks - ErgoTraveler
Dec 1, 17, 8:12 pm
#231
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 9,841
Originally Posted by ErgoTraveler
Greetings All,
In all my years of flying, this hasn;t happened to me - so I count myself as lucky. Also, let me say, I have limited access, so I haven;t researched this as I should, my apologies. I am pretty sure this has been previously covered elsewhere.
I was mechanicaled/diverted yesterday. I was connecting from Jeddah via Frankfurt on UA8866/LH440. We had an engine problem over the Atlantic and diverted back to Frankfurt. My ticket is a 016 ticket, but this leg’s PNR code was a LH. The first half of my trip was UA PNR Code. I was booked as UA8866 codeshare on LH440 metal. Let me say LH handled well and within 1.5 hours of landing, I was in my FRA Sheraton room. LH has rebooked me FRA-MAN-IAH via SQ on their A350 for Saturday.
My question, as I would like to ensure the proper BIS miles/EQM and PQD is recorded (I know 1st world issue and not losing sight of fact I am safe and will get to my destination). Will UA book/honor my original FRA-IAH UA8866 values or do I need to do something afterwards to ensure proper accounting. Or will the fact I am on Star A mean my accounting will be correct. I know SQ doesn’t talk well to other Star A - LH couldn’t print out a bourding pass for me.
Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks - ErgoTraveler
In all my years of flying, this hasn;t happened to me - so I count myself as lucky. Also, let me say, I have limited access, so I haven;t researched this as I should, my apologies. I am pretty sure this has been previously covered elsewhere.
I was mechanicaled/diverted yesterday. I was connecting from Jeddah via Frankfurt on UA8866/LH440. We had an engine problem over the Atlantic and diverted back to Frankfurt. My ticket is a 016 ticket, but this leg’s PNR code was a LH. The first half of my trip was UA PNR Code. I was booked as UA8866 codeshare on LH440 metal. Let me say LH handled well and within 1.5 hours of landing, I was in my FRA Sheraton room. LH has rebooked me FRA-MAN-IAH via SQ on their A350 for Saturday.
My question, as I would like to ensure the proper BIS miles/EQM and PQD is recorded (I know 1st world issue and not losing sight of fact I am safe and will get to my destination). Will UA book/honor my original FRA-IAH UA8866 values or do I need to do something afterwards to ensure proper accounting. Or will the fact I am on Star A mean my accounting will be correct. I know SQ doesn’t talk well to other Star A - LH couldn’t print out a bourding pass for me.
Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks - ErgoTraveler
Dec 1, 17, 8:59 pm
#233
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 18,353
Originally Posted by fumje
You can write to UA and request original routing credit since the change was involuntary. That said, FRA-MAN-IAH on LH and SQ should credit equivalent qualifying miles as FRA-MAN on LH (UA8866 is operated by LH). There should be no lifetime miles without any UA-operated flights. The only thing to watch for is PQD.
OP: When your miles post, compare what you would have earned under FRA-IAH on LH with your actual earnings on FRA-MAN-IAH, and, if the change wasn't advantageous, write for Original Routing Credit.
Dec 2, 17, 3:40 am
#234
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 9,841
Originally Posted by jsloan
Well, it depends on the class of service. If OP was on a P fare, the new earnings will probably be less; if OP was on an L fare, the new earnings might well be more. But, I agree -- there are no lifetime miles issues here.
OP: When your miles post, compare what you would have earned under FRA-IAH on LH with your actual earnings on FRA-MAN-IAH, and, if the change wasn't advantageous, write for Original Routing Credit.
OP: When your miles post, compare what you would have earned under FRA-IAH on LH with your actual earnings on FRA-MAN-IAH, and, if the change wasn't advantageous, write for Original Routing Credit.
Dec 8, 17, 8:49 pm
#235
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 42
After a weather delay into DEN caused a misconnect, I changed BZN-DEN-LGA-ORD-SNA + SNA-EWR-CLE-DEN-BZN to simply BZN-DEN-SNA + SNA-DEN-BZN. The agent on the phone seemed to know what I was talking about and confirmed that the ticket was marked "INVOL". However, when I check online, the receipt states:
<<NONREF/0VALUAFTDPT/CHGFEE>>
When I click "View Current Reservation", it states:
<<! Your itinerary cannot be retrieved, since it does not contain any active flight segments. If you require assistance, please contact United Reservations.
This reservation has been cancelled.>>
Miles for the 4 as-flown segments posted today. (3 days after last segment.) I plan to write after 5 days, as suggested by the FAQ, but the fact that I am unable to find "INVOL" anywhere worries me. I did not request a refund.
Next steps? Is it an absolute requirement to see "INVOL" on the receipt fare rules?
<<NONREF/0VALUAFTDPT/CHGFEE>>
When I click "View Current Reservation", it states:
<<! Your itinerary cannot be retrieved, since it does not contain any active flight segments. If you require assistance, please contact United Reservations.
This reservation has been cancelled.>>
Miles for the 4 as-flown segments posted today. (3 days after last segment.) I plan to write after 5 days, as suggested by the FAQ, but the fact that I am unable to find "INVOL" anywhere worries me. I did not request a refund.
Next steps? Is it an absolute requirement to see "INVOL" on the receipt fare rules?
Dec 19, 17, 10:42 am
#236
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: MSP, WLG, or the forward most A seat in Y I can get
Programs: UA Gold (and all the derivatives on cars and hotels that implies)
Posts: 479
Had an end-of-year mileage run go pear-shaped when I missed my second flight (hour at gate waiting for jet bridge that wasn't working, eventually got towed to another gate), and they sent me back to my origin. The boarding pass was annotated "Carry Over Carry Back", and those miles interestingly posted in full Y. They did not refund me, and the agent at IAH knew that even though this looked like a trip in vain, what I really wanted was the miles!
After an email to MP Service Center, I ended up having to call (have always preferred to write), and got an agent on Premier desk who sorted it all out. One more data point that persistence and Hang Up And Call/Try Again is necessary.
After an email to MP Service Center, I ended up having to call (have always preferred to write), and got an agent on Premier desk who sorted it all out. One more data point that persistence and Hang Up And Call/Try Again is necessary.
Dec 20, 17, 7:42 pm
#237
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Tel Aviv (TLV), Chicago (ORD)
Programs: United Premier 1K, Starwood/Marriott Gold
Posts: 246
I had an itinerary from MKE-ORD-BHM. The ORD-BHM was cancelled briefly, and then reinstated. The IRROPS check in webpage gave me the option to knock off the MKE segment and just "begin travel in Chicago". This is what I did. This was totally voluntary, but done via the IRRPOS page, as the page didn't update to reflect that my flight was actually never cancelled. My receipt was endorsed with an "INVOL" on it. Do I get the credit for the MKE-ORD segment?
Dec 20, 17, 9:51 pm
#238
Moderator: United Airlines; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.85MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 62,375
Originally Posted by NoDestinations
.... My receipt was endorsed with an "INVOL" on it. Do I get the credit for the MKE-ORD segment?
Dec 22, 17, 11:31 am
#239
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 18,353
So, I purchased a P sale fare from YVR to BKK via SFO and NRT. The (NH) NRT-BKK leg fell off of my reservation twice. The first time, I called and got it reinstated. The second time, I verified that the record looked fine on the NH website and then ignored it.
Fast-forward to T-24, and the system only wants to check me in to NRT. I called, the 1K agent said something about NH not having confirmed the space (?) and she put me onto TG* instead. The record does not appear to be marked INVOL. Thoughts on the likelihood of being able to request ORC successfully? (NH P is 200% PQMs; no Thai fare class is > 100%). I’m going to try it regardless, but the difference is 2 GPUs and if I were to choose to use Premier Accelerator to get them, I figure that I have about a week to do so.
* The COGA — “Confused or Generous Agent” — moved me from NH P to TG P. P class on TG is discount First, not discount Business. I was really surprised that TG accepted the ticket; I fully expected to end up on NH after TG sent me back to UA at NRT.
Fast-forward to T-24, and the system only wants to check me in to NRT. I called, the 1K agent said something about NH not having confirmed the space (?) and she put me onto TG* instead. The record does not appear to be marked INVOL. Thoughts on the likelihood of being able to request ORC successfully? (NH P is 200% PQMs; no Thai fare class is > 100%). I’m going to try it regardless, but the difference is 2 GPUs and if I were to choose to use Premier Accelerator to get them, I figure that I have about a week to do so.
* The COGA — “Confused or Generous Agent” — moved me from NH P to TG P. P class on TG is discount First, not discount Business. I was really surprised that TG accepted the ticket; I fully expected to end up on NH after TG sent me back to UA at NRT.
Dec 24, 17, 2:13 am
#240
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BOS/EAP
Programs: UA 1K, MR LTT, HH Dia, Amex Plat
Posts: 29,245
Originally Posted by jsloan
So, I purchased a P sale fare from YVR to BKK via SFO and NRT. The (NH) NRT-BKK leg fell off of my reservation twice. The first time, I called and got it reinstated. The second time, I verified that the record looked fine on the NH website and then ignored it.
Fast-forward to T-24, and the system only wants to check me in to NRT. I called, the 1K agent said something about NH not having confirmed the space (?) and she put me onto TG* instead. The record does not appear to be marked INVOL. Thoughts on the likelihood of being able to request ORC successfully? (NH P is 200% PQMs; no Thai fare class is > 100%). I’m going to try it regardless, but the difference is 2 GPUs and if I were to choose to use Premier Accelerator to get them, I figure that I have about a week to do so.
* The COGA — “Confused or Generous Agent” — moved me from NH P to TG P. P class on TG is discount First, not discount Business. I was really surprised that TG accepted the ticket; I fully expected to end up on NH after TG sent me back to UA at NRT.
Fast-forward to T-24, and the system only wants to check me in to NRT. I called, the 1K agent said something about NH not having confirmed the space (?) and she put me onto TG* instead. The record does not appear to be marked INVOL. Thoughts on the likelihood of being able to request ORC successfully? (NH P is 200% PQMs; no Thai fare class is > 100%). I’m going to try it regardless, but the difference is 2 GPUs and if I were to choose to use Premier Accelerator to get them, I figure that I have about a week to do so.
* The COGA — “Confused or Generous Agent” — moved me from NH P to TG P. P class on TG is discount First, not discount Business. I was really surprised that TG accepted the ticket; I fully expected to end up on NH after TG sent me back to UA at NRT.
