Can I use my elite benefits for others? (check-in, boarding, etc.) [Merged Threads]
#31
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The GA might complain if you board on the red or non red lane either way, so you might as well all use the red lane. Fwiw, the last couple times I've traveled w/ my family, we've used the red carpet lane without incident.
The GA might complain if you board on the red or non red lane either way, so you might as well all use the red lane. Fwiw, the last couple times I've traveled w/ my family, we've used the red carpet lane without incident.
#32
Join Date: Jun 2007
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If you were entering the lounge based on your *G status (not RCC membership) then they were correct in trying not to let you in with 2 companions as the benefit for *Gs is for one guest (either wife or a child). Trust me, LHR folks are not alone in this - try getting into one of LH lounges with more than 1 guest.
#33
Moderator, Omni, Omni/PR, Omni/Games, FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Oct 2004
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Interesting question though.. normally when you're all on the same PNR doesn't everyone get the same boarding group? The interesting part is that now 1K's don't get a boarding group..their BP just says 1K. So in this case, what will the other BP's say? Group 1? Blank? I have not traveled on a multi person PNR since they moved 1K's out of group 1... so I don't know the answer. Someone enlighten me .
We did have the check-in moat dragon in IAD deny her entry to the domestic F / 1K check-in, even though she was traveling with me. I didn't feel like arguing with the agent, and as my wife wasn't checking a bag, I printed her BP from Mr. Chicken while the counter agent took care of my bag.
#34
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You should not have any problems all boarding together though the Red Carpet.
As long as there is space, there whould also not be any problems getting into the RCC's.
As long as there is space, there whould also not be any problems getting into the RCC's.
#35
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: PHL
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Curious about when this happened. Recently? Because it has never happened to me at PHL and I've done this with basically every GA that works there.
#37
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: PHL & (gasp) AVP (NEPA)
Programs: UA 1K
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It really wasn't a big deal, I just wanted to know if I was right or wrong (still not really sure ). Seems we were more of a PITA standing off to the side of the red carpet until general boarding was allowed, at which time the rest of my party boarded while I talked to the 1K desk and waited for the SD.
I was really impressed with him (the SD), he listened to my concern, explained what the GAs are told, I apologized for being a PITA, he apologized, we shook hands and parted at the aircraft door. Then came on about 5 minutes later and informed me that an apology email was forthcoming (wasn't necessary, but certainly appreciated).
#38
Join Date: May 2006
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I have a trip coming up where I am taking the entire family (wife and two children) to Hawaii. Booked on reward tickets.
When boarding, I am sure there is plenty of opinion on this, should we board over the red carpet?
I booked the tickets all together on one PNR, and we are seated in E+ for all the segments, I just want to hear opinion about it. Personally I feel as though I should be able to board all together, over the red carpet, but YMMV. Let me know how you would handle this.
Also, my RCC membership says I can bring my spouse and minor children in with me, can I really have 3 guests if they are my family?
When boarding, I am sure there is plenty of opinion on this, should we board over the red carpet?
I booked the tickets all together on one PNR, and we are seated in E+ for all the segments, I just want to hear opinion about it. Personally I feel as though I should be able to board all together, over the red carpet, but YMMV. Let me know how you would handle this.
Also, my RCC membership says I can bring my spouse and minor children in with me, can I really have 3 guests if they are my family?
2) You can board over the red carpet. Highest boarding position controls.
#39
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Only true if you are a UA RCC member accessing UA RCC. Not if you are *G accessing UA RCC, or UA RCC members accessing non-UA lounges.@:-)
They were just following the *A rules.
http://www.staralliance.com/en/benef...access-policy/
Star Alliance Gold Customers Travelling in Any Class: Customers have access to any Star Alliance member carriers' owned lounges with the Star Alliance Gold logo at the entrance............Customer is entitled to one guest
Last edited by iluv2fly; May 26, 2010 at 8:39 pm Reason: merge
#40
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Only true if you are a UA RCC member accessing UA RCC. Not if you are *G accessing UA RCC, or UA RCC members accessing non-UA lounges.@:-)
They were just following the *A rules.
http://www.staralliance.com/en/benef...access-policy/
They were just following the *A rules.
http://www.staralliance.com/en/benef...access-policy/
#41
Join Date: Dec 2009
Programs: United 1K Hilton Gold
Posts: 139
I agree. It's for sure not 100% Kosher but I have done this kind of thing as a 1K (mainly on the phone to the 1K desk) and the agents are always helpful - especially if one is upfront and tell them it's not quite a legit request. Why their help? Well, I bet you any money that these traveler friends are traveling UA and not DL or AA or whoever precisely because one is a UA 1K and these friends have had a free of charge UA sales pitch done on them by the 1K that is much more effective than any advert, discount, you name it etc. I tell people basically, "this is what you are doing - unless you want to do it on your own". And sometimes they do it on their own. And they screw up most of the time. Not being a "know it all" - it's just a fact - you can't travel twice a year and know this game.
Once was earlier this year when my sister and I traveled together from BWI to ORD to my grandfathers funeral. Even with the "discount", the last-minute tickets were $20 more on United on Southwest, but told my sister I'd pay the extra $40. The big snow storm (Snow-bama) hit while were out there, but as soon as it cleared, they scored us both stand-by tickets and when they switched our 320 for a 757, we scored upgrades.
When my mother-in-law had a situation flying back from Australia where a mechanical in SFO caused her to get in late to ORD and then weather prevented from getting her to TPA that night, they could have easily blamed weather and had her sleep in the terminal. But I really think the fact the tickets ran across my credit card and she had 3P status gifted from my wife (also a 1K) had a lot to do with them picking up the hotel. If not for that 3P benefit and E+, she would have been flying Qantas which has a MUCH better basic economy product at the same price.
So there's about $2000 in tickets sold they'd never sell if they didn't allow "bending" of status to family. And two customers that would NEVER fly United again if not for that treatment (my sister would be stuck in the snow and my mother-in-law sleeping in an ORD terminal). It's good business sense and why they identify "elites".
I think AA does the same. Flying back and forth from PTY (no good *A carriers to Panama), our father-in-law gets us through the elite line every time, even though he wasn't flying with us. But he's on a first-name basis with all the employees there and does paid international F about 8-10 times a year from there.
If AA and QF didn't do that 50% miles on reasonably priced tickets BS, we'd have some status with them. (I refuse to acknowledge the term "discount" economy cause I'm still paying the "full" fare someone has to pay.
#42
Join Date: Aug 2008
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It was an A319, I was the only 1K, she boarded a few seconds later. That was an odd one. And quite funny.
#43
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Belgium
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Family of 4 is OK most of the time
Traveling often on UA with wife (in C) and 2 teenagers (in Y), I (1K) never had a single problem to use 'elite' check-in line on UA & *A.
Access to RCC was always OK but *A lounges are more difficult, you can kindly ask but this all you can do (not even think to try on SQ BTW, inflexible).
Boarding all at the same time, I simply say 'they travel with me, may we board together?' Always get a positive answer.
I understand that this is not within the rule but all agents are smart enough to understand the principle anyway :-)
-ric
Access to RCC was always OK but *A lounges are more difficult, you can kindly ask but this all you can do (not even think to try on SQ BTW, inflexible).
Boarding all at the same time, I simply say 'they travel with me, may we board together?' Always get a positive answer.
I understand that this is not within the rule but all agents are smart enough to understand the principle anyway :-)
-ric
#44
Join Date: Jul 2003
Programs: UA1K 3MM, AS MVP 75K Gold
Posts: 2,706
I'll be going from HNL-MCO with 11 of us later this year. All related (kids and grandkids) but it does feel a bit weird to be able to board early because I'm a 1K but, hey, beats having to fight the crowd on the grey carpet.
Wonder if the RCC will permit me coming in with five grandkids. Shall I just say I had kids in my fifties?
Wonder if the RCC will permit me coming in with five grandkids. Shall I just say I had kids in my fifties?
#45
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Personnally I would not try to bring such a large family group for earlier boarding as the guest of a single elite.