Finding multiple connections on routes?
 

Hi - first post from a relative newbie - hopefully not too dumb a question or someone can refer me to a link if this has already been discussed somewhere, but my question is:

I'm impressed with all the crazy routing people find to pick up miles whether on a mileage run or just regular travel - what is the best way (on UA) to find multiple connections on my routes? It seems when I put in basic itinerary criteria on ual.com they provide direct flights whenever possible and then minimal connections as second options; I'm not seeing any of the 4+ cities that some people are finding and am not sure how to track those down. Also, it seems people are being able to find optimal connections with better pricing - is there a utility somewhere besides the UA site I should be looking to find routing info? Also, what is the easiest way to look up mileage on routes? Thanks for any help.

An easy way would be to enter double hubs. So instead of IAD-SFO enter

IAD-ORD-DEN-SFO

You would do this on a multiple segment option

In my opinion the single best utility for finding multi-hop flights is matrix.itasoftware.com. It allows you to ask for for things like "show me only flights with 3 stops only on United" and will essentially list out every possibility. Unfortunately they don't allow you to weed out code-share flights, if they would add this it would be perfect.

My strategy is usually:

1. find a cheap fare on travelocity
2. find the best routing on itasoftware
3. book using the multi-city function on ual.com

Edited to add: the key to using itasoftware is this page describing the routing language.



[This message has been edited by carlhaynes (edited Feb 10, 2004).]

Thanks for the replies and the tips, guys. Sounds like it's a little bit of strategy and a little bit of trial and error to see what comes up. I'll have to get familiar with my hubs as well. Any easy reference area to find the precise mileage between two airports according to the airlines? Thanks again.

If you want precise United mileage, you'll have to either download the electronic timetable, check a random flight status or book a dummy flight.

If you want a quick and reasonably close estimate of a route's mileage, try using the Great Circle Mapper.

http://gc.kls2.com

Thanks, Fightingillini (and previous posters). Apologize if these questions were relatively basic ones - appreciate the info.

FightingIllini, I must confess, I'm a Spartan alum - hope we get a good game out of those teams tonight http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Hey wingsfan -

A few suggestions for you.

First off, an easy way to add a segment for you would be to fly out of Milwaukee. Beware, as those flights get delays a lot, but it can work out.

Use the multi-city option for booking. However, *don't* use hubs, since you'll have to hit them anyway. Pick a city that's on the way. So, if you were going to Seattle, you could pick Minneapolis. Put in MKE to MSP to SEA. Since you can't got MKE to MSP direct, you'll have to go through ORD. Since you can't go MSP to SEA direct, you'll have to go through DEN.

Check out the Mileage Run forum, lots of tips there.

Oh yeah, sorry about that game tonight. Weird after how well your Spartans shot last game. From a fan of another Big 10 team, the NU Wildcats http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

[This message has been edited by glg (edited Feb 10, 2004).]

Definitely check out the Mileage Run forum ... but, you should snag this tool as well: http://flyingfish.oscarfish.com

It allows you to type in segments and prints out a fairly accurate mileage estimation between routes as well as breaks down your cost per mile, which is the key to making the most out of your mileage runs http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

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UA 1k/AA Gold/HH Diamond/*wood Plat

Thanks for the continued posts - all provide great information. I'm mourning all the lost opportunities as I've flown quite a bit in the last 3 years but expect to be flying a little less. But I guess that makes this info more important now. Am planning a trip to Denver next month - will see what I can pull off for that one. Thanks for all the great tips and links - would like to get some runs in before UA starts clamping down on max awards by seating class or some other idea that will reduce passenger loyalty.

Another suggestion:
When booking multisegment trips - some fares allow 5 segments each way )four connections -- you almost always need to call UA reservations since the multicity function on UAL.com can't handle that many. Tell the agent that you are going to have that many segments because they also have trouble at times booking these and getting the correct fares.
Also, on occasion, I have found routings that are "allowed" on UAL.com but are unable to be fared, such as IND-MKE via Madison WI. Happens rarely but it does put a damper on things. Good Luck.

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JerseyJoe

Wingsfan,

Sorry about the tough loss last night... Champaign has never been a friendly place for Izzo and Co. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/cool.gif

Hey FightingIllini - great game out of you guys against MSU. Tough to suffer another beat down in Champaign but Illinois is hot and they played great. Hopefully we rebound. Best of luck in the post season http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif