IAD-DXB: The next SFO/LAX-SYD?
Oct 19, 2010, 7:41 am
#31
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Vancouver, BC
Programs: UA MM *Gold, Accor Silver
Posts: 1,852
Booked IAD DXB for last day in Jan and SWU was confirmed almost immediately on a W fare. I will have to wait until I get my 2010 SWU's first of Jan to try and confirm my upgrade return in Feb.
Oct 19, 2010, 8:32 am
#32
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Chicago, IL
Posts: 20,404
Oct 19, 2010, 8:51 am
#33
Original Member, Ambassador: External Miles and Points Resources
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Digital Nomad Wandering the Earth - Currently in LIMA, PERU
Posts: 58,588
I flew to New Delhi last year throgh DXB with the additional leg on another carrier. The strange thing is that it was $2000 in business class cheaper and $600 in upgradable coach to go to Delhi than to just go to DXB. Strange but true. If you want to save some money and can spend even a little time in Delhi, you might want to look at this. (I did not check to see if stopovers were permitted. If they are, you could go all the way to Delhi for a few hours, come back to DXB and use your stopover there.)
Oct 19, 2010, 9:22 am
#34
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Montgomery, Alabama, USA
Programs: UA Gold 1mm, Hilton Gold, Marriott Gold, IHG Platinum
Posts: 662
I would try to upgrade the return now. The return seems to be the biggest problem. You might borrow or trade for SWU on CC. If that doesn't work, you may be able to get an early deposit of SWUs. Last year, I believe the early deposit became available in Nov if you are already requalified for 1K.
Oct 19, 2010, 9:30 am
#35
Join Date: May 2006
Location: GA
Programs: VA-PLT, QF-GLD, DL-GM, UA-ex1K, AA-exPLT, HH-DM, IHG-PLT, MR-GLD
Posts: 8,242
Upgraded my friend on this route last week. Didn't clear until the gate but C was wide open. Still flew with 8 empty seats in C.
I agree the new config will reduce upgrade availability, but it doesn't seem like C is unavailable, just that UA is holding out on NC space more. Probably because the governement purchases can be last minute.
I agree the new config will reduce upgrade availability, but it doesn't seem like C is unavailable, just that UA is holding out on NC space more. Probably because the governement purchases can be last minute.
Oct 19, 2010, 9:49 am
#36
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Programs: UA-1k, 1mm, Marriott-LT Platinum, Hertz-Presidents Circle
Posts: 6,355
I flew both of these routes (DXB and KWI) a few times this year. When upgrade space wasn't available at time of booking I just called the 1K desk and asked to have inventory mgmt review my upgrade request. I went 3 for 3 getting it confirmed within 36 hours of booking using that approach.
Agree that KWI isn't the easiest airport to deal with, but much better than RUH, JED, etc.
Agree that KWI isn't the easiest airport to deal with, but much better than RUH, JED, etc.
BTW to OP I have flown all the routes KWI,BAH,DXB and I have only missed one upgrade with SWU's in the last 2 years and it was IAD-DXB. This doesn't mean anything I don't think other than a one off. I love originating in the Middle East on UA for the lowest fare bucket available is usually W from DXB thus upgradeable. KWI used to be M/H but now that Bah started we are seeing some prices of non upgradeable buckets which sucks.
I always price out all three and figure out the hassle and extra cost of a LCC commuting through the middle east. I will pay $100 extra to not have to go through immigration and claim bags in the ME personally.
Oct 19, 2010, 6:20 pm
#37
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Once Seattle...then DC....now CDG.
Posts: 4,059
I flew to New Delhi last year throgh DXB with the additional leg on another carrier. The strange thing is that it was $2000 in business class cheaper and $600 in upgradable coach to go to Delhi than to just go to DXB. Strange but true. If you want to save some money and can spend even a little time in Delhi, you might want to look at this. (I did not check to see if stopovers were permitted. If they are, you could go all the way to Delhi for a few hours, come back to DXB and use your stopover there.)