Thanks, I was just going to ask that.

Are they still pursuing the full FastAir replacement, or is "Check It" going to be it? Or is Check It just the first set of features to be included in the FastAir replacement.

My feeling on the widget is that unless it's a simple task like checking someone in, or boarding an "on-time" flight, native SHARES will still need to be used to re issue a ticket, interline, etc. Much in the way that when FastAir, first rolled out many agents found it easier to enter native Apollo for more complex tasks (although in this case, they won't have a choice). What I don't know is if like FastAir, Check It will be the foundation for the GUI or is a temp solution.

People I have spoken with have said that the full FastAir replacement is still being developed, however, I have the fear that they will implement the widget and go with the mentality of "good enough."

Thanks for posting some additional, sane, non-inflammatory facts with actual basis from inside the company.

The sky is falling threads on here regarding this merger got old 18 months ago, especially when they're full of misinformation that simply isn't true (like the bag scanning thing).

I spoke with a very experienced UA TA tonight and we discussed the transition to SHARES. She mentioned the large increase in the amount of time and typing required for most functions using the current implementation of SHARES and the impact this would have on the ability of agents to help customers.

We also discussed the new GUI that was in development and she reiterated that it was expected at the end of 2012. She was hopeful that the new GUI would bring her capabilities at least back to what she currently has with the legacy UA system.

Another part of our conversation was about the reasoning behind switching to SHARES even though it was not as customer friendly (in her opinion) as the legacy UA system. She understood the corporate rationale behind changing and was willing to work very hard to make things function with the new system.

Our conversation seemed to be right in line with what I've been reading in the more reasoned posts on FT about the changeover to SHARES.

When it is released, Check It will have a basic first set of features and will serve as a foundation for the new GUI. The full overlay is still in development, but the introduction of Check It will be available system-wide on PSS Day One. The complete system will be completed by the end of the year.

EZR is the GUI used by RES agents, and it will remain as such.

Good to hear, thanks for the info.

Really glad to hear they're still working on the full overlay.

Me too -- and at least with the introduction of Check It, agents will be able to check in multiple pax at the same time now (I realize native SHARES isn't perfect).

This used to be a problem, but it seems to have been corrected. I'm seeing all-*A award itineraries show up properly under "My Reservations" on united.com.

Great to hear, glad UA is moving forward with bringing back most, if not all, of the functionality of FastAir, and providing a stop-gap solution before the full GUI is ready. Very encouraging.

Just updated the first post:
- Removed Simultaneous Checkin (expected to be addressed with "Check It" app)
- Added Seat Change Requests


Keep the feedback coming...

Can you explain one thing to me:

Im really concerned about the part about ticket combining. Due to our company system not supporting A fares, only F, to save money, I often buy multiple full fare Y one way tickets (ie Den-Iad, Iad-east coast final destination) then combine them into a cheaper one way A fare ticket.

Will this still be possible with the new system? If not, they may be down one GS member this year...

Elite Access conferred to others on award tix issued from elite account

Apologies if this has already been dealt with but currently in UA looking at flights using the award travel with "expert" user set in my FF profile, I get to see the inventory numbers (like NC) to show if there are any immediate upgrades. ^

Is this going to end when the IT systems combine? If so should I get summer vacation travel booked prior to the change?

Today, continental.com will show you R availability on CO flights if you do a search for revenue flights: click on "Fare Class" after you do the search.

Note that continental.com does not show you availability if you do an award search, and it does not show you NC availability for UA flights.

And apparently it is sometimes even correct!