The right reso agent can make a big difference.
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: ORD
Programs: UA Gold, AA MM/Gold, Hilton Gold, Sheraton Gold
Posts: 369
The right reso agent can make a big difference.
I know this has been said many times here, but it pays to "shop around" for the right reso agent. I wanted to upgrade the ORD/PEK leg of a trip to C. Wanted a one way buy up from W to H and kick in the miles. First agent said no one way available, must buy both ways even though I didn't want the return upgraded (traveling with someone.) I said I'll think about it because with the $150 change charge it would be a difference of about $800.
Second agent I called, JoAnne, agreed with me, that was pretty pricey. So, she said hang on and called the rate desk to see what could be done. After a very long wait, she came back and said they found a diffferent fare which cut the price by $326, about half of the upcharge for H. (Or, maybe they found a one way upgrade.)
So, it goes to show that many times what we want is available, just takes persistence and the right agent. $326 will buy a lot of knock off purses and great meals in PEK, so I'm feeling pretty good about this. Thank you JoAnne.
Second agent I called, JoAnne, agreed with me, that was pretty pricey. So, she said hang on and called the rate desk to see what could be done. After a very long wait, she came back and said they found a diffferent fare which cut the price by $326, about half of the upcharge for H. (Or, maybe they found a one way upgrade.)
So, it goes to show that many times what we want is available, just takes persistence and the right agent. $326 will buy a lot of knock off purses and great meals in PEK, so I'm feeling pretty good about this. Thank you JoAnne.
Last edited by gonezen; Dec 26, 2006 at 4:43 pm Reason: add paragraphs
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 23,999
Unfortunately, this is absolutely correct. The inconsistency of UA is terrible!
I am happy that it worked out for you in the end!
I am happy that it worked out for you in the end!
#3
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Chicago, IL USA
Programs: UA 1k, Hertz Pres, Avis Pres, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 244
#4
Suspended
Join Date: May 2005
Location: DFW
Programs: AAdvantage
Posts: 746
Shouldn't have had a change fee for buying up on intl flight
#5
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: SFO
Programs: United 1P, Delta GM, HH Gold, Hyatt Diamond, Marriott Silver
Posts: 1,715
#6
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: UA Premier, SPG Platinum, Marriott Silver, HHonors Silver
Posts: 212
This is correct. Agents, though, seem inclined to automatically charge you a change fee unless you press them. I spoke to a phone agent recently about a buy-up from V to B (which I eventually declined due to price) and she only waived the $150 change fee after I asked her to check with her supervisor about whether it really applied.
Yet another piece of evidence supporting the OP's point...
Yet another piece of evidence supporting the OP's point...