Upgrades to Europe? Fly via AMS
Sep 4, 2007, 9:59 am
#16
Join Date: Aug 2002
Programs: UA 1K & 1MM/AA Gold & 1MM/HH Gold/Marriott Titanium
Posts: 2,924
Agree that AMS is an easy upgrade (was able to confirm upgrade in advance with miles via AMS to ARN in both directions with little to no other upgradable options) but too bad the lounge options competely stink 
Sep 4, 2007, 3:57 pm
#17
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Melbourne, FL
Programs: UA 1K 2MM
Posts: 158
I realize this is heresy to speak in a FF forum, but one other thing to consider about flying to AMS: You end up in Amsterdam, one of the most fun cities in the world (and, in fact, my favorite non-diving destination). Get the cheaper fare, get the upgrade, AND fit an extra day or two in before your onward flight to just enjoy!
Sep 4, 2007, 6:13 pm
#18
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: San Francisco
Programs: United/Star Alliance - 1K
Posts: 2,176
I realize this is heresy to speak in a FF forum, but one other thing to consider about flying to AMS: You end up in Amsterdam, one of the most fun cities in the world (and, in fact, my favorite non-diving destination). Get the cheaper fare, get the upgrade, AND fit an extra day or two in before your onward flight to just enjoy!
Abraxis!
Sep 4, 2007, 6:36 pm
#19
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: LAX/BUR/ONT/SNA
Programs: UA 1P, SPG Gold
Posts: 58
Sep 4, 2007, 6:51 pm
#20
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 4,115
But if you're simply referring to full cabins, I would guess that loads have to be high which may result in lots of operational upgrades, thus resulting in full C cabins at departure time. The yields must be good too as even the ORD flight has survived just about everything - 9/11 cutbacks & winter seasons included (except I think for winter '05). Who knows. Actions speak louder than words though, and UA has kept both of these flights around which are presumably depending almost entirely on people going to/from AMS, not onward connections like FRA/MUC.
Sep 4, 2007, 6:59 pm
#21
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Melbourne, FL
Programs: UA 1K 2MM
Posts: 158
Check out http://www.thalys.com for details
Sep 4, 2007, 7:03 pm
#22
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: LAX/BUR/ONT/SNA
Programs: UA 1P, SPG Gold
Posts: 58
Thalys is about 4 hours on that route. It's the benelux equivalent of the TGV or the German ICE trains. The trains themselves are very nice, especially in 1st.
Check out http://www.thalys.com for details
Check out http://www.thalys.com for details
Sep 14, 2007, 12:35 pm
#23
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: HPN
Programs: not anymore! I'm FREE!
Posts: 3,459
And C class was nearly empty (F was full). My only complaint was that I sat in the 777 forward mini C cabin because seatguru raves about the "personal attention" from the FAs, but because I was the only one up there on my side, the FA hardly ever showed up. At least I slept well!
Sep 14, 2007, 12:40 pm
#24
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: PDX
Programs: DL Plat, UA Plat 1MM, AS MVP, Hyatt Discoverist, Avis Presidents Club, Hertz President's Circle
Posts: 3,938
One thing to note about Thalys -- it is very nice, but it isn't cheap. That $200 you saved on your airfare can easily be consumed with the train ticket.
Sep 14, 2007, 12:58 pm
#25
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: GVA (Greater Vancouver Area)
Programs: DREAD Gold; UA 1.035MM; Bonvoy Au-197; PCC Elite+; CCC Elite+; MSC C-12; CWC Au-197; WoH Dis
Posts: 52,135
Sep 14, 2007, 2:02 pm
#26
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: LAX
Programs: UA 1K MM, AA EXP, BA Silver, Marriott Plat., Hertz Pres. Circle, Avis First
Posts: 917
What about the Singapore Silver Kris lounge?? It isn't a lavish place like at ICNm but it is extremely well-sticked with food, has a shower and clean bathrooms, free computer terminals with internet access, and a decent range of newspapers and magazines. To my mind, that's a very nice lounge!
Sep 14, 2007, 4:51 pm
#28
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: OSL/IAH/ZRH (time, not preference)
Programs: UA1K, LH GM, AA EXP->GM
Posts: 38,265
Premium award classes zeroed out for dates in January
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Sep 15, 2007, 6:02 am
#29
Join Date: Aug 2002
Programs: UA 1K & 1MM/AA Gold & 1MM/HH Gold/Marriott Titanium
Posts: 2,924
What about the Singapore Silver Kris lounge?? It isn't a lavish place like at ICNm but it is extremely well-sticked with food, has a shower and clean bathrooms, free computer terminals with internet access, and a decent range of newspapers and magazines. To my mind, that's a very nice lounge!
Sep 15, 2007, 6:09 am
#30
Moderator, Hertz; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: KRK
Programs: UA 1MM, BA GGL, Hyatt Glob, Hilton Diamond and others
Posts: 12,690
What wrong with AMS catering? I flew that route a few times, and I didn't notice a difference.
Also upgrades are good, but just checking the next few weeks looks basically zero'd out
Also upgrades are good, but just checking the next few weeks looks basically zero'd out