So, I won a trip to Australia on United...
Sep 18, 2008, 5:46 pm
#46
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: SYD
Programs: UA GS, BA Gold, Marriott Titanium/LT Plat, IHG Gold, National Exec Elite, Hertz PC
Posts: 1,419
...
So I went online to see about upgrading to E+. I found where I can buy the annual option for $350/yr... but I guess i'm a little gunshy, now. I know it probably doesn't sound like a lot to you guys, but for me (a 24 y/o with lots of student debt) it's gonna mean cutting way back on some of the stuff I had hoped to see and do while in Oz. Maybe I can just hitch a ride on a cargo ship... lol.
So I went online to see about upgrading to E+. I found where I can buy the annual option for $350/yr... but I guess i'm a little gunshy, now. I know it probably doesn't sound like a lot to you guys, but for me (a 24 y/o with lots of student debt) it's gonna mean cutting way back on some of the stuff I had hoped to see and do while in Oz. Maybe I can just hitch a ride on a cargo ship... lol.
1) Ask if they can block one or two open seats next to you.
2) Ask if you can get an exit row seat (there are 3+ available for the outbound and 6+ for the return)
3) Ask at checkin and at every gate if there are better seats available. It never hurts to ask.
4) If everything fails, look for empty seats when boarding. When you the hear "boarding completed" announcement, jump to the better seats.
But honestly, I think that right now I'm leaning towards regular economy and just trying to get up and stretch every few hours. I mean, a few hours of discomfort is worth it for a chance to do more stuff once I'm in Sydney, right?
The flight is UA839 departing LAX at 10:37 PM on September 24th.
For those of you who were curious about what the return flight was, it's UA870 departing Sydney at 3:40 PM on October 8th.
Have a great time in Sydney
Sep 18, 2008, 6:23 pm
#47
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: AVL
Programs: AA, AS, SQ, Hilton Diamond, PC Platinum, National Exec
Posts: 726
One more thing make sure you put a mileage plus or *Alliance FF number in your name for this K class ticket it is eligible for miles.
Even if you think you will never get enough for a free ticket you never know what direction life will take you in the future.
Even if you think you will never get enough for a free ticket you never know what direction life will take you in the future.
Last edited by Dan6681; Sep 18, 2008 at 7:24 pm Reason: Look below
Sep 18, 2008, 6:34 pm
#48
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: SYD
Programs: UA GS, BA Gold, Marriott Titanium/LT Plat, IHG Gold, National Exec Elite, Hertz PC
Posts: 1,419
Although it doesn't sound like you fly a lot, if you reach 25'000 miles this year on United, you'll get Premier elite status (we call it 2P), thus getting E+ for free for all of next year
Sep 18, 2008, 7:08 pm
#49
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 23
Ok, I know it's kinda corny, but I have to name each of you guys... tegwj, Ripper3785, bdeardorff, UnitedSkies, SWB, MarcWPhoto, flyerbjorn, Dan6681, and everyone else I embarrassingly missed, thanks for all the help, advice and info!
I'm gonna try to plan out exactly what I want to do most when I'm "down under" and see if I can squeeze in that Economy Plus Annual deal. If not, though, you guys had a ton of great tips on ways to make the flight in E- a little more manageable and even some ideas on how I might be able to snag a better seat at the airport.
Now I just have to think of a really awesome souvenir to get you all...
Cheers, mates!!
I'm gonna try to plan out exactly what I want to do most when I'm "down under" and see if I can squeeze in that Economy Plus Annual deal. If not, though, you guys had a ton of great tips on ways to make the flight in E- a little more manageable and even some ideas on how I might be able to snag a better seat at the airport.
Now I just have to think of a really awesome souvenir to get you all...
Cheers, mates!!
Sep 18, 2008, 7:21 pm
#50
Join Date: Jan 2003
Programs: MP 1K to 2P - painful
Posts: 305
Sometimes it seems there's a lot of complaining and jumping on people for being newbies in this forum, but I have to say this thread really demonstrates the very best of flyertalk both in terms of generosity and helpful advice.
Bon Voyage, you'll have a great time in Oz!
Bon Voyage, you'll have a great time in Oz!
Sep 18, 2008, 7:21 pm
#51
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: NYC
Programs: UA 1.5 Million Mile flyer, Hilton Diamond, Bonvoy Gold, Hertz 5* and PC since 1985
Posts: 5,611
I wish I had 3P status to gift but I stupidly gave it to my 4 year old before UA decided to let us 1K's bring our entire touring party to E+ as a perk.
Good Luck and ^ to the person who offered up a SWU.
Cheap B*******, giving you K class to SYD
Some cheap good eats on the street behind the Hilton in Sydney.
Good Luck and have fun
Good Luck and ^ to the person who offered up a SWU.
Cheap B*******, giving you K class to SYD
Some cheap good eats on the street behind the Hilton in Sydney.
Good Luck and have fun
Sep 18, 2008, 7:43 pm
#52
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: ORD
Programs: HHonors Silver, UA (no status, but lots of miles!)
Posts: 465
Why not call the company running the promotion and see if they can get you E+? If they have a deal with United or if you won this trip in conjuction with a United or Tourist Board sponsored event, it might be possible. If the company has an account manager w UA, it can be done.
Sep 18, 2008, 7:48 pm
#53
Join Date: Feb 2006
Programs: HH Silver, MR Plat Prem & LT Plat, Hyatt Plat,SPG Plat, Hertz PC, National EE, UA 1K
Posts: 3,405
Sep 18, 2008, 7:53 pm
#54
Join Date: May 2007
Location: YOW
Posts: 2,351
Congrats on the win. Enjoy your trip and don't let people make you think that an E- seat will kill you.
Sep 18, 2008, 8:08 pm
#55
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: PDX
Programs: Alaska Airlines, CO Emeritus, United kettle, Ural Airlines Wings, Hilton, National
Posts: 979
Sep 18, 2008, 8:15 pm
#56
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: IAD
Programs: No Loyalty to any airline
Posts: 2,378
Just when I log on to Flyertalk and think I'm going to see five pages worth of complaints because the FA did not place the napkin the right side up on the tray table in F, I get reminded of the generosity on FT!
Great thread. Congratulations OP and enjoy your trip!
Great thread. Congratulations OP and enjoy your trip!
Sep 19, 2008, 12:23 am
#57
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: bay area, ca
Programs: UA plat, , aa plat, marriott LT titanium
Posts: 4,833
I'm not sure that exit row (if available) are really a good idea - great room for your legs but b/c the seat dividers are fixed the seat itself is narrow and at 300 lbs I'm not sure you'd "fit" nor be very comfortable (but of course your seat mates would appreciate your not "intruding" on their space ).
If the flight is as lightly booked as others have indicated your best bet might be to try to get the gate agent to block one or more seats next to you - you'll be happier and they won't get complaints from the people next to you
).If the flight is as lightly booked as others have indicated your best bet might be to try to get the gate agent to block one or more seats next to you - you'll be happier and they won't get complaints from the people next to you
Sep 19, 2008, 5:05 am
#58
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Washington DC
Programs: UAL 1K, Marriott Premier
Posts: 172
Sep 19, 2008, 7:51 am
#59
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Ani Ichibanya
Programs: WWMFD
Posts: 6,292
Any trip to Oz is a good trip, especially in your case. Additional kudos to to the offer of the SWU. ^
Have a great trip & hoist a VB for me! Oh, and don't try the INXS trick.
Have a great trip & hoist a VB for me! Oh, and don't try the INXS trick.
Sep 19, 2008, 7:53 am
#60
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: NYC
Programs: UA 1.5 Million Mile flyer, Hilton Diamond, Bonvoy Gold, Hertz 5* and PC since 1985
Posts: 5,611
I'm not sure that exit row (if available) are really a good idea - great room for your legs but b/c the seat dividers are fixed the seat itself is narrow and at 300 lbs I'm not sure you'd "fit" nor be very comfortable (but of course your seat mates would appreciate your not "intruding" on their space ).
If the flight is as lightly booked as others have indicated your best bet might be to try to get the gate agent to block one or more seats next to you - you'll be happier and they won't get complaints from the people next to you
).If the flight is as lightly booked as others have indicated your best bet might be to try to get the gate agent to block one or more seats next to you - you'll be happier and they won't get complaints from the people next to you