My oh my, there is just so much to learn in this FF business.

I recently made two reservations from Seattle to Toronto and back via UAL Connections on line. Immediately after completing the reservations, I called Mileage Plus to upgrade our seats. They happily upgraded the outbound seats but advised that I would have to talk with the International Desk to get seats and/or upgrades on the return portion as it was operated as a code share flight by Air Canada.

The first international operator with whom I spoke was very helpful (or so I thought) and advised that while there was no possibility of upgrading on a code share flight, that I would receive my full 100% bonus points and the flight would count toward status miles.

I was, of course, somewhat disappointed that I would be stuck in coach but figured I could endure for a few hours imitating a sardine.

But, then, (ah ha) my friends auh20, Quiet Lion, pguta011 and BlondeBomber came rushing to my assistance and said, "No, No, No, they have fibbed to you. You won't get bonus point or status points." What a flight without status points, YIKES. That's worse than a day without sunshine. I might be required to re-register on Webflyer as a Junior Member.

I called the PremEx desk and they said I would have to talk to International to get the tickets changed. I called International and was told that it was MY FAULT for going "outside the UAL system" and making my reservation on United Connections, that they had nothing to do with United Connections and that it would cost me $75.00 to change each ticket. (A classic example of shifting responsibility!) WHAT? When I asked to speak with a supervisor, I was told that it would do no good whatsoever to talk with a supervisor because they would tell me the same thing. I then asked for the operator's name and she promptly hung up. Oh isn't this a grand way to make friends and influence your customers.

I called back to the PremEx desk and was referred to Customer Service which might be answering phones again sometime in the not too distant future (as a result of the fire), but I didn't have time to wait. One more call to the PremEx desk got me referred back to the Internation Desk, but this time I had the presence of mind to ask for the name and location of the operator FIRST.

Well, "June in Denver", turned out to be a real princess and with great efficiency, charm and a true spirit of Customer Service, changed the reservation and noted the file that the changes would be made Without Charge. I was so very close to resigning my PremEx status and scuttling off to find another airline that I cannot say, before June came to my rescue.

It is hard to believe that an old lady like me, who spends half her life on an airplane, still has so much to learn. Thanks guys for all the help!

Punki: age is a state of mind. You are certainly not old by my reckoning (in years or attitude).

Still willing to put up the good fight.

Anyone who is willing to actively resist the forces of the dark side must still be a young pup--were you an activist in your student days? Glad you finally found an angel to help--every large organization seems to have a few.

I have a lot to learn too. I guess that I am clueless in regards to status miles. Is it impossible to get status miles on all code shares? What if I book a trip directly with SAS to Stockholm and give them my UAL number? The UAL web page indicates that I will receive status miles on that one. What is the effect of Star Alliance? Does anyone have a concise statement of the rules? Thanks!

You would get status miles, just not the PremEX 100% bonus on the UA code share, and zero possibility of an upgrade. Well if you were full fare you might have tradeded an AC member for a Aeroplan upgrade that could have only been used at the gate on standby. But still no bonus miles. Except LH where you should get the bonus, but it will not post and you will have to fight for it.

Clear as mud?

And from what I understand they would not count towards million miler. Only actual United miles flown on United on paid tickets count, no minimum miles per flight.

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Happy travelling and remember - No matter where you go, there you are.

Yes, these codeshare rules are clear as mud. auh2o is correct, the flight miles on Star alliance partners count towards miles for reaching elite status, but do not count towards the miles on which they give you upgrade certificates. And I believe that only Lufthansa codeshares are eligible for the elite bonus (Rudi is the guru here, I myself fly only within the US so I have not bothered to fully investigate all the rules).

There is one thing I wish United would implement - if you have a United codeshare ticket, i.e. if your ticket says United flight numbers, then they should extend all benefits normally associated with United flights (like Premier bonus, qualification for upgrade certs, million mile etc.)

[This message has been edited by pgupta011 (edited 09-01-1999).]

Punki, congratulations on standing your ground! I too got caught by surprise the first time I booked an AC codeshare. They are to be avoided like the plague. They won't upgrade you, won't let you change flights, and won't even let you in the AC airport lounge in ORD...it's run by TWA and even though I had 1K, RCC, and Amex Platinum they would not let me in. (I've since learned that it may be possible to get a pass from the AC gate agent, but who wants to stand in that line?)

Sorry you got a bad egg on the PremEx hotline... there are some good ones too as I'm sure you know.

Ok, now I'm thoroughly confused. I bought a ticket on United Connection CLE-YYZ which is on AC codeshare. I specifically picked the UA numbered flight thinking it'll apply towards status and bonus miles. Now I understand I will not receive bonus miles, but will get 500 status miles for the 300+ mile flight.

I will be an RCC member by tomorrow, will I gain access use the Maple Leaf Lounge in YYZ?

Punki - Sounds as though you mght want to consider sending "June in Denver" one of those "Service in Every Sense" Service Award certifiates.

If you want to, and don't have any of the forms, e-mail me your snailmail address and I'll send you a couple.

Indurain, an AC flight always counts only for status miles with Mileage Plus, no matter whether it is booked as AC or a UA codeshare.

Your RCC card is always good at Maple Leaf Lounges if you are flying any Star Alliance carrier the same day.

Cool... Thanks QuietLion!

Holy Schmoly, this is so confusing and to tell you the truth I don't believe half the UAL employees have a clue.

Quiet Lion, couldn't you just call United and tell them you need to become their Primo Right-Answer-Guy UAL Codeshare, Complex QUestion Special Agent so we don't have to suffer through all this misinformation anymore?