Issue award ticket for other people
Dec 5, 2008, 12:07 am
#1
Original Poster
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Issue award ticket for other people
If I want to use UA mileage to book the United award ticket on UA website. Do I need to go to UA office to authorize?
Dec 5, 2008, 12:22 am
#2
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I can just report from when you book by phone, they give you the option to go to the airport or respectively send you a ticket by mail.
This was 2 days ago.
This was 2 days ago.
Dec 5, 2008, 12:26 am
#3
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If the other people have the same last name as the MP account holder, then I've always used the web site without any problem or having to confirm at the airport.
Dec 5, 2008, 12:42 am
#5
Join Date: Feb 2004
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I even issue award tickets out of my wife's account for completely unrelated third parties out of .bomb with no issues. Guess online HAL doesn't know it's not her 
The only time a ticket was held for a phone call was when I booked a first class seat for my MIL who has a different last name from both my wife (still has her maiden name) and myself. As we were on the same flight in Y, the phone agent saw a little light bulb come on that we actually were family and processed the reservation. No phone fee and no airport visit.
I've also sponsored upgrades online without incident for as long as such functionality has been available. Avoiding humans can be a good thing
Pat
The only time a ticket was held for a phone call was when I booked a first class seat for my MIL who has a different last name from both my wife (still has her maiden name) and myself. As we were on the same flight in Y, the phone agent saw a little light bulb come on that we actually were family and processed the reservation. No phone fee and no airport visit.
I've also sponsored upgrades online without incident for as long as such functionality has been available. Avoiding humans can be a good thing
Pat
Dec 5, 2008, 5:48 am
#6
Join Date: Aug 2007
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Booked award tix for my wife (same last name) and son (different last name) on .bomb with no problems.
Dec 5, 2008, 6:47 am
#7
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: New Orleans
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 655
Recently booked award tickets for folks w/ different last names, for son-in-law (and daughter) and child (same last name as son-in-law), w/ no problems. Booked it on .bomb.
The booking was easy, but there may be more inquiry to deal w/ when they try to get on the plane, my point being that booking and boarding are each potential trouble points. There's threads on what documentation to supply your
In my case, problems are unlikely as we'll be on the same flight, but I haven't booked my ticket yet, like many frugal 1Ks miles are used for awards for family while I pay to fly.
The booking was easy, but there may be more inquiry to deal w/ when they try to get on the plane, my point being that booking and boarding are each potential trouble points. There's threads on what documentation to supply your
In my case, problems are unlikely as we'll be on the same flight, but I haven't booked my ticket yet, like many frugal 1Ks miles are used for awards for family while I pay to fly.
Dec 5, 2008, 7:28 am
#8
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There is no need to authorize in person if you book online. Your account password is your authorization.
Dec 5, 2008, 7:32 am
#9
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True! But as some have discovered, YMMV, too. I always play it safe and use a standard fill-in-the-blank letter I have saved on my system, to give to the traveller.
Dec 5, 2008, 8:04 am
#10
Join Date: May 2005
Location: SJC/BWI
Programs: UA 1P
Posts: 45
I've done this online for friends, but I always make sure to fill out one of those authorization forms (is it called a bluey?) at the airport or at an RCC before their flight. After one episode where they almost turned away my wife at check-in because she doesn't have the same surname as me, and I hadn't signed one of the authorization forms before-hand, I now make sure this info is in the system.
Dec 5, 2008, 8:54 am
#11
Join Date: Nov 2008
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Can I use miles to buy tickets for friends or family members?
Yes, you can purchase Award tickets for other people (with or without your surname) using your miles, regardless of whether you are traveling with them.
Online
If you are a registered user of united.com, simply log in to book with miles -- during the purchase process, you will be prompted to enter the traveler's name(s).
Yes, you can purchase Award tickets for other people (with or without your surname) using your miles, regardless of whether you are traveling with them.
Online
If you are a registered user of united.com, simply log in to book with miles -- during the purchase process, you will be prompted to enter the traveler's name(s).
Dec 5, 2008, 9:26 am
#13
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I think there may be confusion about what an "authorization letter" is. No, you won't have to sign the official blue form, but it's always a good idea to give a letter to the other person with your personal information in case the agent has any question that it's a legitimate gift (whether you've signed a bluey or not).
Dec 5, 2008, 9:32 am
#14
Join Date: Sep 2003
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I think there may be confusion about what an "authorization letter" is. No, you won't have to sign the official blue form, but it's always a good idea to give a letter to the other person with your personal information in case the agent has any question that it's a legitimate gift (whether you've signed a bluey or not).
Dec 5, 2008, 9:36 am
#15
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