Upgrade tricks?
 

I am flying ATL-EZE on April 6th. I thought I got a great fare at $712, but now I'm a little bitter because there are fares out there around $500. Oh well, c'est la vie.

I called UA to upgrade using miles. I was told that the fare class ("W" I think) was not upgradable using miles. I am devastated! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif I was able to beg my way into E+ bulkhead/exit seating.

I do not have any UA system-wide upgrades. My "other half" is flying from SFO-EZE (we'll meet up in ORD for the int'l segment) and has two system-wides. That's not enough for both of us roundtrip.

Is there any possibility that they will lighten up on allowing me to use miles as we get closer to departure day?

Any other ideas????

Adam,

Wellll, I doubt if they will let you into Business with a W fare. I've seen people on here begging for mercy with a Q fare (two steps higher than your tickets) and once in a blue moon they get in.

It has always been a rule for UA that H fare is the minimum you have to pay, in order to upgrade using miles. You could call UA and ask how much more you would have to pay to upgrade your W fare ticket to H fare ticket. The out-of-pocket amount may be well worth your back and your comfort, if it's not a whole lot more.

As for your "other half", I don't believe it's a great idea to talk him/her out of his/her Systemwide, so you may as well let him/her have it in the front. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif At least you're able to get an E+ seat.

Good luck!
Jamester

If the price has dropped that much in the same fare bucket, you should call UA and ask for a refund for the difference in fare in the form of a travel voucher. Sounds like they owe you $200+. Wow, did I just say $200!

[no need to thank me, thank Delta for initiating new service to EZE! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif]

I just talked to a very nice UA agent about this.

My original fare was $712. On UA's website it now prices at $527. I called UA and was quoted a price of $608 and offered a credit of $104. When I told her the web quoted a fare of $527, she asked if I had originally booked it on the web. I said yes, and she issued me a credit voucher of $185. Now sitting in coach will be even more bearable. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

[By the way... I had this same problem several weeks ago at DL and they said "No way" on the lower web fare. The folks on the DL board thought I was being unreasonable. But, this is just another reason why I left DL for UA.]

I tried to negotiate with the agent and told her they could keep the $185 if they would let me upgrade with miles. No dice.... pushing my luck. Never hurts to ask. She suggested I ask about an operational upgrade at check-in. She thought the chances were slim going to EZE but there was a good possibility on the way home.

From my experience you were really lucky. I wouldn't count on that happening regularly.

Of course, AdamATL, you could rebook the ticket in H class and use the voucher you just got to pay for part of the fare difference. Then you and your other half could sit together.

I, too, **** Delta for their inflexible attitude, and use UA exclusively where the choice is between the two. DL's website operation and its independence from the "real" Delta are out of control. Bravo UA!

I note that the somewhat unacceptable (to SOME people) verb which is a synonym for "condemn", [and in another completely different usage, a less "polite" expletive sometimes substituted with "DARN!"] was EDITED OUT by the BOARD!

AutoCensor! A surprising feature here. Wonder what happens if I make a reference to the eminently respectable play "****ed Yankees"?

Well, now I know. Illustrated: the problem with censorship.

Actually it is the problem with PC, which mostly only people from NA believe in :-)

You should have asked her what the H fare was now.. and if you could pay the difference from whatever fare you are now. Again, that would help. I do not know what to say except try and find a systemwide... I was bumped once and they issued me a systemwide as part of the deal.. it is one segment system wide and upgradable in advance off any fare.

Just some ideas!! Good luck!

Adam ATL ... If your friend is meeting you in ORD and has already been upgraded, and presumably is a 1K to have a SWU, I'd be going with said friend into ORD 1K room or RCC and explaining your situation very politely. If you are both on same flight ORD-EZE it is IMHO a 75% likely bet thay'll take your miles is my guess if C is not heavily booked.

But get there and ask as EARLY as poss, as they'll be more likely to do it if they can seat you together, and the chances of that happening diminish as the clock ticks on. I've had UA take miles to upgrade even super el-cheapo It'l V fares on the day if load not too heavy. And if RCC and 1K room say "NIET" do not argue the toss, smile sweetly and leave, and they will then probably not note your reloc that you were refused.

Make sure you get in a line with someone behind you at RCC, (not hard at ORD!) so that agent has another person to deal with as you walk off. Then ... go right to gate and try there. Be polite - be upfront that you hear W is not normally upgradeable, but you have all these miles, and your friend is a 1K and you want to sit together, etc ... and pick a moment when they are NOT busy to do all this. Last piece of advice is VERY important. Even if they say they would like to help but are showing pretty full, politely ask 'if you may be placed on the DM list'. Just knowing what that is will get you on it most times! And getting on it is nine tenths of the upgrade being processed. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

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~ Glen ~



[This message has been edited by ozstamps (edited 03-10-2001).]

I cannot agree with OZ more on his last statement. DO NOT ask for your favor when the agents are super busy. That will only irritate them more.

I can tell you I have been pleasantly surprised how helpful they are to me when I recognize when they are not busy. I even say, "Hello, I wanted to ask you a question before you get super busy... can I...?"

It works wonders!!!!!!!!!!!

William

In all my flights out of EZE (including one last week) I have NEVER had an agent collect my SWU for the upgrade -- so you might get lucky. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

Since I didn't feel right about keeping a cert I wasn't supposed to keep, I handed it over to a friend of mine at Ezeiza who was in coach to ORD. He was easily upgraded (and very grateful).

ORD_UA1K, Please consider editing your post. I can see the UA memo to agents at EZE being drafted now...