requesing $ certs instead of VDB?
Jun 14, 2009 | 2:26 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2009
Programs: UA 1K, AA Gold, DL
Posts: 284
requesing $ certs instead of VDB?
I recently volunteered my seat on an extremely overbooked flight, and was offered a VDB. I asked for certs instead of the VDB. The first agent didn't seem to know how to give certs instead of VDB and asked colleague if they could do that. The second agent informed me they only give certs for double the amount paid for the original ticket. I was on a cheap MR fare, so I went with the VDB. I'm just wondering whether the agent didn't want to offer me the $ certs and was feeding me a line, or whether this is actual policy?
Insight appreciated.
Insight appreciated.
Jun 14, 2009 | 2:30 am
#2
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: ORD
Programs: United Plat 2MM, Hilton Gold
Posts: 2,727
Feeding you a line? No...but if they can get someone else to volunteer for much less, isn't it in their interest to do that?
Jun 14, 2009 | 2:32 am
#3
Join Date: May 2006
Location: MYF/CMA/SAN
Programs: COdbaUA MM, AA EXP, AF G, Bonbon Gold, Hilton G, All G, GHA Titanium, Hertz PC, Avis Presidential
Posts: 5,929
It seems to have become UA policy to offer the DBCFREE certs first and play hardball on the vouchers until it is really necessary. That said, it really varies station to station and flight to flight. If you have a massively oversold flight that is almost certain to lead to cash payouts, they are likely to offer vouchers right away, though some people will still take the free ticket (I don't know why). If the flight is only slightly oversold, you are likely to be stuck with the DBCFREE and hoping that they rebook you into a full-fare class for the extra EQMs.
Jun 14, 2009 | 5:29 am
#4
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Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Bay Area, CA
Programs: UA Plat 2MM; AS MVP Gold 75K
Posts: 35,092
I recently volunteered my seat on an extremely overbooked flight, and was offered a VDB. I asked for certs instead of the VDB. The first agent didn't seem to know how to give certs instead of VDB and asked colleague if they could do that. The second agent informed me they only give certs for double the amount paid for the original ticket. I was on a cheap MR fare, so I went with the VDB. I'm just wondering whether the agent didn't want to offer me the $ certs and was feeding me a line, or whether this is actual policy?
Insight appreciated.
Insight appreciated.
Jun 14, 2009 | 10:17 am
#5
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: GVA (Greater Vancouver Area)
Programs: D.R.E.A.D. Gold card holder
Posts: 53,207
Also remember that if one person negotiates a higher deal, everyone is entitled to that deal even if they've already agreed to something less.
Jun 14, 2009 | 11:37 am
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2009
Programs: UA 1K, AA Gold, DL
Posts: 284
thank y'all for the feedback