Intl Y->C buy-up at ticketing post integration
Mar 9, 2012, 2:58 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: SCE, GRU
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Intl Y->C buy-up at ticketing post integration
I am looking for a comparable buy-up for Economy class international fares scheme that was available on the PMUA web site.
With apologies to 1Ks and GSs, I used this when I or my friends had no more SWU's left.
For example, in the old system, when I purchased a discounted (V or higher) economy ticket and there was NC inventory available, after the on-line ticket purchase I would be given the opportunity to purchase a confirmed upgrade to Business Class (which change my ticket into Z fare). This was usually a better deal than using miles+copay, or waiting until getting to the gate to see if there were C seats for sale. Also, on the PMUA site, I could not often find Z fares (or they were much more expensive than the buy-up option).
I often purchase months in advance, and I am looking to purchase seats for Christmas 2012, returning Jan 2013.
Is there a system like this in place post-integration and what fare bucket availability should I look for? I have already read the "Decoding Fare Buckets on the New United" threads, so I think I should look at RN availability. I am hoping for more definitive answers here. Thanks.
With apologies to 1Ks and GSs, I used this when I or my friends had no more SWU's left.
For example, in the old system, when I purchased a discounted (V or higher) economy ticket and there was NC inventory available, after the on-line ticket purchase I would be given the opportunity to purchase a confirmed upgrade to Business Class (which change my ticket into Z fare). This was usually a better deal than using miles+copay, or waiting until getting to the gate to see if there were C seats for sale. Also, on the PMUA site, I could not often find Z fares (or they were much more expensive than the buy-up option).
I often purchase months in advance, and I am looking to purchase seats for Christmas 2012, returning Jan 2013.
Is there a system like this in place post-integration and what fare bucket availability should I look for? I have already read the "Decoding Fare Buckets on the New United" threads, so I think I should look at RN availability. I am hoping for more definitive answers here. Thanks.
Mar 9, 2012, 4:07 pm
#3
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I believe this is the thread that answers your questions http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unite...inventory.html
Mar 9, 2012, 4:38 pm
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2011
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I believe this is the thread that answers your questions http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unite...inventory.html
The closest I could see for an elite is buy a real Y fare and get an automatic upgrade. This might work for domestic, but I am not sure it works for International. I could try this, but I'd rather learn from others' experiences.
I see someone else asked the exact same question I posed to start this thread (post #45 in that thread), but the answer posted in response was the first post in the same thread. For me it implies, "Here is the info, go figure it out," and to me the answer is not clear. Sorry to be so dense.
Last edited by iluv2fly; Mar 9, 2012 at 9:33 pm Reason: merge
Mar 10, 2012, 7:11 am
#6
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Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: PSM
Posts: 69,232
RN is the equivalent of the old NC, but I do not think that there is a set policy of when or how they will necessarily offer upgrades for cash in advance. Theoretically they upgrade into Z inventory if you pay the full fare difference from your ticket to Z, but that won't necessarily always be available.
Mar 10, 2012, 5:04 pm
#7
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: USA
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Posts: 2,673
I am looking for a comparable buy-up for Economy class international fares scheme that was available on the PMUA web site.
With apologies to 1Ks and GSs, I used this when I or my friends had no more SWU's left.
For example, in the old system, when I purchased a discounted (V or higher) economy ticket and there was NC inventory available, after the on-line ticket purchase I would be given the opportunity to purchase a confirmed upgrade to Business Class (which change my ticket into Z fare). This was usually a better deal than using miles+copay, or waiting until getting to the gate to see if there were C seats for sale. Also, on the PMUA site, I could not often find Z fares (or they were much more expensive than the buy-up option).
I often purchase months in advance, and I am looking to purchase seats for Christmas 2012, returning Jan 2013.
Is there a system like this in place post-integration and what fare bucket availability should I look for? I have already read the "Decoding Fare Buckets on the New United" threads, so I think I should look at RN availability. I am hoping for more definitive answers here. Thanks.
With apologies to 1Ks and GSs, I used this when I or my friends had no more SWU's left.
For example, in the old system, when I purchased a discounted (V or higher) economy ticket and there was NC inventory available, after the on-line ticket purchase I would be given the opportunity to purchase a confirmed upgrade to Business Class (which change my ticket into Z fare). This was usually a better deal than using miles+copay, or waiting until getting to the gate to see if there were C seats for sale. Also, on the PMUA site, I could not often find Z fares (or they were much more expensive than the buy-up option).
I often purchase months in advance, and I am looking to purchase seats for Christmas 2012, returning Jan 2013.
Is there a system like this in place post-integration and what fare bucket availability should I look for? I have already read the "Decoding Fare Buckets on the New United" threads, so I think I should look at RN availability. I am hoping for more definitive answers here. Thanks.
Mar 11, 2012, 6:18 am
#8
Join Date: Apr 2002
Programs: UAL MM, BA G
Posts: 1,757
If one is lucky enough to see availability, how does one book the correct fare? I cannot find the equivalent from pmua that let me choose the type of ticket (eg upgrade able with swu region 2 etc.) Do I have to phone?
Mar 11, 2012, 8:36 am
#10
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Mar 11, 2012, 12:53 pm
#12
Join Date: Feb 2011
Programs: CO Platinum / BA Gold
Posts: 780
In my opinion if you are going to buy a full fare Y ticket (or anything close to it) then you may as well go for discounted business and use your SWUs another time.
My opinions would be different if I wasn't so flexible about when I could travel, of course.
Mar 11, 2012, 1:48 pm
#13
Join Date: Nov 2005
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