Status of E+ on UA for US elites?
Jul 8, 2011, 12:26 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Southern Maine
Programs: US Platinum
Posts: 184
Status of E+ on UA for US elites?
I recently booked an itinerary on UA for the first time in a while. I was under the impression that US elites (I'm a PP) now (as of sometime around the merger) get E+ seating. I selected E+ on my flights. The web site asked me to confirm, but showed no charge, so I thought it was just a formality. Now, I have a charge of $196 on my credit card.
Before I call to get this sorted out, I wonder if anyone here can tell me what the policy actually is at this point.
Thanks-
Eric
Before I call to get this sorted out, I wonder if anyone here can tell me what the policy actually is at this point.
Thanks-
Eric
Jul 8, 2011, 12:39 pm
#2
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: AVL
Programs: AA EXP ; Cunard Plat
Posts: 4,211
Complimentary UA E+ seating for US and other *Golds was unilaterally withdrawn some years ago.
Some US FFs have reported that nice UA agents have provided E+ at airport without charge when asked nicely, but YMMV.
Some US FFs have reported that nice UA agents have provided E+ at airport without charge when asked nicely, but YMMV.
Jul 8, 2011, 12:43 pm
#3
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: OAK
Programs: US-CP/SPG-Plat
Posts: 38
kudzu is correct based upon my experience. While there is not an official program, and if you call the 800# they will not help, most gate agents will help out if asked. My corp travel puts my United FF# in the res. I go to the gate agent and ask for my US Air # to be put in, when they see that I am Chairman, they usually give me a better seat.
Jul 9, 2011, 5:45 pm
#4
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: SEA
Programs: AS MVP
Posts: 9
I have had good luck getting moved to an exit row seat if the flight is full in E- and asking nicely at the gate, but it all depends on the agent. I've also noticed that when I add my DM# (which adds the pretty insignificant *Silver status) at the gate, it changes the color of the BP.
Jul 9, 2011, 6:47 pm
#5
Join Date: Oct 2009
Programs: USairways, United, Hilton, Marriott
Posts: 86
Depends on the GA
As a US Gold/Plat/CP I've had luck getting E+ on United about 50% of the time. I always ask the GA nicely. I'm a US Air Club member and once got E+ on A SEA-ORD flight from the desk clerk in the RCC.
Jul 11, 2011, 6:19 am
#6
Join Date: Apr 2011
Programs: US Gold, SPG Gold
Posts: 51
Even as a *S on US, I've had good luck in asking nicely, and if there are a lot of seats in E+ left, getting moved up.
Jul 11, 2011, 7:49 am
#7
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: PHL
Programs: AA EXP, Marriott Lifetime Plat, SPG Plat, AMEX Plat, Hertz PC, Travels too Much Platinum
Posts: 3,290
Also, if you book late or don't try to get a seat assignment until E- fills up, you can often get put in E+ by the kiosk when checking in. This strategy can however result in no seat assignment however on the day of departure, but if you have *G or *S status you'll likely be fine.
Jul 11, 2011, 1:08 pm
#8
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: ILM
Programs: US DM Preferred nothing
Posts: 55
US *G LAS-DEN yesterday, all I got was 'Elite Access' on my BP, still sat in 24C :| Gate agent was no help. Oh, and there were 4 empty FC seats.
Jul 11, 2011, 3:01 pm
#9
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: BNE/OOL temporarily-permanently at CAK/PIT
Programs: UA*1K & UA Club, National Ex. Elite, Hertz Pres. Circ., Amex Plat., CLEAR
Posts: 1,703
I had fairly decent luck politely asking RCC matrons if I could "get a better seat" and presenting my boarding pass (with OnePass/MP number on it) and US Airways silver preferred card, along with explaining that I am a US*Silver but am choosing to accrue miles on UA/CO now.
There is definitely no published benefit.
There is definitely no published benefit.
Jul 11, 2011, 4:23 pm
#10
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: PHL
Programs: Former long-time US GP; now AA dirt
Posts: 4,904
I recently had some interesting experiences with the E+ issue while flying PHL-LAX-PHX/PHX-SFO-PHL on UA. Here's the link to what happened.