Symmetre

Usually because they lose the wi-fi connection and have to re-connect while the agent stands there waiting for them. Just save the BP as a PFD, save to Apple Wallet, or take a screen shot of it so you don't need wifi ... problem solved.

aerobod

Better still, add your wallet to the control centre on an Apple device, so it is quickly accessible from the locked screen: https://www.igeeksblog.com/how-to-ac...ter-on-iphone/

Frequentlander

That would be the coolest thing EVER!

Besides, being stuck behind someone who can't find the right screen on their phone with the BP on it, or has to enter the password or, or, or (make your own joke) is one of the least fun things to do at the airport. It's right up there with SSSS!

mahasamatman

You forgot to mention carrying another battery. It's poor technology that makes you jump through hoops to work around its deficiencies. Paper is 100% reliable.

WestonC

Only paper for me. One is so I can keep the boarding pass until I see my points post - sort of a reminder.
The main reason - I once saw someone hand their phone to the security screener and crash to the floor.

Symmetre

Now that's pretty slick. Thanks for the tip, aerobod!

To each their own. I can't say I've ever had any battery issues.

Ace Cdn

if you check the settings in iphone you can also have it so you wallet boarding pass shows on the locked screen and you can just swipe to access it.

ricktoronto

The way to get Plus which works for me 100% this year is to pay for Plus when you buy your ticket. You can even pick the good seats at the same time.
Can't imagine Golds won't exploit the availability benefit before the non Golds at Christmas.
And wanting 3 seats, too, crikey, there's a stretch. Since there may well be purchased Plus without seats selected.
I wonder what happened?

SKYEG

Also keep in mind:

If someone is flying YEG-YYC-LHR with an overnight in YYC, they are able to check in and pay for plus for YEG-YYC-LHR the day before a person who is flying non stop YYC-LHR. So more plus seats can drop even before the T-24 check in.

Best you can do is either pay to upgrade to plus or hope for the best at T-24

I find the LHR routes are snapped up almost immediately by T-24. I've never had the option of not buying Plus on any US/Canada route with Westjet(I always end up buying because they are so cheap)

SamuelS

For flights originating out of YYC (or YVR/YYZ for that matter), I have noticed that a couple of days out every Plus seat could be available, but then at 24 hours out there are only 1 or 2 Plus seats left. I have been assuming that folks with connecting flights into YYC have been getting the upgrade offer at their check-in window thus they are effectively able to get early access to the Plus seats before local YYC originating guests.

ricktoronto

Thus even more reason to buy Plus than to play this lottery with such low odds of success.

neuro0

Just to update anyone who wants to know. I finished my ski trip at Banff. It was great. When I checked in, there were still five open Plus seats and I got my 3 seats.
It is hard to pay for plus fare out right when UA first is selling about $150 cheaper (but still more expensive than 24 hours check in Plus seat buy up).

Since my trip was originating from an outpost, there should be no connecting traffic to buy the seat more than 24 hours.

SKYEG

Thanks for your note

Can you provide details on your exact route and share the pricing differences between the WS/UA route? Just curious.

Did you find the meal/service/seat at a better value compared to what you would have received flying UA F for what you saved?

neuro0

I was flying IAH YYC. The plus fare is $511 vs cheapest UA F $386 one way. UA is 2x 2 domestic first class seat. vs 3 x 3 with middle seat block off. The plus seat is comfortable enough with middle seat block off as I am not a "wide" person. UA meal service is a tad better with more proper presentation, but the quality is more or less the same. Overall, I will not let seat comfort and service to be determining factor. So if buying outright, UA is the way to go because it is cheaper.

The best bargain is cheap WS fare with buy up at check in, but it is a gamble. For my next trip, it is either UA $390 first vs WS $105 with possible buy up at $80 and one check bag of $25. So I am putting my guarantee trip comfort at value of $185 for a 4 hours flight. Is it worth it, I have yet decided for myself. One side of me will like to gamble and save some money, the other side will hate me if I am stuck in the regular Y seat ( can't get exit row since there is a child in our party)

If UA sell out its cheap first class fare, then it will be easy choice (gamble for the Plus seat at check in).
This is just my own analysis for my own situation. Everyone, of course, will be different.

Symmetre

On a four hour flight with a price difference of under $200, sorry but I would buy UA F in a heartbeat.