Flying United???

[Mrmaxwell]

My old man is flying UA next week SYD-SFO-JFK and I wanted some info regarding UA:

- What are the loadings like (UA870 dept SYD 16.25 30/11/09)
- Anyway I can get him access to the UA lounge (Red Carpet in SYD/SFO/JFK?)
- Upgrade to J options?

He doesn't like to fuss but I'm trying to help out

 

[Maca44]

Looks like a very full flight
UA (javascript:void(0)) 870 0 SYD 11/30/09 4:25 PM SFO 11/30/09 10:49 AM 744
F8 J9 C9 Y1 B1 M1 H1 Q0 V0 W0 S0 T0 L0 K0 G0 A8 D9 Z7 E0 U0

And, if he is on UA10 from SFO-JFK departing 1.52pm that looks quite full also.
F6 J1 C1 Y1 B1 M1 H1 Q0 V0 W0 S0 T0 L0 K0 G0 A6 D1 Z0 E0 U0

 

[sampson]

Assuming loads means numbers of passengers, where does one access load info for United, Delta Qantas AirNZ and Vaustralia.

 

[Travel Guru]

Assuming loads means numbers of passengers, where does one access load info for United, Delta Qantas AirNZ and Vaustralia.

You can't access accurate pax numbers, you can only make assumptions based on availability searches on GDS's or Expert Flyer.

TG

 

[Mrmaxwell]

Looks like a very full flight
UA (javascript:void(0)) 870 0 SYD 11/30/09 4:25 PM SFO 11/30/09 10:49 AM 744
F8 J9 C9 Y1 B1 M1 H1 Q0 V0 W0 S0 T0 L0 K0 G0 A8 D9 Z7 E0 U0

And, if he is on UA10 from SFO-JFK departing 1.52pm that looks quite full also.
F6 J1 C1 Y1 B1 M1 H1 Q0 V0 W0 S0 T0 L0 K0 G0 A6 D1 Z0 E0 U0

I'll get him to check in just before closing...if they are oversold he may get lucky.

 

[serfty]

You can't access accurate pax numbers, you can only make assumptions based on availability searches on GDS's or Expert Flyer.

TG

There are a couple of free services.

SeatCounter - The Booking Class Availability Machine
Class Availability Airline Flight Reservations

 

[clifford]

I'll get him to check in just before closing...if they are oversold he may get lucky.

I wouldn't do that, unless he wants to be denied boarding (with compo, of course). No way a non-elite is going to get upgraded, and why would you want him to be running around, all hot and bothered at the last minute.

Come on, be sensible.

 

[trooper]

UA still offers Upgardes For Cash don't they?

I think that might be the best (only?) bet.....

 

[Mrmaxwell]

I wouldn't do that, unless he wants to be denied boarding (with compo, of course). No way a non-elite is going to get upgraded, and why would you want him to be running around, all hot and bothered at the last minute.

Come on, be sensible.

Why would he be denied boarding during check in? I always check in much later than the 3hr mark - more chance of things going my way. Nothing good ever happens to me being first to check in unless I have status,

And who said anything about running around at the last minute? He'll be at the airport just not lining up 4hrs before the flight.

UA still offers Upgardes For Cash don't they?

I think that might be the best (only?) bet.....

Yes another good option although I can't remember the price...?

 

[serfty]

There's a FT thread on this that may be useful:

PAID $$ UPGRADES at the GATE/OLCI- Compile Here - FlyerTalk Forums

(Hint, Search on "SYD"/Sydney)

 

[clifford]

Why would he be denied boarding during check in? I always check in much later than the 3hr mark - more chance of things going my way. Nothing good ever happens to me being first to check in unless I have status,

And who said anything about running around at the last minute? He'll be at the airport just not lining up 4hrs before the flight.

His flight is full. Last to check in gets the short straw.

Checking in late means that he will have to hope that there aren't huge Q's at passport control and security. Why put him through this unnecessary anxiety?

And have you selected his seat yet on UAL.com?

Note that I am a UA 1K, MM, so I have some status and know how the system works. And I am also travelling to NYC on UA next week.

 

[Mrmaxwell]

There's a FT thread on this that may be useful:

PAID $$ UPGRADES at the GATE/OLCI- Compile Here - FlyerTalk Forums

(Hint, Search on "SYD"/Sydney)

Perfect thread...thanks Serfty!

His flight is full. Last to check in gets the short straw.

Checking in late means that he will have to hope that there aren't huge Q's at passport control and security. Why put him through this unnecessary anxiety?

And have you selected his seat yet on UAL.com?

Note that I am a UA 1K, MM, so I have some status and know how the system works. And I am also travelling to NYC on UA next week.

I'm sure he wasn't going to select his seat prior to check in, but I've read that you can be offered upgrades via UAL.com if you opt to preselect?

I might get him to check if there is an upgrade offered, else get to check in first and ask?


So the advise is check in first and hope for the best?

 

[clifford]

I'm sure he wasn't going to select his seat prior to check in, but I've read that you can be offered upgrades via UAL.com if you opt to preselect?

The advice is to ring UA ASAP (131777) and pre-select a seat for him. If you don't, he will almost certainly end up with a middle seat (OK if that's what he wants).

Just looked at the seatmap for his outbound flight, and seat 60G (an aisle seat) is available at this moment of time.

A paid upgrade will cost approx $1000 (could be a bit less, but not much).

You don't seem to be helping him all that much.

 

[Mrmaxwell]

The advice is to ring UA ASAP (131777) and pre-select a seat for him. If you don't, he will almost certainly end up with a middle seat (OK if that's what he wants).

I assumed preselecting your seat ASAP meant no upgrade would be offered later on - am I wrong? Also it seems upgrades are only offered at online check in and/or the desk - no via the 13 number?

You don't seem to be helping him all that much.

Huh? This thread would indicate otherwise wouldn't it? I've never flown UA before so turn to helpful folk here like yourself to find out all I can...

 

[Aussie_flyer]

I assumed preselecting your seat ASAP meant no upgrade would be offered later on - am I wrong? Also it seems upgrades are only offered at online check in and/or the desk - no via the 13 number?

you are wrong.

 

[Mrmaxwell]

FYI....

OLCI this afternoon for the flight tomorrow only offered upgrade to Y+ for an additional $180. I suggested Dad take it but he wants to try for the J upgrade tomorrow at the desk.