| DNAtoUSA
|
|
|
I am flying to Australia in November and I would like to book my airline ticket online (United Airlines).
I can do (and understand) the basic flights.
But I need help with this one. I can not talk to a person as it is now all automatted.
On their booking a flight page do I need to add anything in the upgrade?
I would like to buy a regular price seat and upgrade with my FLYER MILES to Business class.
A few years ago I tried to upgrade my ticket but I was told I had the wrong class and could not upgrade.
I hope someone out there can help me, Hope my request makes sense.
THANK YOU.
DNAtoUSA |
|
Fri Sep 07, 2007 8:25 pm |
|
| dcblonde58
|
|
|
| DNA - I used to fly 100,000 miles a year for work, so understand your frustration at upgrading. My suggestion would be to call the number on the back of your member card BEFORE booking your flight. Explain what you want to do and they should be able to help. I believe that you can upgrade up to a week in advance of your flight, but I don't think you can upgrade at the moment you purchase your ticket, unless you are purchasing a business class seat with your miles. Good luck and enjoy your trip! |
|
Fri Sep 07, 2007 9:03 pm |
|
| Kimboroni
|
|
|
I put a call into my dad on this one-- he regularly flies internationally on United with an upgrade that he purchased with miles. He'll be able to tell you exactly what he does.
My daughter and I got to fly business class with my parents to Japan, and it was absolutely lovely. You're making a great choice for such a long flight!
So I'll let you know what he says when he calls me back.
Edit: Okay, that didn't take long for him to call. He said that the website is horribly confusing for booking international upgrade flights (too many different codes). He calls 800-356-8900 to book the flight. Early in the voice response system, after saying "reservations," there will be a few new choices-- say "agent" even though that's not a choice. That's the quickest way to get to talk to a person, which you need to do.
Tell them you need to book the "lowest-price economy upgradeable" seat. It costs an extra $15 (billed when they charge you for the ticket) for the customer service, but it is apparently well worth it in order to maintain upgradeability. They can look at all of the choices and manipulate everything so that it works out the best.
He says that they can hold your itinerary for you for some period of time (while you arrange hotel, etc.) and then ticket you. Then they can immediately upgrade. He suggests using the plane seating charts from united.com while you're on the phone with the agent so that you can choose the best business class seats. He says you'll likely be flying a 747-400, and apparently the upper deck of business class is the best on that kind of plane.
An extra tip from him is to make sure your ticket has the same name for you as on your passport (such as Kimberly instead of Kim, for my passport and ticket).
I hope that helps! Let me know if you have any questions-- my dad said he'd be happy to answer them if he can. |
|
Sun Sep 09, 2007 12:24 am |
|