Changing Status = Changing Seats?

[mcmbenjamin]

So I understand that my FFP status changed BUT I did have assigned seats. I was looking forward to Economy Plus on the return from SFO.

So do you think this is fair? [:?]

Dear Mr. mcmbenjamin,
We would like you to have the best possible experience during your upcoming travel on United.

Your Mileage Plus status at the time you booked your upcoming travel may have enabled you to reserve seats in Economy Plus; however, as a general member of Mileage Plus at the time of travel, you do not automatically qualify for a seat in Economy Plus.

[preiffer]

Was this an unprompted message, or in response to a question you asked?

I can kind of see both sides of the argument, to be fair. Tough call...

[mcmbenjamin]

Unprompted message. I do see UA's point as I no longer qualify as I lost the benefit of the FFP. The e-mail does go on to offer membership in their Economy Plus membership program for $349.00. I would have liked UA offer current seats at the same-day Economy Plus upgrade price but now.

[preiffer]

Interestingly, UA have started (as of May) offering E+ as an upfront purchase option, at the time of booking. I guess this is only for new bookings - all others would only be 'on the day'. Might be worth a call, Mr K?

Does raise the question as to which tax they SHOULD be paying the UK government, if they're now actively selling it (up front) as a different service to 'standard economy' [:w]

[mcmbenjamin]

Originally posted by preiffer
Interestingly, UA have started (as of May) offering E+ as an upfront purchase option, at the time of booking. I guess this is only for new bookings - all others would only be 'on the day'. Might be worth a call, Mr K?

Well you know me...cheap skate. This is a free 'denied boarding' ticket. Will call UA shortly.

Does raise the question as to which tax they SHOULD be paying the UK government, if they're now actively selling it (up front) as a different service to 'standard economy' [:w]

Funny you mention that, just thinking about tax and sales on Y+/PE products.

Folks traveling in Economy Plus could be booked in any UA economy booking class. Economy Plus seating is granted on the basis of UA FFP status or buying Economy Plus Access (via annual plan or per use basis). Other airlines such as BA or VS use different booking classes for Y+/PE. What tax should folks be charged if they are UA FFPs or buy an annual Economy Plus Access pass? These access methods are not direct sales linked to the sale of the UK ticket.

Also worth considering the differences in UA's product versus other airlines.