Executive Travel SkyGuide

ON BOARD WITH RANDY PETERSEN

ON CANCELLATIONS AND UPGRADES
June 2004
by Randy Petersen

Question:
In October I hope to attend a seminar in the state of Washington using my Continental Sky Miles. If I book now using the miles and am not approved to attend the seminar, will I forfeit any of my miles if I have to cancel?
Ann

Answer:
Ann,
Before I answer your question, I just have to tease you a bit about which type of miles you have: Continental has "OnePass" and Delta has "SkyMiles." But, thanks to the alliance between these two airlines your "Continental Sky Miles" will work on both airlines, regardless from which program account you are redeeming.

To answer your question, you won't be forced to forfeit your miles when or if your plans change. What you would do is simply redeposit the miles back into your account. Now both programs will charge you a redeposit fee, but consider it cheap insurance in lieu of purchasing a nonrefundable ticket. The amount ofthe redeposit fee varies by program,so if you have enough miles in either program, I would suggest you use Continental OnePass miles. The Delta SkyMiles program will charge you $100 for redepositing your miles, while the Continental OnePass program will only charge you $50 (both have discounts for elite members).

Hope this helps, and thanks again for the question.

Question:
I have Premier Executive status in the United Mileage Plus frequent flyer program. I'm in the process of booking an around-the-world trip over the course of 3.5 weeks. United says the only way to upgrade is by using miles. Isn't there incentive upgrading that happens all the time? Do you know how I'd get hooked into that? Thanks in advance for your help.
Chris

Answer:
Chris,
Ah, the good old days of incentive upgrades.... Well, those were the days weren't they? Incentive upgrades still exist, but for a trip like the one you're planning, you'd better have deep pockets or you're going to be enjoying coach class most of the way.

The industry has altered its view of incentive upgrades, and they are now very closely tied to fare class. Anything less than "Y" class and incentive upgrades are not offered. This is particularly true on international routings, where you'll find theyaren't made available at all—unless, that is, you have been identified as a Global Services member. Global Services is a program United has had lurking in the background that provides enhanced services and benefits to a very few lucky passengers (unfortunately, it's by invitation only).

My last round-the-world trip was also in coach class, and I considered myself lucky to get a single leg upgraded on the domestic portion of my itinerary. Outside the territorial limits of the U.S., I simply made myself as comfortable as possible in coach.

Sorry I don't have better news for you, but I hope you still have a great time and gather enough memories to last a lifetime.

Hope this helps, and thanks again for the question.

You can contact Randy Petersen at randy@insideflyer.com.