Anatomy of an Award: Saving $150 on a United Cancellation and Changing My New Year’s Plans
November 30, 2015
In October, I booked what might have been my favorite award ever: a Three One Way award that would allow me to see Pohnpei, Palau, and the Philippines while flying the Island Hopper. Read about it here.
Alas, something came up, so I can't fly it. I decided to just fly directly to Japan instead, but that still left the thorny issue of how to turn my old award into an award to Japan.
United charges $200 to cancel an award and re-credit the miles.
Great, Cheap Award Space to Hawaii This Dry Winter
November 25, 2015
Winter is the low season in Hawaii, and I think it is the best time to visit because:
there is more award space
lodging is cheaper
it's cold where you live but still 80 degrees in Hawaii
Normally one drawback is that it is rainier in the winter months in Hawaii, but this winter should be drier because El Niño is disrupting weather patterns in the Pacific.
I took a look at United award space from several cities in the center and east of the continental United States to the four major Hawaiian Islands.
Comparison of United, Delta, and American Airlines 2016 Award Charts
November 19, 2015
Which airlines has the best miles and frequent flyer program? United, American, and Delta are the big three legacy carriers that most directly compete with each other in the United States. For that reason, I publish charts that compare their award prices.
I have updated my charts to show the prices that United, Delta, and American Airlines will charge for awards booked March 22, 2016 or later.
United Off Peak Award Sale This Winter
November 19, 2015
United has announced a 15% to 25% discount on economy class awards from the US to Europe:
Roundtrip awards booked between now and December 8, 2015
for flights flown between January 11 and March 10, 2016
on itineraries wholly operated by United and United Express flights
will cost only 45k to 51k miles roundtrip, depending on the days of travel
United has run a nearly identical promotion for the last several years, so maybe this is becoming a yearly occurrence.
United’s Current Promotion
I did a few dummy bookings to test out what’s possible.
United,AAdvantage,Air New Zealand
Award Space to New Zealand Will Be Much Better in 2016
November 11, 2015
Right now, Air New Zealand has a monopoly on direct flights between the United States and New Zealand with flights between Auckland and Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Honolulu. It adds an Auckland to Houston flight on December 15, 2015.
The good thing about booking Air New Zealand award space is that you have access to the whole country through connections instead of just Auckland.
United,Award Booking,Anatomy of an Award
Planning Myself a Three One Way Award to South America
November 6, 2015
In January, I'll be in the United States, and I'll need to get back down to Southern South America.
United,Award Booking,Anatomy of an Award
Planning Myself a Three One Way Award to South America
November 6, 2015
In January, I'll be in the United States, and I'll need to get back down to Southern South America.
Mystery Bonus of Up to 85% on Buying United Miles
November 3, 2015
Through December 14, 2015, United is offering up to an 85% bonus on purchased miles. The maximum bonus is targeted with some people being offered 60% and 70% bonuses. Also the size of the bonus depends on the number of miles you buy, with the largest 60%, 70%, or 85% bonus kicking in at 40,000 miles purchased.
Log into your account here to see the bonus you are offered. I was offered the 85% bonus.
United miles normally cost 3.5 cents per mile plus a 7.5% tax, bringing the full price to 3.76 cents each.
United Finally Shows Award Routing Rules Online
October 26, 2015
United now shows its award routing rules online. (Dummy) book an award, and on the page where you review your complete award itinerary, click "View fare rules and restrictions."
You will get a very long list of the award rules that pertain to your award ticket.
United Finally Shows Award Routing Rules Online
October 26, 2015
United now shows its award routing rules online. (Dummy) book an award, and on the page where you review your complete award itinerary, click "View fare rules and restrictions."
You will get a very long list of the award rules that pertain to your award ticket.