Expert: Roberto Gomes - 5/26/2008

Question
The fine print on United's website says that a Saver Award holder can fly
standby.  I would like to fly IPL/LAX/AKL/SYD/LAX/IPL   (I get one stopover
with a business class Saver Award of 120,000 miles.) Seats are "unavailable"
330 days out. Yet,  "view cabin" screens 2/3 days prior to flights show –
usually – ten or more empty business seats on UAL flights. Can you walk me
through the procedure?  Would they even let me on the afternoon plane to
LAX from IPL if there wasn't a seat for me for LAX-AKL? Is there a "Camp LAX
at LAX like "Camp O'Hare" at ORD?

Answer
Dear Mister "Q",

Thanks for your reply and comments. I would like to think that UA like any other carrier does not believe that flying empty seats is a good business. That is why they allow "stand-by" travel on redemption seats. It is a good policy? Maybe it is, maybe it isn't. Other airlines have more restricted policies and others don't have any policy at all.

But I also understand that it is difficult for the client to plan his/her travel as a stand-by. Only airline employees can "permit themselves this luxury".

Regards,
R. Gomes

Like most airlines when it comes to redemption, a reduced number of seats are available since award space is subject to airline revenue management policy. Also these seats are booked in a special class of service and due to this it may not be available on all flights or on all days of the week when you choose to travel. Finally, due to system capacity, reservations can only be made during the 330 days period.

As long as flying stand-by, you can try if you see a chance based on the empty seats screens. At the airport you'll be assigned by check-in staff a "boarding priority", normally BP5(from 1 to 9). But note that after an award ticket is issued, a service charge may be imposed for each change requested if the ticket needs reassurance. On stand-by basis, this fee is collected by the time you check-in.

If you decide to try to board the IPL/LAX United Express operated by Skywest Airlines flight, make sure there is a seat for you on the LAX/AKL flight. Staff at IPL can check this for you and produce the boarding with an assigned seat if available. If not they will be place you on the LAX stand-by list.

Last, LAX airport is not the best place to camp. Depending on the sector of the airport that you'll be, you got to look around the gates. Also security is very tight.

Hope this helps.
Best Regards,
R.Gomes

PS> Please rate this answer. Thanks!