United waitlists...

[scanmom]

I booked our air about 8 weeks ago. We are traveling on United, using vouchers for me and the kids, and FF miles for DH. Well, DH is waitlisted on our flight. He is confirmed on a flight that is 4 hours behind us. I called today (7 days out), and there is still no availablity on our earlier flight. He is a premier member on United, so when I booked, the reservationsist told me that he will likely get on our flight. But now I am beginning to worry. We have a plan if he does arrive later, but I REALLY, REALLY would rather all of us fly and arrive together. Does anyone have any experience with United, and being on a waitlist? How likely is it that he will be put on our flight at check-in? This flight is from Chicago to Orlando, leaving at 9:02 am. Thanks!!

 

[bavaria]

Here is how I answer this question the few times it arises!

• ORD-MCO TED flights are usually packed; I fly that route quite often and rarely is there an empty seat
• weekdays on that route MAY be a little less busy, but with conventions they may not
• United clears waitlists in order - UGS, 1K, 1P, 2P, general members (and don't forget any United staff as well) If your husband is only Premier, he is well down the list (2P)
• there are usually 3-4 flights a day on that route - check to see how many are AFTER your flight to ensure that he still may have a chance to board a later flight. Hopefully you are not on the last flight out of the day
• standbys are cleared 20-10 minutes before departure, normally. The TED gates are usually a zoo, so have him stand close but not annoy the GA by constantly asking if he cleared. If he DIDN'T clear, make sure he waits until the aircraft leaves the gate - I have sometimes been standby and after all the others left the gate area got on when they discovered one last free seat
• make plans for 'what if' he doesn't board your flight. ie you may want to take ME to your resort and have him meet you later somewhere

 

[dudspizza]

Here is how I answer this question the few times it arises!

[*]standbys are cleared 20-10 minutes before departure, normally. The TED gates are usually a zoo, so have him stand close but not annoy the GA by constantly asking if he cleared. If he DIDN'T clear, make sure he waits until the aircraft leaves the gate - I have sometimes been standby and after all the others left the gate area got on when they discovered one last free seat

[/LIST]

I think this is the big point. You won't know if he clears until the day of the flight. Calling isn't going to help, most likely. All you can do it hope he clears on the day of the flight and you are all together.

If I remember right, we had this conversation a few months ago and you are staying off site. Correct? You may have to drive back to get your DH when he arrives, if he doesn't clear the waitlist.

Good luck. Bavaria gives very good, practical advice!

Duds

 

[bavaria]

If I remember right, we had this conversation a few months ago and you are staying off site. Correct?

Whew! And here I thought that I was having some serious déjà vu with the same three characters. Thank you for clearing that up, Duds!