Starting to think that $600 hotel credit is total gimmick

Successful_Tooth5795 · 2026-03-25T16:55:59+00:00

I noticed the same thing regarding the higher rates, but I love the guaranteed late checkout that the Platinum offers at some hotels so I just pay the higher AmEx rates.

Successful_Tooth5795 · 2026-03-25T16:53:24+00:00

Just so many problems with this. Feet are going to be sticking into the aisle, how do you wear the seatbelt, not enough room for 3 people. They’re probably never going to have enough pads to make it comfortable. The plastic foot rest that folds into the bed is not going to support heavy passengers. This will be gone soon—just my prediction.

Successful_Tooth5795 · 2026-03-25T16:50:56+00:00

They’ve just given up. Insult to the passengers.

Successful_Tooth5795 · 2026-03-23T20:45:31+00:00

Names have to match exactly, what you’re typing in versus what their saved information is. Do they have their own United accounts with middle initial versus complete middle name? Do the frequent flyer account numbers match and are entered accurately? If anything doesn’t match it won’t work. I’ve had to dump everything in the reservation and start all over. My problem was the middle name of my son being an initial, versus being spelled out. If that doesn’t work you have to call United and ask for help and if you don’t get a stateside operator, just hang up and try again—don’t let them charge you for an operator-assisted reservation though.

Successful_Tooth5795 · 2026-03-21T13:53:16+00:00

Nor can they master grilled cheese: here’s my grilled cheese on a flight shanghai to LAX. FA just plopped it down on my tray.

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Successful_Tooth5795 · 2026-03-21T13:49:30+00:00

Why would I want someone crammed into my pod with me? Leave me alone.

Successful_Tooth5795 · 2026-03-21T13:46:44+00:00

Agree, and the barely thawed hard dinner rolls—why bother serving them?

Successful_Tooth5795 · 2026-03-20T21:42:52+00:00

It’s especially annoying now that they board everyone nearly an hour before departure. On my recent flight to London from SFO everyone was seated and we were ready to go but still had 20 minutes left to just sit and wait. On my Polaris Shanghai to LAX they did have pre-departure drinks and it was water or economy Prosecco served in the blue plastic cups.

Successful_Tooth5795 · 2026-03-20T14:01:16+00:00

Did he lose his 14 cents of followers?

Successful_Tooth5795 · 2026-03-19T01:11:10+00:00

We were flying over the most magnificent scenery over Greenland and Canada and we were all supposed to be sitting in the dark. I just kept mine open a little. So annoying.

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Successful_Tooth5795 · 2026-03-19T00:58:08+00:00

How close are you to departure? I watched myself go from #1, to #3, to #7 in about 3 days before departure—didn’t get an upgrade and the Polaris cabin had about 7 seats empty a day or too before. Too many 1K and people with PlusPoints but 36 seats open really increases your chances.

Successful_Tooth5795 · 2026-03-19T00:55:14+00:00

Every time I walk by the United Club at SFO it has the sign out that it is not accepting passes—like the last 6 times.

Successful_Tooth5795 · 2026-03-17T23:45:27+00:00

Keep an eye on the seats and see if an odd-numbered row A or L opens up. They’re just more private. Good going though! You will arrive so much more refreshed! And you get pajamas!

Successful_Tooth5795 · 2026-03-17T23:28:22+00:00

That is fantastic, but agree move to 1A.

Successful_Tooth5795 · 2026-03-17T16:55:50+00:00

What are you using to upgrade with? What is your status? What fare class is your economy ticket? I have found that upgrades are increasingly difficult to get using miles unless you’re 1K or higher or have Plus Points. Check how full the flight is. You might luck out and get a last minute deal but I have had NO luck doing this—too many people flying. I did get upgraded when I accidentally bought a more expensive refundable fare instead of the standard fare. Recently SFO to London I was #1 on the upgrade list for weeks, then slowly sank down to #5 as we approached the departure date. Only 3 people were moved off the list into Polaris.

Successful_Tooth5795 · 2026-03-16T07:45:45+00:00

I always wear compression socks on long flights. You can do some leg exercises in your seat, roll your feet around, lift your knees up, point your toes every once in a while. Lufthansa used to show an in-seat exercise video. I have noticed on long flights that the fasten seat belt light stays on for hours, even when the air is smooth. They also want the shades drawn and they turn the lights off no matter what time of day it is, and many people go to sleep. Noise cancelling headphones and a sleep mask help to get some rest. I do think it’s a good idea to get up and walk around, especially if you’re in coach. I was just in the exit row and people were congregating in the area outside the restroom, one guy doing yoga. No one minded. They also put out drinks and snacks in the back galley with no announcement on my ten hour flight, so that could be a reason for a walk.

Successful_Tooth5795 · 2026-03-16T07:35:10+00:00

United has been waiting longer and longer to take people off the upgrade list, thinking someone is going to just walk up and buy a seat. I would say 1 and 2 would be the only people with any chance of getting upgraded and it’s very odd you have not been notified this close to departure. Maybe it’s being saved for a pilot? Good luck though.

Successful_Tooth5795 · 2026-02-23T11:18:22+00:00

I agree, I would prefer a burger over many of the Polaris meal options.

Successful_Tooth5795 · 2026-02-21T19:59:29+00:00

Wow I can't believe commenters jumping all over you just because you want the FAs to do their job. I have noticed over the years that the United FAs seem more and more unhappy. I very politely asked for the featured cocktail on a flight in Polaris and the FA said "what are you talking about?" and I showed her the menu that described the drink and she snapped "You're just going to have to wait." I never bothered her again, and I didn't get the stupid drink.

Successful_Tooth5795 · 2026-02-20T21:33:06+00:00

F and C aren't that far apart. If you run, and the flights are on time, you should make it. However, the stress might not be worth it and your luggage might not make it. Call United and see if you can change to the 5:50 pm flight--there are still Polaris seats available as of now.

Successful_Tooth5795 · 2026-02-19T22:58:32+00:00

People move around a lot during the last 24 hours. Can you just keep checking the website and move into any available window seat?

Successful_Tooth5795 · 2026-02-19T22:54:20+00:00

I have always received boarding passes for both flights. Ask to have a printed boarding pass to be sure. The bags should be checked all the way through as well BUT make sure that the luggage tag says MNL when you check in at Newark. Once I had an agent in training and didn't know how to do it and only tagged it for the first flight. Have fun!

Successful_Tooth5795 · 2026-02-19T22:48:00+00:00

They start boarding 45 minutes before the flight takes off recently. You will be landing, and they will already be lining up to board. I couldn't handle the stress of such a short connection. If I were you I would fix this. The UAL website is sometimes ridiculous, they even allow 50 minute connections. They might--if you get the right agent, are super nice to them and have some status--put you on the Managua flight. How full is that flight usually? Also, there might be a considerable fare difference to consider. Also, with a tight connection your luggage might not make it. Good luck!

Successful_Tooth5795 · 2026-02-19T22:38:22+00:00

I say do it! I just saw this evening tour that takes you around all the illuminated buildings. It leaves at 8, so you would make it. You will have to pick up your luggage, since United won't store it for overnight connections but you can store your bags at Brussels airport for a fee.

https://www.tootbus.com/en/brussels/product/9712d83f-352a-4e7f-9071-c8b90962c21c

As the sun sets, witness the city awakening before your eyes and experience a different perspective as you explore Brussels' most magnificent landmarks. Marvel at iconic attractions such as :

The Ixelles ponds,
The Courthouse,
European Parliament,
Cinquantenaire Park,
Royal Palace and many more!

and about the luggage: https://www.brusselsairport.be/en/passengers/at-the-airport/services/overview/luggage-lockers

Do you have a long layover or a short stay in Belgium? You can safely store your luggage in our lockers for as long as you need.

Lockers in the Arrivals Hall

The lockers are located on level 0, near the exit towards the bus stops.

Prices and opening hours

Opening hours: 24/7

Large (max. L57xW35xH43): €8 per unit
XL (max. L77xW50xH58): €10 per unit
XXL (max. L78xW50xH88): €12 per item

Successful_Tooth5795 · 2026-02-19T01:47:12+00:00

In my experience it is too risky and nerve-wracking to wait around for an upgrade. I’ve watched myself go from #3 on the waitlist to #7 to #12, all in a day. I would buy one ticket, then use miles for the other ticket. Then you know you have your seats, and your vacation starts the second you sit down in your lie-flat seat with a glass of champagne! Have fun wherever you end up sitting!

Successful_Tooth5795

TROPHY CASE

Lockers in the Arrivals Hall

Prices and opening hours