If you select cheapest option, and UA returns FC, while all the rest is Y, you can book and be reimbursed with no worries. I've done it many times. United sometimes has FC fares that are cheaper than their coach fares on the same flights.

I agree with Raptor's answer, but if you still feel uncomfortable, call Global travel and have them book it for you. I'm sure they'll tell you the same thing. I don't think you could book UAL coach on those routes if you tried, they would automatically upgrade you.

The contract United signed with FedEx is for FC seats on all bookings. Anything booked United should be FC, I have deviated several times this year all FC on United. I think the Corporate contract with united runs out in the spring.

Thanks for the gouge guys. I'll press with my FC deviation.

Thanks for the replies. Unfortunately, first class is now sold out. I should have gone with what I thought was right. But I was half-asleep and the global travel lady was insistent I couldn't get the first class ticket, so I didn't. I'll know better for next time.

New guy question. If deviating on the back end of a trip (coach service is authorized), can I book a FC ticket using any surplus money I have in my deviation bank to pay the difference or is this considered an unauthorized expense? Thanks

That would be nice but unfortunately its unauthorized.

Actually, it may be authorized. If your deviation flt block hrs or duty time authorizes a 1st class ticket, then you can do it. It doesn't matter what class the scheduled flt was authorized for.

If your deviation flt is:

Over 5:00, block to block, or

If you are deviating in the same duty period as your last operating flt
and your duty period, including the deviation flight, is over 11:30, or

Your operating block hours plus your deviation flt hours, together, are over 8 block hrs...You are authorized to book 1st class.

Your bank will remain the same, regardless of what your deviation flights authorize you to do.

CBA 8.A.4.b.

I've had this happen to me a couple of times recently and I've selected the UA first class ticket and have not had any issues. I had the bank money and my expense report was processed without any hassle. I just figured if the FOX deviation system populated the option then it was approved :)

FWIW, just one pilots experience, book at your own risk tho.

The operative word being, "authorized"

Memhubturn - I thought you were asking if you can simply apply leftover bank money to cover "unauthorized" first class expenses. The answer is to that question is still no.