United MileagePlus (Consolidated) - So what's the secret to actually using MP upgrades from economy to business?

So what's the secret to actually using MP upgrades from economy to business? I'm trying flights EWR-MXP, and EWR-AMS for March 2013, and with few silly exceptions, most of the flights come up "! Upgrade not available on UAxxx". What gives? Forget fuel dumping, using MP upgrades seems like a bigger puzzle to me. Anyone have suggestions as opposed to just complaining about it? I can sure use some guidance. Thanks.

So what's the secret to actually using MP upgrades from economy to business? I'm trying flights EWR-MXP, and EWR-AMS for March 2013, and with few silly exceptions, most of the flights come up "! Upgrade not available on UAxxx". What gives? Forget fuel dumping, using MP upgrades seems like a bigger puzzle to me. Anyone have suggestions as opposed to just complaining about it? I can sure use some guidance. Thanks.

Typically, the "not available" message comes up when you try to do "MileagePlus Upgrade Award" (miles/copay) and that means inventory is not immediately available for confirmation.

If you're attempting to use miles/copay or SWU(W fare and higher only for SWUs) - book the flight and then waitlist it after it is ticketed. When inventory opens (allegedly), you'll clear the seat

So do I take it that it's just too early? I am selecting the MP Upgrade box when looking at flights. Do I have to specify a fare class to even be considered for fare plus miles upgrades? I'm relatively new to doing seat upgrades with United - BA seemed a little more clear-cut. And thanks for your answer!

Tiny premium cabins, especially on the AMS run. If they aren't open now, good chance they won't open up til right before flight, if at all.

I have seen it open early and late

Also, you may have a better chance doing a 1 stop and upgrading via cities like FRA/MUC/ZRH with bigger planes

Last week I was able to grab 2 upgrades ORD->AMS for April 2013. At the time, it showed R9, meaning lots of business class seats available for upgrade. Might have been an error, but worked out well for me.

But generally there are no upgrades available really far out for most European routes. Just choose a day of the week like a Tues or Wed for best chances, and grab yourself a good seat in coach in case it doesn't clear.

The other post about choosing routes with bigger planes also is a good one.

I just had a LHR->SFO clear the other day for a July flight - this was waitlisted a few weeks ago. So miracles do happen!

EDIT: Just checked ORD->LHR (London) and ORD->AMS (Amsterdam) in April: Still shows >R0 for a couple days each week... So upgrades do exist, from Chicago at least!

Thanks again everyone. Hadn't thought much about the plane size in relation to award seats but it sure makes sense. So basically if you see award seats available you have to jump on them.

Thanks again everyone. Hadn't thought much about the plane size in relation to award seats but it sure makes sense. So basically if you see award seats available you have to jump on them.
Yes, it's a marketplace. There are others out there doing what you are doing. He who sees the seats first and grabs them gets them. He who hesitates is lost.

Tiny premium cabins, especially on the AMS run. If they aren't open now, good chance they won't open up til right before flight, if at all.

sUA has normal large premium cabins to AMS (unless they cancelled them). They always had 777s / 767's or a mix (2 flights a day)

sUA has normal large premium cabins to AMS (unless they cancelled them). They always had 777s / 767's or a mix (2 flights a day)

Not from EWR they don't!

Thanks again everyone. Hadn't thought much about the plane size in relation to award seats but it sure makes sense. So basically if you see award seats available you have to jump on them.

You should find this thread http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/united-mileageplus-consolidated/1321113-post-3-mar-2012-how-find-upgrade-inventory-how-see-fare-bucket-availability.html helpful

Awesome link! Thanks so much - that has made life a lot easier!

This appears much more frequently on the new CO dba UA. I agree with all the previous posters but also UA now tries to sell as many upgrades as often down to the last minute. It seems that the CO inventory management system is much different than the old UA system.

A will depend on the day of the week that you are flying as well as what is happening in the cities you are attempting to fly into. For example, the airlines have known for years when London 2012 was happening - so getting an upgrade into LHR during that period would be next to impossible even months out. Trying to get an upgrade or award ticket in MUC will be extremely difficult during Oktoberfest.

And bottom line is that is it hit or miss. On the old UA I found that often there were a few seats available far out. Not so much under the new system.

One option can be, as suggested, trying a one stop, or trying to get on a *A carrier.

..One option can be, as suggested, trying a one stop, or trying to get on a *A carrier.
Or buying a very low fare base which carries a large monetary upgrade markup and hence will get prioritized over free upgrades formerly given to over-entitled 1Ks and GSes who already paid for a full fare.

On the old UAdbaUA, assumptions were made that loyal flyers who buy expensive fares need to be taken care of first whereas COdbaUA now focuses on incremental revenue to be harvested.