United MileagePlus (Consolidated) - Possible to Switch a "Mileage" Upgrade to a GPU/SWU?

I searched the forums but it seems that this issue, when discussed even tangentially, was specific to pre-3/3 integration. I'm thinking that the process may have changed.

So, does anyone have experience with an international reservation (booked in "B", BTW) that has been confirmed to BF using a 30K mile upgrade award, and then subsequently changed the upgrade from "mileage" to a GPU? Specifically, I have travel in April, 2013 and none of my current GPUs expire beyond November, 2012, so I upgraded with the miles. When I get new GPUs later this year, I'd like to switch the reservation and get the miles back.

Is this an easy switch, does it just depend on getting the "right" agent, or does it require giving up the confirmed space with miles and going back into the lottery for future "R" upgrade availability?

Thanks for any insights.

I was able to change a reservation where I bought tickets in economy, used miles plus co-pay to get on the upgrade list, and then changed my mind. A month later, I realized that I had four GPUs that were going to expire in a few months. I called back and had them change one direction to GPUs and got a refund of my miles and co-pay. I remain on the waitlisted but now with GPUs.

I think it would be much harder to do this had I already been upgraded but I'm curious to see if you get any other responses.

My only experience is in trying to substitute 1 RPU for an RPU with an earlier expiration date. I couldn't do it because R class was no longer available (my reservation was already upgraded, not on a waiting list). So, I'd expect you'd have the same problem switching upgrade types, but it's worth asking UA to be sure.

No problem as long as:

1) It's more than 24 hours before departure, and
2) There is R availability.

My 6 GPUs will credit in December 2012, but want to purch now a ticket and UPG a Feb 2013 flight. Will be traveling on a RTW ticket if that makes any difference. Anyone know the work around on this? Will UA allow for me to do a miles+copay and then after I get the 2013 GPUs, swap out the miles+copay for a GPU?

Thanks.

My 6 GPUs will credit in December 2012, but want to purch now a ticket and UPG a Feb 2013 flight. Will be traveling on a RTW ticket if that makes any difference. Anyone know the work around on this? Will UA allow for me to do a miles+copay and then after I get the 2013 GPUs, swap out the miles+copay for a GPU?

Thanks.

Works only if R is available. If not it won't work.

I I have a long haul coming up in November -JFK-SFO-SYD Upgraded and confirmed from Y to C with 30K miles and copay
As I expect some GPUs to come through soon as Im at 103K PQM, is it possible to keep the seats in C and change from the Mileage Upgrade Award tyo a Global Premier Upgrade?
Thanks

Its possible, you will just have to get an agent willing to do it. Its not a simple process so its likely to be an exercise in frustration since most agents don't know how to do it.

Please make sure your fare is GPUable before requesting anything.

thanks for that
just called MileagePlus and it is possible but if there arent any GPU'able seats avaialble Ill lose my Upgrade Award, and Ive booked in too low a booking class to use a GPU Agent told me minimum Y class is W

thanks for that
just called MileagePlus and it is possible but if there arent any GPU'able seats avaialble Ill lose my Upgrade Award, and Ive booked in too low a booking class to use a GPU Agent told me minimum Y class is W

In theory, you got a R class seat already. So in theory (again), if you release your upgrade award, it will be R1. But the issue is will SHARES clear you or someone else.

Beside - your fare class is not GPUable anyway.

In theory, you got a R class seat already. So in theory (again), if you release your upgrade award, it will be R1. But the issue is will SHARES clear you or someone else.

Beside - your fare class is not GPUable anyway.

Yeh - bummer! oh well will have to plan some more Aust-NYC/SFO Mileage runs next year so i can use the 6 GPU so maybe ill make global services who knows?

I have a return flight in Feb that I upgraded using miles. The fare class is B. Now I have a chance to use a GPU, is it possible to switch it without risking the upgrade vanishing?

Thanks!