United MileagePlus (Consolidated) - Upgrades and Fare Class

I am trying to understand the UA Fare Class. I found the sticky on the various fares. When I purchase tickets 6 weeks out for my route I get a G which looks like the lowest deep discount. I can request a W and it is only $10 more.

Is there an advantage to this fare class when getting complimentary upgrades? Or does that not matter and it is just the premier level?

fare class does matter. the Y/B fares for all elites are put at the top, and then each level is sorted by fare class.

ideally after all the Y/B upgrades are handed, a 1K on a W fare would get upgraded before a 1K on a G fare. but a 1K on a G fare would get upgraded before a Gold on a W fare.

I am trying to understand the UA Fare Class. I found the sticky on the various fares. When I purchase tickets 6 weeks out for my route I get a G which looks like the lowest deep discount. I can request a W and it is only $10 more.

Is there an advantage to this fare class when getting complimentary upgrades? Or does that not matter and it is just the premier level?

The higher the fare class, the better a chance you have for an upgrade (if it hasn't cleared in advance of check in). As you purchased the ticket 6 weeks ago, and change you make will result in not just a fare difference ($10 to W), but a reissue fee ($150 for most domestic tickets).

Do you have elite status?

Shocked there's a route where G to W difference is $10...:confused:

The higher the fare class, the better a chance you have for an upgrade (if it hasn't cleared in advance of check in). As you purchased the ticket 6 weeks ago, and change you make will result in not just a fare difference ($10 to W), but a reissue fee ($150 for most domestic tickets).

Do you have elite status?

There should not be a fee to buy up. I've done it for myself and colleagues without a fee.

I am trying to understand the UA Fare Class. I found the sticky on the various fares. When I purchase tickets 6 weeks out for my route I get a G which looks like the lowest deep discount. I can request a W and it is only $10 more.

Is there an advantage to this fare class when getting complimentary upgrades? Or does that not matter and it is just the premier level?

What you've been told thus far is partly true. The other part of the story is that UA will take the extra money, tell you it gives you an advantage for upgrades, then they will not upgrade you, and they'll offer to someone else to buy up to F for a deep discounted price that keeps dropping over time. Don't waste your money on this fraud.

What you've been told thus far is partly true. The other part of the story is that UA will take the extra money, tell you it gives you an advantage for upgrades, then they will not upgrade you, and they'll offer to someone else to buy up to F for a deep discounted price that keeps dropping over time. Don't waste your money on this fraud.

OR you could make your own, educated, informed decision and not listen to some of the people on FT.

There should not be a fee to buy up. I've done it for myself and colleagues without a fee.policy (unfortunately) is there is a fee but some agents have waived it on up-fares.

OR you could make your own, educated, informed decision and not listen to some of the people on FT.

Yes, OP could make his or her own decision. Go ahead. Give extra money to UA in the hopes that it'll result in an upgrade. I'd enjoy having OP report back to us on how that worked out.

The higher the fare class, the better a chance you have for an upgrade (if it hasn't cleared in advance of check in). As you purchased the ticket 6 weeks ago, and change you make will result in not just a fare difference ($10 to W), but a reissue fee ($150 for most domestic tickets).

Do you have elite status?

OP did not say they purchased the ticket 6 weeks ago.

Assuming there is no other difference between the W and the G fare but the 10 bucks and the higher priority for CPU I'd say book the cheapest. If you really want to improve your chances for the UG book an instant up fare and confirm the UG at booking.

Yes, theoretically it should increase your odds of an upgrade.

But in practice, the odds that it actually makes a difference whether or not you get the upgrade are very small.

For it to make a difference, there would have to be someone else on a W or higher fare (a) at the same elite level and (b) who gets the very last upgrade seat. It is more likely that (1) neither of you will get upgraded or that (2) both of you will get upgraded (even if s/he's on W and you're on G).

thanks. I just got gold. I am getting ready to book more tickets so it is new tickets I am wondering just go cheapest or plug in the fare letter and if it is not a lot, then pay it.

thanks,

thanks. I just got gold. I am getting ready to book more tickets so it is new tickets I am wondering just go cheapest or plug in the fare letter and if it is not a lot, then pay it.

thanks,

IMO there are 3 "buckets" of coach tickets worth paying to switch between. 1) the deep discounted (G and W are usually both in this), 2) the discounted but no change fee/refundable and 3) the fully refundable that allow instant upgrade. In your case bucket 3 will be B (and Y) and is likely to be much more than the G. For bucket 2 you have to play around and see if there are any refundable/changeable fares below B and how much more than G they are. Then you can make the decision. Its definitely worth playing around to get familiar with the different fares on your route.

policy (unfortunately) is there is a fee but some agents have waived it on up-fares.

Actually, UA Insider reported last year during one of the buy up investigations that the change fee is waived when you buy up. It helped to explain how it was so cheap for kettles and lower elites to buy into an instant upgrade fare.

fare class does matter. the Y/B fares for all elites are put at the top, and then each level is sorted by fare class.

ideally after all the Y/B upgrades are handed, a 1K on a W fare would get upgraded before a 1K on a G fare. but a 1K on a G fare would get upgraded before a Gold on a W fare.

Along these lines, does 1MM or 2MM status have any effect on standing? In other words, would a 1K MM flyer on a W fare be ahead of a non-MM 1K on a W fare? If MM status does effect standing for an upgrade, then in what way does it effect it?

Yes, OP could make his or her own decision. Go ahead. Give extra money to UA in the hopes that it'll result in an upgrade. I'd enjoy having OP report back to us on how that worked out.

+1 - A pity that the sour grapes crowd, upset that UA as a for-profit business, actually sells seats in F to willing & paying customers, gets in the way of good info for OP.

Actually, UA Insider reported last year during one of the buy up investigations that the change fee is waived when you buy up. It helped to explain how it was so cheap for kettles and lower elites to buy into an instant upgrade fare.

That's only when UA offers you the buy-up to F (even if the fare you're buying up to is a Y fare).

If you call in and ask to change fare classes, they should still technically charge you the change fee.


Either way, not worth the fare difference. The chances you go from "not making it" to "making it" based on a G to W fare difference are quite small - even if you can get the change for only $10 instead of $160.

Along these lines, does 1MM or 2MM status have any effect on standing? In other words, would a 1K MM flyer on a W fare be ahead of a non-MM 1K on a W fare? If MM status does effect standing for an upgrade, then in what way does it effect it?

MM or 2MM staus does not come into the equation. Only your Premier Level (Silver, Gold, PLat, IK, GS) does. As I understand it (I'm sure I'll be corrected if wrong), prior to 24 hours, the tie-breaker would be date/time purchased, and w/i 24 hrs, check-in time.

+1 - A pity that the sour grapes crowd, upset that UA as a for-profit business, actually sells seats in F to willing & paying customers, gets in the way of good info for OP.

Yep. My advice is "getting in the way" of "good info" for OP. OK. Let's see how this plays out. I challenge OP to book 10 flights with COdbaUA, for each one, pay the highest possible fare class below M. Keep track of how much money was wasted on each flight. Then, tell us how many of those flights resulted in a CPU. If it's more than 4, I'll send OP a nice gift. If it's less than 4, you need to erase the "getting in the way" part of your judgement against my advise. Let's see how this plays out.

Yep. My advice is "getting in the way" of "good info" for OP. OK. Let's see how this plays out. I challenge OP to book 10 flights with COdbaUA, for each one, pay the highest possible fare class below M. Keep track of how much money was wasted on each flight. Then, tell us how many of those flights resulted in a CPU. If it's more than 4, I'll send OP a nice gift. If it's less than 4, you need to erase the "getting in the way" part of your judgement against my advise. Let's see how this plays out.

Still makes zero sense to complain about for profit businesses selling their product. Like it or not, a CPU is a handout. When it's available, that's great. When it's not, you get what you paid for, a Y seat.

Still makes zero sense to complain about for profit businesses selling their product. Like it or not, a CPU is a handout. When it's available, that's great. When it's not, you get what you paid for, a Y seat.

You are mis-quoting me and mis-characterizing what I wrote. After you do that, it's easy to portray me as a moron. If you were willing to pay attention to what I'm actually saying, the truth would be a little less convenient for you.

I am not complaining about UA selling a product. I am complaining about UA's practice of offering TODs to kettles and NOT offering those TODs to elite flyers who have paid a higher fare for the right to upgrade. If they want to do a TOD once, fine. Let everyone buy it. But, to take money for a higher fare class from an elite, and then, blacklist the elite from the chance to buy a TOD, and then sell it to someone else is unethical and fraudulent.

Why do you choose to ignore these distinctions? Who do you think it helps?

Serious question and focusing on actual expereinces -- have there been any recent reports of "TODs offers to non-elites and not to elites?" Those reports have seemed to settled down, suggesting that sitatuion has been addressed. Or has it?

Serious question and focusing on actual expereinces -- have there been any recent reports of "TODs offers to non-elites and not to elites?" Those reports have seemed to settled down, suggesting that sitatuion has been addressed. Or has it?

The reports do seem to have settled down.

Is it your belief from that observation that TODs are now being offered to everyone on the plane at the same price without exception on all flights?

I share your observation that reports here have settled down, but I'm not sure what conclusions to draw from that observation.

The more I read here, it's clear that there are still lots of folks reporting extended difficulty upgrading with COdbaUA. The reasons for this are extremely varied. Note, for example, post 25 here:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/united-mileageplus-consolidated/1321916-upgrading-ewr-bom-2.html

I haven't seen a recent increase in postings here that suggest anything is better.

The reports do seem to have settled down.

Is it your belief from that observation that TODs are now being offered to everyone on the plane at the same price without exception on all flights?

I share your observation that reports here have settled down, but I'm not sure what conclusions to draw from that observation. ...I have no conclusion to draw but with no recent reports this may be a dead horse -- however want to ask before leaping to any conclusion. Hopefully it has been addressed but we can only tell by actual reports.



... The more I read here, it's clear that there are still lots of folks reporting extended difficulty upgrading with COdbaUA. The reasons for this are extremely varied. Note, for example, post 25 here:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/united-mileageplus-consolidated/1321916-upgrading-ewr-bom-2.html

I haven't seen a recent increase in postings here that suggest anything is better.Fortunately my recent experience when smooth but it is clear others are still having issues.

Actually, UA Insider reported last year during one of the buy up investigations that the change fee is waived when you buy up. It helped to explain how it was so cheap for kettles and lower elites to buy into an instant upgrade fare.

thanks all for the responses. I searched the forum but could not find, what does kettles stand for?

thanks,

Mike

The reports do seem to have settled down.

Is it your belief from that observation that TODs are now being offered to everyone on the plane at the same price without exception on all flights?

I share your observation that reports here have settled down, but I'm not sure what conclusions to draw from that observation.

The more I read here, it's clear that there are still lots of folks reporting extended difficulty upgrading with COdbaUA. The reasons for this are extremely varied. Note, for example, post 25 here:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/united-mileageplus-consolidated/1321916-upgrading-ewr-bom-2.html

I haven't seen a recent increase in postings here that suggest anything is better.

A simple conclusion is TODs are being offered even less than before, when a handful of reports were blown out of proportion.

And what does a GPU upgrade on a international route have to do with the TOD discussion?

thanks all for the responses. I searched the forum but could not find, what does kettles stand for?

thanks,

Mike

Inexperienced travellers would be the kindest way of putting it. People who perhaps fly once a year or so on vacation, and might be attracted by the prospect of flying first class if they are only asked for $100 extra.

Of all things to defend on OT topics (ToD is in another thread) - EWR-BOM upgrades.

A 15 hour++ flight booked solid in BF, and rightly so.

A simple conclusion is TODs are being offered even less than before, when a handful of reports were blown out of proportion.

And what does a GPU upgrade on a international route have to do with the TOD discussion?

Keeping the focus to this thread, is it your genuine understanding that international upgrades with GPUs under CO (dba UA) are exactly the same as they were under UA?

- same process?
- systemic failure rate is the same?
- TOD/HOD is not offerred to anyone on international?
- chances of success are the same? if not, why not?

Is there an advantage to this fare class when getting complimentary upgrades? Or does that not matter and it is just the premier level?

Keeping the focus to this thread, is it your genuine understanding that international upgrades with GPUs under CO (dba UA) are exactly the same as they were under UA?

- same process?
- systemic failure rate is the same?
- TOD/HOD is not offerred to anyone on international?
- chances of success are the same? if not, why not?

Can't we save the "CO (dba UA), failures of upgrades, and TOD/HOD" for some of the other dozen threads and keep "the focus to this thread"?
:rolleyes:

Fortunately my recent experience when smooth but it is clear others are still having issues.

How many international flights have you taken with GPUs in your "recent" experience? What routes, fare classes? Did you book into R at booking? When did you clear for each?

I have yet to take an international flight not into R space at booking because I have no faith whatsoever in what will happen. Not only do I have no faith in the upgrade process (recent post EWR-BOM being prime example of worst fears being realized), but now, the odds of mx/cx are through the roof too. Besides the obvious inconvenience of being mx/cx'd yourself, the irrops of prior flights creates a burst of additional competition for upgrades on subsequent flights (which I also don't trust to be processed correctly) which would seem to reduce upgrade odds even more.

I've got a handful of international trips that I need to book soon. I've been frozen with indecision as to whether to book with COdbaUA or give up now and book on AA. Before $mi$ek, I'd have simply booked all of them by now.

How many international flights have you taken with GPUs in your "recent" experience? What routes, fare classes? Did you book into R at booking? When did you clear for each?

I have yet to take an international flight not into R space at booking because I have no faith whatsoever in what will happen. Not only do I have no faith in the upgrade process (recent post EWR-BOM being prime example of worst fears being realized), but now, the odds of mx/cx are through the roof too. Besides the obvious inconvenience of being mx/cx'd yourself, the irrops of prior flights creates a burst of additional competition for upgrades on subsequent flights (which I also don't trust to be processed correctly) which would seem to reduce upgrade odds even more.

I've got a handful of international trips that I need to book soon. I've been frozen with indecision as to whether to book with COdbaUA or give up now and book on AA. Before $mi$ek, I'd have simply booked all of them by now.

Agreed. While I have never had a problem finding R space avail at booking, I sure would not risk it. To be fair, the only times I've used GPU's were when I could move my dates +/- 1 day and then from C-F, not Y-C and on flights where I hade a better chance of finding availability (IAD-GIG, IAD-FRA). If I'm flying a route where C or F is difficult to upgrade (to India, from DXB-USA, etc then I will just buy a C or F tkt on LH or EK and not lose sleep. (I have had very good luck as well with GPU's from NRT-SFO as well but that route is also always booked in C so much easier to upgrade to NF (whatever it's called now) then R

R seems easy to get at booking from the East coast to LHR, FRA and that's about it

Agreed. While I have never had a problem finding R space avail at booking, I sure would not risk it. To be fair, the only times I've used GPU's were when I could move my dates +/- 1 day and then from C-F, not Y-C and on flights where I hade a better chance of finding availability (IAD-GIG, IAD-FRA). If I'm flying a route where C or F is difficult to upgrade (to India, from DXB-USA, etc then I will just buy a C or F tkt on LH or EK and not lose sleep. (I have had very good luck as well with GPU's from NRT-SFO as well but that route is also always booked in C so much easier to upgrade to NF (whatever it's called now) then R

R seems easy to get at booking from the East coast to LHR, FRA and that's about it

If you are upgrading C to F you don't need R space. You need O space. O space has been (as NF or O) and continues to be more readily available than R (or NC) space. You may in fact be saying the same thing but its unclear. I'm reading your post that you find R available at booking but never use it since you are upgrading C to F.

How many international flights have you taken with GPUs in your "recent" experience? What routes, fare classes? Did you book into R at booking? When did you clear for each? ....Most recent was RT in July into FRA and continuing on a LH flight. Booked rought 60 days out -- neither upgrade available at booking but one direction cleared a few days later and the other about 6 weeks out.

Enough of the off-topic TOD upgrade discussion here.

iluv2fly
Moderator, UA