United MileagePlus (Consolidated) - Some help with int'l upgrade (EWR-DEL)

Hi all,

thanks in advance for any help on this. I'm flying mid november from NYC to Delhi (my first time to India), and it looks like my only non stop option is the daily EWR>DEL flight.

being in grad school and flying mainly for travel/leisure I haven't built up enough with one airline to have any major status, but mainly fly with United and have decent miles. nothing impressive but it sounds like these days that doesn't make much of a difference anyway:rolleyes:

I REALLY would like to upgrade to business as it's a 15 hour flight and any such long flights in the past I've been lucky enough to fly business, ie to tokyo, and only have done economy on shorter flights like London which are OK not great. I'm tall and restless and I feel like I'd go nuts on economy to India.

It seems from reading up that upgrades on this flight are tricky. Without using TOO too much industry abbrevs can anyone shed some light on the best way to go about this.. I'll be booking the flight in the next few weeks. I am totally willing to pay for the upgrade, but the tickets in business right now are like 10k which is way more than I'd pay. I would pay for a slightly higher fare however, or pay for the upgrade with however many miles it takes including a copay. Is this even possible on this flight? how many miles and dollars would it be (for example) ? would it be a confirmed upgrade or a nail biter until the end?

So should I pay the higher fare and if so - which? refundable economy? economy plus? etc? I don't really understand all the X YZ K etc booking classes but I'll go read up now :D

what are my chances? should I just buy one of those neck pillow things and try to get an eco plus seat? hmm which by the way not sure those are even in place on this flight. any info you all can chime in with - MUCH LOVE in advance.

KP

OH also, I really would prefer not - but if I have a better upgrade chance I would consider a stopover - if so, which city is preferred for this on the EWR>DEL route? is that a tortorous way to go? I can't really envision getting off of a 7 hour flight and on to another one. at least with the longer flights you're locked on there ha.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news ... but chances of getting an upgrade to business class as a GM are nil.

Your best bet might to be buy up into E+.

even purchasing a higher economy seat and then paying with miles & a copay?

You won't get a complimentary upgrade regardless of fare.

You might be able to get a miles plus copay -- but probably be tough to find an available seat. Could be up to 35k miles + $600 if you can find one.

35K and 600 is very doable for me - but my question in this case would be:

do I need to book a better fare than lowest avail to have a better chance?

and can I get the upgrade right after I book when I call OR is it miles & pay and then I ONLY get the upgrade at 24 hrs before etc .. any ideas?

You are not getting upgraded on that flight. As you've no doubt read, even 1k's find it hard to upgrade that flight. The best advice I can think to offer is either to look for discounted business fares on other airlines or look for a UA flight to Europe with a lot of empty space then fly Economy from there. One way to do this is to use Expertflyer to find flights with r space.

35K and 600 is very doable for me - but my question in this case would be:

do I need to book a better fare than lowest avail to have a better chance?

and can I get the upgrade right after I book when I call OR is it miles & pay and then I ONLY get the upgrade at 24 hrs before etc .. any ideas?

I think if there is r space you can confirm at booking with miles. Use Expertflyer to find a route that has open r space.

35K and 600 is very doable for me - but my question in this case would be:

do I need to book a better fare than lowest avail to have a better chance?

and can I get the upgrade right after I book when I call OR is it miles & pay and then I ONLY get the upgrade at 24 hrs before etc .. any ideas?

Welcome to Continental Roulette!

The lower your fare (fare basis) the more the copay will be.Yes if your on a higher fare it should be worth something over anyone on a lower fare. But the Game has it pitfalls, the more you pay for your fare = the more you may simply end up paying for the exact same Coach seat you will end up sitting in

Personally I NEVER played COs game if I couldnt be confirmed at the time of purchase I simply purchased the cheapest fare, something CO doesnt want.

I believe if you end up not clearing that you get both the miles and copay back (yes they take both at the moment you tell them you want to try your luck).

Prior to T-24 using miles + co-pay will put you ahead of any elite members using a systemwide to upgrade (buying a higher fare ticket will put you ahead of any GM members that are using $ + miles in a lower fare bucket). Looking at the EWR-DEL flight, however, United rarely seems to open R space in advance. After the 24 hour mark, the upgrade list is sorted by individual status.

Prior to T-24 using miles + co-pay will put you ahead of any elite members using a systemwide to upgrade

How do you know this?

Hi all,

thanks in advance for any help on this. I'm flying mid november from NYC to Delhi (my first time to India), and it looks like my only non stop option is the daily EWR>DEL flight.

...

I REALLY would like to upgrade to business as it's a 15 hour flight and any such long flights in the past I've been lucky enough to fly business, ie to tokyo, and only have done economy on shorter flights like London which are OK not great. I'm tall and restless and I feel like I'd go nuts on economy to India.

...
KP

OH also, I really would prefer not - but if I have a better upgrade chance I would consider a stopover - if so, which city is preferred for this on the EWR>DEL route? is that a tortorous way to go? I can't really envision getting off of a 7 hour flight and on to another one. at least with the longer flights you're locked on there ha.



Hi Skinny.

Please search for similar topics before opening a new thread. Eliminating redundant threads will facilitate future searches.
Your chances of obtaining an upgrade (mileage + copay) on EWR-DEL or EWR-BOM are slim if you can't find R inventory at the time of booking. I missed upgrades as a 1K on a high fare (M or B) an UA's protocol for giving away upgrades is status (GS,1K, Platinum, Gold, Silver, General Member) then a tie breaker based on fare class within the status group. The route is elite heavy since anybody that flies is on a regular basis accumulates quite a few EQMs.
Your best chance is to fly US->FRA->india with the US->FRA on united. Upgrades on US->FRA (in particular EWR->FRA) are easier to get by sometimes even at booking.
What is your final destination in India? Domestic to International connections in India are not simple, you may want to find a route where you can connect in Europe (e.g. US->FRA->BLR).



Happy Travels
DLP

ah! very helpful thanks. so if I book a more expensive economy fare - how do I do that? simply by booking the flexible/refundable fare? I know I know it's impossible etc but I'm gathering info to maybe give it a shot anyway.

final destination is delhi! interesting on FRA, will check it out.


Hi Skinny.

Please search for similar topics before opening a new thread. Eliminating redundant threads will facilitate future searches.


Happy Travels
DLP

Also, DLP, thanks for the replies, I have done several searches over the past week. None have addressed both the upgrade issues AND this particular route, esp from a GM perspective. Add to that the merger and I was looking for updated info on int'l upgrades. thanks though!

How do you know this?

It's been reported by various FT members, and I believe UA confirmed it when they announced the merged program.

It's been reported by various FT members, and I believe UA confirmed it when they announced the merged program.

So, someone with no status using miles is ahead of a 1k using GPU?

I have never noticed this discussed .. It is news to me, and a shock.

Have you seen this published on UA.com?

Prior to T-24 using miles + co-pay will put you ahead of any elite members using a systemwide to upgrade (buying a higher fare ticket will put you ahead of any GM members that are using $ + miles in a lower fare bucket)...

This was not the case on all my recent trips (in the few cases I cleared before T-24 I trumped Golds who tried to use miles + copay). This is also in conflict with UA's published policy.

Happy Travels
DLP

ah! very helpful thanks. so if I book a more expensive economy fare - how do I do that? simply by booking the flexible/refundable fare? I know I know it's impossible etc but I'm gathering info to maybe give it a shot anyway.

final destination is delhi! interesting on FRA, will check it out.

Skinny,
1) You can go to advanced booking on UA.COM and select a specific fare class (Y is the highest, B is second etc).
2) Don't pay a higher fare class, the only thing worse than seating is coach on a 15 hours flight is doing this and knowing you paid $2,000 more than the person seating next to you. Copay is a safe bet, you get your money back if you sit in the back.
3) UAs upgrade priority policy is very clear, go to UA.COM and read it. Don't trust anybody here (including myself).


DLP

It's been reported by various FT members, and I believe UA confirmed it when they announced the merged program.

Please provide references.
I would hate to see someone spend money to buy a more expensive fare class based on rumors.
I don't claim to have inside information, but UA has a published policy and my personal experience indicates it is being followed.

DLP

Please provide references.
I would hate to see someone spend money to buy a more expensive fare class based on rumors.
I don't claim to have inside information, but UA has a published policy and my personal experience indicates it is being followed.

DLP

In fact, UA published policy is silent about the role of instrument type. I've always assumed that GPU and miles/copay are not taken into account in ranking and that the variables published by UA are the only relevant variables, but I've ever seen a fact around this, one way or another.

Please provide references.
I would hate to see someone spend money to buy a more expensive fare class based on rumors.
I don't claim to have inside information, but UA has a published policy and my personal experience indicates it is being followed.

DLP

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/united-mileageplus-consolidated/1348192-info-experiment-intl-upgrade-priority-miles-vs-gpu.html

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/united-mileageplus-consolidated/1348192-info-experiment-intl-upgrade-priority-miles-vs-gpu.html

Thanks for posting that thread. I forgot about that. I still wonder if miles trumps GPU or if, in fact, the issue here is that being a GM trumps being a 1K.

Everything this company has done since $mi$ek has taken over has been designed to take away every last benefit that 1K's used to enjoy. I would not be shocked if a GM could trump a 1K even if both were using miles.

Anyway, after refreshing myself on that thread and the other thread that is referenced in that thread, I think you do have a valid point, and although there is no clear evidence of how this is supposed to work or how it's really working system-wide, I'd be inclined to think you are right about this.

this reflects what I have been reading/seeing/experiencing also in recent months. quite crazy. I really don't think I should pay the higher fare but I'd still try to do miles and copay or take a stopover city.

honestly with the way things have been going lately on UA and the random upgrade experiences I've had, I just never say never at this point.

this reflects what I have been reading/seeing/experiencing also in recent months. quite crazy. I really don't think I should pay the higher fare but I'd still try to do miles and copay or take a stopover city.

honestly with the way things have been going lately on UA and the random upgrade experiences I've had, I just never say never at this point.

Why don't you try the credit card route and book with miles only

Why are you flying United? A number of airlines with far far better business classes have special fares all the time to India. Check Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Air. You might be surprised at their fares, you can make a free stop (if you want) in Dubai, Abu Dhaubi or Dhoha. Emirates will pay for limousine transfers in the States and India

If you must must earn UA miles, try Jet Air (they are a partner, a great airline & fly everywhere in India)

I've never flown CO(UA) to/from India but I can also tell you departing India, Emirates has a great lounge and the limo service is a great perk thru BOM/DEL traffic to get to the airport

Why are you flying United? A number of airlines with far far better business classes have special fares all the time to India. Check Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Air. You might be surprised at their fares, you can make a free stop (if you want) in Dubai, Abu Dhaubi or Dhoha. Emirates will pay for limousine transfers in the States and India

If you must must earn UA miles, try Jet Air (they are a partner, a great airline & fly everywhere in India)

Of the alternatives Carriers you mentioned which of them can the OP use their MP miles to Upgrade on? after all thats what the OP wants to do purchase Coach and use their Miles and pay the copay to UP to Biz.

If the OP was purchasing a Biz tkt Id agree with You but as the OP outlined I dont that they have any other choice to get into Biz

I am not married to the UA idea - was merely relying on it as the only direct from NYC these days. I've never done such a long haul with a layover but maybe it wouldn't be that bad and I should indeed look into that.


With everything I'm hearing from people about UA loyalty, I'm not sure I'm in any rush to funnel my upcoming heavy int'l traffic through them necessarily. It's all well and good being a GM who gets to pay $60 for an upgrade, but being on the flip side as an elite not getting the proper upgrades and perks due to a questionable system must be infuriating. all very interesting.

but yes as craz mentions above, the miles are far more my desire than to pay, even a decent fare.. if it's going to climb towards the 9/10k mark.

Hi all,
being in grad school and flying mainly for travel/leisure I haven't built up enough with one airline to have any major status, but mainly fly with United and have decent miles.

You are getting good advice for your specific question, not good advice overall.

Just go to UA.com and search or 2 oneway trips if you do not want to stop anywhere
Use NYC, DEL, oneway, award and you see the calendar with availability
60k miles will take you there each way.
Assuming 35k miles + 600$ each way is for upgrade to DEL
For 600$ can buy 24k Chase UR points = 24k UA miles
So you are paying 35k + 24k = 59k For an upgrade each way

So your choices are as follows
buying economy for min 1000$ then paying 59k upgrade
vs
Award travel for 60k each way

This suggests that 1000$ + 59k UA = 60k UA
or saving 1k UA is worth 1000$ to you (NOT!)

so forget upgrades and look for awards

Why don't you try the credit card route and book with miles only

I'll have to research the cc situation

You are getting good advice for your specific question, not good advice overall.

Just go to UA.com and search or 2 oneway trips if you do not want to stop anywhere
Use NYC, DEL, oneway, award and you see the calendar with availability
60k miles will take you there each way.
Assuming 35k miles + 600$ each way is for upgrade to DEL
For 600$ can buy 24k Chase UR points = 24k UA miles
So you are paying 35k + 24k = 59k For an upgrade each way

So your choices are as follows
buying economy for min 1000$ then paying 59k upgrade
vs
Award travel for 60k each way

This suggests that 1000$ + 59k UA = 60k UA
or saving 1k UA is worth 1000$ to you (NOT!)

so forget upgrades and look for awards

ahhhhhhh I hadn't thought of award travel, I'm going to go check this out for mid nov dates. but basically you're saying it'd be 60k for economy, and to forget the upgrade. I could always blow money & miles on the outgoing and then do a reward flight back in economy.

on future flights and in general it's really no big deal, the upgrade - however this particular flight is a kind of important thing and the person I'm traveling with is flying in business hence me willing to go the extra (har har) mile for an upgrade.

Of the alternatives Carriers you mentioned which of them can the OP use their MP miles to Upgrade on? after all thats what the OP wants to do purchase Coach and use their Miles and pay the copay to UP to Biz.

If the OP was purchasing a Biz tkt Id agree with You but as the OP outlined I dont that they have any other choice to get into Biz

OP says he would purchase a biz class tkt but fares on UA are over $10K during his dates which is to high for him

I am not married to the UA idea - was merely relying on it as the only direct from NYC these days. I've never done such a long haul with a layover but maybe it wouldn't be that bad and I should indeed look into that.


With everything I'm hearing from people about UA loyalty, I'm not sure I'm in any rush to funnel my upcoming heavy int'l traffic through them necessarily. It's all well and good being a GM who gets to pay $60 for an upgrade, but being on the flip side as an elite not getting the proper upgrades and perks due to a questionable system must be infuriating. all very interesting.

but yes as craz mentions above, the miles are far more my desire than to pay, even a decent fare.. if it's going to climb towards the 9/10k mark.

If you can ween yourself off getting as many miles as psbl for a flight & concentrate on getting a more comfortable p, more reliable flying experience you will feel as good as if you weened yourself off heroine. I can tell you that for such a long flight, I would certainly rather fly a Gulf Carrier and earn no miles, then fly UA and earm XXX Miles. If you say you can afford a biz tkt, just not UA's ridiculous fares, look on Kayak.com on your dates and you might be surprised at some world class airlines that charge half what UA does. UA charges more to DXB in F then EK does, and more then SQ charges to ICN. UA knows miles are like heroine and people will do really stupid things to earn them (like paying UA's ridiculous fares)

OP says he would purchase a biz class tkt but fares on UA are over $10K during his dates which is to high for him

OK missed that I plugged in some randon dates and CO ns was 7200, with a stop 6600. From JFK: EK 6220, TK 5050,EY 5688,QR 5086, & GF 4500

so CO is the most expensive but at least on the dates I plugged in only $1k more then EK whch to some folks might be worth not having to make a stop, But I do agree before selecting CO a person should run thru all the options and then decide

thanks in advance for any help on this. I'm flying mid november from NYC to Delhi (my first time to India), and it looks like my only non stop option is the daily EWR>DEL flight.

Without status, the odds of clearing are slim. It's a tough upgrade for 1K's on high fares.

You would probably be better off booking an award with your UA miles and routing via Europe.

I am totally willing to pay for the upgrade, but the tickets in business right now are like 10k which is way more than I'd pay. I don't think you said how much you would be willing to pay. There are a handful of options in business class in the $4-5k r/t range and even more in the 5-5.5k range if you are okay with a stop. Or you could do premium economy on BA, AF or VS for like $2-3k r/t. If you do BA you can sign up for the Platinum challenge with AA and you'll have mid-tier elite status after you get to India.

I think max $3k. I'm willing to give up whatever with my miles.

If you must must earn UA miles, try Jet Air (they are a partner, a great airline & fly everywhere in India)


If you fly Jet Airways, do you get EQMs?

On the UA page:

http://www.united.com/CMS/en-US/Marketing/CustComm/Promotions/Pages/AirlinePartnerDetails.aspx?ItemId=437

They talk about mileage earning but don't specify what kind of miles those are.

I am not married to the UA idea - was merely relying on it as the only direct from NYC these days. I've never done such a long haul with a layover but maybe it wouldn't be that bad and I should indeed look into that.


With everything I'm hearing from people about UA loyalty, I'm not sure I'm in any rush to funnel my upcoming heavy int'l traffic through them necessarily. It's all well and good being a GM who gets to pay $60 for an upgrade, but being on the flip side as an elite not getting the proper upgrades and perks due to a questionable system must be infuriating. all very interesting.

but yes as craz mentions above, the miles are far more my desire than to pay, even a decent fare.. if it's going to climb towards the 9/10k mark.

The other thing you can look at is *A upgrades. LH, for example, has good flights to India and you can book pay B fare then clear into C if there is award space available.

You are getting good advice for your specific question, not good advice overall.

so forget upgrades and look for awards

What if he wants qualifying miles?

Colleague on EWR-DEL this Wednesday. He was VERY happy when he found out that he had been upgraded unexpectedly :) As of right now cabin is half empty which is why R=9 or something crazy like that.

Colleague on EWR-DEL this Wednesday. He was VERY happy when he found out that he had been upgraded unexpectedly :) As of right now cabin is half empty which is why R=9 or something crazy like that.

Indeed. Looks like there are going to be some very happy people on Wednesday.

Indeed. Looks like there are going to be some very happy people on Wednesday.

Look for the guy crying from happiness in row 1 ;)

Look for the guy crying from happiness in row 1 ;)

Don't count eggs until they hatch. How awful would it be if all these people, crying with happiness, find the flight cancelled when they show up at EWR, find their E+ seats gone, and get stuck in row 5,400 middle seat adjacent to lavatory? It happens. This is not over until their feet are safely on the ground in Delhi. Then, they can start crying with happiness. Or, at least, at 30,000 feet over the Atlantic.

Do you happen to know the status and fare class of your friend and if that person used GPU or $/miles?

Don't count eggs until they hatch. How awful would it be if all these people, crying with happiness, find the flight cancelled when they show up at EWR, find their E+ seats gone, and get stuck in row 5,400 middle seat adjacent to lavatory? It happens.

These days isn't that the truth. Just sad.

Do you happen to know the status and fare class of your friend and if that person used GPU or $/miles?

Q, and it was my GPU. Traveler has no status, yet.

These days isn't that the truth. Just sad.



Q, and it was my GPU. Traveler has no status, yet.

And your status is?

Weird you mentioned wednesday because I checked EF for this wednesday as a sort of gauge of how R seats looked (even though I know nov vs aug is very different for DEL) and saw many.

I suppose that doesn't mean much though. what are you all referring to when you refer to flight being potentially canceled, etc ?

I also ought to find out what status my Aunt is, as I'm traveling with her and she does the trip for business often.. I hadn't thought of how using her upgrades might help, if at all. She is paying outright for a biz fare.


hilariously - award travel for biz on this wednesday's flight is available and cheap and 60k miles, which I totally would have done ... IF I were going to india now instead of november, ha! I wonder if there's any value or just plan stupidity in waiting a bit to see if more things open up closer to the date. I suppose just stupidity.

If you fly Jet Airways, do you get EQMs?

The other thing you can look at is *A upgrades. LH, for example, has good flights to India and you can book pay B fare then clear into C if there is award space available.



What if he wants qualifying miles?

checking LH now .. thanks

Weird you mentioned wednesday because I checked EF for this wednesday as a sort of gauge of how R seats looked (even though I know nov vs aug is very different for DEL) and saw many.

I suppose that doesn't mean much though. what are you all referring to when you refer to flight being potentially canceled, etc ?

I also ought to find out what status my Aunt is, as I'm traveling with her and she does the trip for business often.. I hadn't thought of how using her upgrades might help, if at all. She is paying outright for a biz fare.


hilariously - award travel for biz on this wednesday's flight is available and cheap and 60k miles, which I totally would have done ... IF I were going to india now instead of november, ha! I wonder if there's any value or just plan stupidity in waiting a bit to see if more things open up closer to the date. I suppose just stupidity.



checking LH now .. thanks

If your Aunt is 1K or GS and she gives you a GPU then you are supposed to be in the waitlist and inherit her status. If she requests an upgrade for you using her miles, I'm not sure whether or not you get her status in that transaction.

I've got a bunch of international travel I need to plan and because of the disaster that UA has become, I'm not booking any of it. I'm either waiting and watching R space, or I'm going to give up and switch to AA/BA. Undecided as of yet. But definitely not spending money with them now if I can push out the decision for later.

If one uses a GPU, you need a W fare, and those tend to be less volatile than super-cheap sale fares, so I figure I don't have a lot to gain by rushing in the current environment. With miles, you can use a cheaper fare, which might get sold out, so you might give up an opportunity that way. But, if upgrade is your priority, and I were you, I'd develop a strategy, a matrix of potential options, then monitor those options for a while to see if you get availability in a place that works for you. That's what I'm doing now.

As for cancel, read the other threads about UA's cancellation rate.

If one uses a GPU, you need a W fare, and those tend to be less volatile than super-cheap sale fares, so I figure I don't have a lot to gain by rushing in the current environment. Well, after elite status, time of request is the second prioritization of the upgrade waitlist.

I think max $3k. I'm willing to give up whatever with my miles.OK, in that case you're going to most likely have to waitlist for an upgrade and hope for the best. And as others have hinted, your chances probably aren't that great.

If you want to guarantee traveling in business class, then you either have to buy a business class ticket or redeem for an award ticket, the latter likely having to be an easy pass award (or whatever they call it now) for double miles if you want the UA nonstop.

If the airlines made it cheap and/or easy to fly in business class, then nobody would pay the full price, and they wouldn't offer business class (or certainly not with flat beds).

Well, after elite status, time of request is the second prioritization of the upgrade waitlist.


It's status, fare class, then time of request.

At T-24, it goes to status, fare class, then time of check in.

If we assume that the odds of clearing before T-24 are very low, which seems to be the case for most flights, especially international, and especially this flight (unless it's a strange and lucky case like this Wed that happens to have a ton of capacity) then nobody, especially someone with no status, should expect to clear before T-24. That means time of request is replaced with time of check in.

Therefore, all benefit of purchasing early is erased.

That's my logic, anyway.

If you fly Jet Airways, do you get EQMs?

On the UA page:

http://www.united.com/CMS/en-US/Marketing/CustComm/Promotions/Pages/AirlinePartnerDetails.aspx?ItemId=437

They talk about mileage earning but don't specify what kind of miles those are.




What if he wants qualifying miles?

No. But you only get RDM'S ( like w Qatar before last month). But as I stated, sometimes comfort is worth giving up miles for.

All taken on board, thank you.

on a side note: if I don't end up getting upgraded (see also, my hopeful if not delusional nature) - does anyone have any tips on decent seats in Y? I will pay for E+ obviously but oddly, I've not flown international Y in years and have had the good fortune to only be in biz or higher on long hauls on recent trips so I can't recall since college days how miserable I will be.

I am quite tall, slim female, 5'11 .. usually I avoid bulkhead bc it seems to be a sort of communal bonfire situation and I don't deal well with people huddling over me (who does?). but I'm thinking row 32 with bulkhead in this case is likely a good idea for my legs on the 15 hour journey.

If I have a window and regular E+ I might drive the aisle person completely insane and it doesn't seem like much room at all to stretch. If anyone regularly or has flown Y on this route or 777-200's of similar configuration, and has any advice on placement, I will be booking this flight soonish hopefully unless I decide to yes monitor my options which I am at the moment.

of course none of the seatmap sites have the updated 777 layout on them. Also what I'm understanding is there is only a first/biz not 3 cabin placement now on this plane? anyway sorry for all the hemming & hawing. I do realize I sound insane, no need to point it out :D

lastly the professor that I work for is from delhi and does the trip constantly from NYU back to visit and lecture, when speaking with him today he told me that he'd far prefer doing the layover if it meant greater chance of being in biz than doing that many hours cramped. he also mentioned it being nice to stop and not be on a plane for a couple of hours, which sort of goes against everything I imagine as far as just getting it over with all in one sitting. but again, something to think about.

lastly the professor that I work for is from delhi and does the trip constantly from NYU back to visit and lecture, when speaking with him today he told me that he'd far prefer doing the layover if it meant greater chance of being in biz than doing that many hours cramped. he also mentioned it being nice to stop and not be on a plane for a couple of hours, which sort of goes against everything I imagine as far as just getting it over with all in one sitting. but again, something to think about.

personally I love a stopover connection especially 1 where I have enough time to go thru Imm and go outside and enjoy some fresh air. I usually have lounge access on Intl flights and some even offer a shower . Best is being able to take a nice walk

Im 6'2" on a CO 777 I usually grab 16C so I can put my feet up on the shell of the seat in BF or just strench them into BF. No one is hanging by the seat either as they do in 32

Prior to T-24 using miles + co-pay will put you ahead of any elite members using a systemwide to upgrade (buying a higher fare ticket will put you ahead of any GM members that are using $ + miles in a lower fare bucket). Looking at the EWR-DEL flight, however, United rarely seems to open R space in advance. After the 24 hour mark, the upgrade list is sorted by individual status.

i thought everyone (miles+copay, upgrade vouchers) goes to the same queue and it is a status game at the end, no?

and you should check expertflyer. it takes a little bit of learning curve but I don't book LH flights without it now.

Colleague on EWR-DEL this Wednesday. He was VERY happy when he found out that he had been upgraded unexpectedly :) As of right now cabin is half empty which is why R=9 or something crazy like that.

My dad (non-status, Q fare, my GPU) was upgraded for Saturday's (Aug. 11) flight five days out. Needless to say he was very pleased to hear the news.

The flight is now R=0 (and has been every time I looked at it), so it seems like the waitlist worked in this case.

It's status, fare class, then time of request.That's the priority for complimentary premier upgrades. For MP upgrade awards, it's status then time of request for the advance waitlist. This is how it was on CO, and this is still how the UA website describes the policy. (Of course feel free to point me to documentation of a change in policy that would indicate the website is outdated).

Under Mileage Plus Upgrade Award Rules (http://www.united.com/web/en-US/content/mileageplus/awards/upgrade/mua.aspx):
Waitlisting is permitted. Waitlists are processed based on Premier status and time of addition to waitlist. All waitlists expire 24 hours before trip departure.

At T-24, it goes to status, fare class, then time of check in.
Yes, I believe this is true. I wouldn't necessarily assume that all upgrades, even on this route, are cleared after T-24, but certainly if they are, then time of request does not help.

Indeed. Looks like there are going to be some very happy people on Wednesday.


Yup, 4 people (mostly non revs I believe) cleared into BF at the gate. Flight still went out with 9 empty seats upfront, and scores open in the back.

Don't count eggs until they hatch. How awful would it be if all these people, crying with happiness, find the flight cancelled when they show up at EWR, find their E+ seats gone, and get stuck in row 5,400 middle seat adjacent to lavatory? It happens. This is not over until their feet are safely on the ground in Delhi. Then, they can start crying with happiness. Or, at least, at 30,000 feet over the Atlantic.

Do you happen to know the status and fare class of your friend and if that person used GPU or $/miles?

Flight is approaching Iceland. My colleague was moved from 1A as a lavatory appeared in place of seats. Reseated in 9A, and I will feel bad if he didn't get his first meal choice.

And your status is?

1K

I've got miles to spare, but not willing to part with cash to upgrade this flight on aa Cash + Miles basis $600 is too much for me. Will someone help me evaluate my options?

Booked flight on Vayama on the following route.

DEN-EWR-DEL (T)
DEL-MUC-CPH-YYZ-ORD-DEN (various other higher fare classes)


I only really care about upgrading the outbound flight...Vayama wouldn't let me force W+

1. How do I up-fare and what are the costs? I am sure Vayama would charge lots, but can I do it with UA? I would use a GPU for this. The flight is on a Tuesday in August...not exactly peak India season.

2. Can I book a one-way business saver award (if avail) and use that ticket to sit up front and still board with my original ticket and earn the miles on that?

I need to earn the PQMs for this flight.

Thoughts are appreciated.

well hello friends,

thanks for the advice and be prepared to scowl at me.

was debating virgin upper with a layover at LHR vs. UA Y+ but after some hemming, and the fact that although the virgin upgrade would be likely but not definite - I went with UA considering the layover wouldn't be worth it without having clubhouse access at LHR and just going to get the 15 over with.

put myself on the waitlist for upgrade using miles & copay which they gladly took $500 and $3500 (no status) but yes I know - Y will be a fun 15 hours

also I got 16A both way, Y+ bulkhead windows so I think I'll survive. - unless anyone has any better seat reco's for the 777-200 new config (i think? )

I did just chuckle at myself because I'm going on a (mostly) all expenses paid trip to India and posting online to ruminate over lost upgrade opportunities. talk about first world problems! I should probably just be happy to be taking the trip. :D

nonetheless let me know re: seating if anyone has any thoughts. specifically my choice (16A) bulkhead vs. the much larger 32 exit row option. that seems too drafty and inviting for lurkers.

Krista

also what's the likelihood of this aircraft being swapped? i'm assuming on this route it's at this point all the new 777's and all the same so my seat HOPEfully won't change.

also what's the likelihood of this aircraft being swapped? i'm assuming on this route it's at this point all the new 777's and all the same so my seat HOPEfully won't change.

It's all PMCO planes. 0 chance of an old configuration.

thanks much!

As a data point for you, I recently flew this exact route with my family. I am a GS. I used miles + copay on the way out and GPUs on the return. In both cases, I cleared the upgrades at about T - 80.

Hi folks! still on the waitlist to be upgraded on this route and not holding my breath. about half the seats in business left and the flight is November 8th. Which doesn't seem like a great chance for upgrade but who knows. I can pay around $3k to guarantee a seat but is this worth doing? thoughts?

Also I'm in E+ but just read a trip report from someone whose plane was switched last minute due to mech issues - to a CO plane without E+ ?? yikes. I hope this isn't something that happens often.

Hi folks! still on the waitlist to be upgraded on this route and not holding my breath. about half the seats in business left and the flight is November 8th. Which doesn't seem like a great chance for upgrade but who knows. I can pay around $3k to guarantee a seat but is this worth doing? thoughts?

Our collective answer to this depends on how much disposable income you have and how much you value travel in premium cabins.

Also I'm in E+ but just read a trip report from someone whose plane was switched last minute due to mech issues - to a CO plane without E+ ?? yikes. I hope this isn't something that happens often.

Isn't this route always operated by PMCO 772's? I thought all of them had E+ by now.

Hey folks, anyone who is better than me at interpreting fare codes and UA site expert mode etc etc care to take a minute to check it out and let me know your thoughts on likelihood of upgrade on UA82 to delhi this upcoming thursday?

I did copay & miles. no status. been told no chance but wanted to double check, in which case I might pick myself a more optimal seat in Y.

Hey folks, anyone who is better than me at interpreting fare codes and UA site expert mode etc etc care to take a minute to check it out and let me know your thoughts on likelihood of upgrade on UA82 to delhi this upcoming thursday?

I did copay & miles. no status. been told no chance but wanted to double check, in which case I might pick myself a more optimal seat in Y.

0. This is a tough route for GS/1K's in Y/B fares to clear.

ok but apart from the usual answer of 'zero no one ever clears' etc, on this particular load/flight I was wondering if anyone had any input. for example in the last 2 weeks I noted at least two 82's that went out with 2 or 3 biz seats empty on that night. In those cases I would have gotten a seat, given that they would have taken my miles and cash over letting them go empty?? And if that happened on even ONE occasion, rather than the overarching zero chance sentiment I wondered if given clearance windows (week, 48 hours, 24 hours) for certain people and the amount of seats left to sell on THIS particular night.. if anyone had any thoughts. but yes I hear what you are saying, I fully get that.

... I might pick myself a more optimal seat in Y.always assume you will not clear and always work on getting the economy seat possible.

....for example in the last 2 weeks I noted at least two 82's that went out with 2 or 3 biz seats empty on that night. In those cases I would have gotten a seat, given that they would have taken my miles and cash over letting them go empty?? ....don't assume what you see online is absolutely how the flight when out, the GA may have not updated the data.
Additional, there may have been other issues -- such as; malfunction seats

Right now EWR-DEL on Thurs 11/8 is J9. Set map has 11 empty seats so you can assume there are between 9 and 11 seats for sale. What you don't know is how many people are already on the waitlist. Without that it's pure speculation.

In those cases I would have gotten a seat, given that they would have taken my miles and cash over letting them go empty??

Yes, in those circumstances, assuming SHARES doesn't eat your upgrade request.

And if that happened on even ONE occasion, rather than the overarching zero chance sentiment I wondered if given clearance windows (week, 48 hours, 24 hours) for certain people and the amount of seats left to sell on THIS particular night.

R availability to clear waitlisted RPUs/GPUs doesn't show up on particular intervals like the CPU clearing sweep.

Your flight has 9 business class seats left for sale (J is booked 41/50). In comparison, tomorrow's flight has 2 left, Tuesday's 4, Wednesday's 8. As of this moment, 3 people are already checked-in and on the waitlist for tomorrow's upgrades. This number will almost certainly rise. Checking the list shortly before departure can give you an idea of how deep the upgrade lists can get.

In the meantime, you should choose an optimal seat in coach unless you plan to play E+ roulette.

Yes, in those circumstances, assuming SHARES doesn't eat your upgrade request.



R availability to clear waitlisted RPUs/GPUs doesn't show up on particular intervals like the CPU clearing sweep.

Your flight has 9 business class seats left for sale (J is booked 41/50). In comparison, tomorrow's flight has 2 left, Tuesday's 4, Wednesday's 8. As of this moment, 3 people are already checked-in and on the waitlist for tomorrow's upgrades. This number will almost certainly rise. Checking the list shortly before departure can give you an idea of how deep the upgrade lists can get.

In the meantime, you should choose an optimal seat in coach unless you plan to play E+ roulette.

Thank you for the info! also regarding this - Yes, in those circumstances, assuming SHARES doesn't eat your upgrade request. - lol I'm not sure exactly what that means but is there anything i can do about it ?

I took this flight on 10/21 and used miles/co-pay (35K/$350) to wait list for an upgrade.

I have Gold status and was upgraded at about T-60 on an M fare.

Thank you for the info! also regarding this - Yes, in those circumstances, assuming SHARES doesn't eat your upgrade request. - lol I'm not sure exactly what that means but is there anything i can do about it ?

There have been numerous reports (both on FT and personal contacts) that after the check-in window opens up, upgrade requests have just fallen off into the aether occasionally. By the time this gets resolved at the airport, upgrades may have cleared.

always assume you will not clear and always work on getting the economy seat possible.

don't assume what you see online is absolutely how the flight when out, the GA may have not updated the data.
Additional, there may have been other issues -- such as; malfunction seats

And, the seats might simply have been empty b/c the GA's didn't bother to process the WL. In EWR, there would be nothing shocking about this.

interesting well we'll see i guess!

got 16a which seems like the most decent E+ seat in the meantime

just to update this, I did indeed get the upgrade.

was an issue on the outbound and confirmed well in advance on the return. so as far as this route NEVER clearing, never say never I guess .. and worth submitting miles & copay for. At least.. on this month's iteration of united!

was lovely and it's well worth the miles etc. to get biz first on these longer flights. well, very long flights.

Hi folks,

I've never done an international upgrade before. A few questions about it.

I'm flying EWR to DEL on the 23rd of December. M class.

1) Is this something that's likely to go through? If not, I might get a ticket on another airline with more comfy and alcoholic economy.

2) Does having UA status enhance the chances? (I went for AA this year, but am only some 500 miles short on UA from Gold - should I fill that gap?)

3) Can I use a voucher from an earlier flight bump to cover the co-pay?

Many thanks!

Hi folks,

I've never done an international upgrade before. A few questions about it.

I'm flying EWR to DEL on the 23rd of December. M class.

1) Is this something that's likely to go through? If not, I might get a ticket on another airline with more comfy and alcoholic economy.

2) Does having UA status enhance the chances? (I went for AA this year, but am still some 500 miles short on UA from Gold - should I fill that gap?)

3) Can I use a voucher from an earlier flight bump to cover the co-pay?

Many thanks!

You need to check the "fare classes" to see if there is R space. If R > 0 then you should be able to UG as soon as you apply for it. Else, you'll be added to waitlist.

Upgrade priority is supposed to be based on status then fare class. You have a decently high fare class, but apparently low status. Even if you got Gold, you'd still be behind Plat and 1K and GS, assuming they honor status as the first element in prioritization.

There is an existing thread specifically on EWR-DEL and it's reported to be a hard one to upgrade, even for 1K's on a B fare.

The other thing is that you might be given an offer to pay cash for an instant upgrade when booking for after booking. And, there is evidence that the airline gives preference to non-status flyers in making those offers, so you could end up with a cheap chance to pay some cash and jump ahead of all the elites in the queue to get upgraded. Or, you might not.

If you really want an upgrade, this is a bad flight to bet on. Since it's so long, and sitting in UA Y class for that long is so painful, naturally everyone covets the chance to UG. Also, since it's CO metal, it has only business class (what they confusingly call "businessfirst" and there are far fewer premium seats to UG into than there would be on a UA flight where you have both business class with lay flat beds plus also a first class cabin.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/united-mileageplus-consolidated/1374032-some-help-intl-upgrade-ewr-del.html

Thank you for that detailed explanation. That is a huge help, if a bit of a disappointment, but definitely a lot of information to understand this process.

I did just look to if there is space in R, but when I search for that as a fare class, it returns an error, invalid class. Have I gone about this wrongly?

I selected this flight because of the high fare class and the chance of an upgrade. If there really is no availability (which I can't seem to find?) I might opt for the Lufthansa flight that was offered to me in its stead. It sounds like a more comfortable flight.

I did just look to if there is space in R, but when I search for that as a fare class, it returns an error, invalid class. Have I gone about this wrongly? Yup. Follow the details in here (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/united-mileageplus-consolidated/1321113-post-3-mar-2012-how-find-upgrade-inventory-how-see-fare-bucket-availability.html) to find out if there is inventory or not. I just checked that particular flight and there is no award space to confirm right now.

I selected this flight because of the high fare class and the chance of an upgrade. If there really is no availability (which I can't seem to find?) I might opt for the Lufthansa flight that was offered to me in its stead. It sounds like a more comfortable flight.
LH Y is not likely to be more comfortable than UA Y. Ditto in biz. LH biz is better than UA coach but that's about it on this particular route.

Also, no using a TCV for the co-pay on the upgrade.

The other thing is that you might be given an offer to pay cash for an instant upgrade when booking for after booking. And, there is evidence that the airline gives preference to non-status flyers in making those offers, so you could end up with a cheap chance to pay some cash and jump ahead of all the elites in the queue to get upgraded. Or, you might not.

If you really want an upgrade, this is a bad flight to bet on. Since it's so long, and sitting in UA Y class for that long is so painful, naturally everyone covets the chance to UG. Also, since it's CO metal, it has only business class (what they confusingly call "businessfirst" and there are far fewer premium seats to UG into than there would be on a UA flight where you have both business class with lay flat beds plus also a first class cabin.

Jsut to clarify: the "evidence" mitchmu refers to has overwhelmingly been found on domestic flights. Not much "evidence" re: BF upgrades on DEL-EWR and v/v.

The other points made are spot-on.

Out of EWR, you might consider either BA or VS via LHR. Both offer Premium Economy as an affordable half way house between E and C and BA obviously offers AA miles etc.

Got it. Thank you for the how-to page, the link to the EWR-DEL thread (this thread can be merged with that it necessary), and general stark realism. All very helpful.

May try to burn my TCV on something else, then, while I can. In the meanwhile, I will put in the request anyways and just hope that something comes up. I will, of course, become gold flying from IAH to EWR, but even if that mattered, it would still be too late, I'm sure.

I wish AA had kept their ORD-DEL flight! All the work I did switching from SA to OW this year isn't making this much better. :)

Yup. Follow the details in here (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/united-mileageplus-consolidated/1321113-post-3-mar-2012-how-find-upgrade-inventory-how-see-fare-bucket-availability.html) to find out if there is inventory or not. I just checked that particular flight and there is no award space to confirm right now.


LH Y is not likely to be more comfortable than UA Y. Ditto in biz. LH biz is better than UA coach but that's about it on this particular route.

Also, no using a TCV for the co-pay on the upgrade.

if you fly through FRA you get the new 747-800...and if you route through IAD you could get it on both legs...maybe even the same aircraft. I'd take LH biz on this bird over UA any day.

If you can't do C I would fly direct and get E+. Air India sometimes has good deals in C thru consolidators (as do others like KLM) - so that is worth checking.

if you fly through FRA you get the new 747-800...and if you route through IAD you could get it on both legs...maybe even the same aircraft. I'd take LH biz on this bird over UA any day.

Also a great consideration! Unfortunately, SA upgrades for LH are only available with C, J, and some other booking class (which, incidentally, makes no sense to me. why would you want to upgrade a J?) So there'd be no LH biz for me.

Since ticket is being booked by someone else, I have minimal control - just a choice between LH - H and UA - M.

Thank you for that detailed explanation. That is a huge help, if a bit of a disappointment, but definitely a lot of information to understand this process.

I did just look to if there is space in R, but when I search for that as a fare class, it returns an error, invalid class. Have I gone about this wrongly?

I selected this flight because of the high fare class and the chance of an upgrade. If there really is no availability (which I can't seem to find?) I might opt for the Lufthansa flight that was offered to me in its stead. It sounds like a more comfortable flight.

You might look into a 'star alliance upgrade' with LH if you have enough miles to do that and can pay full B fare.

I see that you've been given instructions on how to look for R space.

Note that R space can open at any time. I recently was monitoring that flight and saw 8 places open around 1-2 weeks before departure. You can look at ExpertFlyer and set an alert to monitor R space and if you have flexibility in your timing, you could jump to purchase if it opens up.

Jsut to clarify: the "evidence" mitchmu refers to has overwhelmingly been found on domestic flights. Not much "evidence" re: BF upgrades on DEL-EWR and v/v.

The other points made are spot-on.

So, do we believe that HODs are infrequent on international flights? Or, that they do occur with considerable frequency but UA doesn't punish elites when deciding who gets to see them on international flights the way they do on domestic flights?

So, do we believe that HODs are infrequent on international flights? Or, that they do occur with considerable frequency but UA doesn't punish elites when deciding who gets to see them on international flights the way they do on domestic flights?

On this route - and thread - you note HODs DEL-EWR but they do not happen - thanks for bringing us OT - again

On this route - and thread - you note HODs DEL-EWR but they do not happen - thanks for bringing us OT - again

How do you know that HODs don't happen on this route?

if you fly through FRA you get the new 747-800...and if you route through IAD you could get it on both legs...maybe even the same aircraft. I'd take LH biz on this bird over UA any day.
Indeed. I thought it was only headed to BLR.

The 1:15am arrival time on the LH flights sucks still, but if you want to split up the trip it is a decent option. Definitely better than the other LH planes.

How do you know that HODs don't happen on this route?

1 - The reasons you noted in your post re: popularity of the BF seats
2 - Not one note on the lengthy ToD thread on this route
3 - Not a single thread in the last year asking if a buy-up on this route was worth it
4 - The plethora of threads asking how often one gets upgraded with points/ SWUs/other

1 - The reasons you noted in your post re: popularity of the BF seats
2 - Not one note on the lengthy ToD thread on this route
3 - Not a single thread in the last year asking if a buy-up on this route was worth it
4 - The plethora of threads asking how often one gets upgraded with points/ SWUs/other

I agree we have not seen posts describing HODs on that route but your facts don't convince me we know there are none. I would bet they do HODs when demand for J falls below a threshold. I agree, not likely to happen a lot on this route but I don't agree it's a conclusion they never happen.

I agree we have not seen posts describing HODs on that route but your facts don't convince me we know there are none. I would bet they do HODs when demand for J falls below a threshold. I agree, not likely to happen a lot on this route but I don't agree it's a conclusion they never happen.

They are thus low enough that the possibility of one of these usurping the OP's upgrade is so low as to be nil - yet you noted this as a probable reason.

They are thus low enough that the possibility of one of these usurping the OP's upgrade is so low as to be nil - yet you noted this as a probable reason.

Because OP flies on 23 Dec. Seems like the number of pax on paid J for business purposes is likely to be low then.

Because OP flies on 23 Dec. Seems like the number of pax on paid J for business purposes is likely to be low then.

Paid J is low, but since it's the holiday season, flyers buyer Y and using instruments to upgrade is elevated.

Non-premier GM would always have difficulty clearing on EWR-DEL/BOM/TLV/HKG, year-round.

I'm Gold status and still feel that EWR-HKG is a lottery.

Paid J is low, but since it's the holiday season, flyers buyer Y and using instruments to upgrade is elevated.

Non-premier GM would always have difficulty clearing on EWR-DEL/BOM/TLV/HKG, year-round.

I'm Gold status and still feel that EWR-HKG is a lottery.

Your message is conflating several different issues.

1. The point that is being discussed right now is whether or not they have HODs on this route. I'm arguing that HODs are more likely when paid J is low. If flyers are paying Y and using instruments as you suggest, then, paid J is low, and this is when they would be most likely to start peddling HODs. The best outcome for the company is to get a bunch of elites to pay Y, B, M, or W fares and to sit in the waitlist, then while they are sitting in the waitlist, to collect $600 in HOD fees from others who are not on the waitlist. Then, they got the incremental revenue from the elites who paid more than necessary to enter the lottery - plus - they got $600 each way for each seat on top of that from the non-elites who purchased their way into J while the elites don't clear the waitlist. In any other business, this would be called fraud.

2. Yes, he will have difficulty clearing, that's the point I raised initially.

3. I'm 1K, and I have found that EVERYTHING is worse than a lottery, it's a rigged game.

Well, the ticket's been bought, and I am on the waitlist. I'm hoping for the best, but with a serious dose of realism. If I do get it, it'll be an xmas treat. Thanks again ya'll. Will post back on the 24th!

PS: Oddly enough, according to the bill confirmation I just got, if I do get an upgrade, UA will be charging me 350INR. NOT 350USD. That, is, more or less 7 dollars.

Fine by me.

Further clarification: what is a 'united first segment'? There is no risk here that the IAH-EWR would clear, and not the EWR-DEL and I would be charged for the upgrade, right?

Further clarification: what is a 'united first segment'? There is no risk here that the IAH-EWR would clear, and not the EWR-DEL and I would be charged for the upgrade, right?

If that happens you get your upgrade back.

If that happens you get your upgrade back.

Ok, great. Thank you!

danielm - I also happen to be flying on EWR-DEL on 12/23, and I received my upgrade this morning for 2 seats. Yesterday, there were 23 unassigned seats; currently there are 24. While it's possible that there are first class passengers that haven't selected their seats, my bet is that there are few business travelers going to India during the holidays. You have a pretty good chance of receiving your upgrade.

Good luck!

. . . I still wonder if miles trumps GPU or if, in fact, the issue here is that being a GM trumps being a 1K. . .

From the accounting and business perspective, miles should trump GPU, and GM should trump 1K. Here is why.

Use of miles + copay extinguishes liability (miles) and bring cash (copay). Use of GPU extinguishes liability, but brings no cash. Miles liability remain on the balance sheet longer, since they can be extended. GPU liability stays on the balance sheet only for twelve months - the period of validity of GPU.

GM have low loyalty, and if not enticed by benefits, can easily migrate to other carriers. 1K are heavily invested in the carrier, and, without a status match, often have substantial barriers to migrate to another carrier.

So, these are good reasons why UA treats GM better than PM.

From the accounting and business perspective, miles should trump GPU, and GM should trump 1K. Here is why.

Use of miles + copay extinguishes liability (miles) and bring cash (copay). Use of GPU extinguishes liability, but brings no cash. Miles liability remain on the balance sheet longer, since they can be extended. GPU liability stays on the balance sheet only for twelve months - the period of validity of GPU.

GM have low loyalty, and if not enticed by benefits, can easily migrate to other carriers. 1K are heavily invested in the carrier, and, without a status match, often have substantial barriers to migrate to another carrier.

So, these are good reasons why UA treats GM better than PM.

I have 10 years loyalty to UA, most recently 1K, and I'm walking, because this loyalty doesn't return dividends anymore. There is no doubt others are behaving the same way. The only question is how many. This decision is a direct result of the shift from rewarding loyalty to punishing loyalty.

If you factor that into your equation, then what conclusions do you draw?

danielm - I also happen to be flying on EWR-DEL on 12/23, and I received my upgrade this morning for 2 seats. Yesterday, there were 23 unassigned seats; currently there are 24. While it's possible that there are first class passengers that haven't selected their seats, my bet is that there are few business travelers going to India during the holidays. You have a pretty good chance of receiving your upgrade.

Good luck!

Hey VPS, Thanks for that news! I just got an email letting me know that my upgrade could not be confirmed, but that I am still on the waiting list. Those numbers are really high, so I guess there were quite a few requests, and I was just way, way too low on the list. Anyhow, while the odds are even lower now than ever, I'm going to keep my fingers crossed nonetheless. Enjoy that seat, knowing lesser FTers are in a middle seat somewhere behind you! :)

I am, however, cleared and checked in for first for the IAH-EWR leg. I guess that means I get to fly first AND get my money & miles back?

.... Anyhow, while the odds are even lower now than ever, ... you can see your position on the upgrade waitlist/standby list under flight status on united.com (http://www.united.com/web/en-US/apps/travel/flightStatus/default.aspx) or on mobile.united.com

....I am, however, cleared and checked in for first for the IAH-EWR leg. I guess that means I get to fly first AND get my money & miles back?yes

you can see your position on the upgrade waitlist/standby list under flight status on united.com (http://www.united.com/web/en-US/apps/travel/flightStatus/default.aspx) or on mobile.united.com

yes

Thanks for this. I just checked the status, and am very confused. The upgrade tab says: "capacity: 50, Booked 45, no customers currently standing by." Standby tab says: "United Business first: available, United Economy: Full. No customers currently standing by."

Yet, "We are not yet able to confirm your request for an upgrade on your flight."

This seems to suggest seats are available, I'm just not being cleared...?

This seems to suggest seats are available, I'm just not being cleared...?

Not every seat is available for upgrade. In fact, only a small portion usually are.

...., no customers currently standing by.....
this is a little concerning, if you have checked in, you should be on the list. If you have checked in and are not showing, a call is needed.
If you have not checked in, then you will not show until you check in
...This seems to suggest seats are available, I'm just not being cleared...?not every empty seat is available before departure for upgrade but they should clear as much of the waitlist as possible at the gate

this is a little concerning, if you have checked in, you should be on the list. If you have checked in and are not showing, a call is needed.
If you have not checked in, then you will not show until you check in
not every empty seat is available before departure for upgrade but they should clear as much of the waitlist as possible at the gate

Hmm. I did get an email from UA stressing that I would be on the waistlist once I'd checked in. I was checked in, but could not get boarding passes. Wonder if that has anything to do with this.

I just got upgraded for both my legs in Jan.My first time on a flight over 9 hours in C. Any suggestions on where to sit. Right now im 9E on the out bound and 1E on the inbound.

These good seats?

Hmm. I did get an email from UA stressing that I would be on the waistlist once I'd checked in. I was checked in, but could not get boarding passes. Wonder if that has anything to do with this.

No BP, probably a passport issue (a major pain with the new system unless you regularly do international UA travel - like monthly :td:) -- so you not really checked-in yet and hence not on the gate waitlist until you complete check-in at the airport.

Any reason given for no BP?

Just called to check. Agent said this was for document (probably visa as much as passport) check. As for the lack of a list, said it was because we're not yet 24 hours from departure time. She tried to call up the list herself, but said she couldn't verify until 8 tonight.

... As for the lack of a list, said it was because we're not yet 24 hours from departure time. She tried to call up the list herself, but said she couldn't verify until 8 tonight.no, she was not correct, if you were checked in you would show (a quirk of the system but what matters is the first segment check-in time not the actual flight time if a later segment), but those starting in EWR will not be checked in yet and not on the list.

Yes the problem is the document check and you will not be on the list until that is corrected. The good news is they are unlikely to start clearing the list any further until closer to boarding time, so you have time to get checked-in. The delay in clearing is partially due to so many folks being blocked by the document check issue.

Sorry I missed that earlier but when you said checked-in i thought that meant all the segments.

That makes a lot of sense. I will be checking in at the airport pretty early for this, given the early start, so I will hope to show up on the list and hopefully get cleared. Another seat was claimed, so I'll be in the mix for 4 seats...but all is not lost. Thanks again for the advice.

Reporting in, having just landed in Delhi. Did get the upgrade. It came thru an hour before, without a lot of hoopla. I was second on the list - and that without having any status whatsoever. So, the conditions appear to have been perfect for this sort of thing. Thanks for all the advice - flatbeds are nice!

Reporting in, having just landed in Delhi. Did get the upgrade. It came thru an hour before, without a lot of hoopla. I was second on the list - and that without having any status whatsoever. So, the conditions appear to have been perfect for this sort of thing. Thanks for all the advice - flatbeds are nice!

Congrats on getting your upgrade! Curious, were there a lot (or any) empty seats in the cabin?

Congrats on getting your upgrade! Curious, were there a lot (or any) empty seats in the cabin?

Nope, it appeared to be completely full. I should have given it a closer look, but I didn't see any. Lots of kids, though. In fact, my seat was covered in crayon scrawl from its previous occupant.

No BP, probably a passport issue (a major pain with the new system unless you regularly do international UA travel - like monthly :td:)
In this case actually likely because of a need to verify the visa for travel to India.