horse glasses

Thanks, that was my guess. He said the agent he talked to (I guess he called because he had never given them to someone else before) said she thought they would clear on the return. If they do, is this something that'll happen before check-in? If we get to check-in time and nothing has happened yet, what happens then, since that's when the regular CPU list starts?

zombietooth

You're right, of course. I applied my personal bias/experience as a 1K and transferred it to OP.

However, the other two non-stop flights that day are showing Z0, P0, so OP is lucky that he is not on one of those flights, and at least has a decent chance of making it.

WineCountryUA

If they don't clear in advance, they still can clear at the gate. You will be ahead on the priority than most CPU .

1k650

I don't know whether this is the correct thread for posting this -

I have not played the UA GPU lottery for a long time now, since Lifemiles was great for confirmed C at a bargain price. Now that this option has disappeared, I am back to trying my luck at the GPU lottery again, and was wondering how things have changed in the last 2 years and if I my past experience is still relevant.

I know that SFO-FRA was always hit or miss but am I correct in still assuming that a flight that is Z9 ZN9 P9 (eg., UA 903 on 11/20) is probably a "safe" bet for a lowly 1k ? And that Z9 ZN9 P0 (eg. UA 990 SFO-CDG on 11/20 or 11/22 or ORD-AMS with similar loads) is a bit more difficult but not out of reasonable probability? It is around thanksgiving and I doubt there will be many last minute corporate business purchases ?

Thanks.

mhy

Hello,

I am taking a vacation trip back to Japan for New Year's . I'll be on the United EWR-NRT departing in late Dec and NRT-EWR returning in mid-January.

I've already purchased an Economy Plus seat on the outbound EWR-NRT leg, since I'm over 6 feet tall and the last time I bought Economy Plus it made a heck of a difference.

Now my question is - how good of a chance, realistically, do I have to successfully get a mileage upgrade (30,000 miles, which I already have, + $500 copay) to BusinessFirst on the way back if the availability is currently listed as 'Waitlist only'?

Basically I am wondering if I should purchase an Economy Plus seat for the return flight, or request the upgrade right away. I don't have elite status.

Also, if I pay for the Economy Plus seat now and simultaneously pay for the upgrade, would the E+ charge be refunded if my upgrade clears? I don't want to pay $150 for Economy Plus only to have it go to waste.

I will be expected to show up in the office the day after I arrive back in the US, and the last time I flew Business it just felt so much better going to work the next day. I'm not too concerned about the outbound since I will be on vacation and will not need to worry about anything.

Thank you!

Adam1222

Your question is addressed in the United Mileage Plus forum http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/united-airlines-mileageplus/1256126-refund-extra-legroom-seat-e-merged-2.html

Kacee

Impossible to predict.

If you get upgraded, the E+ purchase will be refunded.

domzals1

Hey all,

First time playing the GPU game and have been monitoring religiously for R space to open up to no avail yet. I'd love some guesstimation as to my chances of clearing before 24 hour window or even at gate.

Flight is UA896 HKG-ORD on Monday November 3rd. Understand it's typically an elite-heavy route, so hoping the Monday flight coupled with sponsor's status will help!

Sponsor is a 1K, I'm on a W fare with the current buckets looking as follows:

F2, FN2, A1, ON0, O0, J9, JN9, C9, D9, Z7, ZN7, P6, PN0, R0, RN0, IN0, I0, Y9, YN9, B9, M9, E9, U9, H9, HN9, Q9, V9, W9, S9, T9, L9, K9, G0, N0, XN9, X9

Some P inventory which I've come to understand is possibly a good indicator?

Kacee

Booked 30/40. You still have a chance. Could be a bunch of GS/1K on the waitlist ahead of you though. W is lowest eligible fare.

domzals1

Happy to report back that sometime this afternoon Shanghai time, they must have released one R seat as my upgrade is now confirmed (traveling companion sponsored by same 1K is still wait-listed on a W ticket, interesting that UA will literally do this one seat at a time.)

FlyinHawaiian

True; the following thread may give some additional information on upgrade chances:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unite...s-upgrade.html

1k650

How do you tell how many seats are booked on the flight ? Thanks.

zombietooth

Just count the seats on the seat map. Although it is often not completely accurate.

1k650

I don't think that is very accurate at all - doubt that is what Kaycee did ?

cesco.g

UA 903 has currently 14 / 52 seats open; UA 990 has 13 / 30 seats open.
My first choice would be CDG, then FRA or ORD.
Agree with you on lighter US outbound business demand, but there might still be EU business travellers heading back to Europe.