Which Upgrade Would You Hold Out For?
Oct 28, 2012, 10:28 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: HSV
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Which Upgrade Would You Hold Out For?
I'm doing a few days with the guys in Amsterdam & Paris. We're booked to leave 10/15 on UA964 to AMS from EWR on 763. Returning to EWR on UA57 on 764 from CDG on 10/23.
Like most europe flights, I can only waitlist to upgrade. I don't wanna use too many miles, just the 20,000 to upgrade one of the legs. My question is from people's load or upgrade experiences which route is more likely to clear. My gut for some reason believes the AMS would clear easier than the CDG even though the AMS flight is smaller cabin.
Also, is it possible to waitlist for the outbound, and if I don't get it, "transfer" my co-pay and miles to my return. Or do I have to put down another 20,000 miles and co-pay for the return and wait a few weeks for the outbound to be refunded to me?
I'm hoping to try out the new BF product on the 767 on this trip
** I meant March 2013 for dates
Like most europe flights, I can only waitlist to upgrade. I don't wanna use too many miles, just the 20,000 to upgrade one of the legs. My question is from people's load or upgrade experiences which route is more likely to clear. My gut for some reason believes the AMS would clear easier than the CDG even though the AMS flight is smaller cabin.
Also, is it possible to waitlist for the outbound, and if I don't get it, "transfer" my co-pay and miles to my return. Or do I have to put down another 20,000 miles and co-pay for the return and wait a few weeks for the outbound to be refunded to me?
I'm hoping to try out the new BF product on the 767 on this trip
** I meant March 2013 for dates
Last edited by COEWR2587; Oct 28, 2012 at 1:31 pm
Oct 28, 2012, 11:02 am
#2
Join Date: Mar 2009
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My experience is that the eastbound TATL flights are more difficult to upgrade. Higher demand since they take place at night when people are supposed to get sleep. However, you have to be aware that if you want to upgrade coming back to the U.S. from CDG, you'll have to pay the De Gaulle tax in addition to your miles. I think that could run you around $200.
Oct 28, 2012, 12:15 pm
#3
Join Date: Apr 2010
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 697
My preference is to upgrade the Westbound as I prefer the comfort when I am awake and I can sleep in almost any seat. You could put in for both and then which ever clears first cancel the other.
Oct 28, 2012, 12:58 pm
#4
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I'm doing a few days with the guys in Amsterdam & Paris. We're booked to leave 10/15 on UA964 to AMS from EWR on 763. Returning to EWR on UA57 on 764 from CDG on 10/23.
Like most europe flights, I can only waitlist to upgrade. I don't wanna use too many miles, just the 20,000 to upgrade one of the legs. My question is from people's load or upgrade experiences which route is more likely to clear. My gut for some reason believes the AMS would clear easier than the CDG even though the AMS flight is smaller cabin.
Also, is it possible to waitlist for the outbound, and if I don't get it, "transfer" my co-pay and miles to my return. Or do I have to put down another 20,000 miles and co-pay for the return and wait a few weeks for the outbound to be refunded to me?
I'm hoping to try out the new BF product on the 767 on this trip
Like most europe flights, I can only waitlist to upgrade. I don't wanna use too many miles, just the 20,000 to upgrade one of the legs. My question is from people's load or upgrade experiences which route is more likely to clear. My gut for some reason believes the AMS would clear easier than the CDG even though the AMS flight is smaller cabin.
Also, is it possible to waitlist for the outbound, and if I don't get it, "transfer" my co-pay and miles to my return. Or do I have to put down another 20,000 miles and co-pay for the return and wait a few weeks for the outbound to be refunded to me?
I'm hoping to try out the new BF product on the 767 on this trip
Miles and co-pay don't tranfer. If you don't clear, you get a refund.
Best bet is to try and find a route with available upgrades at booking.
If that doesn't work, the higher your status and fare, the bigger your chance of clearing the upgrade.
As far as routes, it depends on day of travel but I would say the two destinations have the same chances.
Oct 28, 2012, 2:55 pm
#6
Join Date: Apr 2010
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 697
If neither have space available at booking then I would again put in for both upgrades (assuming I have the money and miles to spare/tie up). Which ever cleared first, I would then just cancel the other and request the miles back and refund of the copay. Very unlikely that both would clear at the same time unless both are available at booking. Then it is your preference.
Oct 28, 2012, 3:26 pm
#7
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My experience is that the eastbound TATL flights are more difficult to upgrade. Higher demand since they take place at night when people are supposed to get sleep. However, you have to be aware that if you want to upgrade coming back to the U.S. from CDG, you'll have to pay the De Gaulle tax in addition to your miles. I think that could run you around $200.
Oct 28, 2012, 4:05 pm
#8
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Oct 28, 2012, 10:56 pm
#9
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Oct 29, 2012, 8:44 am
#10
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Posts: 149
Perfect tactic. Do both and cancel the other. At least you'll have something, which is better than nothing. Getting R squared away the earlier, the better--even if March is not peak season. The routes you suggested are ALWAYS busy.