COPA Upgrades for United members?
May 27, 2012, 1:25 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 10
COPA Upgrades for United members?
I have a reservation to fly to Colombia on Copa. I would like to use my GPUs to upgrade the rez, but I can't seem to find anyone to help. I have called the Premier 1K 1Call line half a times, only to be transferred to people or numbers that cannot help me. Mostly I keep getting told to call Copa. I have called Copa, and they keep sending me back to United MileagePlus since they handle all FF program issues.
From what I have read on both United and Copa sites, I understand that I can use the GPUs with Copa. Do I have it wrong? If not, what number should I call to help me with this issue? Thanks in advance.
From what I have read on both United and Copa sites, I understand that I can use the GPUs with Copa. Do I have it wrong? If not, what number should I call to help me with this issue? Thanks in advance.
May 27, 2012, 1:48 pm
#2
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: PSM
Posts: 69,232
Yes, you can use your instruments to upgrade on CM metal. No, you don't call Copa to get that done. The folks at the regular reservations desk should be the ones to handle it for you because it is part of the MP program. You're going to have to stand your ground next time an agent tries to push you elsewhere.
May 27, 2012, 3:44 pm
#3
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Hudson, OH
Programs: UA-MM; Hilton Lifetime Diamond, Marriott Gold
Posts: 1,350
sbm12's advice is correct, as usual. However, if you want to upgrade yourself, as a 1K you are almost certain to get an automated upgrade on Copa (and if you don't, then most likely the GPU would not have gone through either). If you are trying to upgrade a companion, then use the GPU.
May 27, 2012, 4:47 pm
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 10
Thanks for the quick replies. The agents at the 1K line seem to be completely lost on this one. They keep wanting to look up the Copa reservation code as if it were a United code, and nothing comes up (as expected). What else can I tell them to help them find my info? Any ideas?
Also, I have several people on my reservation, and I have a bunch of certs I am trying to use.
Also, I have several people on my reservation, and I have a bunch of certs I am trying to use.
May 27, 2012, 5:03 pm
#5
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Honolulu, HI
Programs: UA 1K, HA Pualani
Posts: 110
GPU on Copa
I booked a HNL-SCL on UA then Copa from PTY. Used four GPU for two Pax R/T. Most segments were wait listed then three of four domestic legs cleared.
One Copa leg also cleared and the other did not, even though no F seats were 100% open.
Called 1k desk and they said the leg is wait listed and nothing they could do.
Looked at EF but could not see Copa inventory or fare codes. Called Copa and they were of no use. Said to wait for comp upgrade.
Called Hnl 1k desk and after 10 min had our GPU on Copa confirmed. All Copa legs to F are now Z fare, not R.
It might be worth a shot to see what the Z inventory is if that is what the upgrade is in the end booked into.
Hope this helps.
One Copa leg also cleared and the other did not, even though no F seats were 100% open.
Called 1k desk and they said the leg is wait listed and nothing they could do.
Looked at EF but could not see Copa inventory or fare codes. Called Copa and they were of no use. Said to wait for comp upgrade.
Called Hnl 1k desk and after 10 min had our GPU on Copa confirmed. All Copa legs to F are now Z fare, not R.
It might be worth a shot to see what the Z inventory is if that is what the upgrade is in the end booked into.
Hope this helps.
May 27, 2012, 5:17 pm
#6
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: PSM
Posts: 69,232
Thanks for the quick replies. The agents at the 1K line seem to be completely lost on this one. They keep wanting to look up the Copa reservation code as if it were a United code, and nothing comes up (as expected). What else can I tell them to help them find my info? Any ideas?
Also, I have several people on my reservation, and I have a bunch of certs I am trying to use.
Also, I have several people on my reservation, and I have a bunch of certs I am trying to use.
May 28, 2012, 7:09 am
#7
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: MDE
Programs: AA-PLT, HH-GLD, PP
Posts: 1,511
FT'er davemflyer documented the process for using RPU/GPU here:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/conti...-rpu-copa.html
Go to posting #10, which explains what the UA reps have to do. You definitely have to do it through UA, not COPA.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/conti...-rpu-copa.html
Go to posting #10, which explains what the UA reps have to do. You definitely have to do it through UA, not COPA.
May 28, 2012, 8:50 am
#8
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Hudson, OH
Programs: UA-MM; Hilton Lifetime Diamond, Marriott Gold
Posts: 1,350
Could you please explain your process, since many of us have difficulty doing this? Was HNL-SCL all UA, with the PTY=SCL being a codeshare?? If so, then did you upgrade the domestic AND CM segments all via phone agents?
Jul 5, 2012, 8:02 pm
#9
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 2
Regional Upgrades on Copa
My home airport is LAS. While Copa started a new nonstop to PTY, connections with United/Copa are actually more practical (times) and affordable. I am looking at routing LAS-ORD-PTY, with ORD-PTY being a Copa codeshare. My question: if I use a Mileage Plus regional upgrade, is it applicable to the Copa that has a UAL flight number? Or will it inadvertently get caught up in the technicality of "no upgrades on codeshares?"
Jul 5, 2012, 9:59 pm
#12
Join Date: Jul 2011
Programs: UA 1K, SPG Platinum, Hyatt Diamond, Hilton Platinum, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 568
Using GPUs/RPUs on Copa Airlines. Help!
I applied a regional. Did not expect to.come through on Copa but found that they upgraded me this weekend. Don't know if it is the regional or my 1k- ness. Regional triggered on one of my UA segs towards PTY but not both yet. (booked
Z home for the same price as an economy ticket - don't know if that was a mistake or a good deal).
Z home for the same price as an economy ticket - don't know if that was a mistake or a good deal).
Jul 12, 2012, 6:35 pm
#13
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: ORD LAS HKG
Programs: Bonvoy LTT; IHG DiamondAmb; WoH Globalist; UA1K2MM; NationalEE; AvisPC; HertzPC
Posts: 703
Using RPU on COPA flights
I just booked a rt CM ticket ORD - GIG via PTY. How do I use my RPU to request an upgrade on CM flight? Should I call the 1k line or COPA? Also, this is a K booking class, so I know I can't even use GPU to get an upgrade for the segment PTY - GIG. But would I be eligible for an RPU upgrade from ORD to PTY? I'm 100% sure if I buy a rt ticket between ORD - PTY, I can use the RPU for an upgrade regardless of booking class. But I'm not sure whether I can use it for only one segment of the whole itinerary.
Jul 13, 2012, 11:53 am
#14
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Las Vegas
Programs: UA Gold 1.6 MM
Posts: 240
Jul 13, 2012, 12:29 pm
#15
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: englewood nj
Posts: 123
why bother using the RPU when you are a 1K, more than likely you would be upgraded via CPU. COPA is pretty good when it comes to Premier upgrades.