cloudybw

I don't know if this should belong to any particular thread. If so, mods please feel free to merge this into the thread.

Nowadays it becomes more and more common that R space would only be opened within 24 hours of the flight. I've thinked of the following strategies:

1. Do not apply RPU/GPU. When R space shows up within 24 hours, call UA to apply them manually.
2. Apply RPU/GPU 24+ hours ahead online but do not check in. When R space opens, call UA to upgrade into R manually.
3. Apply RPU/GPU 24+ hours ahead online and check in. When R space opens, call UA to upgrade into R manully.
4. Apply RPU/GPU 24+ hours ahead online and check in. At the airport, find an agent to upgrade into R manully.
5. Apply RPU/GPU 24+ hours ahead online and check in. At the airport, do the battle field fight.

I've successfully used #3 a few times, although most of the time the phone agent just pushed me to use #5. Is #1/#2/#4 possible? Has anyone used #1/#2/#4 and succeeded?

Also, it is very frustrating that sometimes after I check in, I am NOT on the upgrade waiting list anymore! I have to find an airport agent to put me manually on the upgrade waiting list first. But most of them don't know how to do it correctly and put me in the same category with those using CPU. Is that common? What can I to do avoid such situations to happen again?

Thank you for your inputs.

sammyindc

That is not true at all. I always find R space open way before my flight (several weeks or even months). I look for flights that have R availability. If none are available, I book the flight, apply a GPU/RPU online and set up an Expert Flyer alert to get notified when R space opens up. As soon as it's open, I double check my reservation, if the upgrade did not clear I call and have them manually clear it. Never wait until you get to the airport if R is open as someone will grab it.

cloudybw

I am discussing the strategy under the assumption that R space opens within 24 hours. It won't be a problem if R space opens at least 24 hours.

Did you call within 24 hours of the flight to manually clear the upgrade? In my experiences, 9 out of 10 agents would refuse to help and demand me to do the airport battle field.

sammyindc

I've never had an agent refuse to clear the upgrade if R space is open. I've had this done way ahead of the 24 hour window and within 24 hour of the flight.

UA-NYC

I have. "The computer will take care if it". No thanks. Then I hang up and call again.

duranza

What is R space?



ETA: thank you sammyindc

sammyindc

The fare class in which GPUs and RPUs (upgrades) clear. If R is available your upgrade will clear, if not then it will be waitlisted.

ElliottMB

I've had similar luck. Even had an agent un-check me in once in order to clear a mileage upgrade, was very lucky!

howl0007

I've used option #2 a few times on RPUs domestically.

cloudybw

Thanks for the info. I'll try to use #2 later. It seems many R spaces opens 20-23 hours ahead of flight. I just have to resist the temptation to check in early...

But why sometimes I am NOT on the upgrade waiting list anymore after checkin? Has anyone encountered similar situations?

Thanks again.

UA-NYC

It's the randomness of SHARES apparently - the gift that keeps on giving

PTahCha

For CPU - yes, agent will refuse to clear the upgrade. That is SOP.

For RPU/GPU/miles - agent should clear your upgrade when R space is open.

sammyindc

I know - was talking about GPU/RPU (however I have had some agents clear CPUs over the phone in the past).

cloudybw

Has anyone used #1? I know the online upgrade option disappears within 24 hours, but I remember to read someone being able to apply upgrade manually over the phone within 24 hours.

Any thoughts/experiences?

WineCountryUA

#1 works but you miss the opportunity to clear prior to check-in -- clearing in the last week or two does happen.