Is it a waste of miles+money to upgrade to business on Newark-Shannon 757 flight?
May 21, 2017, 12:35 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 180
Is it a waste of miles+money to upgrade to business on Newark-Shannon 757 flight?
Is it a waste of miles+money to upgrade to business on Newark-Shannon 757 flight? My current seat assignment is 21C, exit aisle E+ seat.
Just going one way... I'm returning to Newark over the Pacific.
Just going one way... I'm returning to Newark over the Pacific.
May 21, 2017, 12:42 am
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: London & Sonoma CA
Programs: UA 1K, MM *G for life, BAEC Gold
Posts: 10,220
It's overnight so it depends entirely on a) whether you mind missing a night's sleep on this short flight and b) whether you can sleep sitting upright.
May 21, 2017, 12:43 am
#3
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: EWR/LHR/SFO
Programs: UA 1K 1MM
Posts: 574
How long is your stay? What do you have to do the next morning? I would certainly GPU if R were open; I'd probably be a bit more hesitant about a $550 copay. That said, if you have a short trip and want to sleep, J is definitely worth it for such a short TATL.
May 21, 2017, 1:39 am
#4
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA 1K & 2MM, Bonvoy Titanium & LTP, HH Gold, Accor Silver, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 2,349
That flight is about the same duration as EWR-SFO. Would you pay $550 and the miles to upgrade the transcon? I know I wouldn't - in fact I wouldn't even waste a GPU on this unless I had one going begging. Even though it's a red-eye, you'd do well to get more than 3 hours sleep - I'd sooner nap (or not) in coach, and then crash on arrival.
Different equation if you've got something important to do in Shannon in the morning, of course.
Ultimately it's opportunity cost. If you're cash and miles rich, then OC is minimal. If not, then it's large.
Different equation if you've got something important to do in Shannon in the morning, of course.
Ultimately it's opportunity cost. If you're cash and miles rich, then OC is minimal. If not, then it's large.
May 21, 2017, 5:06 am
#5
Join Date: Apr 2003
Programs: UA *G 1MM LT United Club & Global Entry
Posts: 2,756
You are well positioned in 21C. Row 21A/C/D/F are the best Y seats on the UA 752. Lots of leg room, and they have recline unlike row 20 which are fixed. There is enough room to get by your seat mates without them having to get up. I would choose 21A as I could lean towards the window side but that is personal preference.
I once did a EWR-LHR r/t in 21A and had 21B/C vacant on both legs. Quite decent circumstances and a rare UA nicety.
If you were stuck in an E- middle seat I would suggest you more seriously consider the upgrade. But if you can tough out a relatively short overnight flight IMO better off staying where you are.
SL
I once did a EWR-LHR r/t in 21A and had 21B/C vacant on both legs. Quite decent circumstances and a rare UA nicety.
If you were stuck in an E- middle seat I would suggest you more seriously consider the upgrade. But if you can tough out a relatively short overnight flight IMO better off staying where you are.
SL
May 21, 2017, 6:55 am
#8
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 57,477
I always purchase the UG if it is an overnight flight unless I am sure I will get an empty row of three seats that I can make my own economy lie flat. 
In the end, you should decide for yourself what you value and what you don't. If you want to spring for the UG, don't worry about what people here think about your decision.
In the end, you should decide for yourself what you value and what you don't. If you want to spring for the UG, don't worry about what people here think about your decision.
May 21, 2017, 7:04 am
#9
Join Date: May 2014
Location: DMV
Posts: 2,092
It's like a red eye transcon and I'd evaluate it with that in mind. Plenty of people pay extra to sit in J on transcons hence the introduction of long-haul J offers on those routes. But obviously many others would consider it a waste.
It depends on (1) how deep your pockets are and (2) how tolerable you find the Y+ product. If you find a seat uncomfortable then even 5h30m is a long time to sit in it.
It depends on (1) how deep your pockets are and (2) how tolerable you find the Y+ product. If you find a seat uncomfortable then even 5h30m is a long time to sit in it.
May 21, 2017, 9:02 am
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 180
guess it's like that old saying, if I have to ask, my pockets are probably not deep enough(both in terms of money and miles) 
I'm going to stay where I belong in 21C. there are better ways to spend hundreds of dollars(or euros) while in Ireland, right?
I'm going to stay where I belong in 21C. there are better ways to spend hundreds of dollars(or euros) while in Ireland, right?
Last edited by WineCountryUA; May 21, 2017 at 11:08 am Reason: inappropriate comment removed
May 21, 2017, 9:05 am
#11
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: NYC and SFO
Programs: UA 1MM (former 1K, Delta Platinum))
Posts: 1,244
While I'll always apply a GPU if I can (they go unused on my p.s. route), my preferred strategy for Europe is to arrive early and occupy a day room at a hotel ($150, say) before moving on. For example, connect in FRA for a later flight to Florence.
