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HKG-US/US-HKG (mileage/SWU) Upgrade chances? [Merged Threads]

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HKG-US/US-HKG (mileage/SWU) Upgrade chances? [Merged Threads]

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Old Jul 6, 2009, 12:28 pm
  #1  
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HKG-US/US-HKG (mileage/SWU) Upgrade chances? [Merged Threads]

I've got to fly HKG-SFO on 7/16 with no flexibility on the date. E+ is getting pretty full on the seat map, but since paid C is unfortunately not going to be happening, I'm trying to decide if its worth the extra $300 for an upgradeable H fare.

If .bomb is currently showing C9,D9,Z9 but NC0, any idea what are the chances of mileage upgrade happening at some point before the flight?

Thanks
~C
Cristobal is offline  
Old Jul 6, 2009, 12:35 pm
  #2  
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Originally Posted by Cristobal
any idea what are the chances of mileage upgrade happening at some point before the flight?
There's no way to tell. There could be 50 people on the upgrade list, or there could be none. And as a 1P on a mileage upgrade, you'll be behind all the 1Ks.
mahasamatman is offline  
Old Jul 6, 2009, 1:04 pm
  #3  
 
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Looking at my "crystal ball" if it does happen, it will be at the gate. C is booked "pretty full."

Last edited by goingbananas; Jul 6, 2009 at 1:05 pm Reason: edit
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Old Jul 6, 2009, 1:55 pm
  #4  
 
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That route is always very heavy with elite fliers. There have been numerous cases where I have tried to upgrade with an SWU and it not clearing. Maybe you will be pleasantly surprised, but I wouldn't expect it to clear...
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Old Jul 6, 2009, 3:52 pm
  #5  
 
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I booked W-class SAN-SFO-HKG-SIN (roundtrip) about a month ago departing on 7/21. Most segments have cleared with a SWU, still awaiting HKG-SFO-SAN on 8/13. FWIW, SFO-HKG did not immediately clear upon booking. I received a confirmation on 7/1. Safe travels.
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Old Jul 6, 2009, 4:01 pm
  #6  
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The SFO/ORD-HKG flights are very tough upgrades in the UA system as well as IAD-NRT. There is plenty of paid C pax on this route as well as 1Ks in Y. If the other poster is correct that C is getting full chances are slim as I am sure there are quite a few 1Ks on the list who would get the few remaining seats ahead of you.

I would book the lower fare and go for the buy up at checkin.
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Old Jul 6, 2009, 4:37 pm
  #7  
 
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Is this route always difficult to upgrade, or is it simply because of the time of the year ( lots of vacation travelers)
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Old Jul 6, 2009, 5:01 pm
  #8  
 
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SFO-HKG has an elite heavy route...not just vacationers...
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Old Jul 6, 2009, 5:43 pm
  #9  
 
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ORD-HKG mileage upgrade chances?

Following up on the recent HKG-SFO upgrade thread, anyone have experience as a 1P trying to upgrade ORD-HKG using miles? Is there any chance of that clearing? Short of that, does UFC ever happen on this route, and on what terms? This is part of an IAD-SGN itinerary, and it would be really nice to have the upgrade to make it bearable.
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Old Jul 6, 2009, 6:38 pm
  #10  
 
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Originally Posted by jschrag
Following up on the recent HKG-SFO upgrade thread, anyone have experience as a 1P trying to upgrade ORD-HKG using miles? Is there any chance of that clearing? Short of that, does UFC ever happen on this route, and on what terms? This is part of an IAD-SGN itinerary, and it would be really nice to have the upgrade to make it bearable.
I know its a long thread, but if you go into the UFC thread, and "search this thread", enter "ORD" & "HKG" (you'll need to put them in quotes), the hits you get back should be the offered UFC on this route. Actually, the thread is getting too long to read, but is a good database to search...
mauiUAflyer is offline  
Old Jul 6, 2009, 6:50 pm
  #11  
 
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ord to HKG

I have flown Ord to HKG twice in the last year. I am a 1 P. Both times I had no trouble upgrading but I used SWU's. On both flights, I had my upgrade well before I left. In fact, I got them at time of booking.
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Old Jul 6, 2009, 7:01 pm
  #12  
 
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Originally Posted by Benny8444
The SFO/ORD-HKG flights are very tough upgrades in the UA system as well as IAD-NRT. There is plenty of paid C pax on this route as well as 1Ks in Y. If the other poster is correct that C is getting full chances are slim as I am sure there are quite a few 1Ks on the list who would get the few remaining seats ahead of you.

I would book the lower fare and go for the buy up at checkin.
Tried to UFC last time at SFO and they were not offering any!
UnitedEF is offline  
Old Jul 6, 2009, 8:06 pm
  #13  
 
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Which is Easier To Upgrade to HKG- from ORD or SFO?

I will be flying to HKG in mid January, mid week over, Sunday back. I can go through either SFO or ORD (Concerned about weather in ORD). I will be using a SWU to upgrade to C. I am 1 K. They tell me that neither routing has immediate upgrade availability. Which would have the better chance of going through ?

Thanks
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Old Jul 6, 2009, 8:19 pm
  #14  
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In this economy who knows a year ago ORD was much harder.
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Old Jul 6, 2009, 8:51 pm
  #15  
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Originally Posted by why fly
a year ago ORD was much harder.
That's the first time I've ever heard that. SFO-HKG is usually considered the toughest international upgrade.
mahasamatman is offline  


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