HKG-US/US-HKG (mileage/SWU) Upgrade chances? [Merged Threads]
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2009
Programs: UA, AA, AS, B6
Posts: 103
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
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
#2
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: GVA (Greater Vancouver Area)
Programs: DREAD Gold; UA 1.035MM; Bonvoy Au-197; PCC Elite+; CCC Elite+; MSC C-12; CWC Au-197; WoH Dis
Posts: 52,140
#3
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Always on the move
Programs: Something lifetime here and there
Posts: 1,867
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
#4
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Taipei, Taiwan
Programs: UA 1MM, SPG Gold, EVA Diamond
Posts: 1,072
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...
#5
Join Date: Apr 2008
Programs: UA 1K, CO Plat, HH Diamond, *wood Plat
Posts: 15
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.
#6
Suspended
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Ravens Country
Programs: UA-1K, Marriott-Gold, SPG-Gold, IC RA/Plat, Amtrak Select
Posts: 3,887
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.
I would book the lower fare and go for the buy up at checkin.
#7
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Silver SPG Lifetime Gold
Posts: 530
Is this route always difficult to upgrade, or is it simply because of the time of the year ( lots of vacation travelers)
#8
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: SFO / Hawaii / Northern MN
Programs: Catered by me instead of FBO (semi retired)
Posts: 921
SFO-HKG has an elite heavy route...not just vacationers...
#9
Join Date: May 2007
Programs: Mileage Plus (1P), Skymiles
Posts: 85
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.
#10
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Crystal City, VA
Programs: United Mileage Plus 1K 2 MM, HHonors Diamond, Hyatt Platinum
Posts: 2,627
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.
#11
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: ORD
Programs: United 1 k ;Hertz Gold; Marriott Gold; Starwood Gold; Priority Club Gold; BMI Silver
Posts: 478
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.
#12
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: LAX
Programs: Mosaic 2, Bonvoy Gold, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, Premium Cabin free agent
Posts: 848
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.
I would book the lower fare and go for the buy up at checkin.
#13
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: PHL
Programs: UA Plat, 2MM
Posts: 1,860
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
Thanks
#14
Suspended
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Toronto YYZ UA-1K 1MM,QFgold
Programs: Royal Ambassador/ SPG Platinum 75/Marriott gold
Posts: 14,283
In this economy who knows a year ago ORD was much harder.
#15
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: GVA (Greater Vancouver Area)
Programs: DREAD Gold; UA 1.035MM; Bonvoy Au-197; PCC Elite+; CCC Elite+; MSC C-12; CWC Au-197; WoH Dis
Posts: 52,140