Programs: AA EXP 3.2MM, over entitled UA 1.1MM, enjoying the retired life
Posts: 23,542
United's Unlimited Domestic Upgrades Program (Data through March 18, 2010) [Merged]
Oct. 13 update: The information on the new Unlimited Domestic Upgrades as posted on United.com http://www.united.com/page/article/0,6867,53214,00.html
Basic announcement of the program, including elimination of CR1s (Regional upgrades) http://www.united.com/page/article/0,6867,53216,00.html
----- Moderator note: Because of thread merges, the announcement by United's VP of Mileage Plus which originally started this thread is now post 9 and is repeated here
"Hello all,
We want you to be among the first to know that Mileage Plus will be introducing Unlimited Domestic Upgrades in the second quarter of 2010.
All members that have premier and higher status will enjoy unlimited domestic upgrades that will include Hawaii, which most of our competitors don’t do. You will no longer need to request an upgrade; you’ll automatically be on the list, making it much easier for you to enjoy a more comfortable flight.
With our exclusive Economy Plus seating, new unlimited amount of domestic upgrades and systemwide upgrades that typically have the fewest restrictions compared to our U.S. competitors, you now have the industry’s most comfortable seating.
Stay tuned for an e-mail from Mileage Plus tomorrow explaining the program in detail.
Happy Upgrading!
Robert Sahadevan
VP - Mileage Plus"
Ocn Vw 1K, Moderator.
Quote:
Originally Posted by LongingForORD
Next year, supposedly you will not have to request an upgrade for each flight, it will be automatic and if there is space available, you will get upgraded.
That would be very different than the AA program which is only for EXPs. We have to request upgrades. One of the reasons could revolve around traveling partners--any mention about how UA would treat those for upgrade purposes if they're on the same PNR? AA does not comp travel partner upgrades and you need upgrade instruments.
Also, mentioned the upcoming automatic upgrades (not sure if this is just for 1K or not?). Did not get details, but I had heard it was coming. Next year, supposedly you will not have to request an upgrade for each flight, it will be automatic and if there is space available, you will get upgraded. Did not get the details, seems I might still be missing something.
Interesting. If I were to guess, for travel within region 1, automatic upgrades would be confirmed at the 100 hour window for 1K if there was space, and CR1s (and miles) would still be available for confirming in advance. It will be interesting what they will do with e500s, especially for those of us who didn't get in on the deal to have them auto convert to miles upon expiration.
Programs: UA 1P, DL Gold, HH Diamond, Hyatt Plat, PC Plat, Marriott Gold
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Automatic upgrades would be great for sure but my concern is if they clear all of them at the existing windows if leaves those of us who buy last minute tickets exclusively out in the cold. I don't think I have bought a ticket on UA with more than 12 hours advance notice all year and usually pay a premium for it. I would hate to be penalized for my spending patterns. Still I think some balance could be worked out and it would definitely be a positive step from their existing program.
Interesting. If I were to guess, for travel within region 1, automatic upgrades would be confirmed at the 100 hour window for 1K if there was space, and CR1s (and miles) would still be available for confirming in advance. It will be interesting what they will do with e500s, especially for those of us who didn't get in on the deal to have them auto convert to miles upon expiration.
You think they would do the automatic upgrades for 1K before e500 upgrades for lower status? That seems like it'd really make it impossible for 1p and 2p to upgrade. I'd think that automatic upgrades would be after the 1p/2p windows so that they have a chance to clear on e500s (or at least I would hope).
Edit: I went and read the AA upgrade system, where EXPs don't get the equivalent of e500s. I thought the complimentary upgrade would be in addition to e500s, in which case my objection stands (although I suppose that wouldn't really make sense to have e500 and complimentary upgrades for 1k clear at the same time).
It still would make upgrading as 1p/2p much harder, and I'd prefer to see complimentary upgrades clear later with 1Ks still having e500s to clear at the 100hr window.
You think they would do the automatic upgrades for 1K before e500 upgrades for lower status?
If "automatic" is in the picture, then yes. It is what the competition does.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Antipode
That seems like it'd really make it impossible for 1p and 2p to upgrade. I'd think that automatic upgrades would be after the 1p/2p windows so that they have a chance to clear on e500s (or at least I would hope).
I agree, and despite my status, I don't think it would be a good thing. When I was a 1P, it was getting difficult to upgrade with e500s, and I don't count on being a 1K forever.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Antipode
It still would make upgrading as 1p/2p much harder, and I'd prefer to see complimentary upgrades clear later with 1Ks still having e500s to clear at the 100hr window.
That would be a "good" compromise (clear the complimentary upgrade after the 2P e-500 window) with the caveat that "automatic" upgrades would be a benefit of little use.
I guess we will find out soon, if not today.
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trying to match the AA unlimited upgrades feature will be interesting for UA..
- on AA, once you reach EXP, you stop earning 500's. this is somewhat irritating if you regularly fly with a companion -- you'll have to buy 500's for that. (of course, on AA, 500's are $30, and can be purchased in multiples of 1 instead of 4...)
- on AA, 500's do not expire. this is good if you do not regularly fly with a companion -- at least the 500's you had when you first hit EXP will still be there when you fall back to PLT/GLD. will have to see what UA does with 500's in the bank.
- on AA, there are no CR1's. will UA match? hope not.....
- if they do, on AA, you get 8 eVIPs.. an extra pair of SWU's would be a better deal to some 1K's, i'm sure, but i'd much rather have the CR1s....
the notion that unlimited upgrades may be preparing for some kind of reciprocity with CO is interesting, but i'm not holding my breath. i'd actually prefer reciprocity with US -- there, i might have some chance of clearing...
Programs: UA 2.1MM, Marriott Platinum, National Exec, Hertz President's Club, Starwood Gold
Posts: 164
Quote:
Originally Posted by worldtraveller76
Automatic upgrades would be great for sure but my concern is if they clear all of them at the existing windows if leaves those of us who buy last minute tickets exclusively out in the cold. I don't think I have bought a ticket on UA with more than 12 hours advance notice all year and usually pay a premium for it. I would hate to be penalized for my spending patterns. Still I think some balance could be worked out and it would definitely be a positive step from their existing program.
We want you to be among the first to know that Mileage Plus will be introducing Unlimited Domestic Upgrades in the second quarter of 2010.
All members that have premier and higher status will enjoy unlimited domestic upgrades that will include Hawaii, which most of our competitors don’t do. You will no longer need to request an upgrade; you’ll automatically be on the list, making it much easier for you to enjoy a more comfortable flight.
With our exclusive Economy Plus seating, new unlimited amount of domestic upgrades and systemwide upgrades that typically have the fewest restrictions compared to our U.S. competitors, you now have the industry’s most comfortable seating.
Stay tuned for an e-mail from Mileage Plus tomorrow explaining the program in detail.
I give it a qualified "thumbs up" pending the details.
One thing I could see is that there will be no more CONFIRMED upgrades in advance (like now where you can book a month in advance...apply a CR1 and have your upgrade be "CONFIRMED"). Now I bet EVERYTHING will follow the 100 hour/72 hour clearing just like e-500's.
Some may not like!
Also, UA will get more aggressive SELLING the F cabin in various ways.
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Last edited by auggie doggie; Oct 12, 09 at 2:16 pm..
provided we will still have SWUs to use for international travel!
If you have to ask ......
