My United Upgrade Instruments (SWU/CR-1) Are Going to Expire - What Are my Options?
Nov 20, 2009, 5:16 pm
#16
Formerly known as fsa_ea
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Up in the Air
Programs: UA GS/1MM,AS 75k,NK GLD,AA 2MM,DL 2MM,LH FT,AY PLT,IC RA,FMT LT PLT,HYT GLB,HLT DIA,MRT GLD,HRTZ PC
Posts: 2,229
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unite...-2010-swu.html
Nov 20, 2009, 5:17 pm
#17
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: nyc, bne
Programs: UA 1K MM, VA Plat, EY Gold
Posts: 224
Nov 20, 2009, 6:27 pm
#18
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Washington D.C.
Programs: UA Gold MM , AS MVPG , MR LTT, Hilton Dia
Posts: 478
Well, I guess I am obligated to say that if you do give one to a servicemember going to Kuwait they are very likely to thank you profusely. The vast majority of them will have never experienced Business Class. A really nice thing to do for someone who will spend the next year sharing a 20 foot long trailer (or possibly worse).
I speak from two tours of Iraq experience.
You also have my personal thanks for what it is worth.
COL G-
I speak from two tours of Iraq experience.
You also have my personal thanks for what it is worth.
COL G-
Oct 25, 2010, 4:11 pm
#19
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: PHX
Programs: HHonors Lifetime Diamond, UA Million Miler Gold, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 1,142
Unused System Wide Upgrades
I still have 4 SWU left for this year with no international travel on the horizon. I have never used the "coupon connection"
Should I have United send me paper certificates before I do anything? I would assume I will need them before I can give them to someone or trade.
Any help is appreciated
Should I have United send me paper certificates before I do anything? I would assume I will need them before I can give them to someone or trade.
Any help is appreciated
Oct 25, 2010, 4:14 pm
#20
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Truth or Consequences, NM
Programs: HH Diamond, Marriott Titanium, Hertz President's Circle, UA Silver, Mobile Passport Unobtanium
Posts: 6,192
You can "sponsor upgrade" other travelers using your SWUs without using paper certs.
Oct 25, 2010, 4:15 pm
#21
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: boulder, co usa
Programs: UA 2MM, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Plat
Posts: 347
You can gift/transfer them with a PNR - super simple
Oct 25, 2010, 4:28 pm
#22
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: PHX
Programs: HHonors Lifetime Diamond, UA Million Miler Gold, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 1,142
I tried doing this a few weeks ago for a friend traveling to Europe. When I called United they told me I would need to be on the same flight to do it or they pax would need the paper certificate
Oct 25, 2010, 4:29 pm
#23
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: New Orleans
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 655
UA reviews CC and bad things can happen to some who've sold or traded SWU's (or other UA goodies). There now seems to be a presumption that if they're used by anybody else, in some cases even w/ same last name, that there's fraud.
To me it's not worth it - sponsor family or friends and just give 'em away.
Hope it works out well for you.
To me it's not worth it - sponsor family or friends and just give 'em away.
Hope it works out well for you.
Oct 25, 2010, 4:34 pm
#24
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.995MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,850
For travel on UA metal, you can use the online sponsoring appraoch
You can also do on the phone but then you will be required to sign forms at an airport
Do be careful on how you handle this
Oct 25, 2010, 4:48 pm
#25
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
Oct 25, 2010, 5:18 pm
#26
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: PHX
Programs: HHonors Lifetime Diamond, UA Million Miler Gold, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 1,142
Neither is true -- except for travel on LH.
For travel on UA metal, you can use the online sponsoring appraoch
You can also do on the phone but then you will be required to sign forms at an airport
Do be careful on how you handle this
For travel on UA metal, you can use the online sponsoring appraoch
You can also do on the phone but then you will be required to sign forms at an airport
Do be careful on how you handle this
May I ask why you say "be careful" doing this? Is there some risk to giving to someone
Oct 25, 2010, 5:50 pm
#27
Moderator: CommunityBuzz!, OMNI, OMNI/PR, and OMNI/Games & FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: ORD (MDW stinks)
Programs: UAMM, AAMM & ExPlat, Marriott lifetime Plat, IHG Plat, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 23,506
No, unless you are trading/asking for something in return. Make sure you send an email to whoever you sponsor stating that you have given full authority that the person may use your SWU. In the odd chance that person is questioned at the airport, they will have your printed permission.
If you sponsor via phone, you'll have to sign a slip in person before the pax you've sponsored flies. If you sponsor online, you don't have to do this extra security step.
If you sponsor via phone, you'll have to sign a slip in person before the pax you've sponsored flies. If you sponsor online, you don't have to do this extra security step.
Oct 25, 2010, 5:59 pm
#28
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Crystal City, VA
Programs: United Mileage Plus 1K 2 MM, HHonors Diamond, Hyatt Platinum
Posts: 2,627
I've gotten to the point of double-checking at the RCC that the sponsored upgrade I've done for someone is "A-OK", and don't need to sign anything. Sometimes there can be glitches in the on-line sponsor process.
Oct 25, 2010, 6:12 pm
#29
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: SFO
Programs: UA MP-1K/GS
Posts: 48
i know it's not the best use of a systemwide, but why not use it on ANY flight versus just an international?
i used 2 to upgrade my parents on an anniversary vacation, used another on a flight from ORD to MIA over christmas. beats having them expire...
i used 2 to upgrade my parents on an anniversary vacation, used another on a flight from ORD to MIA over christmas. beats having them expire...
Oct 25, 2010, 6:21 pm
#30
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Los Angeles, CA; Philadelphia, PA
Programs: OZ Diamond
Posts: 6,134
LAX