I flew today from PHL-ORD-RSW. The total flight mileage is listed as 992. I wanted to use certs for this. I am PREM Exec and the ord-rsw cleared 3 days ago. When I got to the airport today, I was asked for 5 certs as UAL was going to count each leg seperately because the whole flight had not cleard. When I asked at the ticket counter about his, the agent said that I could simply check int he philly section first and wait to see if I cleared the upgrade list. If I did, then it would only be 2 certs for the whole trip. I thought this was a good option and so I did that. A seat was open and I was upgraded. However, the agent at the desk said that this was wrong information and I would still need to use 5 certs. I called MP abou this and was told this wasn't right, but needed to fix it at the airport. In ORD, I was told that only 2 certs had been used but now when checking online, I have been debited 5 certs.

Does anyone have any strategies for handling this situation? I realize that each leg is "counted" for certs when the entire trip is not confirmed, but what about when I do get the upgrade and from start to finish?

Thanks for any advice/help.