I had a confirmed upgrade (using regional certificate) from economy to business on last Wednesday's UA34 from SFO-JFK redeye. I bought the W class ticket in August and the upgrade was confirmed about 3 days after purchase. I planned my entire trip over 3 months ago around being able to get some rest in a C seat on this redeye.

Trying to check in online that day, I start to see funny business. Call 1K line and they say my seat will be assigned at the airport. Check-in tells me Ill get upgraded at the gate. I say I already have a confirmed upgrade and that "confirmed" means "confirmed" in English. Check-in guy says "not in airline English it doesn't".

Of course, 2 minutes before gate closure I get a boarding pass for E+ seat. The next day was extremely difficult, given that I had planned on sleeping better.

Exactly how does United define "confirmed upgrade"?

I understand the need to run an airline and sell last minute high-fare seats, but you promised me this 3 months ago United! I would have been totally happy to have a standby upgrade... you never had to confirm it until you actually intended to give it to me.

The funniest part is that as consolation, the gate agent gave me a regional upgrade coupon. I asked her if I could use it on this flight and she just scowled at me. "It's useless" I said, and walked away.

This is my third year as 1K, and probably my last. I don't request these perks much, so honor your promises UAL.