This thread is out of date! It is about CR1 earning and redemption in the e500 upgrade days.
Well, we really need a thread explaining CR1s to the masses, and as a reference for those of us with short memories! Feel free to add info and correct this thread and I'll update it!
REGIONAL UPGRADE WIKI contains great info about the Regional Upgrade.
What is a CR1?
CR1 stands for a Confirmed Regional Upgrade for Region 1.
United calls this simply a 'Regional Upgrade', so refer to it this way when communicating with United.
United.com description
Official Terms and Conditions for the Regional Upgrade
What comprises Region 1?
North America including Hawaii, the Carribean, and Central America
Region 1 definition
What flights can I use a CR1 on?
Only United / United Express metal. If you are on United metal but ticketed with another carrier, you can use a CR1, but only at the airport (cannot be confirmed in advance)
How many flights can I use a Cr1 on?
A CR1 is intended for one-way use. You can use a CR1 for multiple flights, but if it only clears for one leg, it is considered used. It cannot bridge a stopover.
United.com 5/2009:
One Regional Upgrade may be used to upgrade one passenger on a nonstop or connecting itinerary, up to the point of stopover.
Additional upgrades are required for itineraries with stopovers.
If a Regional Upgrade is used or confirmed on only a portion of a multiple segment connecting itinerary, one upgrade will still be required and no refund of the upgrade is permitted.
What fare classes qualify?
United Business (C,D)
United Economy (Y,B,M,E,H,U,Q,V,W,S,T,K,L)
Z fares and G fares are not eligble, and neither are award tickets (except GS)
(current 5/2009)
How are CR1 upgrades confirmed?
They are similar to mileage upgrades. If NC or NF are available, they confirm immediately. If not, they waitlist. The waitlist is cleared on a first come, first served basis until the flight comes under airport control.
When do CR1s expire?
CR-1s are valid through the end of the month one year after issuance. They must be used (not just applied) by the date of expiry, i.e. the scheduled departure date and time of an upgraded flight must be prior to the expiration date of the CR-1. Expired CR-1s cannot be reinstated and do not convert to miles.
Who earns CR1s?
1K elites earn CR1s.
United.com wording 5/2009:
1KŪ members earn two Regional Upgrades per 10,000 qualifying flown miles on United and United Express per quarter, up to a maximum of eight upgrades per calendar year
Million Milers (1,000,000 BIS miles) earn 2 CR1s every January after they acheive MM status
In some cases, CR1s have been given for CS reasons to other elites.
How are CR1s earned for 1Ks?
This is the tricky part. United.com states the following (5/2009)
1KŪ members earn two Regional Upgrades per 10,000 qualifying flown miles on United and United Express per quarter, up to a maximum of eight upgrades per calendar year.
In practice, CR1s are earned in the following manner:
- e500s post based on BIS miles (500 minimum per flight)
- CR1s post on the second Saturday of each month, after the e500s post.
Therefore, if your e500s post on the last Saturday in April, your CR1s will post the 2nd Saturday of May.
If you get e500s in a quarter, you WILL receive CR1s that quarter.
The BIS counter only resets each year, and you do not have to actually fly 10k per quarter to earn CR1s.
You cannot earn more than 2 CR1s per quarter (excepting MM, CS reasons)
If I just made 1K, when will my CR1s post?
**Updated 11/09**
A new 1K will receive CR1s if they post e500s in the same quarter. The 1Ks will post on the second Saturday of the month after these have both occurred. You do not have to fly 10k miles as a 1K to receive your first CR1s. In fact, there is evidence that you do not have to fly ANY miles after reaching 1K to receive your first CR1s. You just need to have e500s post in the same quarter that you make 1K.
Can I sponsor a CR1?
Yes
https://www.ua2go.com/ci/Login.jsp?r...to=eug_sponsor
Why doesn't the CR1 show up in the upgrade drop-down list?
United.com has a bug that prevents a CR1 being used in some cases. You must call and use your upgrade.
keywords: CR-1, CR-1s, CR1s CR1 Confirmed Regional Upgrade Mileage Plus