Originally Posted by
wilp888
I think UA did the "stealing" here. I know this subject has come up before but what exactly does confirmed upgrade means in the eyes of UA. I quote this description of SWU from ual.com: "Experience our new first and business class cabins and arrive relaxed and refreshed—on many international flights, you can even stretch out in 180–degree lie–flat seats. Plus, if seats are available, these upgrades can be confirmed as early as the time you request them. Now that’s peace of mind." The OP had a confirmed upgrade into BC. If UA can take the upgrade away at any time, it's not confirmed in my books.
I hope this is only a very uncommon isolated incident. I have been having enough trouble using the SWU right now and going out of my way to plan well ahead so that my upgrades can be confirmed at booking. If they are going to make us play confirmed-SWU lottery on top of SWU lottery, then I will be taking my business elsewhere. It is bad enough now that we have to bring our own food on Int'l C/F since they won't provide instant noodles or hot sandwiches mid-flight.
