elitefreak, now, CRs refer to two types of confirmable upgrades: North American ones (now known as CR1s) and Systemwide ones now known as SWUs. Of course a Systemwide covers any route on UA, International or Domestic, while a CR1 is limited to N. and Central America, including Hawaii and Alaska. This terminology will change, somewhat, when CO and UA integrate their systems in a few months.

These upgrades are now all electronic and deposited in the account of the qualifying elite traveler when earned. They are generally valid for one year from the month earned.

They can be used to sponsor the upgrade of another traveler, whether an elite or not. However, if waitlisted, they may not clear by the status of the sponsor, but rather by the status of the recipient. One certificate is needed for each one-way direction of travel, including legal connections.