Originally Posted by
sammyindc
On domestic flights, as a 1K you can upgrade (on a 3class new cabin or a 2 class cabin) using:
- complimentary upgrade
- SWUs
- regional upgrades
- miles
- cash - they are usually offered after you book the ticket - offered online and it depends on the flight and how full it is
On international flights, you can upgrade using:
- SWUs
- some routes allow regional upgrades
- miles (with or without copay depending on the fare)
- cash - offered online after booking, during check-in, at the gate
I've been offered cash upgrades on several flights (domestic and international) ranging from $75 to $999.
On domestic flights, I think the only way to get cash upgrades is to get the offer online - cannot be requested. On international flights, cash upgrades can be requested on the phone or at check-in/gate.
Very accurate and helpful information!
I think, though, that we should get ourselves accustomed to the new vocabulary and abbreviations...
CPU - Complimentary Premier Upgrade (old UDU)
RPU - Regional Premier Upgrade (old CR-1 / regional upgrade)
GPU - Global Premier Upgrade (old SWU)
http://mileageplusmergerupdates.com/...gradesOverview
Complimentary Premier Upgrades: These are space-available complimentary upgrades, offered on select United, Continental and Copa flights. (See upgrade regions chart.) You may know them currently as Unlimited Domestic Upgrades in MileagePlus or Elite upgrades in OnePass®. They are available to all Premier members, as well as to a companion traveling on the same reservation as a Premier member.
On select flights, a Premier member traveling on a full-fare economy Y- and B-class fares may be eligible for an instant upgrade as early as time of ticketing. Additionally, Premier 1K® members may be eligible for these upgrades when purchasing M-class fares.
Regional Premier Upgrades: These upgrades are confirmable as early as time of ticketing on select United, Continental and Copa flights. (See upgrade regions chart.) You may know them currently as Regional Upgrades. A Premier member will earn two Regional Premier Upgrades when they reach 75,000 Premier qualifying miles (PQM) or 90 Premier qualifying segments (PQS), plus two more for each 25,000 PQM or 30 PQS thereafter.
Global Premier Upgrades: These upgrades can be used on all multi-cabin United, Continental and Copa flights worldwide and are confirmable as early as time of booking. You may know them currently as Systemwide Upgrades. A Premier member will earn six Global Premier Upgrades when they reach 100,000 PQM or 120 PQS, plus two more for each 50,000 PQM or 60 PQS thereafter.
Mileage Upgrade Awards: All 2012 MileagePlus members can continue to use award miles to upgrade eligible United, Continental and Copa flights. Premier members will continue to have co-pay waivers when upgrading flights within U.S. 49/Canada and between the U.S. 49/Canada and Hawaii, Mexico, Central America, Caribbean, and Northern South America (except for BusinessFirst® flights).