I had flight reservations (6 flights MEL-MEX and return) cancelled ten days ago due to ill health. I had requested an upgrade with miles (60,000) and copayment (US$1,200). Ten days after the cancelation there are no signs of miles being re-credited to my MP account or return of the copayment. So I have just spoken to MileagePlus people in Manila (my guess) to see whether I can get some sense on this.

Initially I was told that return of the co-payment could take 3 billing cycles (three months!). When I expressed incredulity at this the operator took 12 minutes to speak to her supervisor and to Mileage Plus HQ and then told me that 'due to improvements' the delay had now been reduced to a maximum of two billing periods (60 days) although I might be lucky to have the money back earlier ("any time between 10 and 60 days").

Frankly I've had enough with the new United and having just become a million miler makes this even worse. I know that some other s have reported a faster turn around- so is there anything I can do? Fax the Mileage Plus number 1-600-341-6140, or write to Mileage Plus in Rapid City, South Dakota or... Any advice on what to do?