Originally Posted by
cocaine
So my understanding from reading all of the threads on GPU is that the newer "better" changes that I'll like at United, the new GPU process is...
- Try to find flight w/ RN space, but if none available, book flight with RN0, apply GPU and get put on waitlist.
- Check daily to see if RN space opens up (check specific segments as RN space shows differently if there are connections).
- If/when space opens up and the upgrade does not automatically clear, either...
a) apply another GPU to get the upgrade to clear immediately and hope United will refund the "waitlisted" GPU when I call.
b) call United immediately and get them to push through the waitlisted upgrade hoping that someone doesn't book it prior to getting it pushed through.
Is this correct? Does this strategy change when under T-24?
If I paid for a EF account is there an e-mail alert I can set for if RN space opens up on specific flights? Does a basic account work or do I need a premium account for this?
Is there a better way to go about this?
Thank you in advance!
That is about right, plus the W fare OP mentioned.
Yes, with EF you can set alert for R>0 on specific flight.
To the best of my knowledge, if you don't clear before T-24, then you're screwed. That seat is going to be sold for pennies on the dollar to someone with no status. They'll probably end up sitting in front for a fraction of what you would have paid.
It's gotten so bad that I'm studying strategies for booking multiple flights. Cancel and paying change fee might end up being worth it in some circumstances rather than paying W fare to sit in the back of the plane for > 10 hours.
I would do (b) not (a) b/c if you apply GPU using (a) method and it doesn't clear then you're screwed three times - two for the 2 GPUs you lost plus a 3rd one when you end up calling and asking for help. Better to call right away and get screwed twice only.
You should budget 1-2 hours of phone time for each segment. It seems like the only way to get anything done.
My strategy since 3/3 has been to book only into R. It means I have had to fly into cities I don't want or need to fly into or from and sometimes I've spent 2-3 extra days at destination to get the R seat home. I can work from anywhere, so location doesn't matter that much, but ironically, I'm now spending as much on hotel/food/land costs or air to/from city I don't need to be in as I would have spent to pay for UG to C at a W-Z differential. Yet another perverse consequence of these CO policies that I just can't understand.