Originally Posted by
808oman
Be aware that if you book a discount fare code (<W, such as S, T, etc) and attempt to use GPU or RPU with just the direct flight with no second flight, when you choose "upgrade reservation", there was not use GPU or RPU option on my direct flght, even with R open.
On an HNL - IAH - ATL, the option showed up. Both flights had R availability and the upgrade screen showed 3 seats open on both flights. Used a GPU and only the IAH - ATL was upgraded. Called and told you cannot use a GPU in less than W fare, which was the case pre 3/12, but not the case anymore. Spoke to a supv and had them put it through. (UA: Please provide, at least to your "Premier Line" people more training, maybe a clear chart showing them which instruments can be used for which type of flights, at least).
I'm glad you reached an agent who knew the advertised policy and was willing to follow up.
Originally Posted by
808oman
What is funny on the HNL - EWR leg, we all bought T fare, but my cash upgrade shows $795 and my kids show cash upgrade of $1,687 each way, vs $795 offered to me as 1K.
The flight is eligible for Y/B/M upgrades for elite members. As an elite member, you can upgrade from B to the front cabin provided that PN space is available. As a 1K, you can also upgrade from the slightly cheaper M fare class to the front cabin provided that PN inventory is available. (You can upgrade from Y as long as there's any space at all, which in practice means mostly means as long as there's F inventory on domestic flights.)
If everything is working correctly, then your non-elite-member traveling companions are being shown the price to upfare from T to the cheapest available premium-cabin fare that they could just go out and buy right now. You're being shown the price to upfare from T to M and immediately confirm an elite upgrade from M to PN.