Apologies if this has been discussed, but I was unable to find it. Booked a flight + hotel package from SFO-HNL on Expedia, and called in today to upgrade it. Flights were booked into 'G' fares, which I understand are bulk fares. Called twice, and both agents I spoke with asked supervisors, as they were surprised, but apparently I can't use GPUs or RPUs to upgrade them. FWIW, the flight I was trying to upgrade was a 737-800.

Interestingly, the first agent I spoke with told me it was most likely a result of having booked the bulk fare through Expedia. Figured this was possible, but I've booked Hawaii packages on there before, and I've never had any difficulty upgrading them. The same flights I booked are available on .bomb for $336 RT and book into 'G' class, also. So I asked the 2nd agent if I had booked the flights on United.com as 'G' fares for $336 whether I'd be able to then upgrade them. She told me the rules said no. If this is the case, I'm pretty surprised that United is selling domestic flights on its website that aren't upgrade-eligible.

Anyone have any similar experience or know if the fares are eligible for CPUs?

UPDATE: the answer is to call back until you get a PMUA agent