Originally Posted by
NYC Private Equity
Is there any way to get around the massive upgrade co-pays when using miles? These copays for HI, Europe basically devalue the miles. Old UA never needed to pay extra. Am flying to HNL tomorrow and looking for any tips.
'Old UA' didn't have nonstop routes from the East Coast to Hawaii with guaranteed lie flat seats in business/first class. That product (nonstop + hard product) is more valuable, so they charge more for it. You should know that being in PE
Sorry, but 'old UA' laments aren't productive. It's been 5 years.
To answer your question...
Sometimes there are cash (and no miles) upgrade options when checking in. There also used to be a special cash buy up program in person at the airport just for Hawaii flights when Continental ran it. Not sure if that program is still in the system - worth asking about.
But there are only 3 seats upfront tomorrow.
Maybe do a same day change to a route through SFO, DEN, ORD, or LAX where you might get a free elite upgrade. But there are not many open seats on those either tomorrow.