IMO the current process is:
1 - Upgrade via $$$ (mediocre offers)
2 - Upgrade via $$ (TODs)
3 - Upgrade via instrument
4 - Upgrade via CPU
5 - Upgrade via dumb luck/op-up
To be honest, the change from CPU to e500 would just comingle 3&4 in my example above, right? You still have UA RM quoting lower upgrade prices to non-elites. I was offered $649 on a flight a friend was offered $249. Same fare class, routing, etc.
To answer the OP, I'd make it clearer. I'd eliminate the CPU because the actual "benefit" doesn't really reflect the nature of how UA approaches upgrades. Then put in the e500 process.
A crazy thought -
I'd clearly ID how upgrades are being cleared on the "CPU" list:
Booked 11/12
SMI, J. GS/ PAID
SMI, J. GS/ PAID
1. XYZ, A. 1K/ 20Kmiles
2. BLA, T. G/ 20Kmiles
Well, everyone SMI, J paid for 2.. and I used 20k miles. In the above, I may jump on and see what the buy up is.. That way your elites can plan, play the game a little and move themselves around the upgrade list. You'll get more $$ and instruments FROM YOUR ELITES instead of randoms that you gave a nice TOD to. If I knew what the person(s) in front of me did there, I'd be able to maneuver into #1 or clear immediately.
Never going to happen.
Last edited by Tblack15; Apr 11, 2016 at 11:19 am