Originally Posted by
horse glasses
It's not true. I am a vegetarian and have cleared (paid) upgrade lists and had an op-up. Unless this one is easier because there is always a meatless option in UA J.
There are two separate issues here.
First, will you clear an upgrade with only an RPU or merely as a CPU and the answer is no, regardless of meals or anything else.
Second, if you do clear an upgrade (with perhaps a GPU, a TOD or miles + co-pay) will a) the request for a special meal stop that happening and/or b) the special meal request stick in the system. On a) we believe that the request for the special meal will have no effect on whether you get the upgrade. On b), if the upgrade occurs after T-24, it's too late to change the catering so the best that can be hoped for is that the OP's original special meal is re-plated and served in C (this has happened to me several times). If the upgrade happens before T-24, then, in theory, the request should attach itself to the upgraded space, but it might not happen and it would be prudent to check on the telephone.