Originally Posted by
sholnay
I'd second this. My anecdotal experience is W stands for worthless (but expensive). This might have been due to United's f'up, who knows, but:
Last year I booked 2 W tickets (myself and my partner) ORD-AMS. I used 2 GPU's. Bought the tickets 6 months prior to departure. I'm 1k, partner is MP member only. At the gate, my partner is #1 spot (United can't tell me why other than, whoops) and I'm #2. I checked with the GA 1 minute before boarding and was told that someone just bought full fare business in the last open seat.
On return flight, united had previously split our tickets without me knowing. Now my partner is 500 down the list on return flight, and I'm #1. Had the ticket not been split, he would have been #2, but I digress.
Anyway, I rarely clear GPU's flying domestically, never worth betting an upgrade on an international. I've written them off as worthless. If I want business I'll buy it or use miles.
Similar comment on the wiki about why GPU/RPU's are worthless. Sadly similar experience as yours last year going SFO-FRA and SFO-MUN. Booked months in advance, used GPU's for myself and partner (and on returns). Never got taken. Long TATL flights in UA E+ both ways and both trips, not pretty. Will NEVER buy up and play that game again. I like your W stands for worthless line, very appropriate.