Originally Posted by
flyguy6
Few questions for a United noob. I read through this thread but it is very confusion when the upgrade gets PQM/PQS/PQD.
I have a $100 United voucher and I am looking to use it for a paid upgrade before it expires. Is this allowed? ...
Yes, but just for upfared upgrades and it can be the only form of payment
Originally Posted by
flyguy6
I don't need PQD but am interested in the PQM as I am doing the Premier Gold status match challenge. How can I tell if the upgrade will earn the PQM? ...
In general terms, if the fare difference between present fare and a premium cabin fare is paid, an up-faring, then you will earn the PQMs for the new fare.
However, many upgrades are via an upgrade fee, in this case, the mileage earning is based on original purchased fare.
The thread's wiki (top post) goes into how to tell post purchase which is which
Originally Posted by
flyguy6
From the United app or website I can see an option to upgrade. Do upgrade prices fluctuate and how do I get the best price that earns PQM's? ...
They may vary or may not be offered in the future, so waiting may lead to disappointment. Best to purchase if acceptable to you.and pass if not acceptable.
Originally Posted by
flyguy6
Current upgrade prices:
Phoenix, AZ, US (PHX) to Raleigh/Durham, NC, US (RDU)
$139 / person PHX to SFO 2 hr 0 mn Airbus A320 United First
$259 / person SFO to RDU 5 hr 10 mn Airbus A320 United First
Raleigh/Durham, NC, US (RDU) to Phoenix, AZ, US (PHX)
$169 / person RDU to IAH 2 hr 55 mn Embraer ERJ-175 United First
$179 / person IAH to PHX 2 hr 41 mn Airbus A319 United First
Impossible to tell which upgrade types these are, however, most of the opportunities shown in the app or online are upgrade fees. Upgrade fees seem to always end in "9." Only if the refaring is less will it be offered after recent changes and it can be any number value.The best way to check for the refare delta is to use change flight. Unfortunately, if you want to get the change fee waived per GGG BUYUP, you can not make that change online and must call.
Note the above are all in the $50-$60/hour range, a sign they are likely upgrade fees.