I updated the wiki for NH, which didn’t specifically list Z fares as being eligible in the quote (but a comment below saying people had success…) It’s now published on the UA site that Z fares are indeed upgradable, ending any ambiguity.

This will be my first attempt to use PPs outside of United; so I’m very unfamiliar with this. I haven’t pulled the trigger yet to buy the ticket yet, as I have a few questions, which I’d love help with, please and thank you!

Z fare on an NH operated, but United codeshare. Looks like I have to call to convert it to an NH flight number, which I’d do shortly after the ticket issues, is there a chance for a fare change? I saw some instances of that in the thread, but should I worry if I’m doing it relatively quickly after purchase?

This whole 8 weeks thing. I saw mixed reports. The flight isn’t until October, but currently shows O9, which leads me to believe the upgrade would clear instantly, basically, if I applied it right now. EDITED TO ADD: My error of reading UA’s codeshare buckets as NH’s led me to this erroneous conclusion. Indeed, there are not 9 seats in F for sale, since apparently the most any plane has is 8!

If it doesn’t clear right away, I see people talking about not getting waitlisted or something due to the inability to request within 24 hours. Does this mean that if I don’t clear at the 24 hour mark, I won’t get upgraded?

It’s ORD-NRT, I can use the Polaris lounge at ORD, right? What about the ANA F lounge at NRT? I’m connecting onward, internationally on ANA in Business.

Thanks!