Originally Posted by
Ilove2fly
Hi I am booked on a NH flight from KUL to NRT on a 016 ticket stock. I called UA 1K line to use PP for an upgrade from Premium Economy to business. The 1K agent said that it's not upgradeable. After examining my tickets, I notice that the fare class is N and only G and E are upgradable. For some reason, the 1K agent just told me to call ANA when the ticket stock 016 and I am trying to use PP. There are at least 5 J seats left in the business class for this flight. Would it be wise to pay an up-charge to G fare class and attempt to apply PP. I don't know the price for the up faring since I have not called UA back. I don't want to pay the upcharge and the upgrade does not go through. The 1K agent did mention that no one is on the upgrade waitlist for my flight.
I don’t think UA has insight into ANA’s upgrade program procedures, so updaring can be a gamble. I also think if ANA has one seat left and they think they might be able to sell it, they will let it go out empty if they don’t with 24 hours (leaving people on their waitlist). An upfare into an upgradable fare class will often return a price not too far from where just buying the Premium Economy outright makes sense if a guaranteed seat is wanted. I’d definitely call UA and ask what it would cost to get the minimal upgradable fare class, then weigh your options.