Originally Posted by SEA_Tigger
When I checked-in for my SEA-LAX and LAX-IAD flight last weekend, it told me upgrades were not available on either leg, yet offers me a paid upgrade (which I decline as I didn't want to upgrade, period). SEA-LAX then went out with 5 of 24 seat filled.
So clearly you would have cleared the WL on SEA-LAX, but the system wouldn't even let you request an UG! Geez!
It has been my experience that "Upgrade Available" means just that - they have NF/NC/X/I space available right then and right there. I can only guess with UA's new policy of trying to sell upgrades before processing the waitlist at the gate, the system is getting confused (offering upgrades because it shows NF/NC space, but that space is being held for paid upgrades so the system puts you on the DM).
This is a good theory. So when it says "no ug available" it probably means there is no NF/NC at that moment. But it should still let you REQUEST an UG one would think.
It sounds like the best policy is to ignore the "upgrade available/unavailable" button.
My new policy with 500 milers is to either call and speak with an agent within my window (bypassing the automated systems) to see if I can be confirmed right then and there. I don't want to risk burning extras if the system puts me on the DM and I have to clear by segment.
This too is a good idea. I often don't want to UG unless I can get all segments cleared (esp if flying SNA-SFO-LAX-DEN for example, where getting all segs costs 2 500s but getting only the first and last segs costs 3). Since united.com can't do "clear all or none", using an agent is the way to go. ^