I tried calling UA reservations; I tried MP; I even tried web support (I know... waste of time).

I recently flew LAX-PDX-DEN in F using e-500s that cleared before check-in. Mr. Chicken pulled 2 certs, because (as is well-documented on FT) the point-to-point distance LAX-DEN is under 1000 miles. LAX-PDX-DEN is not a valid routing; the fare was broken, but my PDX layover was < 4 hrs.

Next week I travel SJC-ORD-DEN, another broken fare with only 30 mins in ORD. I have applied for an upgrade with e-500s, assuming it will cost me 2 coupons (SJC-DEN is under 1000) because the loads are super light. But I'm unsure. It is not worth 6 coupons to me.

So I have called UA as I mentioned above: every agent said "6 coupons" for this routing. But not a single agent even knew the point-to-point rule when I asked.

It's so frustrating that rule so well-known on this forum is a complete mystery to several of the agents I've spoken with.

Here's my question: I want to UG only if I can get it for 2 coupons. Is there a way to arrange this? I put in for the UG online, but if both clear I still have to wait until check-in to see how many will be pulled. Then if it's 6 coupons, I may not be able to downgrade due to lack of inventory in the appropriate fare buckets.

Argh.