I would definitely agree there was a large difference in upgrade ability when I made 1K years ago from PE (I have remained a 1K ever since). When I was a PE, the upgrade rate was aprox 66%. After obtaining 1K, I would say its been 100% over the past 5+ years. Although 90+% of my travel is international, I still have to fly domestic feeder flights and/or midwest to west coast hops to connect to the long haul's. Typically CVG/DAY/IND to ORD sometimes continuing on to LAX/SFO.

For the times I fly C, all domestic legs are automatically in F, so upgrades are a non-issue. When flying Eco, I normally use NA Confirmies when connecting thru LAX/SFO, but sometimes just hand over those 500 mile books instead. When I am flying CVG/DAY/IND to ORD connecting to a NRT or HKG flight, I dont even bother asking for upgrades for the 35 minute midwest hop, but always get one anyway due to the fact so few 1K's exist in the CVG/DAY/IND area and most all gate agents know my face by now. Certain gate agents at some of the aforementioned airports will even check for international NC/NF space and if they can wiggle it, will hand me suprise boarding passes with upgraded seats. They have said in the past that UA Sales Reps in this area have leaned hard on gate staff to "take care of" 100K flyers to compete with the Delta hub franchise in CVG. I really think the way PE's and 1K's are upgraded has a tremendous amount to do with where you originate out of! If I was based out of IAD or SFO, I most likely would never see the same treatment. Getting to know UA Sales Reps (in my case Reps that deal with corp travel only) can also benefit you in the long run!

The major grumble I have had with UA all these years as a 1K was the lack of systemwide upgrades. UA has seen the light and finally realized many were ready to jump ship, so now 1K's will get them. There are other ways to wiggle systemwides, however you need to have the annual mileage and spending justified before making such requests! (well over 100,000 miles a year, more likely near 200,000).

Some have mentioned that the conversion to E-Upgrades would affect getting freebies and comps from gate agents. Certain UA staff have with the know have said this will affect domestic travelers more the international as remote/foreign UA operations use various procedures and have much greater authority in overiding reservations/rules to compete with foreign carriers in those markets. I have also heard that NA gate agents will still have the abilty to provide operational upgrades for all kinds of reasons, but they will have to justify them if they hand out more than some figure UA has created? If I were a Premie, the new system would most likely reduce my chances, but I dont think 1K's will see a reduction in getting the bigger seats. When UA has their next contract negotiation with the Pilots and FA's unions, they should invite a cross selection of MP members to discuss the Employee First Class service? Now that would be fun



------------------
Getting Closer to The Million Mile Dream!