I was in Hawaii from 10/22 thru 10/27 with my daughter. I did not have enough miles for 2 RT upgrades, so a 1K flyer I know gifted me a CR-1 for my return flight. This was done electronically via the 1K line. The 1K also sent me a gift letter, "just in case."

When I checked in at HNL I was told there was "a problem with the upgrade" and that the upgrade was "not complete." I told the GA that the upgrade was a gift and produced the letter, which included a signature, the 1K's MP number and her telephone number. The GA said she had to speak to a supervisor and left us standing at the check-in station for 20 min.

When she returned she said that UA would not honor the upgrade because they had to "protect" their members. I asked why UA could not simply call and confirm with the
1K (since her number was included in the letter and could have been compare to the number they had for her) I can't recall what terminology she used, but she basically accused me of fabricating the letter. I tried to reason with her but they just didn't want to honor it. She offered us E+, I had enough for one upgrade so I used miles for F for me and put my daughter in E+.

Prior to speaking with the F/Premier GA, I tried to speak with 3 other GA's who were standing near the check-in kiosk's chatting. Before I got any words out of my mouth they waived me off telling me to use the machine. I'm sorry but this is the second time I have had less than polite service at HNL. I have never dealt with ruder GA's at any other airport. The upgrade issue just frosted me.

I don't know what else I could have done other than have the 1K standing there with me at the gate. I am considering writing a letter, when I cool off.

Be careful out there when gifting upgrades.