Should we be concerned with this new Upgrade Development?
Aug 30, 2010, 3:51 pm
#16
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: DCA
Programs: UA LT 1K, AA EXP, Bonvoy LT Titan, Avis PC, Hilton Gold
Posts: 9,658
Any knowledge whether Golds and Silvers are also being offered the new discounted upgrades?
If the case, then a Silver for example could opt for the $29 upgrade and beat out higher level elites.
If the case, then a Silver for example could opt for the $29 upgrade and beat out higher level elites.
Aug 30, 2010, 4:00 pm
#17
Suspended
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: DCA
Programs: UA Gold
Posts: 1,653
Is it possible that the "on sale" upgrades are just the normal non-buy-up upgrade with a new marketing spin.
"Hey look how much you're saving on this First Class ticket. Better buy now!"
Both times I've seen the "on sale" upgrades offered, I was on an award ticket and the FC cabin went out with empties.
"Hey look how much you're saving on this First Class ticket. Better buy now!"
Both times I've seen the "on sale" upgrades offered, I was on an award ticket and the FC cabin went out with empties.
Aug 30, 2010, 4:19 pm
#18
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 4
Also platinum required to pay for upgrade
So I'm not the only one. I'm new to this board (or at least, it's been awhile) and I don't know all the lingo.
But my situation is similar. I had a direct San Antonio (SAT) to EWR flight, 5 of 12 seats upfront were available, I was not automatically upgraded, but offered the chance to upgrade for $129. I did. I figured that others would be offered this same deal, and so the likelihood of any upgrade would be low.
The thing is, I have no idea to whom this deal is being offered. Elites only? Are elites competing with non-elites? When I called to complain, I got the same "we're trying to make money" reply. I have no problem with that. I have a problem with the lack of transparency (I know, lots of laughter at the naivete). She CO rep said that it could be that Platinums (or any elites) might even be getting lower prices. Absolutely no way to tell.
This surely will be chaotic if standard practice. Will we be going back to whoever logs on and checks in first will get the (chance at the) upgrades?
Certainly dilutes the value; I was considering chasing Platinum again (I'll be close), but it is unclear whether there will be any value in that. I mean, really unclear.
But my situation is similar. I had a direct San Antonio (SAT) to EWR flight, 5 of 12 seats upfront were available, I was not automatically upgraded, but offered the chance to upgrade for $129. I did. I figured that others would be offered this same deal, and so the likelihood of any upgrade would be low.
The thing is, I have no idea to whom this deal is being offered. Elites only? Are elites competing with non-elites? When I called to complain, I got the same "we're trying to make money" reply. I have no problem with that. I have a problem with the lack of transparency (I know, lots of laughter at the naivete). She CO rep said that it could be that Platinums (or any elites) might even be getting lower prices. Absolutely no way to tell.
This surely will be chaotic if standard practice. Will we be going back to whoever logs on and checks in first will get the (chance at the) upgrades?
Certainly dilutes the value; I was considering chasing Platinum again (I'll be close), but it is unclear whether there will be any value in that. I mean, really unclear.
Aug 30, 2010, 4:31 pm
#19
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Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: PSM
Posts: 69,232
Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry9630/5.0.0.591 Profile/MIDP-2.1 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/105)
One example I saw yesterday was a gold and it showed both the B-Up difference as the "normal" fare-up and then the "on sale" number below at a significant discount.
Originally Posted by cova
Any knowledge whether Golds and Silvers are also being offered the new discounted upgrades?
If the case, then a Silver for example could opt for the $29 upgrade and beat out higher level elites.
If the case, then a Silver for example could opt for the $29 upgrade and beat out higher level elites.
Aug 30, 2010, 4:37 pm
#20
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Manchester, NH
Programs: UA 1k 1MM, National Exec Elite, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Gold, IHG Gold, AMTRAK
Posts: 513
Along these lines, not just with CO but UA also:
I booked my sister a EWR-ORD RT last week for later in September in a cheap cheap "T" fare, around 250.00 all in.
When booking, the return flight is a mainline flight and offered a IMMEDIATE upgrade to first class for the return for 150.00 WHEN BOOKING the ticket.
She isn't elite, and as a matter of fact, I just signed her up for a new MP account.
UA, CO and all airlines have the right to make $$$ and "sell" upgrades, but these kinds of upgrades are disingenuous at best to loyal frequent fliers that are given the perk of unlimited available upgrades.
Needless to say, I didn't buy the upgrade, but I can see several who would and that takes a upgrade away from a elite.
I booked my sister a EWR-ORD RT last week for later in September in a cheap cheap "T" fare, around 250.00 all in.
When booking, the return flight is a mainline flight and offered a IMMEDIATE upgrade to first class for the return for 150.00 WHEN BOOKING the ticket.
She isn't elite, and as a matter of fact, I just signed her up for a new MP account.
UA, CO and all airlines have the right to make $$$ and "sell" upgrades, but these kinds of upgrades are disingenuous at best to loyal frequent fliers that are given the perk of unlimited available upgrades.
Needless to say, I didn't buy the upgrade, but I can see several who would and that takes a upgrade away from a elite.
Aug 30, 2010, 4:46 pm
#21
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Houston, IAH
Programs: United Global Services,Hilton Diamond, Starwood Platinum, Hyatt Diamond, National Executive Elite
Posts: 449
Interesting... I'm actually flying the same route on the same day. I purchased my ticket today and was given two options, either the M fare for roughly 780/RT or the Z fare of roughly 784/RT.
Scott
Scott
Aug 30, 2010, 4:47 pm
#22
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I have no issue with penalty free fare class changes that put you in first sold by the segment of the trip. none at all. that is 100% legit, within the rules revenue. I have no issue with it being offered to elites.
I DO have a problem with the 'on sale' priced fareups that take away an upgrade for a measily $29 or even $99. Customer loyalty is getting to the point of really worth nothing to companies now.
I DO have a problem with the 'on sale' priced fareups that take away an upgrade for a measily $29 or even $99. Customer loyalty is getting to the point of really worth nothing to companies now.
Aug 30, 2010, 5:59 pm
#23
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Manchester, NH
Programs: UA 1k 1MM, National Exec Elite, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Gold, IHG Gold, AMTRAK
Posts: 513
Along these lines, not just with CO but UA also:
I booked my sister a EWR-ORD RT last week for later in September in a cheap cheap "T" fare, around 250.00 all in.
When booking, the return flight is a mainline flight and offered a IMMEDIATE upgrade to first class for the return for 150.00 WHEN BOOKING the ticket.
She isn't elite, and as a matter of fact, I just signed her up for a new MP account.
UA, CO and all airlines have the right to make $$$ and "sell" upgrades, but these kinds of upgrades are disingenuous at best to loyal frequent fliers that are given the perk of unlimited available upgrades.
Needless to say, I didn't buy the upgrade, but I can see several who would and that takes a upgrade away from a elite.
I booked my sister a EWR-ORD RT last week for later in September in a cheap cheap "T" fare, around 250.00 all in.
When booking, the return flight is a mainline flight and offered a IMMEDIATE upgrade to first class for the return for 150.00 WHEN BOOKING the ticket.
She isn't elite, and as a matter of fact, I just signed her up for a new MP account.
UA, CO and all airlines have the right to make $$$ and "sell" upgrades, but these kinds of upgrades are disingenuous at best to loyal frequent fliers that are given the perk of unlimited available upgrades.
Needless to say, I didn't buy the upgrade, but I can see several who would and that takes a upgrade away from a elite.
https://store.united.com/traveloptio...id=UM_PRMCABIN
One-way upgrades start as low as
65.00 USD
65.00 USD
Last edited by mht_flyer; Aug 30, 2010 at 6:01 pm Reason: addition
Aug 30, 2010, 7:27 pm
#24
Join Date: Mar 2005
Programs: Continental Onepass, Hilton, Marriott, USAir and now UA
Posts: 6,437
Are you sure the Z fare was really a first class fare code? I looked to book a CLE-SEA RT through LAX and while I was able to get B fare upgrades for CLE to SEA, I was not able to get the upgrade for the LAX to CLE. However, when I asked for a first class fare from LAX to CLE, CO.com came back with a Z fare for about $10 more. However, when I went to look at the fare rules, the "Z" fare was really a BUP fare (an economy fare bucket). So I wonder if you are seeing a Z fare a some weird BUP fare. (BTW- I have never seen a BUP fare on CO before. Is this something new?).
Aug 30, 2010, 8:01 pm
#25
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: TX
Posts: 2,734
One more reason to fly CO - kettles can get upgraded to first for a minimal fee while hard core elites get passed over. I thought it was bad last week last week when my "on hold" ticket on AA got the upgraded before I bought it.
Aug 30, 2010, 8:26 pm
#26
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Austin, TX
Programs: AA LT Plat, UA 1k/1mm+, National EE, IC Plat, Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 2,605
So I'm not the only one. I'm new to this board (or at least, it's been awhile) and I don't know all the lingo.
But my situation is similar. I had a direct San Antonio (SAT) to EWR flight, 5 of 12 seats upfront were available, I was not automatically upgraded, but offered the chance to upgrade for $129. I did. I figured that others would be offered this same deal, and so the likelihood of any upgrade would be low.
The thing is, I have no idea to whom this deal is being offered. Elites only? Are elites competing with non-elites? When I called to complain, I got the same "we're trying to make money" reply. I have no problem with that. I have a problem with the lack of transparency (I know, lots of laughter at the naivete). She CO rep said that it could be that Platinums (or any elites) might even be getting lower prices. Absolutely no way to tell.
This surely will be chaotic if standard practice. Will we be going back to whoever logs on and checks in first will get the (chance at the) upgrades?
Certainly dilutes the value; I was considering chasing Platinum again (I'll be close), but it is unclear whether there will be any value in that. I mean, really unclear.
But my situation is similar. I had a direct San Antonio (SAT) to EWR flight, 5 of 12 seats upfront were available, I was not automatically upgraded, but offered the chance to upgrade for $129. I did. I figured that others would be offered this same deal, and so the likelihood of any upgrade would be low.
The thing is, I have no idea to whom this deal is being offered. Elites only? Are elites competing with non-elites? When I called to complain, I got the same "we're trying to make money" reply. I have no problem with that. I have a problem with the lack of transparency (I know, lots of laughter at the naivete). She CO rep said that it could be that Platinums (or any elites) might even be getting lower prices. Absolutely no way to tell.
This surely will be chaotic if standard practice. Will we be going back to whoever logs on and checks in first will get the (chance at the) upgrades?
Certainly dilutes the value; I was considering chasing Platinum again (I'll be close), but it is unclear whether there will be any value in that. I mean, really unclear.
At least, CO should disclose the rules that govern the buy up program so that we have a fair chance to evaluate our upgrade bu-up purchases. Truly a disgrace and increasingly reminiscent of used car salesmanship.
Aug 30, 2010, 9:12 pm
#27
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Programs: Mlife Plat,Total Rewards Diamond, UA Plat, Marriott Gold, Hyatt Diamond, Hertz 5*, Avis Presidents C
Posts: 264
My EUA for SFO-IAH cleared at the platinum window. I don't think this is happening on ALL flights. Last week I had an EUA only clear 3 hours before boarding time on the same route. I only book fares H and lower.
Aug 30, 2010, 10:21 pm
#28
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Join Date: Sep 2002
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Posts: 42,199
I thought CO's policy on upgrades was very clear:
1) fare difference buy-ups would be offered to any customer, status or no status, and the cost would always be the difference between fare paid and the lowest available upgradable fare at the time of ticketing - YBM for Plats, YB for Gold/Silver, or the lowest F class fare for non status
2) segment fee buy-ups (the $29 nonsense) would be offered to any customer, but only if the number of available FC seats exceeds the number of upgrade-eligible customers on the flight who are still waiting for their upgrade to clear
Is the information in this thread indicating a change in the above policy or just a spin on the same policy delivered with poor marketing taste?
If it's the former, we need to escalate this.
1) fare difference buy-ups would be offered to any customer, status or no status, and the cost would always be the difference between fare paid and the lowest available upgradable fare at the time of ticketing - YBM for Plats, YB for Gold/Silver, or the lowest F class fare for non status
2) segment fee buy-ups (the $29 nonsense) would be offered to any customer, but only if the number of available FC seats exceeds the number of upgrade-eligible customers on the flight who are still waiting for their upgrade to clear
Is the information in this thread indicating a change in the above policy or just a spin on the same policy delivered with poor marketing taste?
If it's the former, we need to escalate this.
Aug 30, 2010, 10:21 pm
#29
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Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: PSM
Posts: 69,232
Along these lines, not just with CO but UA also:
I booked my sister a EWR-ORD RT last week for later in September in a cheap cheap "T" fare, around 250.00 all in.
When booking, the return flight is a mainline flight and offered a IMMEDIATE upgrade to first class for the return for 150.00 WHEN BOOKING the ticket.
I booked my sister a EWR-ORD RT last week for later in September in a cheap cheap "T" fare, around 250.00 all in.
When booking, the return flight is a mainline flight and offered a IMMEDIATE upgrade to first class for the return for 150.00 WHEN BOOKING the ticket.
Not very new, but reasonably so. Basically since shortly before the *A move CO has had the BCOUP*** fares in some markets.
Aug 30, 2010, 11:01 pm
#30
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SRQ-NYC-DCA
Programs: OnePass Infinite CO MM, PC Charter Lifer SkyMiles GM, MileagePlus
Posts: 1,826
Becoming An Epidemic
This rather new & ever changing pattern of
yanking the rug out by R/M & Marketing is
growing "dynamically" to use their own word
It is most likely to only get worse
yanking the rug out by R/M & Marketing is
growing "dynamically" to use their own word
It is most likely to only get worse