New to U/G Process
Aug 11, 2009 | 11:04 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: IAH
Programs: UA Gold
Posts: 363
New to U/G Process
Hello FT'ers!
I just recently earned Silver status (hooray!) for the first time, and am quite new to the elite comp u/g process. I have a few business trips DEN-IAH coming up and I'm wondering what gives me the best chance at scoring an u/g as a Silver. V booking class has a reasonable ticket cost right now, do you think that is high enough, or should I hold out for H, Q, etc?
Thanks!!
I just recently earned Silver status (hooray!) for the first time, and am quite new to the elite comp u/g process. I have a few business trips DEN-IAH coming up and I'm wondering what gives me the best chance at scoring an u/g as a Silver. V booking class has a reasonable ticket cost right now, do you think that is high enough, or should I hold out for H, Q, etc?
Thanks!!
Aug 11, 2009 | 11:44 am
#2
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Welcome to CO-land. From my understanding, DEN has the highest concentration of CO elites that isn't a hub...holdovers from when it was a hub. DEN-IAH upgrades are hard for Plats. Don't go in expecting the EUA.
And to further answer your question about the upgrade process in general, check out our stickied FAQ. There's a really good explanation in there.
And to further answer your question about the upgrade process in general, check out our stickied FAQ. There's a really good explanation in there.
Aug 11, 2009 | 11:47 am
#3
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If you're hoping to get an upgrade out of DEN as a Silver, you better fly at "off" times or when the business travelers aren't flying.
Aug 11, 2009 | 12:00 pm
#4
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: PSM
Posts: 69,232
B fares where there is AN inventory available or a Y fare when any seat up front is still for sale = instant upgrade. Everything else is a crap shoot.
While you will do slightly better with the higher fare, the fact that you are at the bottom of the list anyways is really what is going to hurt your chances. I wouldn't buy from V up to H. I'd either buy the instant upgrade to be in F or the cheapest and expect to be in Y.
While you will do slightly better with the higher fare, the fact that you are at the bottom of the list anyways is really what is going to hurt your chances. I wouldn't buy from V up to H. I'd either buy the instant upgrade to be in F or the cheapest and expect to be in Y.
Aug 11, 2009 | 12:53 pm
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: IAH
Programs: UA Gold
Posts: 363
Thanks!
Thanks for the replies, and good point Mike about DEN being a CO hub back in the day...didn't even think about that!
I think I will just go ahead and book the flights now...I feel a bit guilty holding out for an M or H fare when I can book a cheaper one, and at least I can get a better seat in Y this far in advance.
I think I will just go ahead and book the flights now...I feel a bit guilty holding out for an M or H fare when I can book a cheaper one, and at least I can get a better seat in Y this far in advance.
Aug 11, 2009 | 3:37 pm
#6
Join Date: Jan 2009
Programs: UA PP (47% MM), HH Gold, National Exec Elite
Posts: 548
0/2 this weekend as a PLAT.
Flight isn't that long though. If you can get an exit row seat at T-24 you'll be golden.
Flight isn't that long though. If you can get an exit row seat at T-24 you'll be golden.
Aug 11, 2009 | 3:40 pm
#7
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Aug 11, 2009 | 4:25 pm
#8
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Aug 11, 2009 | 4:50 pm
#9
Join Date: May 2001
Location: HNL
Posts: 1,076
I like your handle - go Boilers indeed!! ^^
Aug 16, 2009 | 4:05 pm
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: IAH
Programs: UA Gold
Posts: 363
FYI
Just to let you know, my upgrade actually cleared today! Recap:
CO Sliver Elite
Booked in V class DEN-IAH on CO 498 on a 753 (2:30 PM departure)
Was not very hopeful of an upgrade based on the comments above, but was the 3rd to last person to get a seat in F...very cool!
CO Sliver Elite
Booked in V class DEN-IAH on CO 498 on a 753 (2:30 PM departure)
Was not very hopeful of an upgrade based on the comments above, but was the 3rd to last person to get a seat in F...very cool!
Aug 16, 2009 | 4:07 pm
#11
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: SAT
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Posts: 3,682
The 2:30 and 4:00ish departure are usually an easy upgrade, IME. Hope you're upgraded on the way back!
Aug 16, 2009 | 4:15 pm
#12
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Just to let you know, my upgrade actually cleared today! Recap:
CO Sliver Elite
Booked in V class DEN-IAH on CO 498 on a 753 (2:30 PM departure)
Was not very hopeful of an upgrade based on the comments above, but was the 3rd to last person to get a seat in F...very cool!
CO Sliver Elite
Booked in V class DEN-IAH on CO 498 on a 753 (2:30 PM departure)
Was not very hopeful of an upgrade based on the comments above, but was the 3rd to last person to get a seat in F...very cool!
The 753 flights are the one of the few flights I was able to get an upgrade on as a Silver out of DEN.
Somehow I scored upgrades on 735s a few times as well.
Aug 16, 2009 | 5:31 pm
#13
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: CLL
Programs: MS Plat, AOR ninja
Posts: 2,177
Just to let you know, my upgrade actually cleared today! Recap:
CO Sliver Elite
Booked in V class DEN-IAH on CO 498 on a 753 (2:30 PM departure)
Was not very hopeful of an upgrade based on the comments above, but was the 3rd to last person to get a seat in F...very cool!
CO Sliver Elite
Booked in V class DEN-IAH on CO 498 on a 753 (2:30 PM departure)
Was not very hopeful of an upgrade based on the comments above, but was the 3rd to last person to get a seat in F...very cool!
Aug 16, 2009 | 8:53 pm
#14
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Portland, Maine
Programs: UA 1K 1MM, HYATT Globalist, HH Diamond, AA Plat Pro, MR Lifetime Plat
Posts: 1,196
Also new to U/G process on Co.com
I too am new to CO as a Gold.
I am confused by the upgrade process.
As mentioned I am Gold (on Co) and fly mostly on economy fares.
First few flights were easy to understand; Once I check in I can view my Comp U/G status and has cleared 3 for 3.
Tomorrow i have another flight booked on a 737 and I checked in 23hrs ahead of departure.
NO WHERE on the Co.com on the itin can I locate were I am in the upgrade list. It is like the button is missing.
I called Co.com and spoke to the rep at the Gold desk and she put me on hold, after a 6 minute wait she came back and said #4 on the list.
Does my being #4 have anything to do with the "button/link" to view the upgrade list?
What am I missing?
I am confused by the upgrade process.
As mentioned I am Gold (on Co) and fly mostly on economy fares.
First few flights were easy to understand; Once I check in I can view my Comp U/G status and has cleared 3 for 3.
Tomorrow i have another flight booked on a 737 and I checked in 23hrs ahead of departure.
NO WHERE on the Co.com on the itin can I locate were I am in the upgrade list. It is like the button is missing.
I called Co.com and spoke to the rep at the Gold desk and she put me on hold, after a 6 minute wait she came back and said #4 on the list.
Does my being #4 have anything to do with the "button/link" to view the upgrade list?
What am I missing?
Aug 16, 2009 | 8:56 pm
#15
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: PDX
Programs: AS Titanium, Marriott Lifetime Plat, UA Gold
Posts: 11,594
I too am new to CO as a Gold.
I am confused by the upgrade process.
As mentioned I am Gold (on Co) and fly mostly on economy fares.
First few flights were easy to understand; Once I check in I can view my Comp U/G status and has cleared 3 for 3.
Tomorrow i have another flight booked on a 737 and I checked in 23hrs ahead of departure.
NO WHERE on the Co.com on the itin can I locate were I am in the upgrade list. It is like the button is missing.
I called Co.com and spoke to the rep at the Gold desk and she put me on hold, after a 6 minute wait she came back and said #4 on the list.
Does my being #4 have anything to do with the "button/link" to view the upgrade list?
What am I missing?
I am confused by the upgrade process.
As mentioned I am Gold (on Co) and fly mostly on economy fares.
First few flights were easy to understand; Once I check in I can view my Comp U/G status and has cleared 3 for 3.
Tomorrow i have another flight booked on a 737 and I checked in 23hrs ahead of departure.
NO WHERE on the Co.com on the itin can I locate were I am in the upgrade list. It is like the button is missing.
I called Co.com and spoke to the rep at the Gold desk and she put me on hold, after a 6 minute wait she came back and said #4 on the list.
Does my being #4 have anything to do with the "button/link" to view the upgrade list?
What am I missing?
Your position on the list has to do with your elite level, the elite level of others on the flight and your fare class.