Sep 25, 2018, 8:54 pm
Last edit by: gengar
Upgrades to business class on EVA Air (BR) using United Airlines (UA) miles can be achieved via Star Alliance Upgrade Awards (SAUA). On BR, booking classes Y, B, and K are eligible for SAUA.
Reference links:
The general (not UA-specific) SAUA on BR thread on this FT forum: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/eva-...award-eva.html
Official UA information page about SAUA: https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly...de-awards.html
Official UA interactive award mileage chart: https://www.united.com/web/en-us/app...ardTravel.aspx
Official UA page to request SAUA (requires login): https://www.united.com/web/en-us/app...rdUpgrade.aspx
There exists limited debate as to whether SAUA availability on BR is tied to fare bucket "I" or fare bucket "Z". Initial confusion arises from the fact that fare bucket "I" is what indicates SAUA availability on many other *A carriers; therefore by default "I" is the fare bucket often associated with SAUA and is listed in some third-party tools such as KVS.
However, extensive reports from FT'ers indicate that SAUA availability on BR is actually tied to fare bucket "Z"; a total of nine different FT'ers have reported upgrading via SAUA despite I=0, with many of these FT'ers reporting Z>0. Additionally, at least one FT'er has reported being unable to upgrade when I>0 and Z=0. (For reference, see posts [63] [64] [65] [70] [71] [72] [76] [77] in the general SAUA thread and post [118] from this thread.)
Z fare bucket on BR is not displayed on BR's website or on third-party tools such as ExpertFlyer; the only way to check Z availability is to call BR directly. FT'ers have suggested calling the Taipei call center (internationally, +886 225011999 ) and specifically not mentioning SAUA or upgrades and only asking for Z fare bucket information, as discussing SAUA can only serve to confuse the phone agent.
Reference links:
The general (not UA-specific) SAUA on BR thread on this FT forum: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/eva-...award-eva.html
Official UA information page about SAUA: https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly...de-awards.html
Official UA interactive award mileage chart: https://www.united.com/web/en-us/app...ardTravel.aspx
Official UA page to request SAUA (requires login): https://www.united.com/web/en-us/app...rdUpgrade.aspx
There exists limited debate as to whether SAUA availability on BR is tied to fare bucket "I" or fare bucket "Z". Initial confusion arises from the fact that fare bucket "I" is what indicates SAUA availability on many other *A carriers; therefore by default "I" is the fare bucket often associated with SAUA and is listed in some third-party tools such as KVS.
However, extensive reports from FT'ers indicate that SAUA availability on BR is actually tied to fare bucket "Z"; a total of nine different FT'ers have reported upgrading via SAUA despite I=0, with many of these FT'ers reporting Z>0. Additionally, at least one FT'er has reported being unable to upgrade when I>0 and Z=0. (For reference, see posts [63] [64] [65] [70] [71] [72] [76] [77] in the general SAUA thread and post [118] from this thread.)
Z fare bucket on BR is not displayed on BR's website or on third-party tools such as ExpertFlyer; the only way to check Z availability is to call BR directly. FT'ers have suggested calling the Taipei call center (internationally, +886 225011999 ) and specifically not mentioning SAUA or upgrades and only asking for Z fare bucket information, as discussing SAUA can only serve to confuse the phone agent.
Steps to EVA upgrade w/ UnitedMiles
Apr 9, 2014, 3:59 pm
#61
Join Date: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,053
I'm just curious, is it really that much of a difference between the economy seats and the elite seats on a 777-300ER? I was able to book a Q class economy seat for I think $1200 or so a while back and although it's not upgradeable i was just looking at the economics of say booking a B,Y or K ticket and then using my points to upgrade to Elite.
Based on the EVA page, the Elite seats are a little wider with better cushion and it has a 120 V outlet for your computer. I never sat in the Elite section and was wondering if it is worth the additional money and points.
Based on the EVA page, the Elite seats are a little wider with better cushion and it has a 120 V outlet for your computer. I never sat in the Elite section and was wondering if it is worth the additional money and points.
DAK
Apr 9, 2014, 4:39 pm
#62
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: ATL
Programs: Delta PlM, 1M
Posts: 6,363
I'm just curious, is it really that much of a difference between the economy seats and the elite seats on a 777-300ER? I was able to book a Q class economy seat for I think $1200 or so a while back and although it's not upgradeable i was just looking at the economics of say booking a B,Y or K ticket and then using my points to upgrade to Elite.
Based on the EVA page, the Elite seats are a little wider with better cushion and it has a 120 V outlet for your computer. I never sat in the Elite section and was wondering if it is worth the additional money and points.
Based on the EVA page, the Elite seats are a little wider with better cushion and it has a 120 V outlet for your computer. I never sat in the Elite section and was wondering if it is worth the additional money and points.
For me, it is something I can survive a TPAC flight in. But a far, far cry from RL (which is a modern flat bed 1-2-1).
There is no upgrade path for you on this.
But the Elite cabin probably only costs about $1900 or so, not a bad deal.
Apr 10, 2014, 10:29 am
#63
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: NYC
Programs: SPG
Posts: 2
When I was looking at the seating map on EVA's site, I thought there were only three types of seats; the economy, the Elite and the Royal Laural (transforming bed). I didn't realize there were another type as well.
Apr 10, 2014, 5:49 pm
#64
Join Date: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,053
So you're saying that if I was to get a K ticket and if I can upgrade, I can use my UA miles to upgrade to Royal Laural Business? Is that the seats that turn into a bed?
When I was looking at the seating map on EVA's site, I thought there were only three types of seats; the economy, the Elite and the Royal Laural (transforming bed). I didn't realize there were another type as well.
When I was looking at the seating map on EVA's site, I thought there were only three types of seats; the economy, the Elite and the Royal Laural (transforming bed). I didn't realize there were another type as well.
Evaair flights to USA are three classes... Economy, Premium Economy (Elite) and Business (Royal Laurel). Star Alliance upgrade awards are from Economy to Business class. Specifically from fare classes B and Y. You cannot use Star award to upgrade to Premium Economy. For those airlines that operate a Premium Economy cabin you can upgrade from that into Business class as well, again only from specific designated fare classes -- in the case of EVA Air, from K class. Hence all the posts earlier stating that you must have a B, Y or K class ticket in order to upgrade.
With that knowledge why bother buying a K class fare if you intend and are able to use a Star Alliance upgrade -- the best strategy is to buy the cheapest fare that is upgrade eligible, in other words a B fare if it is available. I think the only reason to buy a K fare is if the upgrade is not available at time of booking, but might become available later, and the thought of flying in economy is unacceptable to you.
EVA Air has Royal Laurel, Premium Laurel and Business Class. All are business class, the difference is the seats. All long haul to the USA is Royal Laurel. Premium Laurel and Business Class is on their older aircraft used regionally in Asia and maybe some other long haul routes until they are upgraded to Royal Laurel. Only Royal Laurel is flat bed.
DAK.
Apr 10, 2014, 8:50 pm
#65
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: LAX now, previously SEA
Programs: BR Diamond, Marriott Ambassador
Posts: 206
The Elite seats are quite a bit better than Y, they are certainly not just the Y+ seats sold by the US airlines. The width advantage (2-4-2 vs 3-3-3) is a big win as you do not spend the flight rubbing elbows. I would put it as similar to a DL domestic F.
For me, it is something I can survive a TPAC flight in. But a far, far cry from RL (which is a modern flat bed 1-2-1).
There is no upgrade path for you on this.
But the Elite cabin probably only costs about $1900 or so, not a bad deal.
For me, it is something I can survive a TPAC flight in. But a far, far cry from RL (which is a modern flat bed 1-2-1).
There is no upgrade path for you on this.
But the Elite cabin probably only costs about $1900 or so, not a bad deal.
Nov 7, 2014, 1:56 pm
#66
Join Date: Mar 2007
Programs: UA MP, NW WP, AA
Posts: 719
Hi OP and anyone else that had similar experience,
Once you purchased the ticket from EVA, how long does it take you to find out from UA that upgrade is confirmed?
Can anyone help me check if star alliance (using UA miles) upgrades are available for the following itinerary?
LAX-TPE 3/30/15 (prefers BR 1)
TPE-LAX 4/14/15 (prefers BR 2)
Thanks in advance
Once you purchased the ticket from EVA, how long does it take you to find out from UA that upgrade is confirmed?
Can anyone help me check if star alliance (using UA miles) upgrades are available for the following itinerary?
LAX-TPE 3/30/15 (prefers BR 1)
TPE-LAX 4/14/15 (prefers BR 2)
Thanks in advance
Nov 7, 2014, 2:15 pm
#67
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Worldwide
Posts: 12,949
There is no Award/Upgrade Availability at the moment:
[KVS Availability Tool 7.7.0/Diamond - Awards/StarAlliance-7D]
[KVS Availability Tool 7.7.0/Diamond - Awards/StarAlliance-7D]
[KVS Availability Tool 7.7.0/Diamond - Awards/StarAlliance-7D]
Code:
LAX Los Angeles Intl CA US [KLAX]
TPE Taipei Metro / Taiwan Taoyuan Intl TW = TPE TSA [RCTP]
MON 30 Mar 2015 (27 Mar 2015 - 02 Apr 2015) | 1 Seat
Carrier Flight From Depart To Arrive A/C St Award Availability
--------- ------ ---- -------- ---- -------- --- -- ------------------
BR 1 LAX 00:05 -3 TPE 05:35 -2 77W 0 FS/ CS- YS-
BR 15 LAX 00:30 -3 TPE 06:00 -2 77W 0 FS/ CS- YS+
BR 11 LAX 16:50 -3 TPE 22:20 -2 77W 0 FS/ CS- YS+
BR 1 LAX 00:05 -2 TPE 05:35 -1 *** 0 FS/ CS- YS-
BR 15 LAX 00:30 -2 TPE 06:00 -1 *** 0 FS/ CS- YS-
BR 11 LAX 16:50 -2 TPE 22:20 -1 *** 0 FS/ CS- YS-
BR 1 LAX 00:05 -1 TPE 05:35 *** 0 FS/ CS- YS-
BR 15 LAX 00:30 -1 TPE 06:00 *** 0 FS/ CS- YS+
BR 11 LAX 16:50 -1 TPE 22:20 *** 0 FS/ CS- YS+
BR 1 LAX 00:05 TPE 05:35 +1 *** 0 FS/ CS- YS-
BR 15 LAX 00:30 TPE 06:00 +1 *** 0 FS/ CS- YS+
BR 11 LAX 16:50 TPE 22:20 +1 *** 0
BR 1 LAX 00:05 +1 TPE 05:35 +2 *** 0 FS/ CS- YS-
BR 15 LAX 00:30 +1 TPE 06:00 +2 *** 0 FS/ CS- YS-
BR 11 LAX 16:50 +1 TPE 22:20 +2 *** 0 FS/ CS- YS+
BR 1 LAX 00:05 +2 TPE 05:35 +3 *** 0 FS/ CS- YS+
BR 15 LAX 00:30 +2 TPE 06:00 +3 *** 0 FS/ CS- YS+
BR 11 LAX 16:50 +2 TPE 22:20 +3 *** 0 FS/ CS- YS+
BR 1 LAX 00:05 +3 TPE 05:35 +4 *** 0 FS/ CS- YS+
BR 15 LAX 00:30 +3 TPE 06:00 +4 *** 0 FS/ CS- YS-
BR 11 LAX 16:50 +3 TPE 22:20 +4 *** 0
Code:
TPE Taipei Metro / Taiwan Taoyuan Intl TW = TPE TSA [RCTP]
LAX Los Angeles Intl CA US [KLAX]
TUE 14 Apr 2015 (11 Apr 2015 - 17 Apr 2015) | 1 Seat
Carrier Flight From Depart To Arrive A/C St Award Availability
--------- ------ ---- -------- ---- -------- --- -- ------------------
BR 12 TPE 18:40 -3 LAX 15:20 -3 77W 0 FS/ CS- YS-
BR 2 TPE 19:20 -3 LAX 16:10 -3 77W 0 FS/ CS- YS+
BR 16 TPE 23:55 -3 LAX 20:45 -3 77W 0 FS/ CS- YS+
BR 12 TPE 18:40 -2 LAX 15:20 -2 *** 0 FS/ CS- YS-
BR 2 TPE 19:20 -2 LAX 16:10 -2 *** 0 FS/ CS- YS+
BR 16 TPE 23:55 -2 LAX 20:45 -2 *** 0 FS/ CS- YS+
BR 12 TPE 18:40 -1 LAX 15:20 -1 *** 0 FS/ CS- YS-
BR 2 TPE 19:20 -1 LAX 16:10 -1 *** 0
BR 16 TPE 23:55 -1 LAX 20:45 -1 *** 0 FS/ CS- YS+
BR 12 TPE 18:40 LAX 15:20 *** 0 FS/ CS- YS+
BR 2 TPE 19:20 LAX 16:10 *** 0 FS/ CS- YS-
BR 16 TPE 23:55 LAX 20:45 *** 0 FS/ CS- YS+
BR 12 TPE 18:40 +1 LAX 15:20 +1 *** 0 FS/ CS- YS-
BR 2 TPE 19:20 +1 LAX 16:10 +1 *** 0 FS/ CS- YS+
BR 16 TPE 23:55 +1 LAX 20:45 +1 *** 0 FS/ CS- YS+
BR 12 TPE 18:40 +2 LAX 15:20 +2 *** 0 FS/ CS- YS+
BR 2 TPE 19:20 +2 LAX 16:10 +2 *** 0
BR 16 TPE 23:55 +2 LAX 20:45 +2 *** 0 FS/ CS- YS+
BR 12 TPE 18:40 +3 LAX 15:20 +3 *** 0 FS/ CS- YS+
BR 2 TPE 19:20 +3 LAX 16:10 +3 *** 0 FS/ CS- YS+
BR 16 TPE 23:55 +3 LAX 20:45 +3 *** 0 FS/ CS- YS+
Nov 7, 2014, 2:40 pm
#68
Join Date: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,053
DAK
Nov 9, 2014, 6:59 pm
#69
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: SFO SJC OAK
Programs: A3*G, Marriott Titanium+LTG
Posts: 63
I just went through this in September:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/other...al-laurel.html
I found that ANA *A Award Availability was not equivalent to upgrade availability. You have to call in and request Z inventory for a B/Y upgrade.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/other...al-laurel.html
I found that ANA *A Award Availability was not equivalent to upgrade availability. You have to call in and request Z inventory for a B/Y upgrade.
Nov 10, 2014, 1:05 pm
#70
Join Date: Mar 2007
Programs: UA MP, NW WP, AA
Posts: 719
Thanks every one for your input.
My experience is similar to what PaclantFlyer described. Even though the KVS tool, and united.com both showed no business award availability, I called EVA and asked specifically for upgrades. The representative at EVA told me seats were available. I booked the ticket on EVA.com then got immediate confirmation of the upgrade at United.com. It was rather easy and painless.
At least based on my experience, there seems to be different inventory for mileage awards and upgrade awards.
My experience is similar to what PaclantFlyer described. Even though the KVS tool, and united.com both showed no business award availability, I called EVA and asked specifically for upgrades. The representative at EVA told me seats were available. I booked the ticket on EVA.com then got immediate confirmation of the upgrade at United.com. It was rather easy and painless.
At least based on my experience, there seems to be different inventory for mileage awards and upgrade awards.
Nov 10, 2014, 6:28 pm
#71
Join Date: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,053
I just went through this in September:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/other...al-laurel.html
I found that ANA *A Award Availability was not equivalent to upgrade availability. You have to call in and request Z inventory for a B/Y upgrade.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/other...al-laurel.html
I found that ANA *A Award Availability was not equivalent to upgrade availability. You have to call in and request Z inventory for a B/Y upgrade.
DAK.
Jun 5, 2015, 5:09 pm
#72
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: SNA
Programs: UA
Posts: 89
Need some help from you travel savvy folks! I'm looking to upgrade my B class ticket on EVA.
I called EVA who said there is one upgrade seat available on that flight, but that I had to work through UA. Went to UA SAUA website, but it resulted in an error message. I called UA, but they say there is no availability, and they can't do anything.
1. Any recommendations for next steps?
2. If there truly is no upgrade available right now, will EVA release RL seats in the future? I read somewhere that they release RL seats T-14.
3. Can UA see upgrade inventory for this BR flight?
I called EVA who said there is one upgrade seat available on that flight, but that I had to work through UA. Went to UA SAUA website, but it resulted in an error message. I called UA, but they say there is no availability, and they can't do anything.
1. Any recommendations for next steps?
2. If there truly is no upgrade available right now, will EVA release RL seats in the future? I read somewhere that they release RL seats T-14.
3. Can UA see upgrade inventory for this BR flight?
Jun 6, 2015, 4:06 am
#73
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: LAX, CGK
Programs: EVA Diamond, Hilton Gold, National Exec
Posts: 349
Need some help from you travel savvy folks! I'm looking to upgrade my B class ticket on EVA.
I called EVA who said there is one upgrade seat available on that flight, but that I had to work through UA. Went to UA SAUA website, but it resulted in an error message. I called UA, but they say there is no availability, and they can't do anything.
1. Any recommendations for next steps?
2. If there truly is no upgrade available right now, will EVA release RL seats in the future? I read somewhere that they release RL seats T-14.
3. Can UA see upgrade inventory for this BR flight?
I called EVA who said there is one upgrade seat available on that flight, but that I had to work through UA. Went to UA SAUA website, but it resulted in an error message. I called UA, but they say there is no availability, and they can't do anything.
1. Any recommendations for next steps?
2. If there truly is no upgrade available right now, will EVA release RL seats in the future? I read somewhere that they release RL seats T-14.
3. Can UA see upgrade inventory for this BR flight?
April 2015 BR 1, my waitlisted RL upgrade (EVA mileage) was approved around T-14.
June 2015 BR 16, RL *A upgrade was not available on my desired date, so I called EVA in March, asked her about availability of RL upgrade. The agent told me RL upgrade was available if I depart 2 days early. So I changed my EVA reservation, went to UA SAUA website, got the upgrade using UA mileage.
So if you are flexible on dates, there may be upgrades available around your desired dates. Otherwise, you can wait for T-14, I have seen RL opened up D-class at T-7 to T-48hours. I have no idea if UA can see the last minute released BR upgrade inventory.
Jun 6, 2015, 9:02 am
#74
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: SNA
Programs: UA
Posts: 89
Try making a dummy booking for RL on your desired date. If there are no D-class fare (Business Special/Business WOW) available, then most likely there is no upgrade available.
April 2015 BR 1, my waitlisted RL upgrade (EVA mileage) was approved around T-14.
June 2015 BR 16, RL *A upgrade was not available on my desired date, so I called EVA in March, asked her about availability of RL upgrade. The agent told me RL upgrade was available if I depart 2 days early. So I changed my EVA reservation, went to UA SAUA website, got the upgrade using UA mileage.
So if you are flexible on dates, there may be upgrades available around your desired dates. Otherwise, you can wait for T-14, I have seen RL opened up D-class at T-7 to T-48hours. I have no idea if UA can see the last minute released BR upgrade inventory.
April 2015 BR 1, my waitlisted RL upgrade (EVA mileage) was approved around T-14.
June 2015 BR 16, RL *A upgrade was not available on my desired date, so I called EVA in March, asked her about availability of RL upgrade. The agent told me RL upgrade was available if I depart 2 days early. So I changed my EVA reservation, went to UA SAUA website, got the upgrade using UA mileage.
So if you are flexible on dates, there may be upgrades available around your desired dates. Otherwise, you can wait for T-14, I have seen RL opened up D-class at T-7 to T-48hours. I have no idea if UA can see the last minute released BR upgrade inventory.
The thing that is annoying is that EVA keep telling me there is upgrade availability but when I go to UA, they say none is available.
I'm not flexible on date so I think my best bet is to keep checking for upgrades up until my flight.
I'll take any other advice! Thx for your help!