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
Jun 9, 2015, 7:49 am
#76
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: SNA
Programs: UA
Posts: 89
Jun 9, 2015, 3:18 pm
#77
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: San Diego, CA
Programs: United 1K 1MM; Alaska MVP100K; WOH Globalist; Bonvoy LT Platinum; HH Gold
Posts: 193
Some what related, EVA is offering a Y fare with a $150 upgrade in Premium Economy. If I take it, does the fare remain Y? Still hoping SAUA opens up later.
Jun 9, 2015, 4:37 pm
#78
Join Date: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,053
If upgrading your Y ticket to premium economy causes the ticket to be reissued then it will likely be reissued into one of EVA's "discount" premium economy classes which would make it ineligible for an upgrade... the automated process would determine that the ticket was not a B, Y or K ticket.
DAK
Jun 15, 2015, 10:10 pm
#80
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: LAX
Programs: UA-P, and Chase-ing the sapphire dragon
Posts: 95
@dc_gooner
Good news, and bad news.
Good news, your flights at 50%, and 40% capacity for the outbound and inbound flights, respectively.
Bad news....looks like BR is being super stingy with LAX-TPE flights for BR 1 and 15 (the overnights), but opens up BR 11, the one that gets in at night, that you really don't need a flat bed for, unless you plan on making a B-line to luxy and party all night *I digress* To add insult to injury, there's space available. Example, this Wednesdays BR flights all have 5+ open seats, but only BR 11 is available. No use if they open it up after today since SA needs 24hr to clear.
Will this pattern continue to August? Not sure. Can't tell if summer is peak, but I was able to clear two last year in Fall. A couple of weeks ago it was a different tune.
Same story goes for the return to USA's. The flight that gets in at 9pm always open, but everything else that requires the flat bed hardware, no such luck. Also, no more Dom, and no Krug on the LAX legs...so the Y and B may not be worth the up-charge (not that one should fly solely for bubbly).
Hope things turn around, it was nice while it lasted, but I've also seen the RL service decline in the past two years.
....and off my soap box.
Good luck, I've also read some people get the bump despite lack of inventory display on UA or KVS, so worth a shot to call.
Cheers,
PST.
Good news, and bad news.
Good news, your flights at 50%, and 40% capacity for the outbound and inbound flights, respectively.
Bad news....looks like BR is being super stingy with LAX-TPE flights for BR 1 and 15 (the overnights), but opens up BR 11, the one that gets in at night, that you really don't need a flat bed for, unless you plan on making a B-line to luxy and party all night *I digress* To add insult to injury, there's space available. Example, this Wednesdays BR flights all have 5+ open seats, but only BR 11 is available. No use if they open it up after today since SA needs 24hr to clear.
Will this pattern continue to August? Not sure. Can't tell if summer is peak, but I was able to clear two last year in Fall. A couple of weeks ago it was a different tune.
Same story goes for the return to USA's. The flight that gets in at 9pm always open, but everything else that requires the flat bed hardware, no such luck. Also, no more Dom, and no Krug on the LAX legs...so the Y and B may not be worth the up-charge (not that one should fly solely for bubbly).
Hope things turn around, it was nice while it lasted, but I've also seen the RL service decline in the past two years.
....and off my soap box.
Good luck, I've also read some people get the bump despite lack of inventory display on UA or KVS, so worth a shot to call.
Cheers,
PST.
Jun 18, 2015, 9:34 pm
#81
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: SNA
Programs: UA
Posts: 89
@dc_gooner
Good news, and bad news.
Good news, your flights at 50%, and 40% capacity for the outbound and inbound flights, respectively.
Bad news....looks like BR is being super stingy with LAX-TPE flights for BR 1 and 15 (the overnights), but opens up BR 11, the one that gets in at night, that you really don't need a flat bed for, unless you plan on making a B-line to luxy and party all night *I digress* To add insult to injury, there's space available. Example, this Wednesdays BR flights all have 5+ open seats, but only BR 11 is available. No use if they open it up after today since SA needs 24hr to clear.
Will this pattern continue to August? Not sure. Can't tell if summer is peak, but I was able to clear two last year in Fall. A couple of weeks ago it was a different tune.
Same story goes for the return to USA's. The flight that gets in at 9pm always open, but everything else that requires the flat bed hardware, no such luck. Also, no more Dom, and no Krug on the LAX legs...so the Y and B may not be worth the up-charge (not that one should fly solely for bubbly).
Hope things turn around, it was nice while it lasted, but I've also seen the RL service decline in the past two years.
....and off my soap box.
Good luck, I've also read some people get the bump despite lack of inventory display on UA or KVS, so worth a shot to call.
Cheers,
PST.
Good news, and bad news.
Good news, your flights at 50%, and 40% capacity for the outbound and inbound flights, respectively.
Bad news....looks like BR is being super stingy with LAX-TPE flights for BR 1 and 15 (the overnights), but opens up BR 11, the one that gets in at night, that you really don't need a flat bed for, unless you plan on making a B-line to luxy and party all night *I digress* To add insult to injury, there's space available. Example, this Wednesdays BR flights all have 5+ open seats, but only BR 11 is available. No use if they open it up after today since SA needs 24hr to clear.
Will this pattern continue to August? Not sure. Can't tell if summer is peak, but I was able to clear two last year in Fall. A couple of weeks ago it was a different tune.
Same story goes for the return to USA's. The flight that gets in at 9pm always open, but everything else that requires the flat bed hardware, no such luck. Also, no more Dom, and no Krug on the LAX legs...so the Y and B may not be worth the up-charge (not that one should fly solely for bubbly).
Hope things turn around, it was nice while it lasted, but I've also seen the RL service decline in the past two years.
....and off my soap box.
Good luck, I've also read some people get the bump despite lack of inventory display on UA or KVS, so worth a shot to call.
Cheers,
PST.
When you say some people get the bump despite lack of inventory display on UA or KVS, are they calling BR or UA?
Jul 14, 2015, 8:22 am
#83
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 45
Hey fellow FTers, I need some advice and help.
I'm relatively new / inexperienced to the award/upgrade arena and looking for advice/help with an upcoming family trip at the end of the year from Houston IAH to Saigon SGN on Dec 18 - Jan 1 (BR 51 and BR 52). We're slightly flexible on the dates +- 3days.
I see that I can book on EVA either H for $1467 , or B for $1904. I have a lot of Ultimate rewards points that I can also use to book awards travel and be #0 out of pocket.
Should I go with:
a. Book 3 H tix for $4401
b. Book 3 B tix for $5279 and use UR points to UA to upgrade to I tix?
c. Book 3 H tix with UR points for 347k points
Currently I'm leaning towards b or c options. I mainly travel for leisure, so, I don't have status or many FF points except for the chase UR points. I've been building up the chase points but haven't really used them except for occasional SW flights.
If I choose b option, I believe I would just apply for upgrade via United's *A upgrade page. Do I need to transfer my chase points to UA before I check for upgrades? If an upgrade isn't readily available, would I go on a waitlist for the upgrade or would I have to keep checking daily? Is there an order of preference for upgrades, ie status members get priority or is it based on waitlist placement? If there is a waitlist, any way to find out where I am on the list?
I appreciate and thank you for any advice or help you can provide.
ps, I'm only concerned about the to/from Taipei portions of the flights
I'm relatively new / inexperienced to the award/upgrade arena and looking for advice/help with an upcoming family trip at the end of the year from Houston IAH to Saigon SGN on Dec 18 - Jan 1 (BR 51 and BR 52). We're slightly flexible on the dates +- 3days.
I see that I can book on EVA either H for $1467 , or B for $1904. I have a lot of Ultimate rewards points that I can also use to book awards travel and be #0 out of pocket.
Should I go with:
a. Book 3 H tix for $4401
b. Book 3 B tix for $5279 and use UR points to UA to upgrade to I tix?
c. Book 3 H tix with UR points for 347k points
Currently I'm leaning towards b or c options. I mainly travel for leisure, so, I don't have status or many FF points except for the chase UR points. I've been building up the chase points but haven't really used them except for occasional SW flights.
If I choose b option, I believe I would just apply for upgrade via United's *A upgrade page. Do I need to transfer my chase points to UA before I check for upgrades? If an upgrade isn't readily available, would I go on a waitlist for the upgrade or would I have to keep checking daily? Is there an order of preference for upgrades, ie status members get priority or is it based on waitlist placement? If there is a waitlist, any way to find out where I am on the list?
I appreciate and thank you for any advice or help you can provide.
ps, I'm only concerned about the to/from Taipei portions of the flights
Sep 15, 2015, 11:44 pm
#84
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Bangkok
Programs: CX Gold, UA Silver, AA Gold (1MM), Marriott Plat
Posts: 117
Just wanted to share a recent experience: Booked a Y-fare ticket SIN-TPE with intention to upgrade using UA miles, both KVS availability tracker and UA.com showed no availability in business class (searching for I class). I figured I'd give the upgrade a shot anyway and it went through! Looks like it booked in Z class.
Sep 16, 2015, 8:34 am
#85
Join Date: May 2009
Location: EWR
Programs: UA .5M, Vistana 1-Star owner
Posts: 992
Upgrade EVA Airways
Sep 17, 2015, 8:18 pm
#86
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2001
Posts: 10,969
Sep 20, 2015, 1:04 am
#87
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: LAX/TPE
Programs: United 1K, JAL Sapphire, SPG Lifetime Platinum, National Executive Elite, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 42,205
*A and EVA program upgrades go into Z class - use KVS to search, but be advised there are recent reports of significant technical issues upgrading BR tickets with UA miles, especially where BR sees "married segments" if you are connecting beyond TPE.
Sep 22, 2015, 3:40 am
#88
Join Date: May 2006
Location: KSNA/KLAX
Programs: IML GOLD, Bonvoy LTPE, WOH Globalist, AAEXPLT
Posts: 645
So I booked a BKK-TPE-LAX in "B" with the intent of upgrading both segments. Prior to booking I checked UA and BR website to verify there is availability.
After booking the ticket I logged into UA to do an upgrade, it says "unavailable." Yet on both websites, still show as available as award bookings.
Any idea how to fix this?
After booking the ticket I logged into UA to do an upgrade, it says "unavailable." Yet on both websites, still show as available as award bookings.
Any idea how to fix this?
Sep 22, 2015, 4:46 am
#89
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Macau SAR China
Posts: 58
So I booked a BKK-TPE-LAX in "B" with the intent of upgrading both segments. Prior to booking I checked UA and BR website to verify there is availability.
After booking the ticket I logged into UA to do an upgrade, it says "unavailable." Yet on both websites, still show as available as award bookings.
Any idea how to fix this?
After booking the ticket I logged into UA to do an upgrade, it says "unavailable." Yet on both websites, still show as available as award bookings.
Any idea how to fix this?
As your ticket stands today, the way you could get the SAUA to work would be if EVA had authorized a BKK-LAX award, rather than separate BKK-TPE award and a TPE-LAX awards. Your ticket was priced in EVAs system as effectively BKK-LAX (due to the marrying). Somebody please correct me if I'm wrong in my logic here. So, either you need to get EVA to unmarry your segments or perhaps book each segment individually so as to avoid the married segments issue entirely. If you just booked your ticket directly with EVA you have 24 hours to get a full refund just in case you don't have success in getting them to unmarry your ticket.
Sep 29, 2015, 1:45 pm
#90
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 3
I have spent several days trying to use UA miles to upgrade from economy B to Business on EVA. IAH-TPE-MNL. No success. 3 out of 4 EVA agents says they CANNOT unmarry the segments so the upgrade can be done. UA cant do anything.
Has anyone really been able to get EVA to unmarry segments for upgrade with UA miles???
Has anyone really been able to get EVA to unmarry segments for upgrade with UA miles???