Whilst it doesn't help the OP, I don't think that this is particularly an integration issue - more a dodgy computer system issue.

Last October my wife and I were traveling IAH-LHR and had both requested mileage upgrades from our B fare. Upgrades didn't clear in advance. I checked in on-line and was immediately added to the waitlist. Checked my wife in and she didn't get added.

Several phone calls later I was assured that although we can't see her on the list, she is on the list that they can see. Hmm.

Arrived at IAH as boarding was just commencing. I was handed my new BP but was told my wife hadn't cleared. Last time I checked I was #1, wife should have been #2.

I wasn't a happy bunny and the GA passed to to a more senior colleague. I explained that she should have been #2 on the list but other people were getting upgraded. Eventually he said "The system isn't recognising your wife's status (She's Plat)". Luckily the flight wasn't full and he processed an upgrade for her.

Having worked with many "dodgy" systems in my day I am coming to the realization that this is one of them. It may have been fine for what it was when CO first starting using it most likely just wasnt made to do all the things we are asking of it.

I am afraid we will be dealing with issues like this for some time.

Do these same limitations on upgrades apply to p.s. flights? I'm waitlisted using an RPU for SFO-JFK and return, but nothing has cleared yet for a flight in April. If this gets down to the last 24 hours without it clearing, am I SOL?

The issue is last minute requests -- you can not presently request to be added to "waitlisted" in the last 24 hours.
If you were waitlisted earlier that waitlist will carry on to the gate (as the "upgrade standby list"). So you still have a chance.

If you already have the waitlist requested, you should never be SOL. You will be added to the Upgrade Standby List at the airport when you check-in. If you aren't, any gate agent (or club) agent should be able to add you.

The reports in this thread of not being able to be added to the upgrade standby list within 24 hours are just plain wrong. Gate agents may not have the training, but the capability clearly exists.

Can anyone confirm that a previously requested waitlisted flight using RPU will, in fact, transfer to the Upgrade Standy List at the airport? Any recent experiences? Or is this another bug in the CO upgrade software?

Try reading earlier up in the thread

It *should* however considering the difficulties they've been having recently it's probably best to double check and make sure you're listed correctly for standby at the airport once the waitlist expires ~24hrs before the flight.

What good does that do anyone? If it IS possible but the very people passengers depend on to do so cannot for whatever reason, then the net result is passengers cannot be added.

Either way, it needs to be addressed and corrected, and has not been.


Heads up - if it is your FIRST intl flight post integration, you will not be able to check in online 24 hrs before, because your passport must be verified at the airport. I spent four hours with three different (and equally frustrated and upset) united reps trying to get checked in last night. Nightmare.

So passengers have no way of knowing they have a problem until they get to the airport and check-in in person.

I don't care if it is improper training or a SHARES issue -- and judging by my conversations with the 1K desk, neither do the cust svc reps -- We all just want the system to work, and it is not working. I don't understand why it is not being addressed.

It has never been a problem for PMCO gate agents as they should all know how to do it. My guess is that the UA agents were trained on adding passengers to the upgrade standby list, but probably either forgot or not trained well enough. Also, UA agents previously were able to request a new upgrade for you at the airport (which now can't be done). Maybe they are confusing the two things and that is the reason some are reporting that agents are refusing to add passengers to the list?

So if I want to buy a ticket for a flight within 24 hours of departure I can't upgrade it with an instrument? Does this also apply to the YBM-ups?

If there's R space, I *think* I've read that it's fine to use an instrument as it will clear right away - you just can't waitlist with one if R=0

It sounds the system are still able to list non-revenue standby. I don't really know how non-revenue passenger can request standby , but they should be able to list anytime.
Maybe the non-revenue standby is causing the problem not to list revenue passenger on the upgrade standby list somehow? Just a guess...

Sitting at SFO right now after spending 45 minutes checking in with kind-hearted but exhausted UA INTL agents.

They made phone calls to higher ups, they called for a supervisor, they called HQ. Bottom line: upgradable fares using SWU that do not clear 24 hours before departure ARE NOT moved to the gate upgrade standby list at check-in. If you don't clear before check-in opens, you WILL NOT be given the opportunity to clear later.

The ONLY waitlisted passengers that are being moved to the gate upgrade waitlist are MILES + MONEY.

In addition, if the check-in counter puts you on the waitlist, they will REMOVE you.

Despite the fact that we are told we will be moved to the waitlist, it is deliberately not happening. In my case, I received an email and confirmed by telephone that all I had to do was check in and I would get on the standby list to get my shot.

They KNOW we are being told otherwise. But the reality is not what has been advertised and put into writing.

UA Insider, we need answers on this.

In my case, I paid for an upgradable W fare and they took my SWU from my account in DECEMBER.

This is a dealbreaker for me.

Does this also apply for p.s. flights waitlisted with an RPU? Has anyone had experience with this on a p.s. flight?