Consolidated Systemwide Upgrade (SWU) questions
Oct 15, 2010, 10:11 am
#151
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: DL Diamond, UA 1K MM, SPG Plat For Life, Marriott Plat, Nexus/GlobalEntry
Posts: 9,198
May come into 2 SWU's that expire at the end of this month.
I have a confirmed reservation for 2 in NC SFO-SYD in March. F cabin is currently empty.
Can I use these SWU's to confirm the upgrade today (and thus use them before they expire) and can I use the SWU on a mileage redemption - as that is what I have?
Secondly, if cannot use on a NC ticket, if I also have a purchased economy ticket to Europe, in December, can I use the SWU which expires this month to upgrade that flight?
SFO-SYD March 25,2011 (dont know how to check SWU availability)
ORD-LHR January 8, 2011
Can anyone assist me in answering these queries.
Thanks
I have a confirmed reservation for 2 in NC SFO-SYD in March. F cabin is currently empty.
Can I use these SWU's to confirm the upgrade today (and thus use them before they expire) and can I use the SWU on a mileage redemption - as that is what I have?
Secondly, if cannot use on a NC ticket, if I also have a purchased economy ticket to Europe, in December, can I use the SWU which expires this month to upgrade that flight?
SFO-SYD March 25,2011 (dont know how to check SWU availability)
ORD-LHR January 8, 2011
Can anyone assist me in answering these queries.
Thanks
Also, SWU's are only good for travel before their expiration date. You can't use a SWU that expires on 10/31 for travel in December even if you request the upgrade before 10/31.
Oct 18, 2010, 1:29 pm
#152
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Update: I spoke with the 1K desk, and the 12 hours rule is still in effect. The omission on the web site is an oversight and not a policy change.
Oct 18, 2010, 3:56 pm
#153
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Join Date: May 2001
Posts: 10,989
Computer Algorithm on Through Flights
I had to book a through 1-stop flight with 1 segment in the PNR becase the inventory was not available to book them in 2 segments. Now I am close to departure (less than 3 weeks out)...
This is SFO-NRT-TPE. Given the time difference and availability, I can see if the computer clears the WL on both legs separately, it is possible that I will never get the upgrade as the possibility of both legs having a seat open is low.
I wonder if the "upgrade machine" has any intelligence on this front? Would it say "this guy has been waiting at the top of the queue and I won't upgrade anyone on either flight until he clears"?
Or, I guess I will just have to see what happens at the gate?
This is SFO-NRT-TPE. Given the time difference and availability, I can see if the computer clears the WL on both legs separately, it is possible that I will never get the upgrade as the possibility of both legs having a seat open is low.
I wonder if the "upgrade machine" has any intelligence on this front? Would it say "this guy has been waiting at the top of the queue and I won't upgrade anyone on either flight until he clears"?
Or, I guess I will just have to see what happens at the gate?
Oct 18, 2010, 11:42 pm
#154
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: QSF
Programs: UA GS 1.1MM | Marriott Lifetime Titanium | National EE
Posts: 621
Is there a way to sponsor a SWU upgrade in the following situation?
Ticket is FRA-SFO, LH code, UA metal. I am not the passenger.
I know that normally I would need to request this upgrade at the airport at check-in, since it is on the LH code, but since I won't be at FRA, is this even possible?
Ticket is FRA-SFO, LH code, UA metal. I am not the passenger.
I know that normally I would need to request this upgrade at the airport at check-in, since it is on the LH code, but since I won't be at FRA, is this even possible?
Oct 18, 2010, 11:54 pm
#155
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: WLG, New Zealand
Programs: UA LTG QF LTG/P1 NZ*E
Posts: 1,890
Afraid not
Jeff
Jeff
Oct 19, 2010, 12:26 am
#156
Join Date: Jul 2010
Programs: UA
Posts: 255
Can you call within 24 hr?
Is there a way to sponsor a SWU upgrade in the following situation?
Ticket is FRA-SFO, LH code, UA metal. I am not the passenger.
I know that normally I would need to request this upgrade at the airport at check-in, since it is on the LH code, but since I won't be at FRA, is this even possible?
Ticket is FRA-SFO, LH code, UA metal. I am not the passenger.
I know that normally I would need to request this upgrade at the airport at check-in, since it is on the LH code, but since I won't be at FRA, is this even possible?
Oct 19, 2010, 4:31 am
#157
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Brisbane, QLD, Australia
Programs: UA Nobody (former 1K, 1P, 2P), QFF Nobody, Skywards Nobody
Posts: 1,337
This is SFO-NRT-TPE. Given the time difference and availability, I can see if the computer clears the WL on both legs separately, it is possible that I will never get the upgrade as the possibility of both legs having a seat open is low.
I wonder if the "upgrade machine" has any intelligence on this front? Would it say "this guy has been waiting at the top of the queue and I won't upgrade anyone on either flight until he clears"?
Or, I guess I will just have to see what happens at the gate?
I wonder if the "upgrade machine" has any intelligence on this front? Would it say "this guy has been waiting at the top of the queue and I won't upgrade anyone on either flight until he clears"?
Or, I guess I will just have to see what happens at the gate?
I really don't understand this particular rule. Other than making it hard to get the upgrade what purpose does this rule serve?
Last edited by BrisbanePE; Oct 19, 2010 at 4:32 am Reason: speling
Oct 20, 2010, 7:49 pm
#158
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Join Date: May 2001
Posts: 10,989
I'm in the same boat with a sponsored upgrade on SYD-LAX-ORD in less than two weeks. I have resigned myself to the fact that the chance of getting both legs to clear at the same time is to all intents and purposes zero.
I really don't understand this particular rule. Other than making it hard to get the upgrade what purpose does this rule serve?
I really don't understand this particular rule. Other than making it hard to get the upgrade what purpose does this rule serve?
Oct 20, 2010, 9:31 pm
#159
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Brisbane, QLD, Australia
Programs: UA Nobody (former 1K, 1P, 2P), QFF Nobody, Skywards Nobody
Posts: 1,337
No it is definitely a rule, it is in the T&C for SWUs:
http://www.united.com/page/article/1,,53477,00.html
http://www.united.com/page/article/1,,53477,00.html
2) Eligible flights
...
c) For flights that stop en route (and continue on with the same flight number), the upgrade is only allowed when an upgrade seat is available and confirmed on all portions of the flight.
...
c) For flights that stop en route (and continue on with the same flight number), the upgrade is only allowed when an upgrade seat is available and confirmed on all portions of the flight.
Oct 23, 2010, 6:25 am
#160
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: NORWAY
Programs: UA Gold-1MM, SAS Diamond
Posts: 742
I just applied to get the SWU's early and it says it'll take 7-10 days to get into my account.
Have they come before that time or is 7-10 pretty much accurate?
I just want to apply my SWU's to my new bookings. They earlier the merrier I guess....
Have they come before that time or is 7-10 pretty much accurate?
I just want to apply my SWU's to my new bookings. They earlier the merrier I guess....
Oct 23, 2010, 8:01 am
#161
Join Date: May 2008
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 1K, DL, AA, AS
Posts: 305
I had to book a through 1-stop flight with 1 segment in the PNR becase the inventory was not available to book them in 2 segments. Now I am close to departure (less than 3 weeks out)...
This is SFO-NRT-TPE. Given the time difference and availability, I can see if the computer clears the WL on both legs separately, it is possible that I will never get the upgrade as the possibility of both legs having a seat open is low.
I wonder if the "upgrade machine" has any intelligence on this front? Would it say "this guy has been waiting at the top of the queue and I won't upgrade anyone on either flight until he clears"?
Or, I guess I will just have to see what happens at the gate?
This is SFO-NRT-TPE. Given the time difference and availability, I can see if the computer clears the WL on both legs separately, it is possible that I will never get the upgrade as the possibility of both legs having a seat open is low.
I wonder if the "upgrade machine" has any intelligence on this front? Would it say "this guy has been waiting at the top of the queue and I won't upgrade anyone on either flight until he clears"?
Or, I guess I will just have to see what happens at the gate?
It does happen, we have the same itinerary on 12/23/10 and the SFO-NRT cleared but the NRT-TPE is still waitlisted. On the return 2 weeks later, both segments have cleared.
Oct 24, 2010, 3:50 pm
#162
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Join Date: May 2001
Posts: 10,989
Now I even wonder how it will work after check-in and at the gate. Would I get upgraded SFO-NRT if there are seats open at departure - even if NRT-TPE has no seats open?
Thanks.
Oct 24, 2010, 3:51 pm
#163
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2001
Posts: 10,989
No it is definitely a rule, it is in the T&C for SWUs:
http://www.united.com/page/article/1,,53477,00.html
http://www.united.com/page/article/1,,53477,00.html
Oct 28, 2010, 4:41 pm
#164
Join Date: Oct 2008
Programs: UA 1K, 1MM
Posts: 504
I just booked LAX-FCO and back (through IAD)
in late January. When I originally picked flights, the return
leg on Jan 30th was showing NC 1.
Unfortunately by the time I got my university to purchase me a ticket, they had changed it to NC 0 (though it does not appear any other seating buckets have changed, just NC0 for the whole weekend and beginning of next week).
So I have two questions -
1) what are my chances of having this change back and getting it to clear in advance?
2) If I have to wait until waitlist time near check in, in January I will unfortunately drop to 2P (the SWUs are valid until February in this case). Am I totally screwed? (ie even with an SWU do I drop to the bottom of the list? I can never remember if its M+ Status/Instrument/Fare Basis or if it's Instrument/M+ Status/Fare Basis)
Thanks
in late January. When I originally picked flights, the return
leg on Jan 30th was showing NC 1.
Unfortunately by the time I got my university to purchase me a ticket, they had changed it to NC 0 (though it does not appear any other seating buckets have changed, just NC0 for the whole weekend and beginning of next week).
So I have two questions -
1) what are my chances of having this change back and getting it to clear in advance?
2) If I have to wait until waitlist time near check in, in January I will unfortunately drop to 2P (the SWUs are valid until February in this case). Am I totally screwed? (ie even with an SWU do I drop to the bottom of the list? I can never remember if its M+ Status/Instrument/Fare Basis or if it's Instrument/M+ Status/Fare Basis)
Thanks
Oct 28, 2010, 4:46 pm
#165
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