Why dont UA Elite upgrades appear to be processed by CO at the cut off times?
Apr 19, 2011, 8:46 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Seattle
Programs: United 1K, Alaska MVP 75K, HH Diamond
Posts: 638
Why dont UA Elite upgrades appear to be processed by CO at the cut off times?
I've noticed this on a few flights as of late where F looks practically empty but upgrades are not clearing or being cleared until check in or even not until the gate. Is this really an erosion of the cut off times for confirmed elite upgrades?
Apr 19, 2011, 9:08 am
#2
Join Date: Apr 2003
Programs: UA *G 1MM LT United Club & Global Entry
Posts: 2,756
SunLover
Apr 19, 2011, 9:40 am
#3
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 64
It's not just UA Elites
As a CO Gold, I've noticed the same thing. It's rare to be upgraded at T-3. Lately upgrades have been at T-1 or at the gate.
Apr 19, 2011, 9:41 am
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Jersey Shore/YYZ
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Plat, Hilton Diamond, Hertz PC
Posts: 12,521
Why would a UA Elite continue to fly as a UA Elite on CO flights? I'm thankful, since I'm always buying cheap tickets, that I'll outrank a PE, but honestly, use the status match.
Apr 19, 2011, 10:08 am
#5
Suspended
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Manhattan
Programs: CO Plat, SPG Gold
Posts: 1,468
CO has chosen, in its infinite wisdom, to hold back seats for the Sacred TOD Upgrades. The TOD upgraders are, in CO's view, the most important people in the entire world. So far fewer EUA's until the gate, so as to maximize the number of TOD upgrades. Others will claim they are doing this to sell F seats, but let's get real with the ghettoization of the CO F product it's not worth paying for anymore.
Apr 19, 2011, 10:12 am
#6
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: DCA
Programs: UA LT 1K, AA EXP, Bonvoy LT Titan, Avis PC, Hilton Gold
Posts: 9,661
There are some flights now that CO NEVER releases any upgrade seats in advance - even if F is empty. All upgrades are processed at the gate at the last minute.
While CO has an EUA system - for some flights it has been permanently disabled, such as some key routes at key times (DCA-IAH afternoon flights for example on Thur/Friday/Sunday)
While CO has an EUA system - for some flights it has been permanently disabled, such as some key routes at key times (DCA-IAH afternoon flights for example on Thur/Friday/Sunday)
Apr 19, 2011, 10:13 am
#7
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: CLT
Programs: AA EP, AA AC
Posts: 4,268
Note, this is not always across the board. Just flew recently to SMF, ONT and PDX via IAH and was upgraded at the 5 day window. For sure, CO is not running EUA as it once did, but it still runs as we remember it at other times.
Safe Travels
Safe Travels
Apr 19, 2011, 10:19 am
#8
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: DCA
Programs: UA LT 1K, AA EXP, Bonvoy LT Titan, Avis PC, Hilton Gold
Posts: 9,661
I would not consider SMF, ONT, PDX as key CO routes. Key route cities for example would include EWR, LAX, SFO, DCA, BOS, which are key business routes. And likely add DEN and ORD - UA hubs and SNA.
Apr 19, 2011, 10:21 am
#9
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: BOS, PVG
Programs: United 1K and 1MM, Marriott Ambassador
Posts: 10,000
CO has chosen, in its infinite wisdom, to hold back seats for the Sacred TOD Upgrades. The TOD upgraders are, in CO's view, the most important people in the entire world. So far fewer EUA's until the gate, so as to maximize the number of TOD upgrades. Others will claim they are doing this to sell F seats, but let's get real with the ghettoization of the CO F product it's not worth paying for anymore.
I worry that PMUA UDU will soon be infected by this, i.e. TOD upsell to anyone.
Apr 19, 2011, 10:38 am
#10
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: SNA
Programs: UA,DL,AA,Hilton,Starwood, Hyatt, Marriott,Taj, Shangrila
Posts: 9
CO not upgrading UA Elites
You are SO Right!!!!! Continental is not processing UA elite upgrades. We(2 Prem Exec million mile flyers) are flying tomorrow and both flights CO420 and CO1662 have first seats available. CO customer service supervisor gave me a song and dance that I could apply for an upgrade at 24 hours when boarding passes can be printed. I read the UA Website elite upgrade terms to her and she said too bad that's not how it works.
Apr 19, 2011, 10:39 am
#11
Join Date: May 2006
Location: PHL/EWR
Programs: UA, AA
Posts: 1,821
Personally, I've always been in favor of holding back 4+ seats until the gate in order to accommodate paid F irrops and last minute purchases by platinums.
I have a family of 5 and can pretty much guarantee that when buying paid F, if there is a cancellation or mis-connect, we're sitting in coach.
I have a family of 5 and can pretty much guarantee that when buying paid F, if there is a cancellation or mis-connect, we're sitting in coach.
Apr 19, 2011, 10:42 am
#12
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: CLT
Programs: AA EP, AA AC
Posts: 4,268
Safe Travels
Apr 19, 2011, 10:46 am
#13
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: NJ
Programs: UA MM, HH Gold, SPG LT Gold
Posts: 263
I have already matched to CO Plat from UA 1k, and made sure the FF number in the CO metal flight is CO Plat status, but still no confirmed EUA at T-5 though F is showing almost empty.
Apr 19, 2011, 10:52 am
#14
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: LGA/JFK/EWR
Programs: UA 1K1.75MM, Hyatt Globalist, abandoned Marriott LTT (RIP SPG), Hertz PC
Posts: 21,173
Personally, I've always been in favor of holding back 4+ seats until the gate in order to accommodate paid F irrops and last minute purchases by platinums.
I have a family of 5 and can pretty much guarantee that when buying paid F, if there is a cancellation or mis-connect, we're sitting in coach.
I have a family of 5 and can pretty much guarantee that when buying paid F, if there is a cancellation or mis-connect, we're sitting in coach.
Apr 19, 2011, 10:53 am
#15
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: NJ
Programs: UA MM, HH Gold, SPG LT Gold
Posts: 263
+1, my 2011 upgrade with UA/CO so far: UDU 11/12 (91%), EUA 3/8 (37%).
Last edited by pm6163; Apr 19, 2011 at 10:59 am