Hm. So even a GM on an award ticket can trump a 1k for upgrade
Mar 25, 2012, 12:00 pm
#601
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: San Francisco, CA
Posts: 1,394
I'm much closer to jumping ship after missing the last 4 UDUs I always use to get. There is no benefit to flying UA these days. AA is willing to give me seats up front and from United I ride with the kettles if they even get my tickets right...that's another story about "tickets being out of sync." This airline has gone from par to sub-par too quick. They need a new leader, this one is not cutting it.
Mar 25, 2012, 1:55 pm
#602
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 59
Agree that the $102 is consistent with buy up to M for instant elite upgrade. Looks like the system is functioning as intended. Also agree that it is short-sighted to nickel and dime GS members, who have to spend $30,000+ per year to get it. I will not spend the extra money (my employer will not reimburse me), and I'll see how often I upgrade using UDUs. If the percent gets too low, I'll stop emphasizing United in my purchase decisions.
Mar 25, 2012, 5:02 pm
#603
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: DEN
Programs: Recovering after 7 years of UA 1K, Still UA Silver (Which means nothing), Marriott Lifetime Plat Pre
Posts: 1,950
Ive notices from the back, on flights where I used to sit up front, that most of F are families with children and people who look/act like they have never been on a plane before. I even see a lot of them pull out the air phones. This along with an agent saying they are trying to give upgrades to people who have never experienced First before in order to get them to return, makes me really think this thread title is true. They want GMs to fly in F, not elites. Its quite sad. I was hoping that if I spent above $30K last year I would make GS as that was COs old published policy for PP. But alas, after spending just over $30K and flying 123K+ miles, I am still only a lowly 1K, with no upgrades in sight unless I pay extra.
Mar 26, 2012, 2:04 am
#604
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Chicago USA
Programs: *A Junkie, SQ PPS, Skywards Gold, 2 Million Mile Flyer;*wood LT Plat, BA MM
Posts: 1,762
As an elite, I think what would would be fair if they offered us access to upgrades with the same kind of priority as normal upgrades. In other words, as a 1K I would get notice of an upgrade purchase 100 hours before others. Or even 48 hours...whatever it is.
So at the same time it would be fair for UA to make more money...and also still provide us with preferred access to the upgrades.
So at the same time it would be fair for UA to make more money...and also still provide us with preferred access to the upgrades.
*after we try to sell the upgrade to 173 non-Mileage Plus members for $99 either when they purchase their tickets or check-in, followed by all GS**, 1Ks**, and Platinum** members.
**plus their spouse/partner.
Our status does not mean anything any more.
I just buy a ticket and buy the upgrade.
All those CR1's and SWU's are useless unless you get lucky.
Welcome to the new Continental Airlines.
After doing extensive research they decided to keep the United name.
It sounds better and it invokes that the two airlines united to make one better airline.
If you weren't on the CON side you got the shaft.
I use this airline on an as needed basis, YMMV
I just buy a ticket and buy the upgrade.
All those CR1's and SWU's are useless unless you get lucky.
Welcome to the new Continental Airlines.
After doing extensive research they decided to keep the United name.
It sounds better and it invokes that the two airlines united to make one better airline.
If you weren't on the CON side you got the shaft.
I use this airline on an as needed basis, YMMV
Last edited by iluv2fly; Mar 26, 2012 at 9:46 am Reason: merge
Mar 26, 2012, 2:58 am
#605
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: IAH
Programs: UA Platinum
Posts: 26
Well, I am departing on 3/27/12 @ 13:50 from FRA to IAH. My original departure will be from KBP to FRA to IAH. I am a Platinum member and I purchased an upgrade for segment FRA to IAH, utilizing miles and co-pay (11 hours, well worth the purchase). I checked to see how many available seats there was, and at least 10 were available at the time of purchase (3/19/12). Now, two days before I see no upgrade acknowledgement, so I think that maybe they will post it tomorrow. Now, I check the waitlist this morning, a day before my flight, I see no one on the waitlist, 3 available seats in business class and a denial for my upgrade in my e-mail for segment KPB-to FRA. Now maybe this was a typo, but I called and checked with United representative and told them of my situation. The lady stated that I will not be getting an upgrade and that the available seats are for purchase only. She couldn't explain to me why the e-mail stated I was denied from KBP to FRA, when I wanted FRA to IAH.
So, not only do 1K get trump, also Platinum members who pay with miles and co-pay. Not sure if this is a work in progress with the merger, but I fly this route a lot in a year, and I might have to change airlines if this is the way things will be.
So, not only do 1K get trump, also Platinum members who pay with miles and co-pay. Not sure if this is a work in progress with the merger, but I fly this route a lot in a year, and I might have to change airlines if this is the way things will be.
Last edited by Codeblue009; Mar 26, 2012 at 2:58 am Reason: Typo
Mar 26, 2012, 11:46 am
#606
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: HNL
Programs: Hilton Diamond, Hawaiian Platinum, Starwood Platinum, United 1K
Posts: 37
This seems so wrong
Come on, United, speak up!
Last edited by humu; Mar 26, 2012 at 12:44 pm
Mar 26, 2012, 12:41 pm
#607
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: HNL
Programs: Hilton Diamond, Hawaiian Platinum, Starwood Platinum, United 1K
Posts: 37
Don't they care ???
"UA have not gotten one cent from me for 3 months - and that's an 11 year 1K MM sadly saying that.
Just just back from NZ flying Air NZ, and put the miles to my Virgin account.
._________________
12 year 1K. Haven't taken a UA flight in 3 months. Take that.
There ARE airline choices. You lied to me, so I'm making them"
We have also been 1K loyal to United for over 7 years. We have been having a heck of a time trying to get upgrade seats (even using regional upgrades) on M fares. If this continues on this path, we will also be taking your suggestion. We have been willing to give the new system a chance. It seems though that United Airlines DOESN'T CARE that their loyal customers are unhappy. Rather than find a win-win, they are shrugging it off. We fly internationally a lot, and still stuck to UAL despite all the connections we needed to take. It would, and will be a lot easier to take another carrier.
If UAL is so desperate to make money that they are willing to trade in their integrity for profit, they should at least make it clear to their loyal fliers, rather than guise it under all the fluff!
Just just back from NZ flying Air NZ, and put the miles to my Virgin account.
._________________
12 year 1K. Haven't taken a UA flight in 3 months. Take that.
There ARE airline choices. You lied to me, so I'm making them"
We have also been 1K loyal to United for over 7 years. We have been having a heck of a time trying to get upgrade seats (even using regional upgrades) on M fares. If this continues on this path, we will also be taking your suggestion. We have been willing to give the new system a chance. It seems though that United Airlines DOESN'T CARE that their loyal customers are unhappy. Rather than find a win-win, they are shrugging it off. We fly internationally a lot, and still stuck to UAL despite all the connections we needed to take. It would, and will be a lot easier to take another carrier.
If UAL is so desperate to make money that they are willing to trade in their integrity for profit, they should at least make it clear to their loyal fliers, rather than guise it under all the fluff!
Mar 26, 2012, 7:13 pm
#608
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 59
I thought as 1k, you got automatic upgrade on M-fares.
Mar 26, 2012, 11:00 pm
#609
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: San Francisco
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 137
New UA upgrade waitlist
The upgrade waitlist for the old CO and the new UA still puzzles me. For example, today, I was number 7 on the waitlist, with 9 seats available for purchase on the 763 to HOU from SFO tomorrow. I took a look at the waitlist again tonight, and i'm still #7 on the waitlist above the same people, but somehow there are zero seats left in F.
Why does this continually happen to me any time I take a flight on the new UA (and generally a CO flight before the the March switchover)? I highly doubt 9 people bought first class seats since this afternoon. Does the waitlist not mean anything? Does it not count all the no status/premier/premier execs/75Kers with Y/B/M fares who auto upgrade or those burning whatever the new CR1/SWUs are called? I'm still puzzled as to why the waitlist seems to have no bearing on reality. Can someone shed some light on this?
Why does this continually happen to me any time I take a flight on the new UA (and generally a CO flight before the the March switchover)? I highly doubt 9 people bought first class seats since this afternoon. Does the waitlist not mean anything? Does it not count all the no status/premier/premier execs/75Kers with Y/B/M fares who auto upgrade or those burning whatever the new CR1/SWUs are called? I'm still puzzled as to why the waitlist seems to have no bearing on reality. Can someone shed some light on this?
Mar 26, 2012, 11:11 pm
#610
Join Date: May 2004
Location: OAK
Programs: UA Gold MM / AS MVP Gold
Posts: 2,504
The upgrade waitlist for the old CO and the new UA still puzzles me. For example, today, I was number 7 on the waitlist, with 9 seats available for purchase on the 763 to HOU from SFO tomorrow. I took a look at the waitlist again tonight, and i'm still #7 on the waitlist above the same people, but somehow there are zero seats left in F.
Why does this continually happen to me any time I take a flight on the new UA (and generally a CO flight before the the March switchover)? I highly doubt 9 people bought first class seats since this afternoon. Does the waitlist not mean anything? Does it not count all the no status/premier/premier execs/75Kers with Y/B/M fares who auto upgrade or those burning whatever the new CR1/SWUs are called? I'm still puzzled as to why the waitlist seems to have no bearing on reality. Can someone shed some light on this?
Why does this continually happen to me any time I take a flight on the new UA (and generally a CO flight before the the March switchover)? I highly doubt 9 people bought first class seats since this afternoon. Does the waitlist not mean anything? Does it not count all the no status/premier/premier execs/75Kers with Y/B/M fares who auto upgrade or those burning whatever the new CR1/SWUs are called? I'm still puzzled as to why the waitlist seems to have no bearing on reality. Can someone shed some light on this?
Mar 27, 2012, 1:29 am
#612
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: IAH
Programs: UA Platinum
Posts: 26
Well, I am departing on 3/27/12 @ 13:50 from FRA to IAH. My original departure will be from KBP to FRA to IAH. I am a Platinum member and I purchased an upgrade for segment FRA to IAH, utilizing miles and co-pay (11 hours, well worth the purchase). I checked to see how many available seats there was, and at least 10 were available at the time of purchase (3/19/12). Now, two days before I see no upgrade acknowledgement, so I think that maybe they will post it tomorrow. Now, I check the waitlist this morning, a day before my flight, I see no one on the waitlist, 3 available seats in business class and a denial for my upgrade in my e-mail for segment KPB-to FRA. Now maybe this was a typo, but I called and checked with United representative and told them of my situation. The lady stated that I will not be getting an upgrade and that the available seats are for purchase only. She couldn't explain to me why the e-mail stated I was denied from KBP to FRA, when I wanted FRA to IAH.
So, not only do 1K get trump, also Platinum members who pay with miles and co-pay. Not sure if this is a work in progress with the merger, but I fly this route a lot in a year, and I might have to change airlines if this is the way things will be.
So, not only do 1K get trump, also Platinum members who pay with miles and co-pay. Not sure if this is a work in progress with the merger, but I fly this route a lot in a year, and I might have to change airlines if this is the way things will be.
