Upgrade Question - "Waitlist Only"
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: SFO
Programs: United Premier 1K, Starwood Gold, Marriott Gold, Avis Presidential Club.
Posts: 94
Upgrade Question - "Waitlist Only"
Hey guys,
Pretty sure about the answer to this, just wanted to make sure as I haven't seen it stated explicitly.
When I see the below screen:

Does this mean that the dollar cost and mileage subtraction ONLY takes place if I clear the waitlist, or am I charged the respective amounts regardless (e.g. paying just to get on the waitlist)?
Thanks!
Pretty sure about the answer to this, just wanted to make sure as I haven't seen it stated explicitly.
When I see the below screen:

Does this mean that the dollar cost and mileage subtraction ONLY takes place if I clear the waitlist, or am I charged the respective amounts regardless (e.g. paying just to get on the waitlist)?
Thanks!
#4
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: USA
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Platinum Plus
Posts: 166
Last time I used this option (pre 3/3) they billed my credit card at check in (cleared upgrade)... My guess is this policy carried over. However, The mileage was deducted when I wait listed.
#5
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: LAX and LHR. UA lifetime Gold 1.8MM 1K , DL working my way up, HHonors Gold, Marriott Gold, BW Plat, Hertz #1 Gold PC, Avis Preferred
Posts: 3,047
No, it didn't carry over. The website now states clearly that you pay as soon as you go on the waitlist. They want to earn interest on your money for as long as possible.
#7
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Seattle
Programs: exUA, WN
Posts: 203
Came to the conclusion it's less about earning, and more about borrowing from you at 0% then borrowing on the open market at X%. I'd guess X is not small given the history of airlines.
#8
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: wandering expat
Posts: 40,126
Another change where the PMCO policy trumps the PMUA policy. Mr. Smisek apparently looks everwhere for places where he can earn $$.
#9
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: ORD / DUB / LHR
Programs: UA 1K MM; BA Silver; Marriott Plat
Posts: 8,243
Discussed extensively in this thread: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unite...-lhr-swus.html
It is all about moving the processing of these fees from outstations to the website / call centres. The interest earned on these transactions is negligible.
It is all about moving the processing of these fees from outstations to the website / call centres. The interest earned on these transactions is negligible.
#11
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: IAH
Programs: UA 1PP MM
Posts: 319
We're all screaming about changes "we DON"T like" but I wonder how many of those changes were restrictions of the software.
#13
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: NYC
Posts: 69,156
Where both status-based and instrument-based upgrades are possible the instrument-based ones take priority. Within the category of instruments (including miles, RPUs and GPUs) status still matters. And these priorities should be reflected in the list at the gate.
#14
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Minneapolis MN
Programs: DL Platinum
Posts: 362
Thanks so much.
#15
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: NYC
Programs: Hyatt Diamond, AA Plat
Posts: 1,138
Is there a ranking of instruments as well? I am currently waitlisted using a CR1 (W fare) - in that case, will I be trumped on the waitlist by other 1Ks using miles to upgrade, for example?