Upgrade Question - "Waitlist Only"
Mar 11, 2012 | 8:38 pm
#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!
Mar 11, 2012 | 9:37 pm
#4
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: USA
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Platinum Plus
Posts: 168
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.
Mar 12, 2012 | 3:48 am
#5
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: LAX and LHR. UA lifetime Gold 1.9MM 1K , DL Gold Medallion, HHonors Gold, Marriott Gold, Avis President's Club
Posts: 3,653
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.
Mar 12, 2012 | 11:55 am
#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.
Mar 12, 2012 | 12:24 pm
#8
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 72,297
Another change where the PMCO policy trumps the PMUA policy. Mr. Smisek apparently looks everwhere for places where he can earn $$.
Mar 12, 2012 | 12:40 pm
#9
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: ORD / DUB / LHR
Programs: UA 1K MM; BA Silver; Marriott Plat
Posts: 8,240
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.
Mar 12, 2012 | 1:15 pm
#11
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: TPA
Programs: UA 1PP MM
Posts: 328
We're all screaming about changes "we DON"T like" but I wonder how many of those changes were restrictions of the software.
Mar 13, 2012 | 8:08 am
#12
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Minneapolis MN
Programs: DL Plat | Marriott Titanium
Posts: 506
Where on the waitlist does one get placed when 'paying' with miles for an upgrade. Does this trump the general status rules? Is it a different waitlist to the one you see at the gate?
Mar 13, 2012 | 8:11 am
#13
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: PSM
Posts: 69,232
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.
Mar 13, 2012 | 10:17 am
#14
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Minneapolis MN
Programs: DL Plat | Marriott Titanium
Posts: 506
Thanks so much.
Mar 13, 2012 | 10:27 am
#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?