Feb 22, 2017, 12:57 pm
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
Active thread Consolidated "Waitlist for Award Seats Questions/Issues"
Waitilisting for awards
Click for the current rules from United
Member experiences:
At the airport if you have not yet cleared:
Note: The correct priority term here may in fact be a code that is one of WAI, WBI, WCI, or WDI depending on status. The is per GG ONESTANDBY lines 32-55.
Note: PR-1 status is given to those who "paid" the requisite miles for an upgraded seat (i.e. biz) when only the non-upgraded space (i.e. coach) was available. The PR-1 status is to clue the system (and agents) in so that it is clear that you have been "displaced." (NOTE: once you have obtained PR-1 status, should there be any change to your ticket, e.g., an involuntary reroute by UA due to missing a connection, the PR-1 status will most likely get dropped and you must have it reattached (esp. before any UGs are given to others).
Unfortunately at T-24, many GAs do not get this concept. Use the above to plead your case but be prepared to be unsatisfied. One method that can get you to a higher level of understanding is the UC. Their staff seem to not only have a better understanding of the issues, but they can contact the gate and exert some influence on the less informed GAs, AND they seem to have more of an interest in helping PAX. If you can get into the UC, it will be worth your while.
**Note: If you get the UG on the long haul, the higher level of award miles you are using (like with the GPU) are considered used up regardless of the short haul. You will not be charged the lower level # of miles (i.e. refunded the diff between the lower level and the higher level you paid in advance), rather the higher level award miles will be considered spent. That is the risk you take when you do Plan B.
Waitilisting for awards
Click for the current rules from United
From the above link:You may redeem miles for travel in United Global First, United First, United Business or United BusinessFirst, even if the space is not available. In these cases, United Economy in the same award type must be confirmed, and the front cabin will be waitlisted. If the courtesy waitlist does not clear, it will expire 24 hours before itinerary departure, and you will automatically be added to the airport upgrade standby list upon check-in. In these cases, you will be confirmed on a space-available basis by a United airport representative at the gate once the flight has closed for check-in. For United BusinessFirst and United Business travel awards, the difference in miles will be refunded when the United BusinessFirst or United Business class segment of the trip could not be confirmed. Waitlist requests may only be made over the phone with your local United Customer Contact Center.
- You must have a confirmed segment to wait list for different cabin and/or a different flight.
- Can only waitlist for UA/UX operated flight, cannot waitlist for partner flights. Can waitlist for UA/UX flights on a mixed itin.
- Maximum number of WL segments in a PNR is 2.
- When confirmed segment is on a partner, you can waitlist for UA operated alternative.A report of being refused waitlisting for Economy{mixed reports - need further confirmation/clarification}.
At the airport if you have not yet cleared:
Note: The correct priority term here may in fact be a code that is one of WAI, WBI, WCI, or WDI depending on status. The is per GG ONESTANDBY lines 32-55.
The agent should give you “PR-1 status” which gives you top-priority status and moves you to the very top of the upgrade standby list, ahead of employees and everyone else trying to upgrade with miles+cash. If one agent won’t put you on the list as a displaced Business class passenger with PR-1 status then find another one who will. With this status the odds of you getting a business class are very high if there are still open seats (or if anybody no-shows).
If the agents in the airport are all clueless you should direct them to look
up “gg onestandby” in their system (they’ll know exactly what this is)
and look around lines 85-89 which spell out the details of the procedure for
this award.
If the agents in the airport are all clueless you should direct them to look
up “gg onestandby” in their system (they’ll know exactly what this is)
and look around lines 85-89 which spell out the details of the procedure for
this award.
Unfortunately at T-24, many GAs do not get this concept. Use the above to plead your case but be prepared to be unsatisfied. One method that can get you to a higher level of understanding is the UC. Their staff seem to not only have a better understanding of the issues, but they can contact the gate and exert some influence on the less informed GAs, AND they seem to have more of an interest in helping PAX. If you can get into the UC, it will be worth your while.
**Note: If you get the UG on the long haul, the higher level of award miles you are using (like with the GPU) are considered used up regardless of the short haul. You will not be charged the lower level # of miles (i.e. refunded the diff between the lower level and the higher level you paid in advance), rather the higher level award miles will be considered spent. That is the risk you take when you do Plan B.
Consolidated "Waitlist for Award Seats Questions/Issues [ARCHIVE]
Jun 6, 2018, 2:04 pm
#2401
Join Date: May 2012
Location: ORF, RIC
Programs: UA LT 1K, 3 MM; Marriott Titanium; IHG Platinum
Posts: 6,952
In some cases the mileage difference would be refunded but not in this case.
but ORD-HNL is considered Domestic First.
If you are worried, then request to remove the PHL-ORD waitlist. It can be added back if the ORD-HNL clears in advance.
but ORD-HNL is considered Domestic First.
If you are worried, then request to remove the PHL-ORD waitlist. It can be added back if the ORD-HNL clears in advance.
Jun 6, 2018, 4:08 pm
#2402
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.995MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,821
Jun 7, 2018, 9:10 am
#2403
Join Date: May 2012
Location: ORF, RIC
Programs: UA LT 1K, 3 MM; Marriott Titanium; IHG Platinum
Posts: 6,952
Automatically. I am very sure of the RPU return of this particular ORD-HNL. It occurred the day after the flight.
Jun 11, 2018, 7:36 pm
#2404
Join Date: Jun 2018
Posts: 3
First timer here. Flying on Wednesday UA118 from ORD -> EDI. We have two separate "I class waitlisted" reservations for 2 people (4 people total). There are currently 4 open seats on the seat chart and 3 seats in the J fare. What are the odds ANY of us get upgraded? I am betting slim but thought it was worth getting opinions on here.
Should split up to be 4 singles or will it do that automatically at T-24?
Thanks for all the help everyone, been following this thread for a while.
Should split up to be 4 singles or will it do that automatically at T-24?
Thanks for all the help everyone, been following this thread for a while.
Jun 11, 2018, 8:45 pm
#2405
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, UA Gold, WN, Global Entry; +others wherever miles/points are found
Posts: 14,404
First timer here. Flying on Wednesday UA118 from ORD -> EDI. We have two separate "I class waitlisted" reservations for 2 people (4 people total). There are currently 4 open seats on the seat chart and 3 seats in the J fare. What are the odds ANY of us get upgraded? I am betting slim but thought it was worth getting opinions on here.
Should split up to be 4 singles or will it do that automatically at T-24?
Should split up to be 4 singles or will it do that automatically at T-24?
However, that doesn't mean that there aren't uncleared upgrades in Economy which would be ahead of you. Your PNRs should split automatically at check-in and you should show up on the upgrade standby list. After that, it'll be a real roll of the dice. Good luck!
Jun 12, 2018, 8:27 am
#2406
Join Date: Jun 2018
Posts: 3
First timer here. Flying on Wednesday UA118 from ORD -> EDI. We have two separate "I class waitlisted" reservations for 2 people (4 people total). There are currently 4 open seats on the seat chart and 3 seats in the J fare. What are the odds ANY of us get upgraded? I am betting slim but thought it was worth getting opinions on here.
Should split up to be 4 singles or will it do that automatically at T-24?
Thanks for all the help everyone, been following this thread for a while.
Should split up to be 4 singles or will it do that automatically at T-24?
Thanks for all the help everyone, been following this thread for a while.
Jun 12, 2018, 8:30 am
#2407
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,386
Last edited by jsloan; Jun 12, 2018 at 8:32 am Reason: brain freeze
Jun 12, 2018, 8:32 am
#2409
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,386
Jun 12, 2018, 8:32 am
#2410
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,446
Jun 12, 2018, 11:09 am
#2411
Join Date: Jun 2018
Programs: united
Posts: 75
GPU Questions
My husband and I are flying to Europe this summer for his companies award trip and will be looking to upgrade both TATL legs of our trip. I just found out that my pregnant sister who won't be flying much more this year is a 1K and my favorite uncle (who's dog we watch all the time while he's raking up the miles) is GS and I intend to take full advantage of both to get us up front. We will be booked in a W fare class by my hubby's company so here's what I need to know/confirm:
- 1K's need R availability to confirm at booking, but GS's GPU's will confirm right away if a flight has PN availability, right?
- If a flight does not have PN or R availability, will using my uncle's GS GPU vs my sisters 1K GPU give us any advantage on the waitlist since I don't have any status with UA?
- If we are able to confirm at booking with my uncles GPU, will we get any GS benefits (I'm stingy, what can i say, lol)?
TIA!
- 1K's need R availability to confirm at booking, but GS's GPU's will confirm right away if a flight has PN availability, right?
- If a flight does not have PN or R availability, will using my uncle's GS GPU vs my sisters 1K GPU give us any advantage on the waitlist since I don't have any status with UA?
- If we are able to confirm at booking with my uncles GPU, will we get any GS benefits (I'm stingy, what can i say, lol)?
TIA!
Jun 12, 2018, 11:13 am
#2412
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,386
My husband and I are flying to Europe this summer for his companies award trip and will be looking to upgrade both TATL legs of our trip. I just found out that my pregnant sister who won't be flying much more this year is a 1K and my favorite uncle (who's dog we watch all the time while he's raking up the miles) is GS and I intend to take full advantage of both to get us up front. We will be booked in a W fare class by my hubby's company so here's what I need to know/confirm:
- 1K's need R availability to confirm at booking, but GS's GPU's will confirm right away if a flight has PN availability, right?
- If a flight does not have PN or R availability, will using my uncle's GS GPU vs my sisters 1K GPU give us any advantage on the waitlist since I don't have any status with UA?
- If we are able to confirm at booking with my uncles GPU, will we get any GS benefits (I'm stingy, what can i say, lol)?
TIA!
- 1K's need R availability to confirm at booking, but GS's GPU's will confirm right away if a flight has PN availability, right?
- If a flight does not have PN or R availability, will using my uncle's GS GPU vs my sisters 1K GPU give us any advantage on the waitlist since I don't have any status with UA?
- If we are able to confirm at booking with my uncles GPU, will we get any GS benefits (I'm stingy, what can i say, lol)?
TIA!
You won't get any additional GS benefits, regardless of when (or if) your upgrade clears. Sorry.
Jun 12, 2018, 11:13 am
#2413
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Floating around
Programs: UA 1K (1MM), DL Gold (1MM), Marriott LTT
Posts: 10,341
My husband and I are flying to Europe this summer for his companies award trip and will be looking to upgrade both TATL legs of our trip. I just found out that my pregnant sister who won't be flying much more this year is a 1K and my favorite uncle (who's dog we watch all the time while he's raking up the miles) is GS and I intend to take full advantage of both to get us up front. We will be booked in a W fare class by my hubby's company so here's what I need to know/confirm:
- 1K's need R availability to confirm at booking, but GS's GPU's will confirm right away if a flight has PN availability, right?
- If a flight does not have PN or R availability, will using my uncle's GS GPU vs my sisters 1K GPU give us any advantage on the waitlist since I don't have any status with UA?
- If we are able to confirm at booking with my uncles GPU, will we get any GS benefits (I'm stingy, what can i say, lol)?
TIA!
- 1K's need R availability to confirm at booking, but GS's GPU's will confirm right away if a flight has PN availability, right?
- If a flight does not have PN or R availability, will using my uncle's GS GPU vs my sisters 1K GPU give us any advantage on the waitlist since I don't have any status with UA?
- If we are able to confirm at booking with my uncles GPU, will we get any GS benefits (I'm stingy, what can i say, lol)?
TIA!
2) You are better off using your Uncle's GPUs since PN will always open first. It could be equal to "R" but PN is less stingy than R on long hauls. And if you are comfortable having one upgraded while the other isn't then have the reservation split before applying the GPUs.
3) What other benefits do you want? If you get confirmed in business then you get the benefits of flying that class and where the GPU came from is irrelevant at that point. You will have access to Polaris Lounge in ORD/SFO/EWR, for example.
-RM
Jun 14, 2018, 2:10 am
#2414
Join Date: Mar 2008
Programs: DL BA Amex
Posts: 916
I have an award ticket FRA-IAD-CLE. both segments were wait listed at the time of booking.
IAD-CLE cleared, but FRA-IAD still wait listed.
If the FRA-IAD doesn't clear, will the difference in the price of the award ticket still be refunded, even though the domestic segment cleared?
If FRA-IAD doesn't clear at T<24, will I be at the mercy of the GA to get me on the standby list correctly?
IAD-CLE cleared, but FRA-IAD still wait listed.
If the FRA-IAD doesn't clear, will the difference in the price of the award ticket still be refunded, even though the domestic segment cleared?
If FRA-IAD doesn't clear at T<24, will I be at the mercy of the GA to get me on the standby list correctly?
Jun 14, 2018, 5:54 am
#2415
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: New York NY
Programs: UA Gold, CO Plat, CO Million Miler
Posts: 2,617
I have an award ticket FRA-IAD-CLE. both segments were wait listed at the time of booking.
IAD-CLE cleared, but FRA-IAD still wait listed.
If the FRA-IAD doesn't clear, will the difference in the price of the award ticket still be refunded, even though the domestic segment cleared?
If FRA-IAD doesn't clear at T<24, will I be at the mercy of the GA to get me on the standby list correctly?
IAD-CLE cleared, but FRA-IAD still wait listed.
If the FRA-IAD doesn't clear, will the difference in the price of the award ticket still be refunded, even though the domestic segment cleared?
If FRA-IAD doesn't clear at T<24, will I be at the mercy of the GA to get me on the standby list correctly?
At T<24, you should automatically go on to the standby list. No one quite has figured out for sure what the correct position really is. So you will be at the mercy of the GA.