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R / PZ Avail changes depending on how you search flights

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Old Dec 30, 2014, 12:26 pm
FlyerTalk Forums Expert How-Tos and Guides
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
Until 18 Oct 2018, upgrade space for RPU/GPUs was "R" ("PN" for GS), starting 19 Oct 2018 "R" has been replaced by "PZ"
Changes to UA's Fare Classes (19-20 October 2018)
"R" upgrade / fare class is missing! (replaced by PZ)
You search AAA-BBB-CCC and see R0 but later just search BBB-CCC and see R>0?

Or you search AAA-DDD-BBB-CCC and R>0 but not the same number as BBB-CCC shows?

Why does AAA-BBB-CCC shows R=0 but the other routes R>0 (but not always the same amount)???

This is related to how fare class availability to created for multi-segment trips.
The fare class availability is displayed as the minimum of each same fare class inventory of all the segments. So if looking for a T fare, all the segments need to have T fare inventory. If any one is T=0, then the multi-segment results is 0 or whatever the minimum inventory is.

This is true for R --- but the good news is upgrades will clear based on individual segments (except in the case of Direct flights).

So in the above case, regardless of routing the BBB-CCC segment can clear on application of certs or miles.

The general recommendation is to search for the critical upgradeable segments individually -- note the R availability. Then book the desired multi-segment trip and apply the upgrade.
In the slim chance the R space disappears in the meantime, you can make use of the 24 hour free cancellation window to start-over.
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R / PZ Avail changes depending on how you search flights

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Old Jan 6, 2019, 12:47 pm
  #391  
 
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Originally Posted by whicuz
I am looking to buy an upgradeable international ticket from EWR->EZE and it seems like the domestic flight limits the availability of upgrades on the international segment. E.g.: EWR->IAH->EZE shows PN3 and says upgrades are available. LGA->IAH->EZE shows PN0 and says I would be on the waitlist. Both tickets are the same fare class.

If I apply a GPU to the trip, will the international segment upgrade based on its own (e.g. IAH->EZE) segment availability?
You have to look only at the IAH-EZE segment. If you are GS (or have a GPU from a GS), if it shows PN availability, you book your ticket LGA-IAH-EZE. At booking, you apply the GPU which should clear immediately. The LGA-IAH segment will get waitlisted with the same GPU.

If you are not GS (or don't have a GPU from a GS), then you should look at PZ.
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Old Jan 6, 2019, 12:51 pm
  #392  
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Not married segments. It's a simple display issue, where the expert mode displays to lowest common denominator on a multi-segment itinerary. R / PZ Avail changes depending on how you search flights

I'm assuming you are GS if you are looking at PN?
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Old Jan 6, 2019, 1:03 pm
  #393  
 
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Thanks for the details.

Originally Posted by Kacee
I'm assuming you are GS if you are looking at PN?
Nope, just Gold and a little clueless. Is PN for GS upgrades or award bookings?

Looking at the non-stop flight it has PZ9 on March 6 but PZ0 on March 13th, even though they're both P9 and the March 6 flight seems to have more seats taken. Does united release award space ~2 months in advance? I'd rather book the non-stop if it's not a big risk of missing the upgrade.
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Old Jan 6, 2019, 1:07 pm
  #394  
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Originally Posted by whicuz
Looking at the non-stop flight it has PZ9 on March 6 but PZ0 on March 13th, even though they're both P9 and the March 6 flight seems to have more seats taken. Does united release award space ~2 months in advance? I'd rather book the non-stop if it's not a big risk of missing the upgrade.
UA may or may not release PZ at any time prior to departure. As a Gold, waitlisting is a dicey proposition.
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Old Jan 6, 2019, 1:09 pm
  #395  
 
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Originally Posted by whicuz
Thanks for the details.

Nope, just Gold and a little clueless. Is PN for GS upgrades or award bookings?

Looking at the non-stop flight it has PZ9 on March 6 but PZ0 on March 13th, even though they're both P9 and the March 6 flight seems to have more seats taken. Does united release award space ~2 months in advance? I'd rather book the non-stop if it's not a big risk of missing the upgrade.
PN is for GS so you have to look at PZ. You never know when UA decides to release upgrades and as a Gold you have lower priority than GS, 1Ks and Platinums and you don't know if some 1Ks and Platinums are already waitlisted. I would book immediately the flight that has PZ>9 and not risk that my upgrade does not clear.
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Old Jan 6, 2019, 1:10 pm
  #396  
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Originally Posted by whicuz
Thanks for the details.



Nope, just Gold and a little clueless. Is PN for GS upgrades or award bookings?

Looking at the non-stop flight it has PZ9 on March 6 but PZ0 on March 13th, even though they're both P9 and the March 6 flight seems to have more seats taken. Does united release award space ~2 months in advance? I'd rather book the non-stop if it's not a big risk of missing the upgrade.
I is for awards. PN is for GS upgrades, PZ is for GPU/miles etc. from non-GS.

Always look for availability on each individual segment, unless it is a through flight with the same flight number ... then you have to carefully book the connection as a 'stop'.
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Old Jan 6, 2019, 1:11 pm
  #397  
 
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Originally Posted by Kacee
UA may or may not release PZ at any time prior to departure. As a Gold, waitlisting is a dicey proposition.
Generally agreed, but given that every Wednesday flight from EWR->EZE for the next two months except the ones before MLK day and Presidents day has >PZ2 through March 7th, it seems like waiting a week might get me a seat. It is obviously a risk, though, with very limited upside.
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Old Jan 6, 2019, 1:12 pm
  #398  
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Originally Posted by whicuz
Generally agreed, but given that every Wednesday flight from EWR->EZE for the next two months except the ones before MLK day and Presidents day has >PZ2 through March 7th, it seems like waiting a week might get me a seat. It is obviously a risk, though, with very limited upside.
What's your change fee? You could always book now and change to the nonstop if they open PZ (keeping in mind any advance purchase requirement).
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Old Jan 6, 2019, 1:14 pm
  #399  
 
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Originally Posted by Kacee
What's your change fee? You could always book now and change to the nonstop if they open PZ (keeping in mind any advance purchase requirement).
I would imagine it's $400 (I don't think it would be less for me for any reason). I could put both flights on hold I suppose (which I'm normally loath to do).
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Old Jan 6, 2019, 1:51 pm
  #400  
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Originally Posted by whicuz
I would imagine it's $400 (I don't think it would be less for me for any reason). I could put both flights on hold I suppose (which I'm normally loath to do).
You might want to check that before you purchase. I doubt it's $400.
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Old Jan 6, 2019, 2:13 pm
  #401  
 
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Originally Posted by Kacee
You might want to check that before you purchase. I doubt it's $400.
You're right - $300. Still a steep cost to eliminate a stop (for two people, so $600). I'll have to think about it, but thanks for all the details/suggestions!

Last edited by hkcj; Jan 6, 2019 at 2:14 pm Reason: Typo
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Old Jan 6, 2019, 2:55 pm
  #402  
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Originally Posted by whicuz
You're right - $300. Still a steep cost to eliminate a stop (for two people, so $600).
Yeah that's pretty costly. UA has reduced a bunch of its international change fees to $120, but apparently not on this route.
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Old Jan 6, 2019, 5:39 pm
  #403  
 
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Originally Posted by Kacee
Yeah that's pretty costly. UA has reduced a bunch of its international change fees to $120, but apparently not on this route.
Glad to hear about a positive change! I will pay more attention when I'm booking in the future, since that makes a big difference.
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Old Jan 6, 2019, 5:47 pm
  #404  
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Originally Posted by Kacee
Yeah that's pretty costly. UA has reduced a bunch of its international change fees to $120, but apparently not on this route.
Has that been seen outside of USA<>Asia?
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Old Jan 6, 2019, 5:55 pm
  #405  
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Originally Posted by WineCountryUA
Has that been seen outside of USA<>Asia?
I haven't, but I haven't looked.
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