Does a GPU earn miles?
 

I'm new go being at a level where I get GPUs, and had a quick question.
I book a roundtrip from IAD-ICN in W class, and used a GPU to upgrade from SFO-ICN in R class.
Will I not earn miles for that route? I see that R class is for award seats, but technically I bought the ticket in W class, so I assumed that I would earn base miles + premier bonus for that segment.

When using a GPU to go from coach to business, do you have to make the decision between the miles or the business class seat?

Thanks

You are entitled to earn miles for the fare purchased, which is W. So, if you are 1 K you will earn 100% PQMs and 100% base RDMs + 100% bonus RDMs for a total of 200% RDMs. The system "knows" what your original booking class was. I flew ORD-FRA in business class using a GPU (ticket booked in W) earlier this week and the miles posted to my account yesterday, 100% PQMs and 200% RDMs.

Great- Thanks for the explanation. I had assumed that was the case, but when my itinerary changes and only shows as an "R" fare, I just wanted to make sure.

There have been reports all over FT of these upgraded fares posting incorrectly. Don't be surprised if it posts as Z and gives you extra PQM's and then don't be surprised again if they do a sweep and reduce your mileage balance. We will have to see how all of this shakes out.

But the main thing im concerned about is, I am entitled to the miles for this segment. Let's assume worst case scenario (most likely scenario?) that UA doesn't quote me miles for this trip... If I call MileagePlus after the other segments post, is the rep going to be able to help me out here, or are they going to claim that regardless of how an R ticket is received, it isn't eligible for any miles?