Is there a problem with upgrade instruments and multi-segment itineraries?
Jun 7, 2012 | 5:58 pm
#1
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Is there a problem with upgrade instruments and multi-segment itineraries?
Elsewhere I read:
I'm looking at two trips LHR-EWR-XXX with a GPU applied, where EWR-XXX has cleared and LHR-EWR is waitlisted. While we've been on the upgrade waitlist for LHR-EWR (admittedly a tough upgrade), I've watched C inventory on the flight dwindle from C9 / 30 open seats to C3 / 3 open seats.
I'm also looking at two trips LAX-IAD-LHR, with a GPU applied, where LAX-IAD has cleared and IAD-LHR is waitlisted. Again, C inventory has been dwindling.
I have been watching every 10 minutes or so for R inventory and the tatls have never been anything but R0. But … now I'm concerned that there's a report of upgrade difficulties involving multiple-segment trips.
Should I be worried? (Or thrilled that United's generous "give you the GPU back if the intl flight doesn't clear" policy, combined with a hypothetical "international segments don't clear" policy, would hypothetically mean free confirmable domestic upgrades on international trips?)
The current reservation system fails miserable when dealing with segment with more than a single leg. If one of the segments was upgraded using an instrument, the second will end up in a black hole. The only way to get the upgrade to clear is human intervention
Several recent examples:
Several recent examples:
- Applied GPU to TPE->NRT->EWR. TPE->NRT clears at booking, NRT->EWR not cleared when RN becomes available a few days before departure. Had to call to get the upgrade to clear.
- Upgraded CCU->BOM->EWR using GPU. CCU->BOM on jet not eligible for upgrade. DEL->EWR not cleared until T-24. Not showing on the upgrade list after check in at CCU. The ticketing agent at BOM manged to get me on the list and I was upgraded after boarding.
- Upgraded SLC->DEN->EWR using RPU. SLC->DEN cleared at booking. never made it to the WL at T-24.Had to call to get on the WL. Nobody cleared.
I'm also looking at two trips LAX-IAD-LHR, with a GPU applied, where LAX-IAD has cleared and IAD-LHR is waitlisted. Again, C inventory has been dwindling.
I have been watching every 10 minutes or so for R inventory and the tatls have never been anything but R0. But … now I'm concerned that there's a report of upgrade difficulties involving multiple-segment trips.
Should I be worried? (Or thrilled that United's generous "give you the GPU back if the intl flight doesn't clear" policy, combined with a hypothetical "international segments don't clear" policy, would hypothetically mean free confirmable domestic upgrades on international trips?)
Jun 7, 2012 | 6:14 pm
#2
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Join Date: Apr 2008
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Posts: 21,318
You're a great candidate for an EF subscription
I'd be worried, but worst case, hey, you did get a free domestic upgrade!
Be sure to check just after T-24 for all your flights.
I'd be worried, but worst case, hey, you did get a free domestic upgrade!
Be sure to check just after T-24 for all your flights.