Nov 8, 15, 12:01 pm
Last edit by: drewguy
For complimentary premier upgrades, United explains how they are handled for itineraries with more than one passenger:
If a reservation includes three or more travelers, and only one is not a Premier member, the Complimentary Premier Upgrades will be processed according to the lowest Premier status level in the reservation. If two or more travelers on the reservation are not Premier members, it will not be processed automatically. In these cases, Premier members should call the Premier Priority Desk to request a separate reservation for themselves and the eligible companion.
https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly.../upgrades.html
For elites, an itinerary for multiple passengers will remain together until ~T-24. If the upgrades clear before then, the PNR remains together. If they have not cleared by then, the PNR will be "split" when you check in for purposes of upgrades, with waitlist priority in accordance with above. The splitting has consequences regarding eligibility for "inherited status" - i.e., baggage allowances, upgrade priority, boarding priority for passengers with lower status than the highest status passenger. I.e., as a formal matter the benefits of inherited status are lost (although E+ seats are usually retained or can be gotten back, baggage is usually granted, one can board with highest priority passenger). This also matters for the return.
This thread explains various scenarios and considerations as to whether it is desirable to split the PNR before T-24 and the consequences of having it happen.
Questions to consider:
1) Do you mind if not all passengers are upgraded? If you are willing to have some people remain in coach, then splitting increases your chances of an upgrade before T-24 because sometimes only one upgrade seat becomes available at a time. In such scenarios a group of 2+ will be skipped. If you can't be separated, don't split until forced to do so. If you really can't be separated, consider a call to UA to ask to be marked not for upgrades.
2) Once you get inside T-24 your PNR will be split, unless you make a special request that it not be. Each passenger will be placed on the upgrade list in accordance with the above. This doesn't matter much on the outbound flight unless there are IRROPS, in which case it may be tougher to get accommodation for all passengers.
3) On the return flight(s) the companions may no longer have the highest level of status of all passengers, including baggage allowances (E+ seats are usually retained). However, some recent reports are that companions retain the status of the highest passenger on the original PNR, even after it is split.
related threads
The stupid PNR auto-splitting at T-24 needs to stop
Splitting up partner airline award reservation
Companion policy
One companion traveling on a paid ticket on the same reservation as a Premier member is eligible for Complimentary Premier Upgrades on select flights, and may be confirmed with the same priority as the Premier member, even on the day of departure. If the companion is a Premier member, the upgrade will be processed according to the highest Premier status level in the reservation.If a reservation includes three or more travelers, and only one is not a Premier member, the Complimentary Premier Upgrades will be processed according to the lowest Premier status level in the reservation. If two or more travelers on the reservation are not Premier members, it will not be processed automatically. In these cases, Premier members should call the Premier Priority Desk to request a separate reservation for themselves and the eligible companion.
For elites, an itinerary for multiple passengers will remain together until ~T-24. If the upgrades clear before then, the PNR remains together. If they have not cleared by then, the PNR will be "split" when you check in for purposes of upgrades, with waitlist priority in accordance with above. The splitting has consequences regarding eligibility for "inherited status" - i.e., baggage allowances, upgrade priority, boarding priority for passengers with lower status than the highest status passenger. I.e., as a formal matter the benefits of inherited status are lost (although E+ seats are usually retained or can be gotten back, baggage is usually granted, one can board with highest priority passenger). This also matters for the return.
This thread explains various scenarios and considerations as to whether it is desirable to split the PNR before T-24 and the consequences of having it happen.
Questions to consider:
1) Do you mind if not all passengers are upgraded? If you are willing to have some people remain in coach, then splitting increases your chances of an upgrade before T-24 because sometimes only one upgrade seat becomes available at a time. In such scenarios a group of 2+ will be skipped. If you can't be separated, don't split until forced to do so. If you really can't be separated, consider a call to UA to ask to be marked not for upgrades.
2) Once you get inside T-24 your PNR will be split, unless you make a special request that it not be. Each passenger will be placed on the upgrade list in accordance with the above. This doesn't matter much on the outbound flight unless there are IRROPS, in which case it may be tougher to get accommodation for all passengers.
3) On the return flight(s) the companions may no longer have the highest level of status of all passengers, including baggage allowances (E+ seats are usually retained). However, some recent reports are that companions retain the status of the highest passenger on the original PNR, even after it is split.
related threads
The stupid PNR auto-splitting at T-24 needs to stop
Splitting up partner airline award reservation
To split or not to split PNR
Aug 10, 12, 12:25 pm
#16
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 50
I've also had experience clicking no to being added to upgrade list at check in to avoid a split. My experience with this is that you stay on the same PNR, but for the return, you will clear CPU per the way it's supposed to be done - together, based on status. However, if you don't clear by check in, you will not have an option to be added to the upgrade list, as their will be a do not upgrade notation on your record from the outbound. You'll have to find a really good agent, and have a bit of time to have this happen. In addition, youll only be allowed to be added at the airport of departure for each flight, meaning for any connection, you'll only be able to do this once you arrive at that connection point.
If I clicked Yes (which I did), our PNR gets split but we both get added to the standby upgrade list for the outbound flight, which is a good thing. But then we're screwed for the return flight, because my partner will no longer clear via CPU since she's on a different PNR now, AND won't get added to the standby upgrade list until we get to the airport.
So if I'm understanding this correctly, clicking No screws you for the outbound, clicking Yes screws you for the inbound? This then can only either be a strange bug in the system due to the merger, or more likely, someone at United/Continental figured out this loophole to reduce the number of complimentary upgrades offered (I call it a loophole because it's in direct contradiction/circumvents what United says their upgrade policy is for companions)...
Aug 10, 12, 12:36 pm
#17
Join Date: Mar 2012
Programs: Mileage Plus 1K; Marriott Platinum; Hilton Gold
Posts: 6,354
Welcome to the club: you've been SHAREd
So if I'm understanding this correctly, clicking No screws you for the outbound, clicking Yes screws you for the inbound? This then can only either be a strange bug in the system due to the merger, or more likely, someone at United/Continental figured out this loophole to reduce the number of complimentary upgrades offered (I call it a loophole because it's in direct contradiction/circumvents what United says their upgrade policy is for companions)...
Aug 10, 12, 9:10 pm
#18
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 14,315
Wow, am I reading this right?? So if I had clicked No at check-in (and No only shows up if we didn't clear CPU which means we do actually want to be added to the upgrade standby list) then for the outbound my partner and I would be SOL until we get to the airport because not only did we not clear CPU, we are also not on the standby upgrade list because we opted out in order to keep our PNR together.
If I clicked Yes (which I did), our PNR gets split but we both get added to the standby upgrade list for the outbound flight, which is a good thing. But then we're screwed for the return flight, because my partner will no longer clear via CPU since she's on a different PNR now, AND won't get added to the standby upgrade list until we get to the airport.
So if I'm understanding this correctly, clicking No screws you for the outbound, clicking Yes screws you for the inbound? This then can only either be a strange bug in the system due to the merger, or more likely, someone at United/Continental figured out this loophole to reduce the number of complimentary upgrades offered (I call it a loophole because it's in direct contradiction/circumvents what United says their upgrade policy is for companions)...
If I clicked Yes (which I did), our PNR gets split but we both get added to the standby upgrade list for the outbound flight, which is a good thing. But then we're screwed for the return flight, because my partner will no longer clear via CPU since she's on a different PNR now, AND won't get added to the standby upgrade list until we get to the airport.
So if I'm understanding this correctly, clicking No screws you for the outbound, clicking Yes screws you for the inbound? This then can only either be a strange bug in the system due to the merger, or more likely, someone at United/Continental figured out this loophole to reduce the number of complimentary upgrades offered (I call it a loophole because it's in direct contradiction/circumvents what United says their upgrade policy is for companions)...
Also, be careful about assuming that if you clear CPU on the outbound, you won't be asked the question about whether you want to be added to the upgrade standby list at the airport. I did get asked once (this was late March), after me and my wife already cleared. Being 4:30 in the morning, and not thinking, I clicked yes. PNR split, of course. And on the return, on one segment, we nearly got split up - I cleared CPU at window, while my wife was the last person upgraded at the gate (and only because I added her as my companion).
Aug 11, 12, 9:30 am
#19
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: DFW from PDX - UA 1K 2MM,Lifetime HHonnors Diamond, Bonvoy AMB/LT Tit, National Exec Elite, Hertz PC
Posts: 523
Expert Advice
Flying on an Award Ticket with 2 in a PNR to IAH/SJD using a card the gives upgrades to X and XN. I know the card works since I have booked many mileage tickets for others that clear.
Both of us are 1K.
Should I split?
Both of us are 1K.
Should I split?
Sep 4, 12, 4:05 pm
#21
Join Date: Jan 2012
Programs: UA Gold MM, HHonors Gold, Hertz Five Star Gold, Marriott Gold, Avis First
Posts: 455
Should I split this reservation?
Hi,
Thanks in advance for your comments. We are travelling DEN CLE MCO October 27th. Both legs are same flight no. 1279.
I am platinum and I have three silvers travelling with me on the same reservation.
Return flight is on Nivember 1st direct from MCO DEN flight 809.
Two questions:
1. For upgrade reasons should I split the PNR? If yes, is better to do 2 + 2 or 1 + 3?
2. If I do split, do the silvers loose their economy plus seat assignments?
Thanks again.
Thanks in advance for your comments. We are travelling DEN CLE MCO October 27th. Both legs are same flight no. 1279.
I am platinum and I have three silvers travelling with me on the same reservation.
Return flight is on Nivember 1st direct from MCO DEN flight 809.
Two questions:
1. For upgrade reasons should I split the PNR? If yes, is better to do 2 + 2 or 1 + 3?
2. If I do split, do the silvers loose their economy plus seat assignments?
Thanks again.
Sep 22, 12, 11:23 am
#22
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: New York NY
Programs: UA Gold, CO Plat, CO Million Miler
Posts: 2,565
To split or not to split? That is the question.
Hi, Both wife and I are 1K waitlisted for upgrades with GPUs on an upcoming EWR-AMS flight this week. We made the reservation back in April in V class, so I'm assuming that we should be at the top two on the upgrade wait list. Presently, we're on the same PNR and there are several seats left.
The question is should we should we split the PNR to improve chances for BOTH of us to be upgraded? In all likelihood, if just one gets upgraded, we'll downgrade to sit together for such a long flight. But my concern is that if we don;t split, CO could release one seat initially which gets grabbed by the following passenger, and then the second seat later. So better to wait it out and hope for the release of two seats at once, or split and hope for two seats at once or singly?
The question is should we should we split the PNR to improve chances for BOTH of us to be upgraded? In all likelihood, if just one gets upgraded, we'll downgrade to sit together for such a long flight. But my concern is that if we don;t split, CO could release one seat initially which gets grabbed by the following passenger, and then the second seat later. So better to wait it out and hope for the release of two seats at once, or split and hope for two seats at once or singly?
Sep 22, 12, 11:56 am
#23
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Houston
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 103
Hi,
Thanks in advance for your comments. We are travelling DEN CLE MCO October 27th. Both legs are same flight no. 1279.
I am platinum and I have three silvers travelling with me on the same reservation.
Return flight is on Nivember 1st direct from MCO DEN flight 809.
Two questions:
1. For upgrade reasons should I split the PNR? If yes, is better to do 2 + 2 or 1 + 3?
2. If I do split, do the silvers loose their economy plus seat assignments?
Thanks again.
Thanks in advance for your comments. We are travelling DEN CLE MCO October 27th. Both legs are same flight no. 1279.
I am platinum and I have three silvers travelling with me on the same reservation.
Return flight is on Nivember 1st direct from MCO DEN flight 809.
Two questions:
1. For upgrade reasons should I split the PNR? If yes, is better to do 2 + 2 or 1 + 3?
2. If I do split, do the silvers loose their economy plus seat assignments?
Thanks again.
I am unclear about the best way to split, as I am largely still confused about all the different scenarios.
But I CAN tell you that if you get your upgrade, any others in your party travelling with you that were originally seated with you in e+ will remain there at no charge. After you are upgraded, you can not add any companions into e+, but while you are still assigned to e+ (before upgrade clears) you can add anyone, I think up to 8 people, even if they are not on your PNR to sit with you. If and when you upgrade, they stay there for free.
One caveat is if there is a last minute equip change, if the e+ row/seat # they are in doesn't exist not on the new plane, they are randomly reassigned into regular economy (and likely not sitting anywhere near one another). Luckily, this is not terribly common.
Nov 11, 12, 6:13 pm
#24
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Chicago Area
Posts: 368
Any risk in dividing a PNR?
Family of 4 currently booked ORD-EWR-IST-CPT-JNB-FRA-ORD,on United, Turkish, Lufthansa and South African on award tickets. I wanted to change the date on the CPT-JNB leg (South African) but there are only 3 available tickets on the flights we want. I though 2 of us could fly on one flight and the other two on the flight leaving 15mins later. In order to do this the United agent said we must split the PNR, 2 confirmation numbers.
I was about to go ahead, but thought I should check here if this might cause any problems with any of our existing flights.
Thanks
I was about to go ahead, but thought I should check here if this might cause any problems with any of our existing flights.
Thanks
Nov 11, 12, 7:00 pm
#25
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: LAX
Programs: UA-1K, Hertz-Gold, Marriott-Gold, PC-Platinum, SPG
Posts: 2,777
Family of 4 currently booked ORD-EWR-IST-CPT-JNB-FRA-ORD,on United, Turkish, Lufthansa and South African on award tickets. I wanted to change the date on the CPT-JNB leg (South African) but there are only 3 available tickets on the flights we want. I though 2 of us could fly on one flight and the other two on the flight leaving 15mins later. In order to do this the United agent said we must split the PNR, 2 confirmation numbers.
I was about to go ahead, but thought I should check here if this might cause any problems with any of our existing flights.
Thanks
I was about to go ahead, but thought I should check here if this might cause any problems with any of our existing flights.
Thanks
Nov 12, 12, 6:23 am
#27
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Chicago Area
Posts: 368
It was interesting following what she did online. First I saw the switched flight listed in the online itinerary with a warning that a change had been made and I needed to call United to re-ticket. She kept me on hold for about 10 minutes and said she had made sure the new tickets had gone through. Sure enough that warning disappeared from the itinerary.
Dealing with the Premier Desk is a great perk. Too bad these agents cant help all customers.
Jan 23, 13, 2:19 pm
#28
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Brooklyn
Programs: AMEX Plat, AAdvantage Gold, UA, SPG Gold, HHonors Gold
Posts: 963
Splitting a PNR - any dangers?
I have (after some battling) got flights I want for me and the Mrs as follows:
NYC-IST-MLE-CMB-SIN-NRT-NYC
Unfortunately due to several equipment changes I lost my I class seats and am stuck in X. Flying on Turkish, Singapore and ANA for these.
I am waiting away for 2 seats to open up and I think in vain, but I think that 1 might, then another may or may not later. Therefore, if I confirm availability in X for this itinerary is in place and then call to split the booking into 2 separate tickets I think I might increase the chance of one or both of us getting into I class, the most desirable I being the NRT-NYC Leg.
If I split, are there any dangers - I guess I could lose the original seats I have (hence me wanting to confirm on Expert Flyer that there is a buffer first) but are there any other red flags or problems I could run into?
I have no status with UA, any fees to worry about? If the only fee is to change class from X-I (and that happens twice) then I would be happy with it.
Thanks!
NYC-IST-MLE-CMB-SIN-NRT-NYC
Unfortunately due to several equipment changes I lost my I class seats and am stuck in X. Flying on Turkish, Singapore and ANA for these.
I am waiting away for 2 seats to open up and I think in vain, but I think that 1 might, then another may or may not later. Therefore, if I confirm availability in X for this itinerary is in place and then call to split the booking into 2 separate tickets I think I might increase the chance of one or both of us getting into I class, the most desirable I being the NRT-NYC Leg.
If I split, are there any dangers - I guess I could lose the original seats I have (hence me wanting to confirm on Expert Flyer that there is a buffer first) but are there any other red flags or problems I could run into?
I have no status with UA, any fees to worry about? If the only fee is to change class from X-I (and that happens twice) then I would be happy with it.
Thanks!
Feb 8, 13, 8:08 am
#29
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 246
Downsides to splitting a PNR?
I have an award reservation with 2 legs of what I'm hoping to be a 4 leg trip.
Due to availability, I'm waiting on the remaining flights. Unfortunately only 1seat has come available so far, so I need to split the PNR to book that one ticket.
Are there any downsides to splitting the PNR? FWIW the ticket is all premium cabin (business and first).
Due to availability, I'm waiting on the remaining flights. Unfortunately only 1seat has come available so far, so I need to split the PNR to book that one ticket.
Are there any downsides to splitting the PNR? FWIW the ticket is all premium cabin (business and first).
