Where did you end up on the Final Upgrade List, UA Domestic?
Feb 14, 2013, 5:01 am
#31
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: PWM/MHT/BOS
Programs: UA (lame duck)1K, US Plat,HHonors Diamond, PC Plat, SPG Plat, MR Platinum
Posts: 605
I forgot to mention that I'm usually in same 10-25 range for most of my thurs eve EWR-BOS travel as well. (Haven't seen an upgrade since the merger as a 1k on a thurs pm flight home from EWR)
Feb 14, 2013, 5:14 am
#32
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: NYC
Programs: AADULtArer
Posts: 5,694
One thing you are competing with this is companies, like mine, that are authorizing instant upgradeable first fares on certain length flights for biz travel. I want my people to know where they will be when they book so they can plan meals and work well before travel. Paying another 300-400 on a fare for 3-4 hours of productivity is a no brainer for me.
Feb 14, 2013, 5:41 am
#33
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: LAX,SNA,CLD,SAN
Programs: UA PP/Marriott Platinum Elite/Hyatt Diamond/Avis Preferred/Hertz Presidential
Posts: 602
I've complained in the recent past about how upgrades are much harder now for top UA elites, but I have a domestic A320 flight tomorrow to IAH where, as a 1K, I'm 17th on the waitlist for an upgrade. Admittedly, I'm in a cheapo bucket, but 17th? Has any 1K ever been lower?
BTW, the upgrade list is currently 48 names long!
I thought perhaps that it might be some computer glitch assigning me lower status, but I'm taking a connecting flight where I'm #2 on the upgrade list (I probably won't get that one either, but at least it's plausible).
I know Thursdays are big elite travel days, but isn't this a bit crazy? I can't imagine many folks thinking the loyalty was worth it if these are your upgrade odds. It would seem wise to me for UA to go AA's route and at least give 1K's a free meal and alcoholic drink in coach, because that's where they're going to be a lot of the time.
BTW, the upgrade list is currently 48 names long!
I thought perhaps that it might be some computer glitch assigning me lower status, but I'm taking a connecting flight where I'm #2 on the upgrade list (I probably won't get that one either, but at least it's plausible).
I know Thursdays are big elite travel days, but isn't this a bit crazy? I can't imagine many folks thinking the loyalty was worth it if these are your upgrade odds. It would seem wise to me for UA to go AA's route and at least give 1K's a free meal and alcoholic drink in coach, because that's where they're going to be a lot of the time.
Feb 14, 2013, 5:46 am
#34
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2005
Programs: ua mm, aa plat, starriott LTPP, ihg plat, hh gold.
Posts: 13,017
Not too bad, being a Thursday, IAH involved, A320 and for now worlds largest airline with lower capacity. I'd say SMI/J is exceeding all of your expectations. The fact is you are the 17 most valuable person on that flight is an accomplishment. Your flights were on time though, right. That's the most important thing.
Feb 14, 2013, 5:50 am
#35
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: New York, NY
Programs: Hyatt GLOB, Marriott Lifetime PLT, UA 1K 1MM.
Posts: 1,728
Probably means you're on an elite heavy route and people are buying higher fares. It's kind of annoying, but honestly I don't see what the big deal is. If there are actually a high number of 1K/GS on a plane with 16 seats in F, why shouldn't the person who paid more go before me? I'm on a cheap ticket in coach, it's what I paid for. So likely that's where I'll be sitting.
Feb 14, 2013, 6:01 am
#37
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: United Arab Emirates & Arizona, USA
Programs: UA MM/1P, EK Au, QR, TK, Marriott Life Ti, Hilton Dia, IC Dia, Hyatt Glob, Accor Pt, Shangri-La
Posts: 4,528
17th is nothing. I was much lower the last time I tried to clear JFK-SFO. I can't remember the last time I cleared a wait-list RPU/GPU. I either clear at booking time or figure, forget it.
Feb 14, 2013, 6:12 am
#38
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: LHR (sometimes CLE, SFO, BOS, LAX, SEA)
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 5,895
Feb 14, 2013, 6:20 am
#39
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Honolulu Harbor
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 15,029
Probably means you're on an elite heavy route and people are buying higher fares. It's kind of annoying, but honestly I don't see what the big deal is. If there are actually a high number of 1K/GS on a plane with 16 seats in F, why shouldn't the person who paid more go before me? I'm on a cheap ticket in coach, it's what I paid for. So likely that's where I'll be sitting.
Front cabin seats for CPUs are supposed to be "leftovers" after UA does what it can to get more than a coach fare for them. It's not UAs job to allocate a percentage of seats for CPUs. If you're on an elite-heavy route, tough luck. It's no different at other airlines. If you pay for a coach seat, you can't think you're entitled to a seat up front just because you're a 1K or whatever. You're entitled to one if UA can't sell it and no one else is in line in front of you. Want a guaranteed front seat? Buy it.
Feb 14, 2013, 6:22 am
#40
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: USA
Programs: UA (1K, 2MM), AA, Avis, National
Posts: 867
I was wondering about this as well. Upgrade instruments work with R>0 within upgrade window when CPUs do not clear. But I am not sure about the priority when clearing at the gate.
Feb 14, 2013, 6:28 am
#42
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Colorado
Programs: Lifetime UA 1K, Lifetime Hilton Diamond, Lifetime Marriott Bonvoy Titanium
Posts: 1,261
I've complained in the recent past about how upgrades are much harder now for top UA elites, but I have a domestic A320 flight tomorrow to IAH where, as a 1K, I'm 17th on the waitlist for an upgrade. Admittedly, I'm in a cheapo bucket, but 17th? Has any 1K ever been lower?
BTW, the upgrade list is currently 48 names long!
I thought perhaps that it might be some computer glitch assigning me lower status, but I'm taking a connecting flight where I'm #2 on the upgrade list (I probably won't get that one either, but at least it's plausible).
I know Thursdays are big elite travel days, but isn't this a bit crazy? I can't imagine many folks thinking the loyalty was worth it if these are your upgrade odds. It would seem wise to me for UA to go AA's route and at least give 1K's a free meal and alcoholic drink in coach, because that's where they're going to be a lot of the time.
BTW, the upgrade list is currently 48 names long!
I thought perhaps that it might be some computer glitch assigning me lower status, but I'm taking a connecting flight where I'm #2 on the upgrade list (I probably won't get that one either, but at least it's plausible).
I know Thursdays are big elite travel days, but isn't this a bit crazy? I can't imagine many folks thinking the loyalty was worth it if these are your upgrade odds. It would seem wise to me for UA to go AA's route and at least give 1K's a free meal and alcoholic drink in coach, because that's where they're going to be a lot of the time.
The list is ordered by fare (unless you are GS). If you have a G, S, L or other low fare, you will be way down on the list.
Feb 14, 2013, 6:40 am
#44
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: LHR (sometimes CLE, SFO, BOS, LAX, SEA)
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 5,895
UA says in its FAQ about the upgrade standby list (available via mobile.united.com) that
How are upgrades prioritized?
Customers standing by for upgrades are prioritized based on several factors, such as paid premium cabin customers versus complimentary Elite upgrades. When not already confirmed in the premium cabin, customers on paid premium cabin tickets are given top upgrade priority.
On flights that are eligible for complimentary Premier upgrades, MileagePlus members will be awarded in the following priority:
Premier members with full-fare (Y class) tickets, in Premier tier order
Premier members with full-fare (B class) tickets, in Premier tier order
Premier 1K members in all other fare classes, in fare class order
Companions of Premier 1K members
Premier Platinum members in all other fare classes, in fare class order
Companions of Premier Platinum members
Premier Gold members in all other fare classes, in fare class order
Premier Silver members in all other fare classes, in fare class order
If there's a tie between multiple customers having the same Premier status, the type of fare originally purchased will be used to determine priority. In the event there are multiple customers with the same Premier status and fare class, the time of check-in will be the ultimate tie-breaker.
Once all Premier upgrades have been processed, all remaining customers eligible for upgrades will be prioritized. Upgrades for qualified pass riders will be cleared after all eligible paying customers have been accommodated.
The main united.com Web site has another link to an upgrade standby list FAQ but it's a dead link (it redirects to the main upgrades page).
See http://www.united.com/web/en-US/cont...e/default.aspx under "Upgrade confirmation" for their discussion of how upgrades are said to be prioritized before the departure-management waitlist, then for a good time try to click on the link where it says As customers check in, they will be placed on an airport upgrade standby list. This standby list will clear after check-in is closed, and is based on Premier status and fare class. Learn more about the upgrade standby list. and notice that the link target is gone.
Feb 14, 2013, 6:44 am
#45
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Moreland Hills (CLE)
Programs: Over-entitled UA 1.3MM Gold, AA Gold, Hilton Diamond, Marriott L-T Plat, Hertz PC
Posts: 5,521
More Changes I Don't Like...Thanks Jeff
Saw my name in the #9 spot last week.
Guess that means I'm a pitcher.
O-T:
Upgrades this year really stink....UA is now using Airbii for most of the CLE-IAH flights. (Wish they would have battery problems.)
0 for 7 on possible CPUs thus far in 2013.
Six were A319/320 and one 73G.
However, all were G class fares....
Guess that means I'm a pitcher.
O-T:
Upgrades this year really stink....UA is now using Airbii for most of the CLE-IAH flights. (Wish they would have battery problems.)
0 for 7 on possible CPUs thus far in 2013.
Six were A319/320 and one 73G.
However, all were G class fares....