Impossible question to answer reliably.. it could be anytime including at the gate. But since you're GS if the flight doesn't sell out of seats you'll likely be upgraded at least a few days in advance.

Does my status matter if its not myself being upgraded?

The most I got out of the phone agent was something about PA list
Surprisingly unhelpful for a global services rep
Usually they are way more on the ball

Suggest that a couple of these threads may prove helpful ...
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unite...light=question
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unite...light=question
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unite...light=question

I have a flight that is booked for tomorrow that I applied a RPU for myself for. I am traveling with someone who I didn't use a RPU for, so our itinerary got split. He has no status but was able to keep his exit row seat in E+ but his ticket still says economy. He is also not on the upgrade list, as he would have been traveling with me not using an RPU. My guess is that he will not be on the upgrade list since I have already cleared, and was hoping he did not lose his seat in E+. Does anyone else have experience with this?

He will not lose E+. You could've given him the RPU, as the odds were better that you'd clear CPU before he did. Now you can only ask at check-in at the airport versus possible upgrades in advance.

That's how I do it...When traveling with a colleague of lesser or no status, I just say upfront, "I'm upgrading you for YOUR benefit, I could just be a jerk and upgrade myself with no regard for you, so if I don't clear, we'll just swap seats".

Yet to hear an objection from anyone on this. (And have cleared them (me) about 60% of the time).

I would like to use my Global Premier Upgrades on a IAH BKK during November or December with a lot of flexibility on the dates. Any advice on how to maximize the chances of getting a upgrade?

Use "expert mode" or ExpertFlyer to find flights with open upgrade space**, book the ticket, and apply the GPU immediately after ticketing. Expert mode is a little tougher, as you have to search day by day. Then again, you can look for award business, and use the logic that open C might mean open upgrades to C. That way you can look for a month out.

There's room on 11/19 - IAH-SFO-NRT-BKK.



**Plenty of threads here about finding upgrade space segment by segment. I don't like the "mileage upgrade award" button - too limiting.

I have a similar question. I am going to Europe in September, totally flexible on dates and flexible on what country I land in, although final destination is Milan. Is there anyway to find upgradeable space on Expert FLyer other than doing many, many individual pairings of cities and dates?

Yes. Check the forums and threads re: EF.

i am babysitting a reservation where as of now i expect a good chance of clearing CPU, but don't want to be in coach. if i read the rules correctly, an RPU or miles upgrade cannot be applied online inside T-24. is this true if R>0? if so, what is the best strategy:
1. apply RPU/miles now, and pull it back later if CPU continues to look good?
2. wait until just before T-24 and if no CPU, apply miles/RPU?
3. something else?

#1. If you apply the RPU now and you decide to remove it later the same fare (i.e. G -Y, etc,) must be available in the back for you to be able get out of your F/C seat.

#2. Waiting is a crap shoot because someone else may grab the upgrade or UA may eliminate the "R" space.

#3. "Something else" --- You state that it looks good that you may get the CPU, so if I were you I'd wait-er out!

Then again if you really can't stand the thought of riding in the back on the flights in question, pull the trigger. Btw, everyone has the same question on many of their flights.

The bigger question for me is do I purchase a "W" fare from LAS to BKK to apply a GPU, and sweat out an upgrade til the last minute for nearly a year, or do I use an award if I don't want to ride in the back of the bus?

There's been a fair bit of R availability SFO-NRT and SFO-ICN lately. They seem to open up several flights a week at R9. I was able to confirm SFO-ICN for November at booking.

Between SFO-KIX/NRT/ICN/HKG, I'm sure you can find TPAC segment confirmable at booking. Then, if you cannot find cash fare to your desired destination with routing including the desired TPAC segment, book a cash fare to any other city within the same zone as your desired destination which includes the desired TPAC segment ( and thus allows use of GPU ), and a separate award ( or cash fare ) within the zone.

If you absolutely definitely MUST fly in C or will be miserable all the way to BKK in Y, don't take the chance. GET THE AWARD!!! You can always cancel the award with no fees if R opens up later & you can confirm at ticketing. But I would not pay the W fare just for a "chance" at the privilege of an upgrade