Kacee - great information by you in this thread - thank you.

I haven't been able to read all 100+ pages here, but are you saying that under the new united.com, if I'm searching for R space on a flight, that R will equal 0 most times when there is a domestic leg involved, and that the exact same TATL/TPAC flight will show "true" R space if searched for individually? Example:

ORD-EWR-EDI - shows R=0, but the exact same EWR-EDI flight could show R>0 if I don't search it from ORD? If so, how does an upgrade clear (I only shoot for upgrades I can get at booking) if I book it as ORD-EWR-EDI?

Thanks in advance.

Once the RPU has cleared on any segment, it gets more complicated. To downgrade a cleared segment, the original fare class needs to be available or there will be a fare class change fee. Fortunately in the hours before departure most of the fare classes typically become available {but the choice of economy seats will likely be limited}.

also applied to the previous united.com

correct

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unite...h-flights.html

clearing is segment by segment based on the inventory for that segment -- in other words, it works correctly.

by segment. If R > 0 EWR-EDI then EWR-EDI will clear and ORD-EWR will waitlist.

Let me rephrase:

Search for ORD-EDI on united.com. It shows a layover in EWR. Details on the two flights (ORD-EWR and EWR-EDI) shows R=0 on both.

Based on what Kacee hinted at ("the domestic zero out"), is it possible that the exact same EWR-EDI flight, if searched for by itself, could show R>0?

EDIT - saw WineCountryUA's response. Thank you all!

Yes.

Not only possible, but quite common. If ORD-EWR is R=0, searching ORD-EWR-EDI will show R=0 for both segments in most circumstances. If you apply a GPU, it will clear on EWR-EDI and waitlist on ORD-EWR.

Cool. So applying the GPU on the entire ORD-EWR-EDI will confirm the upgrade on the EWR-EDI segment with the "hidden" R space?

Yes.

The only time I've found that to be not true is if one of the segments is on a single cabin aircraft like an E-145.

Just trying to get clarification on the call-it-in strategy.

I am a Platinum, flying MSY-IAD-BOS in January. Applied an RPU to that itinerary, with result MSY-IAD is waitlisted, while IAD to BOS cleared.

The MSY-IAD segment shows five or six open FC seats available.

Is the suggestion that I call UA now (rather than in January) to get the MSY-IAD segment cleared, and if the agent says they are unable to do that I should call in repeatedly until I find an agent that will override the system??

Mike

From what I understand (which is limited), the fact that there are F seats open doesn't necessarily mean there is upgrade space available. If you do a search and see R availability for the MSY-IAD segment, you should be able to call and have it confirmed.

If you are talking about seatmap, those five or six seats are unassigned, but not necessarily empty. And UA will hold back trying to SELL them.

This is correct. The reason upgrade is waitlisted or pending is that there is no R space to upgrade to. UA feels like it can sell these seat, so will not release them for u/g until later, sometimes not until the gate, if still available.

If I book a flight through the Chase Ultimate Rewards travel portal using a combination of points and cash (whether it's a good use of points is another story), can I still upgrade it on the UA website using RPU/GPUs? I thought so, but wanted to confirm before taking the plunge.

If I get upgraded into PN (with the 'Elite Upgrade Notification' email) while waitlisted for R (on a domestic, two-cabin flight), does the certificate count as used? It seems like it shouldn't, right?

Yes it is considered used because it effects (improves) your position on the waitlist.