Chances of a GPU clearing on a K fare?
 

Hi,

I'm planning a trip to Europe later this year in the Nov/Dec timeframe for the wife and I. Was planning on buying United economy "K" fare tickets for the trip to apply GPUs on to get to J class but then I noted on the United website that:

For regions with a * (for which Europe is one), Global Premier Upgrades are not available on flights booked in fare classes Z, P, S, T, K, L, G or N.

(Source: http://www.united.com/web/en-US/cont...t.aspx#regions)

I have not used my GPUs to date and was curious if anyone knows if I will be able to use the GPU on the "K" fare or if the excerpt above is correct? (I know there is a thread already discussing GPUs but from my search of it did not see a question like this one - please direct me if I missed it)

Flight would be ORD - CDG then back via AMS - ORD

Thanks!

k is not upgradeable

0%
the excerpt is correct, K is not eligible

The lowest GPU-upgradable fare class is W. However, you can upgrade the K fare but only with miles and a hefty co-pay ($600 I believe).

Almost zero chance. V fares which are sometimes sold through consolidators are your best chance of a cheap fare which is upgradable. Otherwise just bite the bullet and buy through United.com, the difference should only be about $250 to $300 at that time of year. If there is upgrade space available at booking its usually worth it.

Only "W" and up can be upgraded with a GPU. There is quite a significant cost difference between a "K" and a "W" fare. You also should see if "R" class is available since the upgrade falls into this bucket. CDG might be doable, I have never had luck with AMS. Good thing that flight is on a 767 and there are plenty of E+ seats for couples, since the config is 2-3-2. Definitely a plus if you have to fly in the back. Good luck.

and "W and up" doesnt mean alphabetical order. This is what the order looks like:
F6, JN6, A6, Z5, ZN5, P5, PN6, R1, RN1, Y9, YN9, B9, M9, E9, U9, H9, HN9, Q9, V9, W9, S9, T9, L9, K9, G9, N9

R is upgrade space, I and X - award.

Thank you for the replies and information! I will try buying the lowest upgrade eligible class and keep my fingers crossed that there will be availability.

Steve

As I understand a RPU can be used to upgrade a one way flight.

I will fly GDL SFO LAX HNL. Do I get upgraded all the way with just one RPU?
I checked the R availability and there is at moment R availability for all segments.

Yes.
Dave

RPU Upgrade Confusion
 

OK I admit the confusion is mine. I have spent time looking at the website and honestly cannot find an answer to my question. FWIW, the explanation the United site give on how to use RPU's does not seem very complete. For instance is it one RPU per segment if a connecting flight is involved or does that require two RPU?

In my specific case, I am doing a YUL-ORD-IAH trip in about a week. Upgrade inventory is available for both flights. Does this require one or two RPU? If I use a GPU, is only one needed?

Simple question I know.....but I could not find the ansers on United's website nor in the various FT threads I looked at.

Thanks in advance for your help.

One RPU or GPU is needed for when you are flying YUL to IAH. Another RPU or GPU is needed when you are flying from IAH to YUL.

Just one. The RPU applies "per direction of travel" so all the connecting segments en route are covered by one.

RPU Upgrade Confusion
 

If it is a legal connection, 1 RPU will upgrade the entire one-way trip, if available.

Thanks for the quick responses. I just upgraded on-line and it deducted 2 x RPU for the YUL-ORD-IAH trip. I guess I need to call MP now to see what is going on.