On a two segment itinerary, what happens to the RPU if the longer segment doesn't clear? Will I have the option of canceling the RPU on the smaller segment/connection?

I'll let other correct me but my take is...

Assuming you have already cleared your upgrade on the shorter leg, you will need to un-upgrade yourself before the shorter flight is taken but you'll need to have your original fare bucket available on that flight to do so. And with that, my advice for the future is to place the upgrade request only on the longer segment and if that clears in advance, then have it applied to the shorter segment

RPUs do not have the GF/BF upgrade failure protection that GPUs/Miles have. The longer segment concept does not exist for any upgrade type.
maybe, maybe not ... what goalie said

GPU to Rome
 

If you had the choice between booking EWR - Rome Or IAD to Rome in May.

No instant R available either flight. EWR is a 767/400 with 39 BC seats 13 already booked. IAD flight is 767/300 with only 30 seats but only 3 sold at this time.

Which one do you think I have the best chance of getting upgraded on?

Thanks

Where is your starting point, and how long are the connections? What are you basing the number of seats sold on?

I am starting in Atlanta so the connection to IAD is better but does not eliminate EWR. They are both more then long enough!

Seats sold just based on seat chart availability on UA website

I like EWR more than IAD as an airport.

Keep in mind that seat maps are not scientific indicators for how many seats have been sold. (But 13 vs 3 does provide unscientific insight!)

+1. It would depend how OP is looking at it. Forget $1000 for K vs $1800 for W. The better way to look at it is $1000 for Economy vs $1800 for Business. That's certainly worth $800 as long as it's confirmable at booking

Sorry...finally did more reading (trying to multitask) and noticed the B instant upgrade is only for flights where a CPU would be eligible...aka not my INTL flight. :(

BUT, B fare is elegible for miles upgrade without a copay @:-) 20K each way IIRC.

PQD - Required for GPU/RPU earnings?
 

Quick question -
If one makes 100,000 PQM without hitting PQD requirements would they receive the RPU / GPU's that are awarded at 100,000 PQM or would the PQD requirement be in effect?

Thanks!

Since only Platinum/1K members earn RPUs, and only 1Ks earn GPUs, if you don't make the PQD for the status, I can't see United letting you earn any of the other perks either.

It's not even subject to debate. No RPU and GPUs will be earned unless the applicable Plat/1K spend threshholds are met.

AT T-5 -- Does RPU help upgrade over CPU?
 

As a GS, I usually get upgraded at the T-5 mark. occasionally it happens at T-3, but, as long as there is a seat, my upgrade goes through.

I had to book a trip last minute and the cabin is F1. Would appying an RPU expedite the upgrade? or, would the CPU and RPU space open at the same time, thereby not making the application of teh RPU necessary?

There is no universal answer to this, I have seen it both ways. A RPU will place you above other GS using CPU on the gate list.
Also GS need PN space, not R space for RPUs.