got it - appreciate the reply that doesn't just state what I've done wrong, but where I need to look.

Ok, so I'm flying MSP-LAX-LAS. LAX-LAS cleared CPU and show CPU Requested on MSP-LAX. Inventory on MSP-LAX is R2.

But when I go to upgrade flights, both the miles and RPU/GPU options are greyed out. Can I not apply an RPU online if I've already CPU'd a segment?



On the way back, I'm LAS-LAX-MSP. There is availability LAS-LAX, but waitlist LAX-MSP. I assume if I apply the RPU now, I'll get upgraded LAS-LAX right away, but will still burn it even if I don't make LAX-MSP, correct?

Are you within T-24? Typically can't apply the instrument online within T-24, must call.

Yes, it will be burned.

Nope, flight is Saturday. Actually cleared about 6 days in advance.

I think it is more accurate to say that you should assume it will be burned. I had an RPU returned to me, ostensibly because I only got upgraded on one leg. But the rule clearly is that you will burn it. I my case this was a bit frustrating as I was trying to burn the RPU.

Point is that you never know what might happen.

No that is not "more accurate." Getting the RPU back is both an error and a very rare exception.

The correct response is, "yes, your RPU will be burned."

:rolleyes: The earth could also crash into the sun.

The C=>F upgrade bucket on LH is called 'O'.

Even if it is zeroed, LH will take your certificate over any of its own elites to op-up as it is cash after all. I made nothing short of excellent experiences with this method with the exception of flights which were F1A0 .

What is the best way to find R space (that is what I need for a GPU to clear at booking, right?) for UA flights. I have expert mode enabled to see the buckets but is there a way to search for R fares? The website won't let me search for them as a fare class. I'd rather not hunt and peck to find R fares.

Work is balking at biz seats. I worked my way up to 1K to get better chances and GPUs on overseas flights, but it ain't workin. Work says to take a day on either end to compensate for having to fly Y. I'd like to use that inherent flexibility to get higher hit rates on upgrades.

Would a travel agent be able to help with the search. I never feel like I'm in control when I work with them.

You unfortunately will have to hunt and peck

Yep its hunt and peck. But I have never found a travel agent/ service that is willing to do that type of work because its not worth their time from a comp perspective. So mostly, I think the best way (and only way I am willing to do it) is to search for yourself.

You can take a shot, as I l always have to do. A crapshot more recently though ..

+1

I have burned almost 100 GPUs since I started to fly UA.

My success rate is 99% (only failed once ORD-HKG).

I had a backup plan when GPU failed. I booked a saver F award ORD-HKG and canceled the W ticket few hours before departure when C was full.

Can't travel across the Pacific without GPUs. I can handle TATL in E+ if it's from EWR or IAD.

By chance, have you plotted out how much extra you had to pay among those 100 GPUs for an upgradable fare? Could it be in the tens of thousands of dollars?

I just hunt&pecked +/-3days for three TATL and TPAC trips I know I have to take next year from Feb thru May. No R on any flights.

Is the best way to look for R to find the leg that is most important and concentrate with that. The UA search engine gives truly goofy routings for lowest fares.

Once again, fare class is so important to UA that it drives everything and they give you horrible tools to try to manage it. Why I can't give it a route and then have it display R fares on a calender is truly amazing- let alone for other fares.

Absolutely - pick the segment you need to get upgraded TATL or TPAC and then everything else is secondary.

Absolutely - plan on goofy routings to get it confirmed at booking! :)