For domestic, if you are YBM you are prioritized higher than RPU/GPU so don't bother using them. The only exception is if some reason you see R inventory but no PN but I dont think that should happen. If you do see PN, make sure you call in and get your instant upgrade. It doesnt seem to be automatic.

I assume you don't mean intl since you wouldnt have instant upgrades.

It shouldn't happen, but I have occasionally seen it (R>0, PN=0).

Your advice is spot on.

Thanks
I don't know if the system that clears RPUs is the same one that clears YBM upgrades. I just know I've never had a YBM clear on its own while I've had RPU's clear on their own.
Therefore, the only reason I could think of using an RPU is if PN goes >1 but you don't notice so you don't call in to get the upgrade. Then R goes >1 and the system clears someone using an RPU.

I've seen ads whereby people are selling their GPUs. Is that kosher?

Is there a thread devoted to this question?

You don't need a thread. Here's the rule, verbatim, from United:

"Prohibition of sale or barter
8.The sale or barter or attempted sale or barter of any such mileage, certificates, awards or benefits other than as authorized and/or sponsored by United is expressly prohibited. Any mileage, certificates, awards or benefits transferred, assigned or sold in violation of the Program Rules, in addition to exposing the member to the penalties otherwise associated with violations, may be confiscated or canceled. The use of award tickets that have been acquired by purchase, barter or other conduct in violation of Program Rules may result in termination of membership, cancellation of accrued mileage, certificates, awards or benefits, confiscation of the tickets, denial of boarding with respect to the ticket holder, and, at United's discretion, completion of the travel only upon payment of an applicable fare."

A day or two ago, we heard from a GS who was complaining about his account being forfeited because he was selling GPUs.

That seems very clear, thank you IAH-OIL-TRASH.

So, other than giving away GPUs as a gift, there's no way to sell them? (Or buy them for that matter?)

Well, you can always attempt to buy or sell them, but UA has made it clear that such practices are not allowed and the penalties for buyer and seller, if discovered doing so, can be harsh.

There was a thread earlier this week, from a GS who just got his account closed, and all miles confiscated, for selling GPUs. (Unfortunately, the thread has been deleted.)

Don't do it.

It actually got merged:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unite...misuse-11.html

OP deleted most of his/her thread-initiating original post, but it was preserved in replies by others.

If you have friend or family, and you "give" them a GPU, and they "give" you a nice xmas gift, I would think that UA probably wont take issue with it since they wouldn't know but I suppose you could call that bartering or selling.

Posting an Ad on ebay/craigslist trying to sell it is obvious and you'd just be asking for trouble.

I've never tried it but apparently you can go to the coupon connection and trade your GPU for points, RPUs, etc. I'm not 100% clear on the rules though. I would think that this could be considered "bartering".

Personally, since UA can apparently do whatever they want and take any interpretation they want, I think its best to be cautious and not give UA a reason to target you.

Searching for R space on a sna-sfo-hnl for a long weekend for myself in March. I saw R availability out and back to HNL on the 764, however no R space on the positioning skywest flights (which I obviously don't care about). Before I clicked "buy now" I called the premier desk and asked the agent to book it for me and apply the RPU. Within a few minutes it was completed with no worries.

Yes. And if UA catches you (and they have at least one person assigned to that job), there will be no let-off-with-a-warning. I don't agree with that zero-tolerance policy but, as you say, UA can do whatever they want to. Their game, their toys! :p

No GPU upgrade from Z for GS?
 

I have been fortunate enough to not have to fly on the PMUA 777's over the last few years, thereby avoiding the biz-class seat and layout that I think to be one of the worst in the industry. Unfortunately my travels have shifted to the middle east and on UA, IAD-DXB is the only option.

So, I booked my first trip, which booked into Z and I have been told that my GPU is no good to get me into GF. Not that its any better service wise, but the seat and space are leaps and bounds over the horrid 2-4-2 config in business.

I am sure its in the rules someplace that Z cannot be upgraded (ridiculous) but are there no loopholes for GS? I know cash and miles will do it, but Im not interested in that.

thanks!

no, why should there be loopholes? Book D and higher if you want to upgrade to First. Or fly a decent airline in business.

WFBF

Do it quickly, because it's goingaway anyhow, with your buying habits being the exact reason.

2-4-2 is fine..I actually like the inner seat as I never get disturbed from sleep.

You guys have forbidden me from opening my shade, so window seat and middle aisle are the same to me.