Book 6A.

I think it's written in MP GPU upgrade rules that Z,P upgrade to GF using GPU is not permitted.

Sorry, no. (And there shouldn't be any loopholes here for GS).

Glad you are aware. (I certainly would have mentioned it. I it a good value sometimes).

@ dykiags upthread, I think you probably lost any support you may have had when "no loopholes for GS" appeared in your post. You need to understand fare classes on any airline, not just United.

It's not an unreasonable question. GS have loopholes for almost everything, including converting T or higher to award space and allowing GPUs on award tickets (thus allowing a GS to convert a T to BF booking into PN). I actually find it surprising UA enforces the revenue fare class restriction.

Why? The gap in fare between Z and D can be huge.

Because GS get insanely generous loopholes everywhere. As I previously explained (with example).

Giving GS a pass on the Z fare restriction would be minor compared with the loopholes that allow a T fare to be upgraded all the way to PN.

First time using a GPU report here:

Called in to surprise my dad with an upgrade on his flight from SEA->SFO->PEK.

Agent said that inventory was R1, but something about all economy fare classes except the most expensive being available. He messed around a bit and managed to free up a W fare class - not sure how - which ended up being a $100 difference. GPU cleared, then he went and cleared the SEA->SFO flight into Z inventory (Thought it cleared into R?)

Either way, very pleased with how it was handled. Took a bit longer than I would've liked, but got everything I wanted out of it!

On the other hand, my sister is trying to use my GPU's and experiencing a lot of frustration around the fare restrictions, lol

GPU availability and Married Segments
 

I want to book IAD-LAX-MEL roundtrip and use a GPU to upgrade each way.
Availability shows 0 R class available when I check IAD-MEL each way. But when I check just LAX-MEL roundtrip there are 9 R seats available each way.

My question here is if I purchase IAD-LAX-MEL-LAX-IAD, when trying to upgrade, do you think I will be able to get the upgrades on the LAX-MEL-LAX and waitlist for the domestic legs?

I'm just not sure how this works. I know I could purchase two separate tickets but want to avoid this as I would like to get the advantage of using a single GPU each way even if it means being on a waitlist for the domestic portion.

Thanks

When you search for flights, aren't they listed by segment, and isn't the availability listed separately for each segment?

If I pull up IAD-MEL the flights show the IAD-LAX-MEL and in the R category it is zero for both flights.

When I pull up just LAX-MEL availability, then I see 9 R seats.

I know when I book IAD-LAX-MEL those will be considered as married segments.
I'm just not sure how married segments work with upgrades. In other words, will UA's system waitlist me for both segments IAD-LAX-MEL?

yes of course. GPUs clear by segment. You will get all segments cleared when R is available.

Does UA use the same flight number IAD-LAX-MEL?

No.

Yes, you will.

Exactly as you want it to.

Yes, they are listed by segment but the fare classes show the lowest common denominator, so if any one segment has R0 all will show R0 even if one has R space available. The new website now in Beta seems to attempt to correct that so each segment of connecting flights show the correct fare class available. Regardless of that lowest common denominator issue, as already pointed out the segments with R space avail will confirm when upgrade is submitted.