Yes, that's trivial and even supported on united.com. Doing it the other way (multiple accounts in one direction) used to be allowed with pmUA over the phone, but I don't know what the current policy is on that.

Applying RPU on parent's ticket within 24 hours
 

Hi folks,
Looking for some clarity on an issue I'm running into. My parents are flying a domestic segment tomorrow and they have no status. I thought I would surprise them by applying an RPU to have them upgraded because I see there are seats available (albeit no R space right now). However, there are no customers waiting for upgrade and it shows 10/12 booked.

I called the 1K desk and was told that RPUs cannot be applied within 24 hours and there was no way for me to upgrade them. I got the explanation about 2 different systems within 24 hours (reservations and airport), which I understand. But it seems odd that my RPU could not be applied to weight list them.

Any thoughts?

I was able to call and did GPU upgrade within the 24-hour window. May be hang up and call again?

For me R was available though so may be that is the difference!

Correct. Rules say no waitlisted instrument upgrades within 24 hours of departure. Here is the specific rule:Occasionally agents will bend the rule.

Agreed.
I've booked flights within the 24 hour before and there is no way to apply a GPU/RPU without calling (that I know of).
If there is no space, the agent should still be able to put the parents on the upgrade list. OP's parents might not clear but the agent should be able to add them.

If R is not available: may not waitlist new upgrade at T-24. It is technically possible for an agent to waitlist you within T-24 with an instrument but policy says no and it's technically challenging.

If R is available: may immediately confirm new upgrade at T-24. Usually may call and confirm an instrument-waitlisted upgrade by calling, occasionally agents and FlyerTalk posters will chide you for 'queue skipping'.

If you're basing this on the upgrade standby list on the flight status page, keep in mind that there may in fact be customers waiting for an upgrade, but haven't yet checked in.

Thanks folks. R is definitely not available at this time so I suppose the rule is no instrument upgrades at T-24. I was hoping to still have an agent put them on the wait list because there are definitely 2 seats available and no one currently showing up the upgrade list (who hasn't already cleared) and it's T-14 hours.

Oh well, I'll check tomorrow if R opened and try again. If not, so be it.

FYI- upgrade cleared 12 days prior to the trip on a L class fare.

+1. This is consistent with my experience. If the agent cites the (correct) policy that they are unable to apply RPU/GPU, HUACA. You will find someone who will do so.

Right now I have a confirmed Y to F RPU flight but I want to change to a different day that also has the R space.
If I make the flight change can I roll over that same RPU or does it get re-deposited? I have 1 additional RPU in my account that I could use immediately if need be if there is a lag between the flight change and original RPU deposit/roll over?

They will redeposit and then pull it immediately for the new flight. A good agent can do this painlessly. A not so good agent, and you will spend quite a while on hold.

Which segment to RPU?
 

I want to use 1 RPU that I have left on my upcoming flight to GUM; SAN-LAX-HNL-GUM and GUM-NRT-DEN-SAN. The flights are in July.

My initial thought is to use it for SAN-LAX, LAX-HNL, but these segments have more than 9 seats available for upgrade. On the other hand, GUM-NRT, DEN-SAN are quite full (waitlist only and 2 available).

Should I use RPU on the return flight to lock in DEN-SAN upgrade and hope for CPU for LAX-HNL?

How would you feel if you don't get the CPU on LAX-HNL? It's a 5 1/2 hour flight vs 2 1/2 hour. Or you could look at when would you value the extra space more, on the outbound or on the return?

DEN-SAN is a terrible use of an RPU. 2:20 flight.