Last edit by: mkasperzak
If the DidItClear website is going to be effective, it needs more members and trip upgrade data!
Please visit https://www.diditclear.com/ and include your trip experience with CPU's, RPU's, GPU's and any other means of upgrading available on United.
The better the data, the better the search results and experiential history.
Add / Edit Wikipost
Please visit https://www.diditclear.com/ and include your trip experience with CPU's, RPU's, GPU's and any other means of upgrading available on United.
The better the data, the better the search results and experiential history.
Add / Edit Wikipost
Specific GPU and RPU usage questions thread
#1351
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,470
#1352
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BOS/EAP
Programs: UA 1K, MR LTT, HH Dia, Amex Plat
Posts: 32,074
#1353
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: LBB
Programs: UA 1K 1MM ★G | Marriott LTT | Hilton ♦ | Hertz PC | Global Entry TSA Pre ✓
Posts: 2,820
My ROT for using RPU's are:
1) Total flight distance 1600+ miles
2) When the leg consists of a connection, always ensure that R space is available on both flights and that clearance of the RPU is certain before applying it.
I would rather give away my RPU to friends that travel long segments vs using it for myself on a 2hr segment... that's a waste in my eyes. In my world, there is never an issue finding someone to take RPU's off my hands before they expire.
1) Total flight distance 1600+ miles
2) When the leg consists of a connection, always ensure that R space is available on both flights and that clearance of the RPU is certain before applying it.
I would rather give away my RPU to friends that travel long segments vs using it for myself on a 2hr segment... that's a waste in my eyes. In my world, there is never an issue finding someone to take RPU's off my hands before they expire.
Last edited by jjmoore; Jun 27, 2015 at 2:32 pm
#1354
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: LBB
Programs: UA 1K 1MM ★G | Marriott LTT | Hilton ♦ | Hertz PC | Global Entry TSA Pre ✓
Posts: 2,820
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?
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?
It's too bad you don't have a GPU to burn on that NRT-DEN flight... J in the Dreamliner is a nice ride.
#1355
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,470
#1356
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: IAD/DCA/BWI
Programs: Hyatt Globalist (2020:Exp), United Gold
Posts: 1,525
If I recall, if you click "Upgrade Flight" on the itinerary, it asks you to check off which Flight (really which direction) to apply upgrades to. So there should be only one checkbox for GUM-SAN (consisting of GUM-NRT-DEN-SAN), and it should flag RPU-ineligible flight segments. If it didn't let you skip the ineligible segment, I'm not sure how you could select which part to apply it to.
It's been a few months since my SIN MR (which asked whether I wanted to use GPU or RPU), but that's how I recall the interface worked.
On a slight tangent: once an instrument is applied (either RPU or GPU) and a segment clears, is it possible to "undo" of the upgrade and get the instrument back? This would be useful when a "better use" is found for them.
It's been a few months since my SIN MR (which asked whether I wanted to use GPU or RPU), but that's how I recall the interface worked.
On a slight tangent: once an instrument is applied (either RPU or GPU) and a segment clears, is it possible to "undo" of the upgrade and get the instrument back? This would be useful when a "better use" is found for them.
Last edited by wh6cto; Jun 27, 2015 at 3:11 pm Reason: clarified "RPU-ineligible"
#1357
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,470
Note that if you do this with a mileage upgrade, it's subject to a redeposit fee.
#1358
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: IAD/DCA/BWI
Programs: Hyatt Globalist (2020:Exp), United Gold
Posts: 1,525
#1359
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: LBB
Programs: UA 1K 1MM ★G | Marriott LTT | Hilton ♦ | Hertz PC | Global Entry TSA Pre ✓
Posts: 2,820
If I recall, if you click "Upgrade Flight" on the itinerary, it asks you to check off which Flight (really which direction) to apply upgrades to. So there should be only one checkbox for GUM-SAN (consisting of GUM-NRT-DEN-SAN), and it should flag RPU-ineligible flight segments. If it didn't let you skip the ineligible segment, I'm not sure how you could select which part to apply it to.
It's been a few months since my SIN MR (which asked whether I wanted to use GPU or RPU), but that's how I recall the interface worked.
On a slight tangent: once an instrument is applied (either RPU or GPU) and a segment clears, is it possible to "undo" of the upgrade and get the instrument back? This would be useful when a "better use" is found for them.
It's been a few months since my SIN MR (which asked whether I wanted to use GPU or RPU), but that's how I recall the interface worked.
On a slight tangent: once an instrument is applied (either RPU or GPU) and a segment clears, is it possible to "undo" of the upgrade and get the instrument back? This would be useful when a "better use" is found for them.
For instance... if you are flying DEN-LAX-HNL, and there is no R space on the LAX-HNL while there is on the DEN-LAX... you can call in and have them apply the RPU to solely the LAX-HNL segment. If that one opens R space and clears, then call back in and have the RPU extended to the DEN-LAX segment as well. I have done this a couple times to ensure that I don't waste an RPU on a short segment of a much longer trip. This is a pain, but well worth it, as if it doesn't work out on the long leg, you lose nothing. Same applies for GPU. I have done this on DEN-EWR-IST as well with a GPU last year. Luckily it worked out for me, and I was able to call in and get the DEN-EWR while it still had R space.
These examples are specifically for the OPs question about choosing which segment to apply the instrument to.
As for re-depositing after the upgrade has cleared... as Kacee mentioned, your original fare class must still have inventory for you to drop back. Then you are at the mercy of the 96hr before departure upgrade if R space is available and nobody else with higher status / fare class trumps you.
I generally only use RPU / GPU instruments after coming to terms that I am making the exact choice I want to make, and that I likely won't see the instrument again (unless there are irrops / cancellations).
Just play the game smart and be persistent (check every day to see if inventory opens up).
Good luck!
#1360
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: SAN
Posts: 101
Wow, I also didn't know about this. Anyway, I already went ahead and used RPU on the return flight. Like wh6cto mentioned, the system didn't allow me to pick specific segment to upgrade and I am now waitlisted for GUM-NRT.
Last edited by RandD; Jun 27, 2015 at 11:01 pm
#1361
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: SAN
Posts: 101
One tactic you can employ with a GPU / RPU on a leg with connections... and this requires a phone call to reservations...
For instance... if you are flying DEN-LAX-HNL, and there is no R space on the LAX-HNL while there is on the DEN-LAX... you can call in and have them apply the RPU to solely the LAX-HNL segment. If that one opens R space and clears, then call back in and have the RPU extended to the DEN-LAX segment as well. I have done this a couple times to ensure that I don't waste an RPU on a short segment of a much longer trip. This is a pain, but well worth it, as if it doesn't work out on the long leg, you lose nothing. Same applies for GPU. I have done this on DEN-EWR-IST as well with a GPU last year. Luckily it worked out for me, and I was able to call in and get the DEN-EWR while it still had R space.
Good luck!
For instance... if you are flying DEN-LAX-HNL, and there is no R space on the LAX-HNL while there is on the DEN-LAX... you can call in and have them apply the RPU to solely the LAX-HNL segment. If that one opens R space and clears, then call back in and have the RPU extended to the DEN-LAX segment as well. I have done this a couple times to ensure that I don't waste an RPU on a short segment of a much longer trip. This is a pain, but well worth it, as if it doesn't work out on the long leg, you lose nothing. Same applies for GPU. I have done this on DEN-EWR-IST as well with a GPU last year. Luckily it worked out for me, and I was able to call in and get the DEN-EWR while it still had R space.
Good luck!
#1362
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA 1K, NW forever
Posts: 1,390
Is it worth using an RPU for a C->F upgrade on a 3-class domestic flight? Are food and service identical?
#1363
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: LGA/JFK/EWR
Programs: UA 1K1.75MM, Hyatt Globalist, abandoned Marriott LTT (RIP SPG), Hertz PC
Posts: 21,172
#1364
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Gold, SPG
Posts: 321
- You're in the middle section of C and would greatly prefer sitting by yourself or only with one other person.
- You're on one of the longest domestic flights (EWR–HNL, HNL–EWR, in that order), especially if it's a red-eye.
One other things to consider is whether you'll put the RPU to use before it expires. Obviously, if it's unlikely you'll use the RPU before it expires, use it for the C-->F upgrade.
Finally, take a look at how open F is on your flight and gauge your chances of clearing the upgrade (as a UA credit card holder on an award ticket), considering your status.
Hope that helps.
#1365
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: SAN
Posts: 101
Well, I called in and got my RPU back. However, the return sector is now splitted up into 2; GUM-NRT and NRT-DEN-SAN and I need 2 RPUs to upgrade the return sector now. I guess I will save this RPU for future use .