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 :(.

Regional Premier Upgrade- EWR-HNL
 

Does a regional premier upgrade EWR-HNL require the copay?

No RPU's do not require copays (per se)

I applied an RPU on LAX-DEN-PTY for my wife. A few days ago, she got an email notifying her about reservation change to LAX-IAH-PTY and she accepted it. The reservation now shows LAX-IAH-PTY, with only IAH-PTY shown upgrade requested. It also shows that she is waitlisted (for R) on LAX-DEN-IAH.

Is this common? Why she is not waitlisted on LAX-IAH?

Not sure I follow but seems like a good time to call and get things straighten things out.

the reservation is out of sync. You'll have to call to get this cleared up. Happens all the time when instruments are waitlisted.

Can someone explain in simple terms how to try to use an RPU to get a confirmed upgrade at time-of-purchase of the ticket (if this is even possible)?

RPU cannot be applied until the itinerary has ticketed. You can apply the RPU online as soon as the itinerary tickets. Just go to "view reservation."

Or you just tell the phone agent you want to purchase the ticket and upgrade it with an RPU. The good ones can hold the R space until it has ticketed.

Thanks! Two further questions: (1) Do I need to buy a particular economy fare class to be upgradeable? (2) When you say "R space", you mean that if there is R1 or greater, then when I go to apply the RPU it will upgrade me immediately?

(1) No. Any published fare.
(2) Yes, like magic.

Thanks again!

Anyone comment on what the actual effect of an RPU is? I'm 1K based out of IAH and my CPU success is about 50%. When I apply an RPU to try and "ensure" an upgrade, my success is about the same. What does an RPU do? Is it an "accelerator" of sorts, adding an additional variable to the prioritization? Does it effectively bump you up a fare class to clear before someone else? Would really like to understand the mechanics of this...

As would we all ;)

RPUs are most valuable when you can confirm into open R in advance.

Prior to the gate, they are supposed to have priority over CPUs. It's debated whether they have any priority once the upgrade list goes to the gate.

Is there a way to search for, or be notified of, flights that have GPU availability? Ms. Zdog and I would like to fly IAH<->EZE and use my GPUs, but in no way want to do the 10+ hours in E+.

You can manually search or ask an agent to help you. There is no notification of availability (unless you clear after waitlisting).

To search
-- Used the existing mileage award search option in Advance Search. If mileage award upgrade is available, then a GPU will also work -- make sure you are check for two seats.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unite...de-united.html
-- You can learn to use the Expert Mode readout and look for R space.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unite...ilability.html
-- Use the GPU space search in the united.com beta site.

The easiest is calling and asking for agent help but they will only spend so much time hunting.

Upgrade space to EZE can be difficult since UA has cut the number of flights.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unite...n-iah-eze.html