Upgrade chances on SYD/MEL flights
Nov 15, 2014, 12:23 pm
#226
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Eugene, OR
Programs: Alaska MVP 100K
Posts: 597
One more data point:
Just received an upgrade SYD-SFO 5 days out, making me 3/4 this year on this route in both directions. I thought the success rate would be lower after the switch to the 777, but I've been pleasantly surprised.
Just received an upgrade SYD-SFO 5 days out, making me 3/4 this year on this route in both directions. I thought the success rate would be lower after the switch to the 777, but I've been pleasantly surprised.
Nov 15, 2014, 3:13 pm
#227
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: IAD
Programs: UA 1K 2MM, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 565
Today's SYD-SFO flight I ended up #8 on the upgrade list - I don't think any upgrades cleared. Sitting across the aisle from me I noticed a guy with "global services" on his boarding pass, so it would seem everyone was doomed today.
Glad that United is able to sell all those tickets at full fare, but spending nearly 30 hours in an economy seat has me re-thinking strategy for next time. If I can't see R availability at booking, I'll probably book premium economy on NZ, or maybe I'll give Qantas a try.
Glad that United is able to sell all those tickets at full fare, but spending nearly 30 hours in an economy seat has me re-thinking strategy for next time. If I can't see R availability at booking, I'll probably book premium economy on NZ, or maybe I'll give Qantas a try.
Nov 15, 2014, 9:04 pm
#228
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: OSL/IAH/ZRH (time, not preference)
Programs: UA1K, LH GM, AA EXP->GM
Posts: 38,265
Of course it matters! The upgrade list is sorted first by status, so when R is released a 1K that waitlisted an upgrade yesterday will get it over a dozen kettles attempting to upgrade using miles+copay that have been on the waitlist for months.
..I'd love to see all R kept at 0 until 2 days before flight and then given out (in status order) to the waitlist - I've got no doubt my number of upgrades would increase.
Nov 15, 2014, 10:46 pm
#229
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: San Francisco/Sydney
Programs: UA 1K/MM, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Something, IHG Gold, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 8,159
A colleague who was UA Gold had an upgrade waitlisted using miles+copay which was waitlisted a few weeks before my ticket was even booked. Both tickets were in the same fare class. He flew in the back.
So without any evidence to the contrary, I certainly believe what UA is saying in this particular case.
Nov 16, 2014, 12:11 am
#230
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: OSL/IAH/ZRH (time, not preference)
Programs: UA1K, LH GM, AA EXP->GM
Posts: 38,265
I just lost several intl upgrades in a row to TODs (well, HODs). You have the positive experience that miles&copay are still treated as upgrades and do not bypass the priority queue - which TODs certainly do - but my scare is still a tad too recent to digest...
Nov 18, 2014, 6:44 pm
#232
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Sydney, AUS
Programs: Aadvantage, Hhonors, Hyatt, MileagePlus, SPG, Chase UR, IHG, Qantas, JAL, Krisflyer,, Velocity
Posts: 16
Looking to book two V fares on UA839 LAX-SYD for Jan 14 or 15, 2015. The wife and I are moving to SYD for my job, hoping a mileage upgrade goes through but I am not optimistic. I do not have any United status, hoping for a miracle!
Dec 1, 2014, 9:11 am
#234
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: OPO
Programs: UA 1k MM, KLM Gold, Marriott Titanium, Hyatt Platinum
Posts: 312
Upgrades to Australia
Hello FTers,
I have to go to Australia in January for work, and am planning to take the family along. I have certs that need to be used, but I don't see upgrade seats available on ANY dates. Our travel dates are up to me, so I'm sure the flexibility will help, but does anyone have experience upgrading to Australia? Are the seats not released until close to departure? Is it easier to upgrade from LAX or SFO? To SYD or MEL?
I would be upgrading 3 pax, is that even realistic?
Thanks!
I have to go to Australia in January for work, and am planning to take the family along. I have certs that need to be used, but I don't see upgrade seats available on ANY dates. Our travel dates are up to me, so I'm sure the flexibility will help, but does anyone have experience upgrading to Australia? Are the seats not released until close to departure? Is it easier to upgrade from LAX or SFO? To SYD or MEL?
I would be upgrading 3 pax, is that even realistic?
Thanks!
Dec 1, 2014, 9:34 am
#235
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: PBI / FLL / YUL
Programs: UA 1K, Delta Plat, AA Plat, Marriott Titanium, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Courtesy Card
Posts: 1,983
Hello FTers,
I have to go to Australia in January for work, and am planning to take the family along. I have certs that need to be used, but I don't see upgrade seats available on ANY dates. Our travel dates are up to me, so I'm sure the flexibility will help, but does anyone have experience upgrading to Australia? Are the seats not released until close to departure? Is it easier to upgrade from LAX or SFO? To SYD or MEL?
I would be upgrading 3 pax, is that even realistic?
Thanks!
I have to go to Australia in January for work, and am planning to take the family along. I have certs that need to be used, but I don't see upgrade seats available on ANY dates. Our travel dates are up to me, so I'm sure the flexibility will help, but does anyone have experience upgrading to Australia? Are the seats not released until close to departure? Is it easier to upgrade from LAX or SFO? To SYD or MEL?
I would be upgrading 3 pax, is that even realistic?
Thanks!
As a recent example, I booked a late October trip in May. I sat with a GPU requested for 6 months. I checked in 15 of 40 on the upgrade list of SFO-SYD as a 1K (Sunday departure) and if not for shameless queue jumping when the flight went R2 at T-2, I would've been sitting in the back. The return, SYD-LAX, I cleared at T-36. I can't figure out if LAX or SFO is a better gateway for the upgrade. It seems to be more day of week dependent than anything.
Dec 1, 2014, 11:34 am
#236
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: OPO
Programs: UA 1k MM, KLM Gold, Marriott Titanium, Hyatt Platinum
Posts: 312
Your chances are slim, especially for three passengers. Mid-week tends to be the best for upgrades, however this close to the dates of travel, I am not shocked that there is no R space. R space is extremely tight on those routes to begin with. R space tends to be released close to departure, sometimes only hours before.
As a recent example, I booked a late October trip in May. I sat with a GPU requested for 6 months. I checked in 15 of 40 on the upgrade list of SFO-SYD as a 1K (Sunday departure) and if not for shameless queue jumping when the flight went R2 at T-2, I would've been sitting in the back. The return, SYD-LAX, I cleared at T-36. I can't figure out if LAX or SFO is a better gateway for the upgrade. It seems to be more day of week dependent than anything.
As a recent example, I booked a late October trip in May. I sat with a GPU requested for 6 months. I checked in 15 of 40 on the upgrade list of SFO-SYD as a 1K (Sunday departure) and if not for shameless queue jumping when the flight went R2 at T-2, I would've been sitting in the back. The return, SYD-LAX, I cleared at T-36. I can't figure out if LAX or SFO is a better gateway for the upgrade. It seems to be more day of week dependent than anything.
Jan 16, 2015, 1:59 pm
#237
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 1
Best method to upgrade?
Hi all,
Not sure if this is in the right section - please feel free to berate me if it isn't
We're (2 of us) planning a trip to New York flying out of Melbourne (Aust) next December on the 15th, flying back on the 4th of January 2016, and was really hoping on utilising our points to upgrade ourselves to business.
I have about 105,000 miles, the partner has about 50,000. Happy to use mine to upgrade her if needed. Would love full return upgrade, but otherwise the leg up will suffice. Not too fussed about the domestic, but would be nice as well. Co-pay is fine.
As the Jan flights aren't available yet, we can't really book much - but had a few questions
1) Is this realistic, or is there no hope? We had a phone call with someone from United querying about it, and she indicated we would know immediately and also receive confirmation immediately, but I seem to be reading otherwise on the Internet.
2) Is there any type of Fare class we need to purchase? We have a lot of vouchers for a travel agency, so my preference would be to buy the flight through them, and then add it to my United Mileage plus account.
Sorry about all the questions - I've never actually upgraded a flight before!
Cheers
Not sure if this is in the right section - please feel free to berate me if it isn't
We're (2 of us) planning a trip to New York flying out of Melbourne (Aust) next December on the 15th, flying back on the 4th of January 2016, and was really hoping on utilising our points to upgrade ourselves to business.
I have about 105,000 miles, the partner has about 50,000. Happy to use mine to upgrade her if needed. Would love full return upgrade, but otherwise the leg up will suffice. Not too fussed about the domestic, but would be nice as well. Co-pay is fine.
As the Jan flights aren't available yet, we can't really book much - but had a few questions
1) Is this realistic, or is there no hope? We had a phone call with someone from United querying about it, and she indicated we would know immediately and also receive confirmation immediately, but I seem to be reading otherwise on the Internet.
2) Is there any type of Fare class we need to purchase? We have a lot of vouchers for a travel agency, so my preference would be to buy the flight through them, and then add it to my United Mileage plus account.
Sorry about all the questions - I've never actually upgraded a flight before!
Cheers
Jan 16, 2015, 2:15 pm
#238
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 14,890
First of all, welcome to FT.
Probably depends on a lot of factors, but given the length of MEL-LAX (presumably the route you would use, then connect onto JFK (or EWR if desired)), its probably going to be a bit tougher to find upgrade space. Depending on low vs. high season, exact dates of travel, etc. will influence if UA decides to open up upgrade space. If you don't have status, and get put on the waitlist, that will factor in as well, as higher status are prioritized over lower status. You'll be required to put up the mileage and co-pay when you request the upgrade, and if you don't clear, it will all be returned to you after flight.
As to knowing immediately, it depends. If there is upgrade space available at the time you request, then yes, you will know immediately. If there is not, you will be put on the waitlist, and if space opens up and you clear, you get notified by email.
If using miles and money, you can upgrade from any published fare class. However, the higher the fare class, the lower the mileage/co-pay requirement will be. For example, Y and I think B fares usually require fewer miles and no co-pay, while lower fare classes require more miles and up to a $600 co-pay. In between will be somewhere in the middle.
The bucket that needs to be open for immediate upgrade is R - if you look up flights on United's website, and enable expert mode in your profile, you can click on the fare class link while logged in and see R(X), where (X) indicates the number available (except if 9, which means =>9). One note - it is better to search for each segment individually when looking for space, as connections will display a lower number of R space than may be available as it will show as the lower number on any of the segments. However, upgrades clear based on segment availability - so if MEL-LAX is R=7 and your LAX-JFK is R=1, it will show R=1 for both connections, but even so, the MEL-LAX segment would clear immediately.
Hope this helps a bit.
Probably depends on a lot of factors, but given the length of MEL-LAX (presumably the route you would use, then connect onto JFK (or EWR if desired)), its probably going to be a bit tougher to find upgrade space. Depending on low vs. high season, exact dates of travel, etc. will influence if UA decides to open up upgrade space. If you don't have status, and get put on the waitlist, that will factor in as well, as higher status are prioritized over lower status. You'll be required to put up the mileage and co-pay when you request the upgrade, and if you don't clear, it will all be returned to you after flight.
As to knowing immediately, it depends. If there is upgrade space available at the time you request, then yes, you will know immediately. If there is not, you will be put on the waitlist, and if space opens up and you clear, you get notified by email.
If using miles and money, you can upgrade from any published fare class. However, the higher the fare class, the lower the mileage/co-pay requirement will be. For example, Y and I think B fares usually require fewer miles and no co-pay, while lower fare classes require more miles and up to a $600 co-pay. In between will be somewhere in the middle.
The bucket that needs to be open for immediate upgrade is R - if you look up flights on United's website, and enable expert mode in your profile, you can click on the fare class link while logged in and see R(X), where (X) indicates the number available (except if 9, which means =>9). One note - it is better to search for each segment individually when looking for space, as connections will display a lower number of R space than may be available as it will show as the lower number on any of the segments. However, upgrades clear based on segment availability - so if MEL-LAX is R=7 and your LAX-JFK is R=1, it will show R=1 for both connections, but even so, the MEL-LAX segment would clear immediately.
Hope this helps a bit.
Jan 16, 2015, 2:16 pm
#239
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: IAD
Programs: No Loyalty to any airline
Posts: 2,378
Welcome to FT!
For most fare classes, you'll need 30,000 miles each to upgrade one way. In addition to that, you'll have to pay a copay, ranging from $350-$600 each, again, depending on fare class. All info is found here:
http://www.united.com/web/en-US/apps...ardTravel.aspx
Suggest you check availability on your preferred flight before you book these tickets.
For most fare classes, you'll need 30,000 miles each to upgrade one way. In addition to that, you'll have to pay a copay, ranging from $350-$600 each, again, depending on fare class. All info is found here:
http://www.united.com/web/en-US/apps...ardTravel.aspx
Suggest you check availability on your preferred flight before you book these tickets.
Jan 16, 2015, 2:18 pm
#240
Formerly known as Stephenk19
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Munich, Germany
Programs: Free Agent
Posts: 409
Hi all,
Not sure if this is in the right section - please feel free to berate me if it isn't
We're (2 of us) planning a trip to New York flying out of Melbourne (Aust) next December on the 15th, flying back on the 4th of January 2016, and was really hoping on utilising our points to upgrade ourselves to business.
I have about 105,000 miles, the partner has about 50,000. Happy to use mine to upgrade her if needed. Would love full return upgrade, but otherwise the leg up will suffice. Not too fussed about the domestic, but would be nice as well. Co-pay is fine.
As the Jan flights aren't available yet, we can't really book much - but had a few questions
1) Is this realistic, or is there no hope? We had a phone call with someone from United querying about it, and she indicated we would know immediately and also receive confirmation immediately, but I seem to be reading otherwise on the Internet.
2) Is there any type of Fare class we need to purchase? We have a lot of vouchers for a travel agency, so my preference would be to buy the flight through them, and then add it to my United Mileage plus account.
Sorry about all the questions - I've never actually upgraded a flight before!
Cheers
Not sure if this is in the right section - please feel free to berate me if it isn't
We're (2 of us) planning a trip to New York flying out of Melbourne (Aust) next December on the 15th, flying back on the 4th of January 2016, and was really hoping on utilising our points to upgrade ourselves to business.
I have about 105,000 miles, the partner has about 50,000. Happy to use mine to upgrade her if needed. Would love full return upgrade, but otherwise the leg up will suffice. Not too fussed about the domestic, but would be nice as well. Co-pay is fine.
As the Jan flights aren't available yet, we can't really book much - but had a few questions
1) Is this realistic, or is there no hope? We had a phone call with someone from United querying about it, and she indicated we would know immediately and also receive confirmation immediately, but I seem to be reading otherwise on the Internet.
2) Is there any type of Fare class we need to purchase? We have a lot of vouchers for a travel agency, so my preference would be to buy the flight through them, and then add it to my United Mileage plus account.
Sorry about all the questions - I've never actually upgraded a flight before!
Cheers
I think you may be a little short on booking an award ticket with just miles - I think a one way in saver economy is 40k (160 then for two people RT). I'm not sure how much a business saver is, but would be more.
Buying a ticket and trying to upgrade with miles / cash may work better. The below link can give you an idea of what is required:
http://www.united.com/web/en-US/apps...ardTravel.aspx
As to what are the chances of the upgrades clearing is another question. Maybe someone else can give more info on this point.
Steve