Jun 30, 2013, 7:39 am
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
This is an archive thread, the active thread is
General PlusPoints (was GPU) earning & usage questions [Consolidated]
Note: the term journey is used here to denote travel between a pair of cities, with one or more layovers, and all segments of the journey are part of the same ticket, confirmation number, and record locator. A one way ticket has one journey. A round trip has two journeys. A multicity ticket has three or more journeys.
Can I apply a GPU to UA metal that is ticketed on non-UA ticket stock?
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/19321483-post23.html says you can.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/19324013-post25.html says not always.
Can I use a GPU on flights operated by other airlines?
Yes, Copa, LH and NH.
On Copa, the rules are the same as for flights operated by UA. It can't be done online, so you have to call. The regular Premier desk can't do it, though, even though Copa uses MP as its loyalty program--you'll need to call (or be transferred to) the Star Alliance Help Desk to complete the process. (And it's an involved process for the agents--they have to duplicate the Copa PNR in SHARES and issue you a separate UA PNR. Betwen *A Desk hold times--no priority for Premiers--and the hassle it is for the agents, plan on 30-45 minutes to get this done. It may be simpler if you booked your Copa tickets through United.) Note that an RPU works anywhere on Copa that a GPU works, so don't waste GPUs unnecessarily.
On LH, the process is completely different. You can use a GPU on LH operated fights only if printed for a specific flight of a specific reservation. See
Update to Lufthansa (LH) GPU Certificate Request Process
I see GPUs for sale on Craigslist or eBay. May I buy them and use them?
We do not recommend this. If UA determines the GPU was sold, you risk having your M+ account terminated and loss of your miles, status, lifetime miles, etc.
If I have upgraded a flight with miles, cash, GPU, RPU, CPU, etc. from Y to J, may I upgrade to F with a GPU?
Policy does not allow this. However, once upgraded to business you may be offered a cash buy-up to F.
If I apply a GPU on a multi segment journey, what happens one or segments clear, and one or more do not?
The exact wording from united.com is:In most cases, the Global Premier Upgrade will be considered used if any segment of an itinerary is upgraded or flown. However, for travel which includes segments in United BusinessFirst or United Global First, the Global Premier Upgrade will be re-deposited if the United BusinessFirst or United Global First segment(s) could not be upgraded.
This has at least three interpretations when the journey consists of segments that have all lie flat seating, and one or more upgrades to BF or GF fails, but one or more upgrades to BF or GF succeeds. The first is that since the wording is not "if any United BusinessFirst or United Global First segment(s) could not be upgraded" the GPU is not redeposited. The second is that the GPU is redeposited, even if for example, ORD-NRT was upgraded, and NRT-SIN was not. The third is that if the longest segment was not upgraded to BF or GF, the GPU is redeposited. In practice, UA agents appear to follow the third interpretation.
UPDATE: The wording in the Mileage upgrade section is a bit clearer and probably also reflects the policy for GPUs.What is the refund policy for MileagePlus Upgrade Awards that do not clear the waitlist?
If you request an upgrade using a MileagePlus Upgrade Award, and none of your travel segments are upgraded, then we will automatically redeposit your miles and co-pay. In most instances, a MileagePlus Upgrade Award will be considered used if any segment of your travel is upgraded. However, if your travel includes requested upgrades to United BusinessFirst® and/or United Global FirstSM, and none of the United BusinessFirst or United Global First segments are upgraded, then your MileagePlus Upgrade Award will not be considered used, even if you are upgraded to United First® or United Business® on another segment. In these instances, we will fully redeposit your miles and co-pay. When applicable, these refunds will occur automatically seven to 10 days after travel.
Redeposits don't always happen automatically, and when you call, you might find agents are trained to follow the longest segment interpretation, whereby if the longest segment is upgraded, even if not BF or GF, then the GPU will not be deposited. See http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/21138703-post394.html of push back and eventual capitulation by UA.
Can I add myself to the wait list within 24 hours of departure?
No, all you can do is attempt to apply the GPU periodically until it clears into upgrade inventory if any opens up. The 1K desk cannot put you on the wait list inside 24 hours because SHARES transfers the flight to airport control.
Do the fare class restrictions apply to domestic flights?
No, you can use a GPU on any fare on any domestic/ any CPU eligible flight.
Is there a maximum layover between segments of a journey?
Unclear. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/20453548-post221.html is an example of 38 hours, where the 1K desk applied it on behalf of the customer. What is interesting about this case is that 38 hours is well beyond a layover, which implies that in some cases, one GPU can be used for two journeys on the same ticket even if the two journeys are beyond 12 hours apart (12 hours being the pmUA rule – 4 hours for North American / “domestic” only flights).
How is the waitlist prioritized?
United.com details the process in the "Upgrade confirmation priority" section of this page.
For non-CPU flightsIf an upgrade seat becomes available, waitlisted customers are confirmed automatically based on the Premier® status of the redeeming account***, then fare class, then time of request.
For CPU flights, GS and YBM fares will be handled before GPU/Miles/RPU users and finally CPU requests. Within these groups upgrades are prioritized based on Premier® status of the redeeming account***, then fare class.
If not cleared until gate, it is believe the time factor is based on check-in time.
***On 4/15/15 travelers will no longer inherit the status of the redeeming account and will instead be prioritized by the status of the highest premier member on the PNR they are traveling on.
What is the relative waitlist priority of GPU vs Miles
Appears the use of GPU vs Miles has no impact on the waitlist priority.
May I cross two oceans with one GPU?
Yes if the entire journey is on one confirmation number and the max layover rule (above) is met.
Can I avoid upgrade lottery by booking only flights that have upgrade inventory?
Yes, see Post 3-Mar-2012:How to find upgrade inventory [+how to see fare bucket availability]. Note that you have to wait for the flight to ticket, by which time upgrade inventory can disappear. If so, cancel (within 24 hours of booking, so no penalty) and try again.
My GPU is still valid, but my journey starts after the GPU expires. Can I use the GPU for that journey?
No.
My GPU is still valid, but my journey starts before the GPU expires, and ends after the GPU expires. Can I use the GPU for that journey?
Yes if the initial flight scheduled departure is prior to expiration.
Can I let someone else use my GPU?
Yes. They will be waitlisted prioritized based on your status until 4/15/2015 at which point they will be prioritized based on their own status (or lack thereof).
If I let someone else use my GPU, do I have to be on the same reservation, same journey and/or same flight?
No to all.
What happens if there are multiple pax on the same reservation confirmation number and the reservation is split; will the GPU(s) that is(are) waitlisted on one or more pax stay with the new reservation?
Yes.
Why do Non-Revs get assigned seats in First/Business instead of upgrading paying customers?
UA’s policy is paying customers have priority for upgrades. However, per UA’s employee benefit package, Non-Revs can have access to unassigned seats if there are no waitlisted paying customers. This Non-Rev benefit is part of the negotiated employee compensation.
General PlusPoints (was GPU) earning & usage questions [Consolidated]
Note: the term journey is used here to denote travel between a pair of cities, with one or more layovers, and all segments of the journey are part of the same ticket, confirmation number, and record locator. A one way ticket has one journey. A round trip has two journeys. A multicity ticket has three or more journeys.
Can I apply a GPU to UA metal that is ticketed on non-UA ticket stock?
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/19321483-post23.html says you can.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/19324013-post25.html says not always.
Can I use a GPU on flights operated by other airlines?
Yes, Copa, LH and NH.
On Copa, the rules are the same as for flights operated by UA. It can't be done online, so you have to call. The regular Premier desk can't do it, though, even though Copa uses MP as its loyalty program--you'll need to call (or be transferred to) the Star Alliance Help Desk to complete the process. (And it's an involved process for the agents--they have to duplicate the Copa PNR in SHARES and issue you a separate UA PNR. Betwen *A Desk hold times--no priority for Premiers--and the hassle it is for the agents, plan on 30-45 minutes to get this done. It may be simpler if you booked your Copa tickets through United.) Note that an RPU works anywhere on Copa that a GPU works, so don't waste GPUs unnecessarily.
On LH, the process is completely different. You can use a GPU on LH operated fights only if printed for a specific flight of a specific reservation. See
Update to Lufthansa (LH) GPU Certificate Request Process
I see GPUs for sale on Craigslist or eBay. May I buy them and use them?
We do not recommend this. If UA determines the GPU was sold, you risk having your M+ account terminated and loss of your miles, status, lifetime miles, etc.
If I have upgraded a flight with miles, cash, GPU, RPU, CPU, etc. from Y to J, may I upgrade to F with a GPU?
Policy does not allow this. However, once upgraded to business you may be offered a cash buy-up to F.
If I apply a GPU on a multi segment journey, what happens one or segments clear, and one or more do not?
The exact wording from united.com is:In most cases, the Global Premier Upgrade will be considered used if any segment of an itinerary is upgraded or flown. However, for travel which includes segments in United BusinessFirst or United Global First, the Global Premier Upgrade will be re-deposited if the United BusinessFirst or United Global First segment(s) could not be upgraded.
This has at least three interpretations when the journey consists of segments that have all lie flat seating, and one or more upgrades to BF or GF fails, but one or more upgrades to BF or GF succeeds. The first is that since the wording is not "if any United BusinessFirst or United Global First segment(s) could not be upgraded" the GPU is not redeposited. The second is that the GPU is redeposited, even if for example, ORD-NRT was upgraded, and NRT-SIN was not. The third is that if the longest segment was not upgraded to BF or GF, the GPU is redeposited. In practice, UA agents appear to follow the third interpretation.
UPDATE: The wording in the Mileage upgrade section is a bit clearer and probably also reflects the policy for GPUs.What is the refund policy for MileagePlus Upgrade Awards that do not clear the waitlist?
If you request an upgrade using a MileagePlus Upgrade Award, and none of your travel segments are upgraded, then we will automatically redeposit your miles and co-pay. In most instances, a MileagePlus Upgrade Award will be considered used if any segment of your travel is upgraded. However, if your travel includes requested upgrades to United BusinessFirst® and/or United Global FirstSM, and none of the United BusinessFirst or United Global First segments are upgraded, then your MileagePlus Upgrade Award will not be considered used, even if you are upgraded to United First® or United Business® on another segment. In these instances, we will fully redeposit your miles and co-pay. When applicable, these refunds will occur automatically seven to 10 days after travel.
Redeposits don't always happen automatically, and when you call, you might find agents are trained to follow the longest segment interpretation, whereby if the longest segment is upgraded, even if not BF or GF, then the GPU will not be deposited. See http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/21138703-post394.html of push back and eventual capitulation by UA.
Can I add myself to the wait list within 24 hours of departure?
No, all you can do is attempt to apply the GPU periodically until it clears into upgrade inventory if any opens up. The 1K desk cannot put you on the wait list inside 24 hours because SHARES transfers the flight to airport control.
Do the fare class restrictions apply to domestic flights?
No, you can use a GPU on any fare on any domestic/ any CPU eligible flight.
Is there a maximum layover between segments of a journey?
Unclear. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/20453548-post221.html is an example of 38 hours, where the 1K desk applied it on behalf of the customer. What is interesting about this case is that 38 hours is well beyond a layover, which implies that in some cases, one GPU can be used for two journeys on the same ticket even if the two journeys are beyond 12 hours apart (12 hours being the pmUA rule – 4 hours for North American / “domestic” only flights).
How is the waitlist prioritized?
United.com details the process in the "Upgrade confirmation priority" section of this page.
For non-CPU flightsIf an upgrade seat becomes available, waitlisted customers are confirmed automatically based on the Premier® status of the redeeming account***, then fare class, then time of request.
For CPU flights, GS and YBM fares will be handled before GPU/Miles/RPU users and finally CPU requests. Within these groups upgrades are prioritized based on Premier® status of the redeeming account***, then fare class.
If not cleared until gate, it is believe the time factor is based on check-in time.
***On 4/15/15 travelers will no longer inherit the status of the redeeming account and will instead be prioritized by the status of the highest premier member on the PNR they are traveling on.
What is the relative waitlist priority of GPU vs Miles
Appears the use of GPU vs Miles has no impact on the waitlist priority.
May I cross two oceans with one GPU?
Yes if the entire journey is on one confirmation number and the max layover rule (above) is met.
Can I avoid upgrade lottery by booking only flights that have upgrade inventory?
Yes, see Post 3-Mar-2012:How to find upgrade inventory [+how to see fare bucket availability]. Note that you have to wait for the flight to ticket, by which time upgrade inventory can disappear. If so, cancel (within 24 hours of booking, so no penalty) and try again.
My GPU is still valid, but my journey starts after the GPU expires. Can I use the GPU for that journey?
No.
My GPU is still valid, but my journey starts before the GPU expires, and ends after the GPU expires. Can I use the GPU for that journey?
Yes if the initial flight scheduled departure is prior to expiration.
Can I let someone else use my GPU?
Yes. They will be waitlisted prioritized based on your status until 4/15/2015 at which point they will be prioritized based on their own status (or lack thereof).
If I let someone else use my GPU, do I have to be on the same reservation, same journey and/or same flight?
No to all.
What happens if there are multiple pax on the same reservation confirmation number and the reservation is split; will the GPU(s) that is(are) waitlisted on one or more pax stay with the new reservation?
Yes.
Why do Non-Revs get assigned seats in First/Business instead of upgrading paying customers?
UA’s policy is paying customers have priority for upgrades. However, per UA’s employee benefit package, Non-Revs can have access to unassigned seats if there are no waitlisted paying customers. This Non-Rev benefit is part of the negotiated employee compensation.
Consolidated Global Premier Upgrade (GPU) Questions Thread [Archive]
Sep 4, 2012, 9:11 pm
#16
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.997MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,859
Sep 6, 2012, 11:22 am
#17
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: BOS
Posts: 3,534
For two 1Ks travelling on GPUs is it wise to split the PNR to allow a better chance of getting an award seat if they only release them one at a time? This would be IAD-NRT (and reverse). The way I see this hurting us is irrops when we'd need to deal with two PNRs and if only one of us gets upgraded (likely we'd decline the upgrade).
Sep 9, 2012, 8:44 am
#18
Join Date: Sep 2012
Programs: UA 1k
Posts: 6
I am newly minted 1k'er and am trying to use GPUs for the first time. I travel to Rome on October first on a RT W-class fare (IAD to FCO outbound, FRA to IAD inbound). I searched for available R-class upgrades using the mileage plus upgrade option on United's advanced search page. Both flights show ZERO 
available R-class upgrades. I requested the GPUs last week. Do I stand a chance of getting my upgrades?
available R-class upgrades. I requested the GPUs last week. Do I stand a chance of getting my upgrades?
Last edited by hbmcdrew; Sep 9, 2012 at 9:08 am Reason: typo
Sep 9, 2012, 8:53 am
#19
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: PSM
Posts: 69,232
I am newly minted 1k'er and am trying to use GPUs for the first time. I travel to Rome on October first on a RT F-class fare (IAD to FCO outbound, FRA to IAD inbound). I searched for available R-class upgrades using the mileage plus upgrade option on United's advanced search page. Both flights show ZERO available R-class upgrades. I requested the GPUs last week. Do I stand a chance of getting my upgrades?
available R-class upgrades. I requested the GPUs last week. Do I stand a chance of getting my upgrades?If you are wait-listed now for an upgrade from a lower fare class then there is a chance it will clear. No way to know for sure if it will or not until it actually happens, but being waitlisted gives you a better chance of it happening than not.
Sep 9, 2012, 9:04 am
#20
Join Date: Sep 2012
Programs: UA 1k
Posts: 6
If you are on a F fare then what are you upgrading to?
If you are wait-listed now for an upgrade from a lower fare class then there is a chance it will clear. No way to know for sure if it will or not until it actually happens, but being waitlisted gives you a better chance of it happening than not.
If you are wait-listed now for an upgrade from a lower fare class then there is a chance it will clear. No way to know for sure if it will or not until it actually happens, but being waitlisted gives you a better chance of it happening than not.
On a related question, if the site shows an available mileage plus upgrade (R-class) does that mean I could book that fare get instantly redeem a GPU at the time of booking?
Sep 9, 2012, 9:22 am
#21
Join Date: May 2001
Location: TPA 50%/BKK 30%/HKG 20%
Programs: UA 1K MM - AF G – TK G – AZ Ex – Hilton D – Marriott G – IHG P
Posts: 1,990
Sorry, in my eagerness to join this thread I didn't proofread my post. I'm in a W-class fare hoping to upgrade to BusinessFirst. I am currently waitlisted on both legs.
On a related question, if the site shows an available mileage plus upgrade (R-class) does that mean I could book that fare get instantly redeem a GPU at the time of booking?
On a related question, if the site shows an available mileage plus upgrade (R-class) does that mean I could book that fare get instantly redeem a GPU at the time of booking?
Yes, you should be able to get the upgrade instantly if R fares are available.
Sep 15, 2012, 7:37 am
#22
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: ORD, MKE
Programs: Bonvoy LT Gold, Hilton Silver, Hyatt Discoverist, Hertz PC, National EE
Posts: 710
Any Change to GPU use on Codeshare?
Before 3/3 I understand the rule was SWU could only be applied to a *A codeshare flight on UA metal day of departure (last confirmed by post #529 on Aug 1 '11). However, post #528 implied CO allowed their SWU to be applied on codeshares in advance. Post #730 (Jan 31, '12) suggested calling the 1K desk to get a UA flt # for a CO codeshare to apply SWU in advance.
The present GPU T&C states "Global Premier Upgrades ... can be used on all paid, published fares ..." but doesn't mention anything about codeshares.
http://www.united.com/web/en-US/cont...wupgrades.aspx
I would like to buy LH codeshare (with an unused ticket) on UA metal (ORD-FRA) and (once ticketed and in my UA reservations list) apply GPU to confirm the upgrade in advance (as R>1 at present). Anyone know if this will be allowed? Thanks.
The present GPU T&C states "Global Premier Upgrades ... can be used on all paid, published fares ..." but doesn't mention anything about codeshares.
http://www.united.com/web/en-US/cont...wupgrades.aspx
I would like to buy LH codeshare (with an unused ticket) on UA metal (ORD-FRA) and (once ticketed and in my UA reservations list) apply GPU to confirm the upgrade in advance (as R>1 at present). Anyone know if this will be allowed? Thanks.
Sep 15, 2012, 2:28 pm
#23
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.997MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,859
The codeshare limitation on GPUs/RPUs is gone. A defintive plus of the merger / systems change.
Sep 15, 2012, 6:49 pm
#24
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: ORD, MKE
Programs: Bonvoy LT Gold, Hilton Silver, Hyatt Discoverist, Hertz PC, National EE
Posts: 710
Thanks for the update. So as long as the codeshare (with UA flt #) shows up in My Reservations on UA.com I should be able to apply for the GPU, or will I need to go through the 1K desk?
Sep 16, 2012, 5:05 am
#25
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Even the bed-buddies UA and LH are flopping in this area. Within the last 48 hours, I have seen three mess-ups in this area, making for a lousy batting average.
The result: a lot of the GPUs that were pulled for ugprades that were at some point confirmed came with substantial ground service issues ... which doesn't make for smooth, pretty outcomes when dealing with contract and/or partner airline staff.
Last edited by GUWonder; Sep 16, 2012 at 5:10 am
Sep 16, 2012, 9:20 am
#26
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: ORD, MKE
Programs: Bonvoy LT Gold, Hilton Silver, Hyatt Discoverist, Hertz PC, National EE
Posts: 710
Will monitor closely.
The limitation seem to be indeed gone -- which is great when it goes right and you get a rep at the 1k or GS numbers who knows what is to be done and does it right -- but it is also going wrong too often and leading to messes (and missed flights at airports), particularly when the confirmed upgrade is for a UA-operated flight on a ticketed itinerary originally booked on non-UA ticket stock.
Sep 16, 2012, 10:49 am
#27
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Posts: 102,095
Either way, it can be done, but don't count on it always going over smoothly even if looks that way online.
.... and once the airline's ground staff (including perhaps contractors) are involved in the upgrade handling and controlling things, contacting UA over the phone or online as a 1k may work or it may be about as good as useless .... with UA suggesting cto ontact customer service (with their limited hours) after the trip is concluded.
So it seems an improvement in policy that needs some rough edges worked out in the way it is implemented in practice.
Sep 18, 2012, 2:05 pm
#28
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: ORD, MKE
Programs: Bonvoy LT Gold, Hilton Silver, Hyatt Discoverist, Hertz PC, National EE
Posts: 710
Consolidated Systemwide Upgrade (SWU) questions
Thanks for the feedback. I may just get the code share for the ORD-FRA overnight leg, as I'd prefer the UA true lie-flat seat to sleep, and perhaps I'd have an easier time managing issues at UA's "home town" airport.
On the daytime return I'd prefer LH to experience their better service, and wouldn't care as much if I don't get the upgrade.
On the daytime return I'd prefer LH to experience their better service, and wouldn't care as much if I don't get the upgrade.
Oct 15, 2012, 11:34 am
#29
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: TPA / HAM
Programs: UA Gold / Bonvoy Platinum
Posts: 276
Hi,
I read something about an E-Upgrade summary page. I spend a lot of time on this, searched United.com and googled, but I can not fin it.
Any idea were this page is ?
Thanks
Stephan
I read something about an E-Upgrade summary page. I spend a lot of time on this, searched United.com and googled, but I can not fin it.
Any idea were this page is ?
Thanks
Stephan
Oct 15, 2012, 4:06 pm
#30
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.997MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,859
The old (pre-march 3, 2012) UA site had am E-Upgrade Summary. The present site does not have the equivalent.
The present website shows you the number of unreserved instruments (and if you hover the mouse over the hyperlink - the expiration dates of those instruments).
The monthly account statements note when the instruments have actually been used (but provide no info on what flight).
The present website shows you the number of unreserved instruments (and if you hover the mouse over the hyperlink - the expiration dates of those instruments).
The monthly account statements note when the instruments have actually been used (but provide no info on what flight).