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]
Dec 11, 2012, 9:36 am
#76
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: IAH / HOU
Programs: UA GS, DL-Plat, Hilton Gold, IHG Platinum, Hyatt Somethingist, Marriott Titanium Lifetime
Posts: 2,853
So I have a weird situation... I waitlisted my a GPU for EWR>LHR leaving on 12/21 way back in July. Over the weekend I needed to extend the return flight to a later date, which got a bit complicated as I also needed to move a miles/co-pay upgrade to my new reservation. It took a while, but got done successfully, with me refreshing my account information to watch progress.
As I was refreshing to confirm the changes I noticed that my account had gone from 0 GPUs to 1, just deposited, and that the outbound flight no longer showed me as waitlisted for R. The reservation had the usual message that a change had been made and the option to accept. Of course I didn't, and asked the CSR what was going on. She reported that it all looked fine from her end, so I refreshed again and the flight once more showed me as waitlisted for R.
BUT! I still have 1 GPU in my account, when I should have zero. And I can't help but worry that I have gone from close to first in the waiting list to the bottom. Of course I did not mention the new, extra, GPU to the CSR but did ask about my place on the waiting list. She responded that she can't see that information and that no change had occurred.
I watch availability of R/RN daily, and so far nothing. If that "new" GPU is real, it's great because I can just have the one associated with the flight removed and then apply the "new" one when availability appears. But what if it isn't real? And am I really still on the waiting list? I'd love to be able to say I successfully used all of my instruments this year, but I'm feeling a bit doubful about this.
As I was refreshing to confirm the changes I noticed that my account had gone from 0 GPUs to 1, just deposited, and that the outbound flight no longer showed me as waitlisted for R. The reservation had the usual message that a change had been made and the option to accept. Of course I didn't, and asked the CSR what was going on. She reported that it all looked fine from her end, so I refreshed again and the flight once more showed me as waitlisted for R.
BUT! I still have 1 GPU in my account, when I should have zero. And I can't help but worry that I have gone from close to first in the waiting list to the bottom. Of course I did not mention the new, extra, GPU to the CSR but did ask about my place on the waiting list. She responded that she can't see that information and that no change had occurred.
I watch availability of R/RN daily, and so far nothing. If that "new" GPU is real, it's great because I can just have the one associated with the flight removed and then apply the "new" one when availability appears. But what if it isn't real? And am I really still on the waiting list? I'd love to be able to say I successfully used all of my instruments this year, but I'm feeling a bit doubful about this.
Dec 11, 2012, 10:27 am
#77
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: NYC
Programs: CX DM, DL DM, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Lifetime Plat
Posts: 439
Hi.
I'm a newly minted 1K based in Tokyo and am wondering about the best ways to use my GPUs.
...
My likely routes are NRT<->SFO and NRT<->SEA. I can fly during the week or weekends - which time is best?
I notice that NRT<->SEA is still using the old config and it does regularly have R space (probably because no one wants to pay for that). Is it worth using (or should that be wasting) a GPU to be in the old config? I've actually received many op-ups on the NRT<->SEA route, but I will next be travelling in Jan or Feb where loads are lighter so Y may not be full.
So my options for travelling NRT<->SEA are:
- go direct on UA old config and apply GPU
- go direct on UA old config in E+ or maybe buyup if less than $500
- go direct on NH 787 in Y
- go via SFO (or LAX?) and hope my GPU clears to get new config
Thanks!
I'm a newly minted 1K based in Tokyo and am wondering about the best ways to use my GPUs.
...
My likely routes are NRT<->SFO and NRT<->SEA. I can fly during the week or weekends - which time is best?
I notice that NRT<->SEA is still using the old config and it does regularly have R space (probably because no one wants to pay for that). Is it worth using (or should that be wasting) a GPU to be in the old config? I've actually received many op-ups on the NRT<->SEA route, but I will next be travelling in Jan or Feb where loads are lighter so Y may not be full.
So my options for travelling NRT<->SEA are:
- go direct on UA old config and apply GPU
- go direct on UA old config in E+ or maybe buyup if less than $500
- go direct on NH 787 in Y
- go via SFO (or LAX?) and hope my GPU clears to get new config
Thanks!
NRT-SEA is the route relatively easy to get C upgrade whether you get new or old config 777. Also NRT-SEA is a "short" TPAC trip. I think it's manageable to be on the old C (sometimes you may have empty seat next to you). My thought to this -- anytime C > E+
NRT-SFO is hard especially down to one daily flight in winter. 838/837 are also elite heavy flights. NRT-LAX depends. Sometimes you will see R space in advance, but sometimes you may only get cleared at gate. In January, NRT-LAX will be operated by 787. Not sure how this is going to impact the upgrade.
Dec 14, 2012, 5:19 pm
#78
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: USA
Programs: UA / SPG
Posts: 217
Receipt now shows booked into R class. Is that OK?
Earlier today, my GPU cleared and when I logged on, my itinerary showed "! A modification has been made to your itinerary. Please contact United Reservations to have your ticket reissued." I did not call, but hours later, I received an email confirmation of my itinerary receipt showing that I am now booked in R class. The note to contact UA is no longer there. My ticket number has not changed.
I was under the impression that R fare is not really "bookable" so I wanted to make sure I can fly in C without any problems. If it doesn't earn me RDM/PQM's automatically, I will ask for retroactive credit.
Has anyone had any similar experience with R fare showing up on the receipt?
I was under the impression that R fare is not really "bookable" so I wanted to make sure I can fly in C without any problems. If it doesn't earn me RDM/PQM's automatically, I will ask for retroactive credit.
Has anyone had any similar experience with R fare showing up on the receipt?
Dec 14, 2012, 5:29 pm
#79
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
Earlier today, my GPU cleared
.... I received an email confirmation of my itinerary receipt showing that I am now booked in R class.
.....
I was under the impression that R fare is not really "bookable" so I wanted to make sure I can fly in C without any problems. If it doesn't earn me RDM/PQM's automatically, I will ask for retroactive credit.
Has anyone had any similar experience with R fare showing up on the receipt?
.... I received an email confirmation of my itinerary receipt showing that I am now booked in R class.
.....
I was under the impression that R fare is not really "bookable" so I wanted to make sure I can fly in C without any problems. If it doesn't earn me RDM/PQM's automatically, I will ask for retroactive credit.
Has anyone had any similar experience with R fare showing up on the receipt?
Dec 14, 2012, 6:11 pm
#80
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
RH, for example, or RQ.
I have expiring unused GPU's and want to use them to upgrade a friend going to Hawaii next year. I am assuming that the upgrades will come out of this years expiring inventory, not the new ones that I get for next year.
Does it matter that the upgrades are expired at the time of the flight? Will this cause them to use unexpired ones from the year the flight is actually taken?
Thanks for your help!
Does it matter that the upgrades are expired at the time of the flight? Will this cause them to use unexpired ones from the year the flight is actually taken?
Thanks for your help!
Last edited by iluv2fly; Dec 15, 2012 at 12:27 am Reason: merge
Dec 16, 2012, 1:54 am
#81
Join Date: Dec 2012
Programs: United Mileage Plus
Posts: 3
Lowest Price Fare Class Eligible for Global Premier Upgrade (International)?
What is the lowest price fare class that is eligible for a Global Premier upgrade on United flights to Asia? I know the most heavily restricted (and discounted) fare classes (Z, P, S, T, K, L, G or N) are NOT eligible, but what is the cheapest that is? I believe it is W, but I'm not entirely sure.
Some background - I'm a 1K flyer and as such get six Global Premier Upgrades a year. I fly out of EWR about four times a year to Asia.
Thanks for any help and happy holidays to all!
Some background - I'm a 1K flyer and as such get six Global Premier Upgrades a year. I fly out of EWR about four times a year to Asia.
Thanks for any help and happy holidays to all!
Dec 16, 2012, 2:02 am
#82
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: SFO, BDL
Programs: UA 1K, AA Plat, CX GR, Hilton Diamond, Global Entry
Posts: 963
EvilPen, welcome to FT!
W is the lowest fare eligible for use with a GPU.
W is the lowest fare eligible for use with a GPU.
Dec 16, 2012, 2:04 am
#83
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: LHR (sometimes CLE, SFO, BOS, LAX, SEA)
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 5,895
The "lowest" GPU-eligible fare class in United's hierarchy of fare classes is W. (All other things equal, a V fare will trump a W fare on a waitlist, hence we say W is the "lowest".)
This may not always be the cheapest available fare. In some markets at some times, a Q or V fare may cost less than the cheapest currently available W fare, for example if there are advance purchase restrictions baked into the cheapest W fares.
This may not always be the cheapest available fare. In some markets at some times, a Q or V fare may cost less than the cheapest currently available W fare, for example if there are advance purchase restrictions baked into the cheapest W fares.
Dec 16, 2012, 2:08 am
#84
Join Date: Dec 2012
Programs: United Mileage Plus
Posts: 3
Just as a side note: On the past seven trips to Asia, I've never failed to have the GPU go through on any leg of the journey. It's been W most of the time, but on a couple of flights, V or even H was the lowest fare available.
Thanks again!
Last edited by FlyinHawaiian; Dec 16, 2012 at 2:15 am Reason: multi-quote
Dec 16, 2012, 5:12 am
#85
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Harrisonburg, VA
Programs: UA 1K: since 2010
Posts: 234
Y, B, E, M, U, H, Q, V, W
Dec 16, 2012, 3:51 pm
#86
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: SFO
Posts: 3,942
Has anybody tried using a GPU from Z to F? Perhaps if I asked nicely? 
Dec 18, 2012, 10:51 am
#87
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Boston, MA, US
Posts: 305
GPU expiration - when applied or when used?
Should be simple question, but don't seem to find answer. Can GPU be applied to a trip that starts after the GPU expiration?
Dec 18, 2012, 10:52 am
#88
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: BOS/ORH
Programs: AS 75K
Posts: 18,323
Dec 18, 2012, 10:55 am
#89
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: USA
Programs: UA (1K, 2MM), AA, Avis, National
Posts: 867
The trip must be completed by the time GPU expires.
Dec 18, 2012, 10:56 am
#90
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Boston, MA, US
Posts: 305
Thanks for quick reply.