CPU optimization out of IAD an DCA w/flexible sched
Feb 5, 2013, 4:57 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: iAD, DCA, BWI
Programs: UA G, Eurobonus S, Marco Polo, AmtrakSelect+
Posts: 3
CPU optimization out of IAD an DCA w/flexible sched
Sorry if this thread exists somewhere - im new and ive not mastered the search feature somehow.
Anyway, Im flying a ton this year and will hit 100k miles with UA in July. This is my first time being airline faithful and im trying to figure out how to organize my travel around upgrades. I have total control over my business travel schedule and id like to maximize my upgrades flying out of IAD, DCA or BWI (Washington DC) Whats the best airport and flying times (both weekly and time of day) to use to do this as I rise from Gold to 1k over the next few months. Typical destinations include JFK, SFO, LAX, ANC, and DUB.
Secondary question, if i can really flex plan out an international trip to Dubai and research the fare classes is an upgrade out to Dubai as a 1k literally NEVER going to happen?
Anyway, Im flying a ton this year and will hit 100k miles with UA in July. This is my first time being airline faithful and im trying to figure out how to organize my travel around upgrades. I have total control over my business travel schedule and id like to maximize my upgrades flying out of IAD, DCA or BWI (Washington DC) Whats the best airport and flying times (both weekly and time of day) to use to do this as I rise from Gold to 1k over the next few months. Typical destinations include JFK, SFO, LAX, ANC, and DUB.
Secondary question, if i can really flex plan out an international trip to Dubai and research the fare classes is an upgrade out to Dubai as a 1k literally NEVER going to happen?
Feb 5, 2013, 5:51 am
#2
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: DEN
Programs: UA 1K, AA EXP, WN A+, Marriott LT
Posts: 893
As a regular Capital Region flyer, here's my formula:
1) Regardless of airport, avoid peak travel times: Mon AM, Th PM, Fri PM, Sun PM. (True for CPUs almost anywhere.)
2) Fly during non-peak times for highest CPU chances: Sat PM, Mon PM, Tues, Wed
3) I generally have better luck at DCA than IAD. Even better luck at BWI of you really want to trek there. DCA has fewer connecting paid intl F pax than IAD. Although, peak DCA-IAH ("Exxon Lobby Express" flights as I like to call them) have lots of paid F.
4) Avoid IAD transcons at all costs. I only upgrade SFO and LAX with RPUs, and that's even hard!
1) Regardless of airport, avoid peak travel times: Mon AM, Th PM, Fri PM, Sun PM. (True for CPUs almost anywhere.)
2) Fly during non-peak times for highest CPU chances: Sat PM, Mon PM, Tues, Wed
3) I generally have better luck at DCA than IAD. Even better luck at BWI of you really want to trek there. DCA has fewer connecting paid intl F pax than IAD. Although, peak DCA-IAH ("Exxon Lobby Express" flights as I like to call them) have lots of paid F.
4) Avoid IAD transcons at all costs. I only upgrade SFO and LAX with RPUs, and that's even hard!