Oct 6, 2013, 9:42 am
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
Guide to CPUs
In order for you to receive a CPU, four conditions have to be met at the same moment in time:
(NB: The following does not apply to GS members, whose CPUs process at least somewhat differently, out of the PN bucket.)
1. The flight must be within the relevant CPU window:
If the flight is scheduled to depart after midnight central time, all of these windows open 24 hours early, due to a system glitch.
2. There must be CPU availability. CPUs for non-GS members draw from an invisible bucket that is often (but not always) pegged to roughly one or two less than the R bucket. At the gate, all remaining seats are released.
3. You must be high enough on the relevant upgrade list.
There are two separate upgrade lists, used during the two different upgrade processes described in (4) below. Understand how these lists work is one of the things people struggle with the most.
The Pre-Gate List (a/k/a the "sweeps list" or "EUA list")
This list is used in the pre-gate process described in (4) below. Your presence on the list is indicated by the CPU Requested icon/language on your reservation, but you cannot find out what position you are on this list through any public method. The list is sorted in this manner:
This list controls upgrades at the gate. It is semi-visible to the public on the status page for a flight, but the status page only shows checked in passengers. Even if you appear first on the list, you might actually be fifteenth by the time everyone checks in.
This list is in the same order as the list above, except that the time-related tiebreakers (such as time of purchase) are replaced with sequence number (which is related to time of check-in). Additionally, certain non-revs (airline employees and family traveling for free or at low cost) are put on the gate list, at the end.
4. One of the two upgrade processes must run.
The Pre-Gate Process (a/k/a the "sweeps" or "EUA")
This process runs at certain times in the days leading up to the flight. It typically runs at 24 hour intervals leading up to T-24, at which point it begins to run more often. It is unclear exactly how often it runs, or when it stops running. There are reports of upgrades that seem to have been given by the pre-gate system even once boarding has begun.
The Gate Process
This process is manually accomplished by the GA, typically once if there are empty seats after check-in has closed, and again if there are no-shows in F. In the latter case, the GA may come onto the plane to give the new boarding pass to the passenger.
Sometimes the GA might not run the process, which makes them a Very Bad GA. On very rare occasions, they might fiddle with the process to upgrade their friends, which we call "shenanigans." That makes them a Mega Bad And Very In Trouble GA. Both of these situations should be reported in the relevant FT thread and directly to UA.
CPU FAQ
I'm number one on the upgrade list on the flight status page. Does that mean I'm first in line for the upgrade?
No, unless the check-in window has passed and the flight is under gate control.
There are seats available in F, why have I not been upgraded yet?
That's not how it works. See above.
There is R availability, why haven't I been upgraded yet?
That's not how it works. See above.
Will the time that I check in affect my ability to get an upgrade?
Probably not. It is the third tie-breaker on the gate list only. See above.
Do I need to check in to get an upgrade?
No. Except at the gate. But if you're not checked in by that time, you have bigger problems.
Who are all these people on the standby list and the upgrade list(s)?
Non-revs. See above.
But the website says that the Silver window opens the day of departure, not at T-24!
Ignore that.
But the website says that there is a "transfer" of the lists at T-24!
Ignore that.
But the agent said ____________________________!
Ignore them.
DidItClear
If the DidItClear website is going to be effective, it needs more members and trip upgrade data!
Please visit https://www.diditclear.com/ and include your trip experience with CPU's, RPU's, GPU's and any other means of upgrading available on United.
The better the data, the better the search results and experiential history.
In order for you to receive a CPU, four conditions have to be met at the same moment in time:
(NB: The following does not apply to GS members, whose CPUs process at least somewhat differently, out of the PN bucket.)
1. The flight must be within the relevant CPU window:
- GS: 120 hours
- 1K: 96 hours
- Plat: 72 hours
- Gold: 48 hours
- Silver: 24 hours
If the flight is scheduled to depart after midnight central time, all of these windows open 24 hours early, due to a system glitch.
2. There must be CPU availability. CPUs for non-GS members draw from an invisible bucket that is often (but not always) pegged to roughly one or two less than the R bucket. At the gate, all remaining seats are released.
3. You must be high enough on the relevant upgrade list.
There are two separate upgrade lists, used during the two different upgrade processes described in (4) below. Understand how these lists work is one of the things people struggle with the most.
The Pre-Gate List (a/k/a the "sweeps list" or "EUA list")
This list is used in the pre-gate process described in (4) below. Your presence on the list is indicated by the CPU Requested icon/language on your reservation, but you cannot find out what position you are on this list through any public method. The list is sorted in this manner:
- Displaced first-class passengers (Bought two-segment F ticket, F wasn't available on this segment at time of purchase)
- GS using any method (note GS clear out of PN)
- Uncleared instant upgrades, sorted by fare class* and status (e.g.: Silver in Y, Plat in B, Gold in B, 1K in M)
- Waitlisted instrument/mile upgrades, sorted by status of redeeming account, fare class, and then time of request (e.g.: person in N upgrading using 1K's miles, Plat in S using own RPU applied on Tuesday, person in S using a Plat's RPU applied on Friday)**
- CPUs, sorted by status, fare class, and time of purchase (e.g.: 1K in E, 1K in N, Plat in E, Plat in X***, Gold in G purchased in November, Gold in G purchased in December)
*The coach fare classes, in the order that is relevant to this whole discussion, are: Y, B, M, E, U, H, Q, V, W, S, T, L, K, G, N, YN/HN/XN/X
**Note: The upgrades above CPU can clear using R space, CPU appears to be a subset, so R space alone is not sufficent for CPU clearing.
***CPUs are only available for mileage tickets for certain credit card holders. It's a complicated issue that is generally beyond the scope of this thread. There is a separate thread for it.
The Gate List (a/k/a the "visible list")- GS using any method (note GS clear out of PN)
- Uncleared instant upgrades, sorted by fare class* and status (e.g.: Silver in Y, Plat in B, Gold in B, 1K in M)
- Waitlisted instrument/mile upgrades, sorted by status of redeeming account, fare class, and then time of request (e.g.: person in N upgrading using 1K's miles, Plat in S using own RPU applied on Tuesday, person in S using a Plat's RPU applied on Friday)**
- CPUs, sorted by status, fare class, and time of purchase (e.g.: 1K in E, 1K in N, Plat in E, Plat in X***, Gold in G purchased in November, Gold in G purchased in December)
*The coach fare classes, in the order that is relevant to this whole discussion, are: Y, B, M, E, U, H, Q, V, W, S, T, L, K, G, N, YN/HN/XN/X
**Note: The upgrades above CPU can clear using R space, CPU appears to be a subset, so R space alone is not sufficent for CPU clearing.
***CPUs are only available for mileage tickets for certain credit card holders. It's a complicated issue that is generally beyond the scope of this thread. There is a separate thread for it.
This list controls upgrades at the gate. It is semi-visible to the public on the status page for a flight, but the status page only shows checked in passengers. Even if you appear first on the list, you might actually be fifteenth by the time everyone checks in.
This list is in the same order as the list above, except that the time-related tiebreakers (such as time of purchase) are replaced with sequence number (which is related to time of check-in). Additionally, certain non-revs (airline employees and family traveling for free or at low cost) are put on the gate list, at the end.
4. One of the two upgrade processes must run.
The Pre-Gate Process (a/k/a the "sweeps" or "EUA")
This process runs at certain times in the days leading up to the flight. It typically runs at 24 hour intervals leading up to T-24, at which point it begins to run more often. It is unclear exactly how often it runs, or when it stops running. There are reports of upgrades that seem to have been given by the pre-gate system even once boarding has begun.
The Gate Process
This process is manually accomplished by the GA, typically once if there are empty seats after check-in has closed, and again if there are no-shows in F. In the latter case, the GA may come onto the plane to give the new boarding pass to the passenger.
Sometimes the GA might not run the process, which makes them a Very Bad GA. On very rare occasions, they might fiddle with the process to upgrade their friends, which we call "shenanigans." That makes them a Mega Bad And Very In Trouble GA. Both of these situations should be reported in the relevant FT thread and directly to UA.
CPU FAQ
I'm number one on the upgrade list on the flight status page. Does that mean I'm first in line for the upgrade?
No, unless the check-in window has passed and the flight is under gate control.
There are seats available in F, why have I not been upgraded yet?
That's not how it works. See above.
There is R availability, why haven't I been upgraded yet?
That's not how it works. See above.
Will the time that I check in affect my ability to get an upgrade?
Probably not. It is the third tie-breaker on the gate list only. See above.
Do I need to check in to get an upgrade?
No. Except at the gate. But if you're not checked in by that time, you have bigger problems.
Who are all these people on the standby list and the upgrade list(s)?
Non-revs. See above.
But the website says that the Silver window opens the day of departure, not at T-24!
Ignore that.
But the website says that there is a "transfer" of the lists at T-24!
Ignore that.
But the agent said ____________________________!
Ignore them.
DidItClear
If the DidItClear website is going to be effective, it needs more members and trip upgrade data!
Please visit https://www.diditclear.com/ and include your trip experience with CPU's, RPU's, GPU's and any other means of upgrading available on United.
The better the data, the better the search results and experiential history.
"Questions About Complimentary Premier Upgrades (CPU) on UA" Thread [ARCHIVE])
Jan 28, 2013, 9:52 pm
#46
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 14,909
Just figured out what I did. When I checked for the outbound flight, I was asked if I wanted to be automatically be checked in at 24 hours for the return flight. Stupid me thought that was great as I would get a jump if I could check in at exactly 24 hours. As soon as I did that, united split my ticket in two. Moral of the story for me- NEVER do the automatic check in for the return flight if somebody else is on my ticket. Please correct me if I am wrong.
TIA
TIA
Both options are bad answers (though one not so bad if you are both the same status). Say yes - and the reservation gets split, with the companion link gone for the return. Say no, and the record stays in tact, however, you won't be on the list for any flights on the outbound or return. That means either way, you lose.
Jan 29, 2013, 12:08 pm
#47
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: TUS and any place close to a lav
Programs: UA 1.6MM
Posts: 5,423
UGH... Another CPU issue. 1K not clearing at the 96 hour window for UA241 (SFO-SAN) on 2/2.
Flight is currently RN7.
Flight is currently RN7.
Jan 29, 2013, 2:51 pm
#48
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Kapalua, Maui- just paradise and Sun Valley, Idaho!!
Programs: Mileage Plus 1K .96MM (1MM this year-humm)
Posts: 162
Not sure I understand second to last sentence in last paragraph in regards to not being on the list for any flights???
My guess: it was not about your auto return check in (there is another thread on that subject, and I've posted my opinions on that there), but more likely about how you answered the question at outbound check in about wanting to be placed on the upgrade standby list (and this question comes up for check in, IME, even if you have upgraded all eligible segments on the outbound).
Both options are bad answers (though one not so bad if you are both the same status). Say yes - and the reservation gets split, with the companion link gone for the return. Say no, and the record stays in tact, however, you won't be on the list for any flights on the outbound or return. That means either way, you lose.
Both options are bad answers (though one not so bad if you are both the same status). Say yes - and the reservation gets split, with the companion link gone for the return. Say no, and the record stays in tact, however, you won't be on the list for any flights on the outbound or return. That means either way, you lose.
Jan 29, 2013, 7:59 pm
#49
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 14,909
If, when the kiosk/OLCI/App asks during outbound check in if you want to be added to the airport upgrade standby list, if you answer "no", you will remain on a single PNR, however, will not be able to get yourself on the airport standby list for the return (It won't ask - the no carries over for the return). You will still be on the CPU list so can get upgraded prior - but if it comes down to the airport/gate, you won't be on the list there.
Jan 29, 2013, 8:11 pm
#50
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: New York, NY
Programs: United Platinum
Posts: 320
doing UA 961/866 this friday as a gold...how can I check the R inventory?
could maybe someone tell me my upgrade chances? I'm guessing there's no chance. It's a bummer that as a 1P, upgrades came in about 90% of the time, post merger: about 40% of the time
might it be due to less capacity?
could maybe someone tell me my upgrade chances? I'm guessing there's no chance. It's a bummer that as a 1P, upgrades came in about 90% of the time, post merger: about 40% of the time
might it be due to less capacity?866 has 2 F available with no R inventory (also they are selling M class at the same rate as other classes right now on that flight which is a 1K instant up)
Jan 31, 2013, 1:05 am
#51
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Bay Area, CA
Programs: UA Plat 2MM; AS MVP Gold 75K
Posts: 35,072
No CPU for 1 Premier if Multiple Premiers Split on Reservation
Here's the situation, I think there's enough to prove there's a bug:
Two weeks in a row, same situation, two separate itineraries:
Me (1K) + companion (1K) booked on the same record. Record split ahead of time.
Both records show the blue arrow, which we all know is meaningless.
CPU window comes, ample inventory is present, one, but not the other gets the upgrade.
Now this was a bug back in the CO days years ago, and like with most CO bugs, they never fixed it.
Has anyone else seen this issue, and if so, is there any workaround to it? I asked the agent to rebuild the offending reservation on a new PNR, and they're saying it's not possible.
The only upside is that when I ask them to take the offending record and build it on a fresh PNR, that's so much work for them, they've offered to refund the tickets. So essentially, non-refundables can become refundables due to this bug.
Two weeks in a row, same situation, two separate itineraries:
Me (1K) + companion (1K) booked on the same record. Record split ahead of time.
Both records show the blue arrow, which we all know is meaningless.
CPU window comes, ample inventory is present, one, but not the other gets the upgrade.
Now this was a bug back in the CO days years ago, and like with most CO bugs, they never fixed it.
Has anyone else seen this issue, and if so, is there any workaround to it? I asked the agent to rebuild the offending reservation on a new PNR, and they're saying it's not possible.
The only upside is that when I ask them to take the offending record and build it on a fresh PNR, that's so much work for them, they've offered to refund the tickets. So essentially, non-refundables can become refundables due to this bug.
Jan 31, 2013, 1:20 am
#52
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: LAX
Programs: UA-1K, Hertz-Gold, Marriott-Gold, PC-Platinum, SPG
Posts: 2,777
What is an offending reservation as mentioned in the original posting? And how does one find out?
Jan 31, 2013, 1:29 am
#53
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Bay Area, CA
Programs: UA Plat 2MM; AS MVP Gold 75K
Posts: 35,072
Jan 31, 2013, 1:41 am
#54
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: London
Programs: UA GS
Posts: 2,442
Here's the situation, I think there's enough to prove there's a bug:
Two weeks in a row, same situation, two separate itineraries:
Me (1K) + companion (1K) booked on the same record. Record split ahead of time.
Both records show the blue arrow, which we all know is meaningless.
CPU window comes, ample inventory is present, one, but not the other gets the upgrade.
Now this was a bug back in the CO days years ago, and like with most CO bugs, they never fixed it.
Has anyone else seen this issue, and if so, is there any workaround to it? I asked the agent to rebuild the offending reservation on a new PNR, and they're saying it's not possible.
The only upside is that when I ask them to take the offending record and build it on a fresh PNR, that's so much work for them, they've offered to refund the tickets. So essentially, non-refundables can become refundables due to this bug.
Two weeks in a row, same situation, two separate itineraries:
Me (1K) + companion (1K) booked on the same record. Record split ahead of time.
Both records show the blue arrow, which we all know is meaningless.
CPU window comes, ample inventory is present, one, but not the other gets the upgrade.
Now this was a bug back in the CO days years ago, and like with most CO bugs, they never fixed it.
Has anyone else seen this issue, and if so, is there any workaround to it? I asked the agent to rebuild the offending reservation on a new PNR, and they're saying it's not possible.
The only upside is that when I ask them to take the offending record and build it on a fresh PNR, that's so much work for them, they've offered to refund the tickets. So essentially, non-refundables can become refundables due to this bug.
I frequently travel with a non-status companion and with "ample inventory" we usually clear together so I'm curious why you're splitting it if that's the case.
Also I would not say the blue arrow is meaningless. If I haven't cleared in advance, and choose NOT to split on checkin (say because the first flight is full anyway), the blue arrow goes away for all segments. I have then called and asked that the do not upgrade flag be removed from the remaining flights and then seen the blue arrow reappear. So it does seem the blue arrow at least corresponds to whether this flag has been set.
Jan 31, 2013, 6:46 am
#55
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Bay Area, CA
Programs: UA Plat 2MM; AS MVP Gold 75K
Posts: 35,072
This companion has full 1K status, and they are being ignored after the split takes place.
Jan 31, 2013, 6:49 am
#56
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: SJC, SFO, YYC
Programs: AA-EXP, AA-0.41MM, UA-Gold, Ex UA-1K (2006 thru 2015), PMUA-0.95MM, COUA-1.5MM-lite, AF-Silver
Posts: 13,437
I am gathering the companion has 1K status due to the MMer companion program. Perhaps the system flags MM companions?
Jan 31, 2013, 6:52 am
#57
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Bay Area, CA
Programs: UA Plat 2MM; AS MVP Gold 75K
Posts: 35,072
Jan 31, 2013, 6:58 am
#58
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: SFO, LAX
Programs: UA 1K, SPG G, #1 CG 5☆
Posts: 234
Jan 31, 2013, 7:00 am
#59
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,463
Why are you doing the original booking as a single PNR if you plan to split?
Jan 31, 2013, 7:07 am
#60
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Bay Area, CA
Programs: UA Plat 2MM; AS MVP Gold 75K
Posts: 35,072
But I have a few that were together and subsequently split. Reason for that is itins booked by phone that could not be booked online. I naively thought it would be faster to just build it at once and divide it later rather than book separately all along (which is the usual procedure).
Trust me, I won't be doing that again, even if it costs me and the phone agent another half an hour up front.