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 24, 2014, 6:02 pm
#796
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: SGF
Programs: AS, AA, UA, AGR S (former 75K, GLD, 1K, and S+, now an elite peon)
Posts: 23,214
If I'm at the top of the upgrade list, I'll usually wait until after T-30 to board. If at T-30 not everyone booked in F has checked in (or F isn't booked full), I'll go to the GA and mention that I'm #1 on the list. Usually they'll say, "Oh, I was just getting ready to process those. Hang on." If F has checked in full and if I have no rollaboard to carry on, I'll sometimes wait until T-15 (when they can offload no-shows) and ask then. If I have a rollaboard, I'll board so I can stow it but I'll be watching the F cabin (if I can see it) or the seat map on the app (if I can't) like a hawk, and if one opens up at T-15, I'll start watching for the GA to board for their final count and try to grab their attention. I might be trying too hard, but I've snagged a couple of upgrades that way.
I appreciate the DidItClear website and occasionally remember it exists to look up stats (as I did earlier today to see what my chances IAH-MEX next month will be). It's a bit of a pain to have to add data to it, though--I quit keeping up with my OpenFlights history for the same reason. Some sort of social incentive or reward for doing so might spur traffic. Ideally, interconnecting with something like TripIt to at least fill out some of the preliminary data would be helpful (although I'm about to ditch TripIt because my itineraries change so often that the info there is usually out of date), or maybe hiring some cheap Mechanical Turkers to glean data from people having posted information in the relevant FT threads could be productive...
Jan 28, 2014, 2:08 pm
#797
Join Date: May 2011
Location: HKG, ORD, and BOM
Programs: 1K
Posts: 110
Companion making a booking: CPU ability?
If I have 1K status and my no-status companion makes a buys a domestic ticket for both of us on the same reservation (while adding my MP number at the time of booking), will we be in line for CPUs together as usual? Or do I have to make the booking myself to do this?
I was going to pay for our tickets to make sure we are upgrade eligible, but if she can buy the tickets and accomplish the same thing, all the better.
On a related note: when flying with a non-status companion as a 1k, are same day changes free for both or just for the 1k member?
I was going to pay for our tickets to make sure we are upgrade eligible, but if she can buy the tickets and accomplish the same thing, all the better.
On a related note: when flying with a non-status companion as a 1k, are same day changes free for both or just for the 1k member?
Last edited by HKChicago; Jan 28, 2014 at 2:20 pm
Jan 28, 2014, 2:42 pm
#798
Join Date: May 2013
Location: DC
Posts: 255
It doesn't matter who books and pays for the ticket - as long as your MP number is in there and you are flying on the same flights as your companion then companion CPUs, baggage allowances, etc should be fine for both of you. And yes companion can also SDC for free.
Jan 28, 2014, 2:44 pm
#799
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Jersey Shore/YYZ
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Plat, Hilton Diamond, Hertz PC
Posts: 12,521
Doesn't matter who books the ticket.
Make sure, however, your name exactly matches your "UA" name.
A companion on the same PNR also enjoys waived SDC. However, if split for upgrades (you should book one-ways, btw) then you'll need an agent to override the SDC fee.
Make sure, however, your name exactly matches your "UA" name.
A companion on the same PNR also enjoys waived SDC. However, if split for upgrades (you should book one-ways, btw) then you'll need an agent to override the SDC fee.
Feb 8, 2014, 6:07 pm
#800
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: SEA/YVR/BLI
Programs: UA "Lifetime" Gold, AS MVPG100K, OW Emerald, HH Lifetime Diamond, IC Plat, Marriott Gold, Hertz Gold
Posts: 9,507
Odd OLCI: First 1k waitlisted; second 1k upgraded
Mrs. Fredd checked herself in online for our midcon flight yesterday and found herself no. 1 on the waitlist for an UG.
She then immediately checked me in and I was instantly upgraded to F.
We have identical status and we paid the exact same fare.
I called the Premier Line out of curiosity and a half hour later with lots of time on hold an employee and a supervisor (?) admitted after checking that they were thoroughly confused as well and couldn't explain why it happened. It was apparently the 'fault' of the computer.
We were all friendly and polite, although I did mention it threw the UG system into question, at least in my mind.
There was at least one more F seat available and they upgraded Mrs. Fredd manually so it was worth the phone call but it struck us as a strange 'glitch.'
She then immediately checked me in and I was instantly upgraded to F.
We have identical status and we paid the exact same fare.
I called the Premier Line out of curiosity and a half hour later with lots of time on hold an employee and a supervisor (?) admitted after checking that they were thoroughly confused as well and couldn't explain why it happened. It was apparently the 'fault' of the computer.
We were all friendly and polite, although I did mention it threw the UG system into question, at least in my mind.
There was at least one more F seat available and they upgraded Mrs. Fredd manually so it was worth the phone call but it struck us as a strange 'glitch.'
Feb 8, 2014, 6:09 pm
#801
Join Date: Aug 2011
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 8,634
You probably had a lower ticket number.
Checking in is completely irrelevant for pre-gate upgrades.
I'm a bit confused about what was unexpected here. They did you a huge favor in the end.
Checking in is completely irrelevant for pre-gate upgrades.
I'm a bit confused about what was unexpected here. They did you a huge favor in the end.
Feb 8, 2014, 6:10 pm
#802
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Minneapolis, MN (MSP)
Programs: DL DM, UA 1K MM, Subway Club Member
Posts: 1,989
Mrs. Fredd checked herself in online for our midcon flight yesterday and found herself no. 1 on the waitlist for an UG.
She then immediately checked me in and I was instantly upgraded to F.
We have identical status and we paid the exact same fare.
I called the Premier Line out of curiosity and a half hour later with lots of time on hold an employee and a supervisor (?) admitted after checking that they were thoroughly confused as well and couldn't explain why it happened. It was apparently the 'fault' of the computer.
We were all friendly and polite, although I did mention it threw the UG system into question, at least in my mind.
There was at least one more F seat available and they upgraded Mrs. Fredd manually so it was worth the phone call but it struck us as a strange 'glitch.'
She then immediately checked me in and I was instantly upgraded to F.
We have identical status and we paid the exact same fare.
I called the Premier Line out of curiosity and a half hour later with lots of time on hold an employee and a supervisor (?) admitted after checking that they were thoroughly confused as well and couldn't explain why it happened. It was apparently the 'fault' of the computer.
We were all friendly and polite, although I did mention it threw the UG system into question, at least in my mind.
There was at least one more F seat available and they upgraded Mrs. Fredd manually so it was worth the phone call but it struck us as a strange 'glitch.'
Feb 8, 2014, 6:11 pm
#803
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA LT Plat 2MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 67,281
Were you on the same PNR?
Who had the lower ticket number (you?)? (the tiebreaker for same status/same fare)
The system had you tagged for upgrading and was awaiting you to checkin -- not sure whats the mystery.
the list is just for Gate Upgrades and is not the list for CPU or cert or mileage upgrades before the gate.
Who had the lower ticket number (you?)? (the tiebreaker for same status/same fare)
The system had you tagged for upgrading and was awaiting you to checkin -- not sure whats the mystery.
the list is just for Gate Upgrades and is not the list for CPU or cert or mileage upgrades before the gate.
Feb 8, 2014, 6:16 pm
#804
Join Date: Aug 2011
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 8,634
For more info on how upgrades are processed, see the wiki here: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unite...2013-a-49.html
Feb 8, 2014, 6:18 pm
#805
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: GVA (Greater Vancouver Area)
Programs: DREAD Gold; UA 1.035MM; Bonvoy Au-197; PCC Elite+; CCC Elite+; MSC C-12; CWC Au-197; WoH Dis
Posts: 52,224
I really wish United would go back to a single upgrade priority list.
Feb 8, 2014, 6:24 pm
#807
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: GVA (Greater Vancouver Area)
Programs: DREAD Gold; UA 1.035MM; Bonvoy Au-197; PCC Elite+; CCC Elite+; MSC C-12; CWC Au-197; WoH Dis
Posts: 52,224
Feb 8, 2014, 6:27 pm
#808
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: SEA/YVR/BLI
Programs: UA "Lifetime" Gold, AS MVPG100K, OW Emerald, HH Lifetime Diamond, IC Plat, Marriott Gold, Hertz Gold
Posts: 9,507
No, there were two seats available. The tickets were purchased at the same time. My ticket number is one lower than hers. Perhaps that explains it but the employees were unaware.
Feb 8, 2014, 6:28 pm
#809
Join Date: Aug 2011
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 8,634
Is that the one that goes through a magical frictionless tube in the sky that costs 12 cents a mile to build?
There was only one seat available for CPUs, is what was meant.
UA employees have absolutely no idea how the upgrade system works. Sometimes, like in your case, that means you get lucky and they just give you a seat you're technically not entitled to.
UA employees have absolutely no idea how the upgrade system works. Sometimes, like in your case, that means you get lucky and they just give you a seat you're technically not entitled to.
Last edited by Ocn Vw 1K; Feb 8, 2014 at 8:43 pm Reason: Combine consecutive posts of same member.