Apr 8, 2015, 3:27 pm
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
One of the more confusing aspects of cash upgrades is "does this upgrade get premium cabin mileage bonus and is the fee included in PQD?"
The best assumption is no bonus and fee is not included in PQD but there are some cases where there will be a premium cabin bonus and amount will count toward PQD.
There are multiple cash upgrade paths and different ones are offered at different times (and can be quite hard to separate).
The key is what is the new fare basis after the upgrade. Note R, RN, P, PN, ZN, ON, A and others have been reported.
The following are generally not eligible for PQD or bonus:
However the offer, in "My Reservations" via the cash method tab "Buy Up to First" under "View {Upgrade} Options" is likely to be eligible for PQDs & PQM bonus.
**** Due to UA changes in May 2018, this statement may not be relieable ****
**** This now appears to be an Upgrade Fee (no PQDs) and may book into Upgrade fare class (no extra PQMs) or into a mileage earning bonus fare class (PQMs earning). Unclear if that is a way to tell which will happen ****
Generally these will be reflected on the receipt as
Notice the words "generally" and "likely" -- those are weasel words to protect the wiki author because of the lack of transparency in this system 
For instance, some time of checkin paid upgrades that book into P, will earn PQM bonus but not earn PQDs.
Checking the actual fare basis during booking when you are given access (or using the Saudi site) is key in understanding the outcome.
UA Insider commented on this a while back, but there has been no improvement in the confusion / clarity in the meantime.
The best assumption is no bonus and fee is not included in PQD but there are some cases where there will be a premium cabin bonus and amount will count toward PQD.
There are multiple cash upgrade paths and different ones are offered at different times (and can be quite hard to separate).
The key is what is the new fare basis after the upgrade. Note R, RN, P, PN, ZN, ON, A and others have been reported.
- Many of the upgrade offers results in R/PN/ZN fare class (and post as Zx) -- so like a regular upgrade the mileage posting is based on the original fare class. The upgrade fee does not earn PQDs.
- Others bump the fare basis to a -UP fare which reports as a P/Z/A fare class, these are now earning PQMs at the up-fared fare class and the up-fare costs earns PQDs.
- And others book into a true P/Z/A fare basis and will earn the PQM bonus and the up-fare cost will earn PQDs.
The following are generally not eligible for PQD or bonus:
- Pop-up upgrade immediately following purchase on united.com
- Last minute upgrade at check-in
Additional Charges:
Date/CreditCard XXXX was charged xxx USD for the Merchandising / EDD
xxx USD for: Premium Cabin Upgrade
Date/CreditCard XXXX was charged xxx USD for the Merchandising / EDD
xxx USD for: Premium Cabin Upgrade
**** Due to UA changes in May 2018, this statement may not be relieable ****
**** This now appears to be an Upgrade Fee (no PQDs) and may book into Upgrade fare class (no extra PQMs) or into a mileage earning bonus fare class (PQMs earning). Unclear if that is a way to tell which will happen ****
Generally these will be reflected on the receipt as
Add Collect: An additional amount for the difference in fare was charged to {card} on {date}. $yyy USD per ticket for an additional total of $yyy USD was collected.
For instance, some time of checkin paid upgrades that book into P, will earn PQM bonus but not earn PQDs.
Checking the actual fare basis during booking when you are given access (or using the Saudi site) is key in understanding the outcome.
UA Insider commented on this a while back, but there has been no improvement in the confusion / clarity in the meantime.
Hi Everyone,
I’ve done a little bit of research on this, and I wanted to share some background on the scenario vandrei shared.
At a high level, and as a some of you have noticed more recently in the thread, the buy-up offer we sometimes present immediately upon booking an economy ticket is indeed distinct from the one presented when viewing a reservation in My Account at some point after the flight has been ticketed and confirmed. For example, the offer at booking enables customers to the flexibility to confirm an upgraded seat on a segment-by-segment basis, whereas the one in My Reservations is based on the line of flight.
Additionally, from a functional perspective, the offer immediately upon booking does not change the underlying fare basis for the original purchased fare (even though the visible fare class is reflective of the buy-up inventory), whereas the one in My Reservations results in a complete re-issue of the existing ticket. It is this aspect of the functionality which drives mileage accrual, which is based on the original purchased fare for the offer immediately after booking, but based on the new fare class for the offer in My Reservations. These policies are disclosed in each offer’s respective (and indeed, different) terms and conditions.
Longer-term, the vision is indeed to align mileage accrual policies between the two types of offers. In the meantime, the tradeoff between the two offers continues to be one of additional miles vs. the flexibility to confirm on a segment-by-segment basis.
Aaron Goldberg
Sr. Manager - Customer Experience Planning
United Airlines
I’ve done a little bit of research on this, and I wanted to share some background on the scenario vandrei shared.
At a high level, and as a some of you have noticed more recently in the thread, the buy-up offer we sometimes present immediately upon booking an economy ticket is indeed distinct from the one presented when viewing a reservation in My Account at some point after the flight has been ticketed and confirmed. For example, the offer at booking enables customers to the flexibility to confirm an upgraded seat on a segment-by-segment basis, whereas the one in My Reservations is based on the line of flight.
Additionally, from a functional perspective, the offer immediately upon booking does not change the underlying fare basis for the original purchased fare (even though the visible fare class is reflective of the buy-up inventory), whereas the one in My Reservations results in a complete re-issue of the existing ticket. It is this aspect of the functionality which drives mileage accrual, which is based on the original purchased fare for the offer immediately after booking, but based on the new fare class for the offer in My Reservations. These policies are disclosed in each offer’s respective (and indeed, different) terms and conditions.
Longer-term, the vision is indeed to align mileage accrual policies between the two types of offers. In the meantime, the tradeoff between the two offers continues to be one of additional miles vs. the flexibility to confirm on a segment-by-segment basis.
Aaron Goldberg
Sr. Manager - Customer Experience Planning
United Airlines
Some Paid Upgrades Count Towards PQD & mileage bonus and some DON'T!
Apr 8, 2015, 2:06 pm
#241
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: DL Diamond, UA 1K MM, SPG Plat For Life, Marriott Plat, Nexus/GlobalEntry
Posts: 9,198
Some Paid Upgrades Count Towards PQD
It's very possible this has been discussed previously and I missed it or perhaps this particular instance isn't new..but wanted to post just to see..
I booked an itinerary today SEA-ORD-SEA through my company's travel site for a trip in May in W class. After it was ticketed I visited United.com and it offered me an upgrade for $216 each way. I decided that I wanted the upgrade for the return flight only...and with the current CPU situation I wasn't bullish on clearing considering it's a 4:33pm departure..prime time for business travelers. I was assuming it would change me to P class and I would earn a 50% PQM bonus..but that the money spent on the additional fare would not count towards PQD's...
But... when I pull up my itinerary now it shows I'm in A class and my fare has increased by the $216.. and the amount of PQD's I'm going to earn have also increased to include the additional fare.
Is this new? In the past when I've done a paid upgrade during checkin I have not earned additional PQD's. Granted this is over a month in advance.. but I could have sworn in the past when I've done any paid upgrade online it hasn't counted towards PQD.
I booked an itinerary today SEA-ORD-SEA through my company's travel site for a trip in May in W class. After it was ticketed I visited United.com and it offered me an upgrade for $216 each way. I decided that I wanted the upgrade for the return flight only...and with the current CPU situation I wasn't bullish on clearing considering it's a 4:33pm departure..prime time for business travelers. I was assuming it would change me to P class and I would earn a 50% PQM bonus..but that the money spent on the additional fare would not count towards PQD's...
But... when I pull up my itinerary now it shows I'm in A class and my fare has increased by the $216.. and the amount of PQD's I'm going to earn have also increased to include the additional fare.
Is this new? In the past when I've done a paid upgrade during checkin I have not earned additional PQD's. Granted this is over a month in advance.. but I could have sworn in the past when I've done any paid upgrade online it hasn't counted towards PQD.
Apr 8, 2015, 2:11 pm
#242
Join Date: Mar 2015
Programs: UA Silver
Posts: 74
In December, I called United and they told me that paid upgrades would not count as PQDs, and that once the ticket is bought, there is no way to get more PQDs out of it other than Economy Plus purchases.
Edit: So what I mean is it sounds like your situation is indeed a new thing!
Edit: So what I mean is it sounds like your situation is indeed a new thing!
Apr 8, 2015, 2:13 pm
#243
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: LHR
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Gold, mLife Platinum
Posts: 380
My recollection is that there is a difference between the upgrade price offered at purchase (effectively buying a higher class fare and not upgrading), and upgrading at check-in
Apr 8, 2015, 2:24 pm
#244
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: CT/NY
Programs: UA 1K/1MM, AA EXP, Marriott LT Titanium, Hyatt Globalist, IHG Plat Amb
Posts: 6,020
If it's purchased via the upgrade with cash tab (next to the miles upgrade tab), it's effectively an upfare to the next instant-upgrade fare for elites or lowest first class fare, in which case it would be eligible for PQD. It's not new.
The following are not eligible for PQD:
The following are not eligible for PQD:
- Pop-up upgrade immediately following purchase on united.com
- Last minute upgrade at check-in
Apr 8, 2015, 2:24 pm
#245
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: DL Diamond, UA 1K MM, SPG Plat For Life, Marriott Plat, Nexus/GlobalEntry
Posts: 9,198
On the main itinerary display page it shows my ORD-SEA segment in W and the fare now is $765. However oddly when I click on the "receipt" link it only shows the original fare of $549 and it shows both segments in W class. There is no reference to the additional $216 that I paid.
If it's purchased via the upgrade with cash tab (next to the miles upgrade tab), it's effectively an upfare to the next instant-upgrade fare for elites or lowest first class fare, in which case it would be eligible for PQD. It's not new.
The following are not eligible for PQD:
The following are not eligible for PQD:
- Pop-up upgrade immediately following purchase on united.com
- Last minute upgrade at check-in
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Apr 8, 2015 at 2:44 pm Reason: merging consecutive posts by same member - please use multi-quoting
Apr 8, 2015, 2:47 pm
#246
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: PHL
Programs: UA 1K 1MM, Marriott Gold, IHG Platinum, Raddison Platinum, Avis Presidents Club
Posts: 5,271
Very interesting. I had always assumed that upgrade fees did not earn PQD, but now that you explain it in that way, it makes sense that you would earn PQD. A novice flyer definitely would not understand the distinction right away. They should advertise it on the site when they sell the upgrade to help encourage people to purchase.
Apr 8, 2015, 3:32 pm
#247
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.995MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,850
Have merged a couple of related threads on this confusion issue and have made an attempt to build a wiki summarizing the situation. As a community tool, any constructive additions / corrections / ..... to the wiki are most welcomed.
WineCountryUA
UA coModerator
WineCountryUA
UA coModerator
Apr 8, 2015, 6:28 pm
#248
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,453
If you buy-up before ticketing, it's just an upgrade and you will not get PQD or additional PQM.
If you buy-up after ticketing and before check-in, you will upfare and get PQD. Whether you get additional PQM depends on the new fare class (i.e., if it was a buy-up to M, you're not going to get additional PQM).
If you buy-up at check-in or later, it's more likely than not just an upgrade, and you probably won't get PQD or additional PQM, but sometimes you will.
May 17, 2015, 11:20 am
#249
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: LAX IAH AMS
Programs: UA GS 1MM
Posts: 1,266
PQD credit when buying up?
Flying IAD-DXB and return quite frequently and I absolutely despise the 2-4-2 setup unless I am in 6A (6B is crew rest). There is usually space in GF and I've seen upgrade offers of around $1000 when checking in.
Do you received PQD credit when upgrading with cash?
Do you received PQD credit when upgrading with cash?
Last edited by FlyinHawaiian; May 17, 2015 at 11:30 am Reason: not a new topic
May 17, 2015, 12:05 pm
#250
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Houston
Programs: UA Plat, Marriott Gold
Posts: 12,693
In classic UACO style, it depends on when and how you get the cash offer.
May 17, 2015, 12:07 pm
#251
Moderator: Midwest, Las Vegas & Dining Buzz
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Posts: 17,976
Mine was $989 last week from HKG to ORD. Sadly, no PQD credit.
May 17, 2015, 12:07 pm
#252
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,453
If this is the standard "upgrade to United GlobalFirst for $1189" offer at check-in, best guess is it will not credit PQD. But this is the ultimate YMMV situation.
May 17, 2015, 1:50 pm
#253
Join Date: Apr 2015
Programs: United Global Services, Amtrak Select Executive
Posts: 4,098
So you're saying there is no way to know either way until after you have purchased it? If you do it at the desk in United Club, will the TA be able to tell you if it's going to be an upfare or upgrade before pulling the trigger?
May 17, 2015, 4:46 pm
#254
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BOS/EAP
Programs: UA 1K, MR LTT, HH Dia, Amex Plat
Posts: 32,038
if you buy up BEFORE check-in then you are almost certain it will count for PQD (e.g. use the link 'upgrade reservation'). If you accept a buy-up offering during or after check-in then with near certainty it does NOT count towards PQD.
May 17, 2015, 4:53 pm
#255
Join Date: Apr 2015
Programs: United Global Services, Amtrak Select Executive
Posts: 4,098
Thanks!
Oh, one other question: Is there any difference with respect to total spend assessed for GS consideration whether it's counted as PQD or not?
Oh, one other question: Is there any difference with respect to total spend assessed for GS consideration whether it's counted as PQD or not?