Routes with higher upgrade chances on UA to Europe?
May 15, 2013, 6:33 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2011
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 317
Help with finding R space for GPU use please
Hi,
I spent over an hour reading the threads related to this, purchased premium Expert Flyer, and did searches here on FT for Expert Flyer, GPU and R space and must be missing it.
I am going back to Milan in September, total flexibility on dates and don't care which country I land in, but can't find R space from US to the continent.
Am I doomed to doing just pair after pair of random city searches with multiple dates on expert flyer?
Is there an easier way?
Thanks so much for your help.
I spent over an hour reading the threads related to this, purchased premium Expert Flyer, and did searches here on FT for Expert Flyer, GPU and R space and must be missing it.
I am going back to Milan in September, total flexibility on dates and don't care which country I land in, but can't find R space from US to the continent.
Am I doomed to doing just pair after pair of random city searches with multiple dates on expert flyer?
Is there an easier way?
Thanks so much for your help.
May 15, 2013, 7:39 am
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Los Angeles
Programs: UA Plat 2MM. DL Plat, AS MVP
Posts: 12,752
Hi,
I spent over an hour reading the threads related to this, purchased premium Expert Flyer, and did searches here on FT for Expert Flyer, GPU and R space and must be missing it.
I am going back to Milan in September, total flexibility on dates and don't care which country I land in, but can't find R space from US to the continent.
Am I doomed to doing just pair after pair of random city searches with multiple dates on expert flyer?
Is there an easier way?
Thanks so much for your help.
I spent over an hour reading the threads related to this, purchased premium Expert Flyer, and did searches here on FT for Expert Flyer, GPU and R space and must be missing it.
I am going back to Milan in September, total flexibility on dates and don't care which country I land in, but can't find R space from US to the continent.
Am I doomed to doing just pair after pair of random city searches with multiple dates on expert flyer?
Is there an easier way?
Thanks so much for your help.
May 15, 2013, 8:41 am
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Northern Calif./Eastern Ida.
Programs: Amethyst Premier Plutonium Medallion
Posts: 20,648
the best way is to work from a single gateway in US and cycle through the gateways in EU with flexible dates on expert flyer
AMS, BRU, LHR are generally *fairly* reliable for R space.
AMS, BRU, LHR are generally *fairly* reliable for R space.
May 15, 2013, 10:51 am
#4
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I generally start with ORD, IAD, and EWR, and try each EU destination for each origin. I've never had to resort to SFO, IAH, or LAX, though of course, if one leaves near those hubs, those are the ones to start with.
I agree that AMS and BRU are good places to start if the goal is to quickly get a confirmed upgrade without messing around, especially if there is more than one or two people in your itin.
May 15, 2013, 11:41 am
#6
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Boston, MA
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Posts: 441
Link to GPU thread? And is there a new Lufthansa GPU Upgrade Experiences thread? I can't find a new one? Trying to find the eligible fare grades for an upcoming trip I need to book. I remember Z was not longer a valid upgrade fare for paper GPUs, but I'm looking for economy-to-business not business-to-first.
Last edited by Azurik; May 15, 2013 at 11:47 am
May 15, 2013, 11:54 am
#7
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Link to GPU thread? And is there a new Lufthansa GPU Upgrade Experiences thread? I can't find a new one? Trying to find the eligible fare grades for an upcoming trip I need to book. I remember Z was not longer a valid upgrade fare for paper GPUs, but I'm looking for economy-to-business not business-to-first.
Gave you the link to the tool itself.
Look here for the background on the tool. http://boardingarea.com/blogs/thewanderingaramean/
Aug 19, 2013, 1:50 pm
#9
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Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: LAX
Posts: 10,912
Routes with higher upgrade chances on UA to Europe?
Since i can't find much open upgrade space going from LAX to europe I'd like to find a route to a major hub (FRA, MUC, ZRH etc) with higher SWU upgrade chances - SEA-NRT of europe...
Eventual destination is MOW so i'll be taking two connections from LAX ayways. Thanks.
Eventual destination is MOW so i'll be taking two connections from LAX ayways. Thanks.
Aug 19, 2013, 10:21 pm
#11
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: the great Northeast
Programs: UA Silver, HH Silver, Marriott Gold
Posts: 223
I'm heading from IAD to PRG on Sunday Dec 8. I am willing to connect anywhere in Europe though I would prefer to skip FRA and CDG. My intention is to use an SWU courtesy of my traveling companion, a 1K. Right now, no flights show upgrade space, yet C looks wide open on all of the flights I've looked at. Is this common? Should we book now and hope for upgrades to clear, or wait to see if anything opens up? What routing makes most sense? AMS flights are going for Y or M though most seats are not assigned.
Last edited by hopel; Aug 20, 2013 at 5:36 am Reason: Typo
Aug 20, 2013, 4:03 am
#12
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Right now, no flights show upgrade space, yet C looks wide open on all of the flights I've looked at. Is this common? Should we book now and hope for upgrades to clear, or wait to see if anything opens up? What routing makes most sense? AMS flights are going for Y or M though most seats are not assigned.
If you really want to be in BusinessFirst, you should find upgrade space at booking. No guarantee that the upgrade will clear off the waitlist. Can you depart out of a different US city (EWR, for example)?
As others have said in the thread, AMS and BRU are common "go-to" cities for those looking for a connecting point in Europe, but it can vary. Happy hunting.
Aug 20, 2013, 1:06 pm
#13
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: SFO
Programs: UA-1K
Posts: 308
I'm heading from IAD to PRG on Sunday Dec 8. I am willing to connect anywhere in Europe though I would prefer to skip FRA and CDG. My intention is to use an SWU courtesy of my traveling companion, a 1K. Right now, no flights show upgrade space, yet C looks wide open on all of the flights I've looked at. Is this common? Should we book now and hope for upgrades to clear, or wait to see if anything opens up? What routing makes most sense? AMS flights are going for Y or M though most seats are not assigned.
Aug 20, 2013, 1:13 pm
#14
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: BOS/LON/SEA
Programs: AA Reg
Posts: 161
I flew out of BRU to IAD with my girlfriend the other day and we were both upgraded (not using SWUs, I'm *G) at check-in. Y is almost always full and C was not very full. There is no F product on this flight, afaik.
Also, do note that it will switch from a 777 to a 767 when it's off season.
Also, do note that it will switch from a 777 to a 767 when it's off season.
Aug 20, 2013, 1:16 pm
#15
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a very easy flight to upgrade is the early (5pm) departure from ORD-LHR. often this flight is R9. however the time adjustment can be miserable as you arrive at <6am.
IAD/ORD-AMS/BRU as other have mentioned are easier than most
keep an eye on MUC as well
IAD/ORD-AMS/BRU as other have mentioned are easier than most
keep an eye on MUC as well