prometa

Kmxu

findark

W fares are $309 to $354, plus Q schedules, on SFO/EWR. But the sellup is fixed-fee so yes, with a carefully plotted G fare you could pay more like $430. However, it comes at the cost of being a technically non-refundable fee which is not part of the coupon value (forfeit in the case of any voluntary change), earns zero PQD and no additional RDM, and sometimes also earns no additional PQM. For the same amount of planning, I would argue the $659 P fare is the better deal at least 75% of the time.

prometa

nomad420

Closer to departure date? I have had all of the few that have cleared in the last year at T24hrs or less. A few have even cleared after I boarded! As far as getting them to clear on PS flights, that is getting as rare as hen's teeth now.

Aussienarelle

I do seem to have a higher success rate with GPUs.
RPUs take a number of attempts. I think the problem with the RPUs is that as they are domestic flights and generally through hubs then GS rank higher than me for priority but have been #1 or #2 on my most recent RPU flights.

So in fairness if you are talking about RPUs do agree more often at the gate, and due to discussions on FT I watch the app if I am #1 on the UG list. However, I have had a couple of RPUs take a week or so out.

jjmoore

On domestic or regional routes, GPU's and RPU's are no different in the priority they give you. They basically are waitlisting you with the same priority. The ultimate priority within the same fare class and UA status is when the instrument is applied. If you apply your RPU in W class before another 1K applies a GPU for the same flight in W class, you will still clear first. It does not matter what type of instrument is used... only when it is applied for the tie-break (if status and fare class are equal).

Kacee

I suspect Ausienarelle was referring to domestic instrument upgrades being much tougher than upgrades on GPU only routes. A sentiment I share. This thread was originally entitled "RPUs are Useless Nowadays" and I think that's more accurate.

nomad420

I typically fly more domestics routes now so yeah probably my RPUs on average less than GPU's on the international flights. But having said that I have not cleared a GPU in almost 2 years now. If there is no R space at booking I can't/won't risk having them not clear and be stuck in E+. I have had it happen several times now and these old bones can't take a TATL or a TPAC and then have to work as soon as I hit the ground.

Kacee

I would say, "GPUs are most valuable if you are extremely flexible on travel dates and routing. Otherwise their value may be limited, particularly if you are not willing to waitlist. RPUs are just plain worthless."

tryathlete

will I improve my chances (move up on the waitlist rank) if I fareup inside the 24 hour window?

fumje

There's no universal rule. The second tiebreaker for upgrade waitlist is fare, after status. If you have 1K status it might be worthwhile if the flight load is tight but not too tight (intentionally vague). If there aren't many seats left or there are many seats left, it could be a waste of money.

edit: actually to respond literally to your question, yes.

findark

Honestly, I don't know. If the ticket is reissued, it will probably drop the upgrade request entirely, and if it isn't I'm skeptical it will update the code on the PNR. I definitely wouldn't risk it without solid confirmation.

WineCountryUA

Strictly speaking, GG BUYUP only waives the change fee if changing a cabin. However, there have been numerous reports of people being successful up- faring to GPU eligible fare. Whether you would get a change fee waiver this situation is a potential issue.

And as mentioned, up-faring may drop the waitlist and then the agent would have to potentially waive another rule on applying an upgrade inside of T-24.

fumje

Ah I misunderstood the question (thought "24 hours" was referring to the post-reservation window).

Agree that it is a strange corner case and probably not wise to attempt. I would give very high odds to the upgrade request being dropped, as setting change fee questions aside, the normal buyup procedure results in reissue.