When to use RPUs?
 

I made 1K for the first time this year (also first time making Platinum). I cannot decide when to use an RPU vs. when to rely on CPU.

For example, I am flying BOS-IAH on a Monday afternoon. R=2. Should I use my RPU or should I save it with hopes I will get a CPU? I am still trying to get a feel for these types of decisions...

The way things are going, unless you are absolutely lucky, dont gamble your chances on a CPU. If you see R=2, go ahead and confirm your upgrade with RPU. There is a real possibility you might not get a CPU as a Plat or 1K because IAH is a hub and BOS seems to be slightly difficult to clear. You will see a lot of GM's being offered TOD upgrades and such. If you have it, use it :)

Use them when you want a confirmed upgrade, p.s. flights, or flights with a copayment for miles-supported upgrades like IAD-HNL.

It's a fairly personal issue since it is governed by your tolerance level for coach over FC. IAH-BOS is a hop for a transpacific weary traveller, whereas a shuttle by united customer probably wants a guaranteed FC!!

Thanks, OP for this thread. I'm a newly-minted Platinum... and I couldn't really figure out the utility of them either.

I knew the answer would be "it varies," but when I use an upgrade and there is R space, my upgrade will clear somewhat soon thereafter (after one of their sweeps)?

If there is R space it clears the moment you apply the instrument.

* Do you care whether you're in FC or Y?
* Is the certificate going to expire soon?
* Will be upgraded seat be acceptable? (Window or Aisle?)
* Are the amenities (e.g., meal, drinks) worth it for the length of the flight?

It depends entirely on your travel plans.

I only use RPUs for ps flights. If I lived on the east coast, I would also use them on Hawaii flights (EWR/IAD-HNL). Those are highest and best uses. If you don't fly those routes, use them on the flights where you really want to sit up front and think you will not get the CPU.

My rule is to use them when F is already fairly full (showing C6 or less on a 737) and R=0. IME, when I book and R>0, there is a very high probability that I will get a CPU. I tend to book 7 to 14 days out.

Though, I do agree with those who would use them on p.s. flights or HNL. Unfortunately, my flight patterns never put me on those.

FWIW, as long as I can get an E+ aisle or window seat near the front of the plane, I don't place a high value on domestic F. For instance, if offered a TOD upgrade, I would not pay more than $20/hour for it, so the price for a 5 hour flight would have to be $100 or less.

Beat me to it. My RPUs last year went to EWR-IAH-HNL, HNL-EWR and two p.s. flights. Those routes, along with some of the other transcons like EWR-SEA/PDX/SAN, seem to be popular uses (from the east coast as least). BOS-LAX/SFO would make sense.