Last edit by: WineCountryUA
Types of Upgrades
UA's Upgrades overview
UA has multiple methods for upgrading to a higher cabin. Examples include: Economy to Domestic First, Economy to International Business or Business (ex-p.s. flights) or Economy to Premium Economy ("Premium Plus").
In this regard, seating in Economy Plus is considered Economy.
Not all upgrade methods are available on all flights (see table).
Paid/cash upgrades are a different mechanism and are only available if confirmable -- no waitlisting. Depending on methods, paid upgrades can clear into almost any fare class. If the class would otherwise be used for upgrades, the cash upsell can show up on the cleared upgrade list.
Plus Points and MUA (also called "miles+cash upgrades") are collectively referred to as instrument-supported upgrades, as they are considered with equal priority once applied. They may also be used on Copa (CM), Lufthansa (LH), and ANA (NH) flights.
Waitlisting for a premium cabin award and all forms of Economy Plus are not considered upgrades.
Upgrade Priority and Required Inventory
All upgrades other than CPU may clear immediately if the required inventory class is available. If you request an upgrade when there is not inventory to confirm your upgrade immediately, you will be added to the upgrade waitlist. The required inventory classes are as follows:
RN class is required for all upgrades to Premium Economy (United Premium Plus)
PN class is required for Instant Upgrades to Business/First from Y, B, and M fares for Premier 1K members, and for all upgrades to Business/First of any type for Global Services members.
PZ class is required for all other upgrades to Business/First except CPUs.
Note: The display of the upgrade lists is rather complicated at the moment. There seems to be more information available than usual, but its accuracy is disputed. The following is how it has historically functioned in terms of public visibility.
Passengers with unconfirmed upgrade requests will be added to the upgrade waitlist. This is not the same as the upgrade standby list which you can see on the Flight Status page. You cannot see this list by any means. The ordering of the upgrade waitlist is as follows:
Recent announced modification
United will periodically run sweeps from this list. The required inventory class for your upgrade does not need to be available in order to be upgraded from the standby list; passengers on the list will be upgraded at the discretion of United's systems. (You can also think of it as space was opened and then you immediately took it.)
Once check-in starts a new waitlist will be generated for use at the gate. The pre-gate list will continue to process until the flight goes to the gate, typically one to three hours prior to departure. This new list is the visible one on the Flight Status page. Generally they will have the same order, but there can be some differences in priority ordering of the two lists -- usually due to the time tiebreaker -- which is time of request for the pre-gate list and time of check-in (sequence number) for gate list. The visible (upgrade standby) list has only checked-in passengers and is not used until the flight is under gate control and the gate agent manually processes an upgrade.
The upgrade list sometimes also shows passengers who have been upgraded. Advance-cleared upgrades will not show on the gate list as cleared -- only passengers who clear after they check in will display with a green checkmark. Some paid Premium Economy fares may show as a confirmed upgrade to Premium Economy.
For both cases, display cleared upgrades will appear in alphabetic order and regardless if checked-in (as long as a seat has been assigned). Uncleared, waitlisted requests will appear, once checked in, in priority order. But until all have checked in, the visible gate waitlist is incomplete.
Upgrades and Companions
Main article: Comprehensive Companion Upgrade Questions
The following applies ONLY to the invisible upgrade list.
Up to one companion on the same PNR as you is entitled to a CPU based on your status. However, because PNRs must consist only of passengers with the same itinerary, you will only be eligible for an upgrade if all passengers on your PNR have the same upgrade eligibility. For CPUs, you may extend your CPU status to one companion, and then the system will take the status of the lowest passenger on the reservation.
This is a little complicated. Here are some example PNRs:
1K and non-status companion: both are eligible to CPU as 1Ks
1K and two non-status companions: no one is eligible to CPU
1K, Gold, and non-status companion: the companion gets "1K CPU status" but the Gold cannot, so all three pax have Gold priority
The situation for instrument supported upgrades is slightly different. Waitlisting an instrument is also all-or-nothing on the PNR. Either all pax must have a waitlisted upgrade, or none may. If you have a waitlisted upgrade for a multiple passenger PNR, it will have the priority of the highest Premier status on the reservation. Thus:
1K and non-status companion, 2x GPU applied: both are eligible as 1Ks with GPU
1K and three non-status companions, 4x GPU applied: all four are eligible as 1Ks with GPU
Multi-pax PNR upgrades are all or nothing - you may (or may not) be skipped over if there are fewer available seats than members in your party. If you do not like the treatment of your PNR, you may split it into smaller pieces at any time and be treated as smaller groups or individuals.
Now, what happens if you haven't cleared by check-in?
Multiple pax PNRs are not eligible for the (visible) upgrade standby list. If you wish to be added to the list, you must split the PNR at check-in. This often happens even if you didn't intend to. Note, however, that the hidden list is active until 3 hours before departure and splitting your PNR changes it. Therefore, you may wish to delay check-in until the airport. On the other hand, the tiebreak for the gate list is time of check-in, so you may wish to do so immediately. It depends on your situation.
Companions may be eligible for the upgrade standby list even after splitting the PNR, if it is split at check-in. The behavior of your companion(s) depends on whether the reservation had instruments applied. You may have one CPU companion, who will be waitlisted with your Premier priority but with an effective fare class below X (namely, last). If your companion was on a different PNR originally, or you want to designate a different companion, an airport agent can do that for you. Therefore, the list of 1Ks might be:
1) 1K on an S fare (you)
2) 1K on a K fare
3) Your no-status companion
4) Plat on a B fare
If your reservation had instruments applied, however, this process is different. In this case, if the reservation is auto-split at check-in, all travelers will have your Premier priority with their fare class. Say you are a 1K with three non-status companions, all with GPUs applied. Then you have
1) 1K on a V fare, GPU applied
2..5) you (1K) and your three companions on W fares, ordered by sequence number
6) Plat on a Q fare, miles+cash applied
Frequently Asked Questions
I was #1 on the upgrade list, but someone else got the upgrade instead. What happened?
The most likely answer is that the upgraded passenger was not checked in. Remember that the upgrade standby list (the visible list) only shows passengers who have checked in.
I'm #1 on the upgrade list but seats in the forward cabin keep disappearing. No one is being upgraded. What's going on?
There are two major sources of this. First, once your flight is within 24 hours of departure, it is eligible for SDC. Passengers with paid premium tickets can change to your flight and take seats. Many experienced flyers, especially FT members, underestimate the volatility of flight loads on the day of departure. Additionally, United usually makes a time-of-departure upsell offer available at check-in. Purchasers of this upgrade may often appear similar to last-minute revenue bookings.
I was waitlisted for I (or IN) class and did not clear. Am I now eligible for an upgrade?
"Upgrade" is the wrong terminology. You should be automatically placed on the standy list for business or first (whichever applies). Historically there have been problems with this occurring automatically, but that seems to have mostly been fixed. The exact priority compared to passengers who are waitlisted for an upgrade is unclear and a matter of some dispute. See discussion of GG ONESTANDBY lines 32-55.
Who are these people who are on standby lists for both Business and First?
These are non-revs (i.e., UA employees and family members) - either NRPS (non-rev positive space) or NRSA (non-rev standby). Non-revs can list for any cabin. NRPS are traveling on company business (e.g., deadheading pilots) and will clear into open space ahead of upgraders. NRSA travel standby and will be last in priority after all paid passengers. Why would someone be listed on both standby & upgrade list(s)?
Can you have one companion on a different PNR?
Yes, but only at the airport/gate and some agents are not familiar with the process. They are at the bottom of your status group.
Related threads
Ever see (+X blocked) in booked column on upgrade list?
Consolidated "Waitlist for Award Seats Questions/Issues"
[Consolidated] Chance of upgrade clearing on my flight
Decoding the alphabet soup - fare buckets for UA
Understanding the United Upgrade List Comprehensively [Archive]
UA's Upgrades overview
UA has multiple methods for upgrading to a higher cabin. Examples include: Economy to Domestic First, Economy to International Business or Business (ex-p.s. flights) or Economy to Premium Economy ("Premium Plus").
In this regard, seating in Economy Plus is considered Economy.
Not all upgrade methods are available on all flights (see table).
- Complimentary Premier Upgrades (CPU) are available for most North American flights, Central America flights, and some select Oceania flights.
"ex-PS" flights (EWR-SFO/LAX, BOS-SFO and v.v.) and Hawaii-EWR, IAD, ORD, IAH, DEN, GUM, MAJ and v.v. are not CPU eligible. CPUs are available for all paid fares and in some cases on award tickets with certain credit cards. A CPU is requested automatically for all elites as long as there is a maximum of one non-Premier as only one companion on the same PNR is also eligible for CPU. CPUs cannot be confirmed until inside the particular window:Global Services: 120 hours
Premier 1K: 96 hours
Premier Platinum: 72 hours
Premier Gold: 48 hours
Premier Silver: 24 hours- Plus Points (provided to Plats and above) are the upgrade currency of United elites. This wiki of this thread has more details about pricing of various Plus Points upgrades.
- Mileage Upgrade Awards (MUA) can be requested for all UA flights with a higher cabin on all paid fares. This a varying amount of miles and a $ copay (elites are exempt from the co-pay for CPU eligible flights) -- see UA award chart for details Note the miles and copay are due at time of the request and will be returned if unsuccessful.
- Instant Upgrades are space available for all elites on Y & B fares for CPU-eligible flights at booking. For Plats and below these require PZ space. For 1Ks and GS, this can be done on Y, B & M fares and requires PN space. 1K & GS, if not cleared at booking, will be waitlisted.
- Plus Points (provided to Plats and above) are the upgrade currency of United elites. This wiki of this thread has more details about pricing of various Plus Points upgrades.
Paid/cash upgrades are a different mechanism and are only available if confirmable -- no waitlisting. Depending on methods, paid upgrades can clear into almost any fare class. If the class would otherwise be used for upgrades, the cash upsell can show up on the cleared upgrade list.
Plus Points and MUA (also called "miles+cash upgrades") are collectively referred to as instrument-supported upgrades, as they are considered with equal priority once applied. They may also be used on Copa (CM), Lufthansa (LH), and ANA (NH) flights.
Waitlisting for a premium cabin award and all forms of Economy Plus are not considered upgrades.
Upgrade Priority and Required Inventory
All upgrades other than CPU may clear immediately if the required inventory class is available. If you request an upgrade when there is not inventory to confirm your upgrade immediately, you will be added to the upgrade waitlist. The required inventory classes are as follows:
RN class is required for all upgrades to Premium Economy (United Premium Plus)
PN class is required for Instant Upgrades to Business/First from Y, B, and M fares for Premier 1K members, and for all upgrades to Business/First of any type for Global Services members.
PZ class is required for all other upgrades to Business/First except CPUs.
Note: The display of the upgrade lists is rather complicated at the moment. There seems to be more information available than usual, but its accuracy is disputed. The following is how it has historically functioned in terms of public visibility.
Passengers with unconfirmed upgrade requests will be added to the upgrade waitlist. This is not the same as the upgrade standby list which you can see on the Flight Status page. You cannot see this list by any means. The ordering of the upgrade waitlist is as follows:
- All Global Services members (presumably prioritized similar to other members below), including those awaiting a CPU.
- For CPU eligible flights, Premier 1K members on eligible Y-, B- and M-class fares that were not cleared at time of booking are prioritized by fare class and then time of request.
- All travelers on waitlisted instrument-supported upgrades: Prioritized by Premier status of the traveler, then fare class and then time of request. There is no priority difference between types of instruments.
- For CPU eligible flights all remaining Premier members: Prioritized by Premier status of the traveler and fare class (award tickets are considered the lowest fare class)
Recent announced modification
Effective August 14, 2018, upgrade waitlists are processed in the following priority order:
- Premier status of the traveler
- Fare class
- Chase United MileagePlus Club cardholder
- United Corporate Preferred participant
- Time of request
Once check-in starts a new waitlist will be generated for use at the gate. The pre-gate list will continue to process until the flight goes to the gate, typically one to three hours prior to departure. This new list is the visible one on the Flight Status page. Generally they will have the same order, but there can be some differences in priority ordering of the two lists -- usually due to the time tiebreaker -- which is time of request for the pre-gate list and time of check-in (sequence number) for gate list. The visible (upgrade standby) list has only checked-in passengers and is not used until the flight is under gate control and the gate agent manually processes an upgrade.
The upgrade list sometimes also shows passengers who have been upgraded. Advance-cleared upgrades will not show on the gate list as cleared -- only passengers who clear after they check in will display with a green checkmark. Some paid Premium Economy fares may show as a confirmed upgrade to Premium Economy.
For both cases, display cleared upgrades will appear in alphabetic order and regardless if checked-in (as long as a seat has been assigned). Uncleared, waitlisted requests will appear, once checked in, in priority order. But until all have checked in, the visible gate waitlist is incomplete.
Upgrades and Companions
Main article: Comprehensive Companion Upgrade Questions
The following applies ONLY to the invisible upgrade list.
Up to one companion on the same PNR as you is entitled to a CPU based on your status. However, because PNRs must consist only of passengers with the same itinerary, you will only be eligible for an upgrade if all passengers on your PNR have the same upgrade eligibility. For CPUs, you may extend your CPU status to one companion, and then the system will take the status of the lowest passenger on the reservation.
This is a little complicated. Here are some example PNRs:
1K and non-status companion: both are eligible to CPU as 1Ks
1K and two non-status companions: no one is eligible to CPU
1K, Gold, and non-status companion: the companion gets "1K CPU status" but the Gold cannot, so all three pax have Gold priority
The situation for instrument supported upgrades is slightly different. Waitlisting an instrument is also all-or-nothing on the PNR. Either all pax must have a waitlisted upgrade, or none may. If you have a waitlisted upgrade for a multiple passenger PNR, it will have the priority of the highest Premier status on the reservation. Thus:
1K and non-status companion, 2x GPU applied: both are eligible as 1Ks with GPU
1K and three non-status companions, 4x GPU applied: all four are eligible as 1Ks with GPU
Multi-pax PNR upgrades are all or nothing - you may (or may not) be skipped over if there are fewer available seats than members in your party. If you do not like the treatment of your PNR, you may split it into smaller pieces at any time and be treated as smaller groups or individuals.
Now, what happens if you haven't cleared by check-in?
Multiple pax PNRs are not eligible for the (visible) upgrade standby list. If you wish to be added to the list, you must split the PNR at check-in. This often happens even if you didn't intend to. Note, however, that the hidden list is active until 3 hours before departure and splitting your PNR changes it. Therefore, you may wish to delay check-in until the airport. On the other hand, the tiebreak for the gate list is time of check-in, so you may wish to do so immediately. It depends on your situation.
Companions may be eligible for the upgrade standby list even after splitting the PNR, if it is split at check-in. The behavior of your companion(s) depends on whether the reservation had instruments applied. You may have one CPU companion, who will be waitlisted with your Premier priority but with an effective fare class below X (namely, last). If your companion was on a different PNR originally, or you want to designate a different companion, an airport agent can do that for you. Therefore, the list of 1Ks might be:
1) 1K on an S fare (you)
2) 1K on a K fare
3) Your no-status companion
4) Plat on a B fare
If your reservation had instruments applied, however, this process is different. In this case, if the reservation is auto-split at check-in, all travelers will have your Premier priority with their fare class. Say you are a 1K with three non-status companions, all with GPUs applied. Then you have
1) 1K on a V fare, GPU applied
2..5) you (1K) and your three companions on W fares, ordered by sequence number
6) Plat on a Q fare, miles+cash applied
Frequently Asked Questions
I was #1 on the upgrade list, but someone else got the upgrade instead. What happened?
The most likely answer is that the upgraded passenger was not checked in. Remember that the upgrade standby list (the visible list) only shows passengers who have checked in.
I'm #1 on the upgrade list but seats in the forward cabin keep disappearing. No one is being upgraded. What's going on?
There are two major sources of this. First, once your flight is within 24 hours of departure, it is eligible for SDC. Passengers with paid premium tickets can change to your flight and take seats. Many experienced flyers, especially FT members, underestimate the volatility of flight loads on the day of departure. Additionally, United usually makes a time-of-departure upsell offer available at check-in. Purchasers of this upgrade may often appear similar to last-minute revenue bookings.
I was waitlisted for I (or IN) class and did not clear. Am I now eligible for an upgrade?
"Upgrade" is the wrong terminology. You should be automatically placed on the standy list for business or first (whichever applies). Historically there have been problems with this occurring automatically, but that seems to have mostly been fixed. The exact priority compared to passengers who are waitlisted for an upgrade is unclear and a matter of some dispute. See discussion of GG ONESTANDBY lines 32-55.
Who are these people who are on standby lists for both Business and First?
These are non-revs (i.e., UA employees and family members) - either NRPS (non-rev positive space) or NRSA (non-rev standby). Non-revs can list for any cabin. NRPS are traveling on company business (e.g., deadheading pilots) and will clear into open space ahead of upgraders. NRSA travel standby and will be last in priority after all paid passengers. Why would someone be listed on both standby & upgrade list(s)?
Can you have one companion on a different PNR?
Yes, but only at the airport/gate and some agents are not familiar with the process. They are at the bottom of your status group.
Related threads
Ever see (+X blocked) in booked column on upgrade list?
Consolidated "Waitlist for Award Seats Questions/Issues"
[Consolidated] Chance of upgrade clearing on my flight
Decoding the alphabet soup - fare buckets for UA
Understanding the United Upgrade List Comprehensively [Archive]
Understanding the United Upgrade List Comprehensively {Archive}
#646
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,448
#647
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: LAX
Programs: UA Plat MM, CM Plat, Amex Plat, Hertz CP, Hyatt Globalist, SPG Gold, Vons Club
Posts: 6,849
Hello fellow FT'ers, perhaps the collective wisdom on this website can help me understand whether there is an issue with United's system of processing upgrades or whether I simply misunderstand the priority rules.
This stems from the fact that a friend who is traveling as a companion to a 1K cleared an upgrade prior to me (who is a 1K).
The details are as follows: My family is returning shortly to Los Angeles from Liberia, Costa Rica (connecting in Houston). We are on separate records.
The first record is for me. I am a 1K with Million Miler status. There is a lap child on my reservation.
The second record is for my son and a family friend. My son (who is 4 years old) is a 1K by virtue of matching status due to my Million Miler status.
The third record is for my wife (which is not relevant to the question presented). To clarify...the wife is relevant; the fact she is on a separate record is not relevant
We received emails this morning alerting us that Son and Companion cleared upgrades. I went into my reservation and confirmed that I have not yet cleared an upgrade. It is my understanding of the priority rules that a companion to a 1K would only clear an upgrade after all other 1K's cleared an upgrade. That did not happen in this case!
Note that this is the second time this fact pattern has occurred to me. Has this happened to any of you? Am I missing something? I'm looking for an explanation.
Thanks in advanced!
This stems from the fact that a friend who is traveling as a companion to a 1K cleared an upgrade prior to me (who is a 1K).
The details are as follows: My family is returning shortly to Los Angeles from Liberia, Costa Rica (connecting in Houston). We are on separate records.
The first record is for me. I am a 1K with Million Miler status. There is a lap child on my reservation.
The second record is for my son and a family friend. My son (who is 4 years old) is a 1K by virtue of matching status due to my Million Miler status.
The third record is for my wife (which is not relevant to the question presented). To clarify...the wife is relevant; the fact she is on a separate record is not relevant
We received emails this morning alerting us that Son and Companion cleared upgrades. I went into my reservation and confirmed that I have not yet cleared an upgrade. It is my understanding of the priority rules that a companion to a 1K would only clear an upgrade after all other 1K's cleared an upgrade. That did not happen in this case!
Note that this is the second time this fact pattern has occurred to me. Has this happened to any of you? Am I missing something? I'm looking for an explanation.
Thanks in advanced!
#648
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Honolulu Harbor
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 15,014
Your MM status has zero bearing, although it makes it the situation more annoying in our MM minds .
Last edited by IAH-OIL-TRASH; Sep 2, 2017 at 11:22 pm
#649
Moderator: Budget Travel forum & Credit Card Programs, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: YYJ/YVR and back on Van Isle ....... for now
Programs: UA lifetime MM / *A Gold
Posts: 14,428
Guess that new non UA flight is having an effect on UA ....
WOW, UA employees didn't see that one - I would have expected a few of them on waitlist.
#650
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, UA Gold, WN, Global Entry; +others wherever miles/points are found
Posts: 14,404
I think I am going to have to submit that I have no idea how upgrades are actually ordered within status and fare class.
The story: two pax, originally one PNR, 1K and no-status companion, V fare with GPU applied. Segments involved at GUM-TKK and TKK-PNI. At the lounge in NRT, I asked for us to be checked in to these segments. At this point, the agent split the PNR as all of those segments were in Y, checked us in, and issued boarding passes.
I received sequence numbers N and N+1, and my companion received N+2 and N+3. I had the smaller ticket number, but received a new PNR whereas my companion remained on the original PNR.
When I checked the upgrade list for the segments, I now saw us on the list except...
GUM-TKK, I was immediately above her
TKK-PNI, she was immediately above me
I cannot fathom how that is possible as every variable I'm aware of is the same on both segments. Ironically, I "jumped the list" and cleared TKK-PNI a few hours later off the invisible list. But mostly I am confused
The story: two pax, originally one PNR, 1K and no-status companion, V fare with GPU applied. Segments involved at GUM-TKK and TKK-PNI. At the lounge in NRT, I asked for us to be checked in to these segments. At this point, the agent split the PNR as all of those segments were in Y, checked us in, and issued boarding passes.
I received sequence numbers N and N+1, and my companion received N+2 and N+3. I had the smaller ticket number, but received a new PNR whereas my companion remained on the original PNR.
When I checked the upgrade list for the segments, I now saw us on the list except...
GUM-TKK, I was immediately above her
TKK-PNI, she was immediately above me
I cannot fathom how that is possible as every variable I'm aware of is the same on both segments. Ironically, I "jumped the list" and cleared TKK-PNI a few hours later off the invisible list. But mostly I am confused
#651
Join Date: Sep 2010
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 155
Split Reservation upgrade priority
Hi Folks,
Tomorrow I am flying EWR-HKG and I purchased tickets for myself (1K) and colleague (no status). I then put in GPUs for both of us travelling on V fares. After the GPUs were applied I called up and had the reservation split. My understanding was that my status would remain connected to that GPU, correct?
In any case, my GPU just cleared at T-24 and I see my colleague is on the WL as #2 (after someone else). How is it that I could clear but he is #2 on the WL? If he was #1 I'd understand since the purpose of splitting was so we clear independently.
Still 5 seats available so hopefully he clears but I'm wondering if this is something I should call about... if there's anything I should/can do?
Tomorrow I am flying EWR-HKG and I purchased tickets for myself (1K) and colleague (no status). I then put in GPUs for both of us travelling on V fares. After the GPUs were applied I called up and had the reservation split. My understanding was that my status would remain connected to that GPU, correct?
In any case, my GPU just cleared at T-24 and I see my colleague is on the WL as #2 (after someone else). How is it that I could clear but he is #2 on the WL? If he was #1 I'd understand since the purpose of splitting was so we clear independently.
Still 5 seats available so hopefully he clears but I'm wondering if this is something I should call about... if there's anything I should/can do?
#652
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Join Date: Nov 2014
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#1 is going to be another 1K on a V fare. While we think we understand how ordering works within status and fare class, I've been reduced to the conclusion that it makes no sense. Keep in mind that until a GA runs the list from the podium, the order you see is not used. Upgrades run from the hidden list which may (and probably does) have a different order.
#653
Suspended
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 821
So.....what would you do scenario.... You on top of the upgrade list but you got a funny feeling the gate agents r way to busy to work the upgrade list just to get the plane to depart which is delayed.....Do you take the upgrade seat which your very likely to get.....or do u take your original seat in coach and pray they do their job??? I've been on flights where the agents neglected to do the upgrades just to get the plane of to depart....and once the door is shut...you're out of luck.
#654
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2014
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Posts: 14,404
So.....what would you do scenario.... You on top of the upgrade list but you got a funny feeling the gate agents r way to busy to work the upgrade list just to get the plane to depart which is delayed.....Do you take the upgrade seat which your very likely to get.....or do u take your original seat in coach and pray they do their job??? I've been on flights where the agents neglected to do the upgrades just to get the plane of to depart....and once the door is shut...you're out of luck.
On-board upgrades are usually due to no-shows in F.
#655
Join Date: Mar 2012
Programs: Mileage Plus 1K; Marriott Platinum; Hilton Gold
Posts: 6,355
So.....what would you do scenario.... You on top of the upgrade list but you got a funny feeling the gate agents r way to busy to work the upgrade list just to get the plane to depart which is delayed.....Do you take the upgrade seat which your very likely to get.....or do u take your original seat in coach and pray they do their job??? I've been on flights where the agents neglected to do the upgrades just to get the plane of to depart....and once the door is shut...you're out of luck.
#656
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Honolulu Harbor
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 15,014
It's actually fairly rare that GAs don't do the upgrades. If you just plop yourself into an empty F seat after the door closes, you put the FA in an uncomfortable position because you're not listed as a F passenger on the manifest. They don't get the upgrade list (and it's usually deleted at close), so they don't know if you're blowing wind. They're really not supposed to do/approve the upgrades. Better just to approach a GA at last boarding if you're anxious and tell 'em "I'm number one on the list - how about it?". I've done that once at SFO - I don't know if they would have grabbed me from coach in any case, but at least it forces action by the person(s) who is (are) supposed to do it.
#657
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
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Hi Folks,
Tomorrow I am flying EWR-HKG and I purchased tickets for myself (1K) and colleague (no status). I then put in GPUs for both of us travelling on V fares. After the GPUs were applied I called up and had the reservation split. My understanding was that my status would remain connected to that GPU, correct?....
Tomorrow I am flying EWR-HKG and I purchased tickets for myself (1K) and colleague (no status). I then put in GPUs for both of us travelling on V fares. After the GPUs were applied I called up and had the reservation split. My understanding was that my status would remain connected to that GPU, correct?....
Things are a little fuzzy what happen to a companion priority upon a PNR split. The status is maintained but there have been some hints that at times the companion falls to the bottom of the status group (the lowest fare position). Why???
and continuously refresh the upgrade list on the phone app -- and screen capture the upgrade / new BP if it occurs .
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Sep 22, 2017 at 10:32 am Reason: merging consecutive posts by same member
#658
Join Date: Sep 2010
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 155
[I've been reduced to the conclusion that it makes no sense. Keep in mind that until a GA runs the list from the podium, the order you see is not used. Upgrades run from the hidden list which may (and probably does) have a different order.
Originally Posted by WineCountryUA
The companion keeps your status from the previous joint PNR, not from the GPU.
Things are a little fuzzy what happen to a companion priority upon a PNR split. The status is maintained but there have been some hints that at times the companion falls to the bottom of the status group (the lowest fare position). Why???
Things are a little fuzzy what happen to a companion priority upon a PNR split. The status is maintained but there have been some hints that at times the companion falls to the bottom of the status group (the lowest fare position). Why???
#659
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I think I took the over on this one
#660
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