Feb 9, 2019, 8:39 pm
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
This is an archive thread, the active thread is
[Consolidated] Chance of upgrade clearing on my flight
Related thread - Understanding the United Upgrade List Comprehensively
[Consolidated] Chance of upgrade clearing on my flight
Related thread - Understanding the United Upgrade List Comprehensively
[Consolidated] Chance of upgrade clearing on my flight {Archive}
May 14, 2015, 12:32 pm
#151
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you are correct as best we know there are no distinctions made in priority between GPU or miles. many here if forced to buy a B fare would use miles and save the GPU for use on lower fare buckets that would require a copay. if you dont expect to use your GPUs on lower fare buckets in the future then i agree there is no reason to make a distinction between miles and GPU.
what fare class is UA.com selling for business? you could look up the advance purchase on that fare, buy the B now, see if you clear the upgrade in a few days and if you don't, go back and upfare to the business fare if it's still available. generally speaking UA doesn't charge a change fee for upfaring to business class.
what fare class is UA.com selling for business? you could look up the advance purchase on that fare, buy the B now, see if you clear the upgrade in a few days and if you don't, go back and upfare to the business fare if it's still available. generally speaking UA doesn't charge a change fee for upfaring to business class.
May 14, 2015, 1:05 pm
#152
Join Date: Sep 2010
Programs: UA GS
Posts: 156
Looks like they are selling Z right now on ua.com. Not a bad idea.
May 14, 2015, 2:04 pm
#153
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: NYC
Programs: UA MileagePlus 2MM
Posts: 1,567
I'm trying to decide if I should outright purchase BF or buy economy (B fare) and apply GPU.
Looking to fly EWR-HKG on 5/22 and return on 5/28. Current inventory shows J9, JN9, C9, D9, Z9, ZN9, P9, PN0, R0, RN0 on both outbound and inbound. For what it's worth, seat map shows about 16 seats open on both (I know, not an indicator).
As mentioned, I would be buying a B fare in economy. Anyone familiar with this route? Does it typically sell BF at the last minute? Seems like a fair amount of seats left with 8 days left. Maybe R would open on both legs?
My preference is to buy economy and use GPU (I get a company kickback for buying economy) but the fare difference is small enough ($3500) that I'd consider buying BF outright.
Just looking for some thoughts.
Looking to fly EWR-HKG on 5/22 and return on 5/28. Current inventory shows J9, JN9, C9, D9, Z9, ZN9, P9, PN0, R0, RN0 on both outbound and inbound. For what it's worth, seat map shows about 16 seats open on both (I know, not an indicator).
As mentioned, I would be buying a B fare in economy. Anyone familiar with this route? Does it typically sell BF at the last minute? Seems like a fair amount of seats left with 8 days left. Maybe R would open on both legs?
My preference is to buy economy and use GPU (I get a company kickback for buying economy) but the fare difference is small enough ($3500) that I'd consider buying BF outright.
Just looking for some thoughts.
I think this route does have the possibility to sell out close in, but in your shoes I would buy the B fare and then just watch inventory. It's not really high season for Hong Kong and I think some R space will open up but more like 3-4 days out. Also 2 days before your flight you can look at the actual load on the "flight status" tab which appears, and that will show you how many are booked in BF. If inventory is filling up 2 days out then you may want to upfare. Hope it works out for you!
May 14, 2015, 3:48 pm
#154
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May 14, 2015, 4:58 pm
#155
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: NYC
Programs: UA MileagePlus 2MM
Posts: 1,567
Jun 10, 2015, 11:09 am
#156
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: San Francisco
Programs: 1K 2.2MM
Posts: 2,352
recent upgrades success FRA/LHR/CDG -SFO
1K using a GPU can depart back home mid week on any of the routes. Loads seem similar...which is a better bet to clear if there is one?
Jun 10, 2015, 12:11 pm
#157
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: near to SFO and LHR
Programs: BA Gold, B6 Mosiac, VS, AA, DL (and a legacy UA 2MM)
Posts: 2,274
Generally speaking, the LHR<->SFO routes are fairly easy to upgrade for mid-week flights. For a little extra help in the queue, purchase a higher fare (at least Q). No guarantees, but I've had good success in the recent past (when I flew United on this route!). I think SFO<->CDG is the hardest, but I may be wrong.
Last edited by StingWest; Jun 10, 2015 at 12:18 pm
Jun 10, 2015, 12:56 pm
#158
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Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
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There is no meaningful answer to this question. It depends on loads on the particular day of travel.
Jun 10, 2015, 3:13 pm
#159
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: SFO
Programs: Paid F
Posts: 238
On my last flight I was seated next to a GS SFO-MSP and they came and asked for his dinner order before me -- and I am a paying First class customer! I think I will stick to Delta from now on for that route.
Jun 10, 2015, 6:02 pm
#160
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: NYC (Primarily EWR)
Programs: UA 1K / *G, Marriott Bonvoy Gold; Avis PC
Posts: 9,010
I have not gotten a CPU on UA in over 2 years. I just pay for first class on the cheapest/best airline with no loyalty to UA anymore.
On my last flight I was seated next to a GS SFO-MSP and they came and asked for his dinner order before me -- and I am a paying First class customer! I think I will stick to Delta from now on for that route.
On my last flight I was seated next to a GS SFO-MSP and they came and asked for his dinner order before me -- and I am a paying First class customer! I think I will stick to Delta from now on for that route.
Jun 12, 2015, 1:53 pm
#161
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: South Carolina
Programs: UA LT Gold, American Kettle, Hertz #1 Presidents Circle, Marriott LT Platinum
Posts: 927
IAH-LHR Best flight for waitlisting GPU
We are looking at heading across the pond in October t0 London. It looks like for the dates (early Oct) there are 3 flights a day 1 a 767-300 and 2 are 787-8 running at 15:30, 18:30 and 21:00 arriving at 6:55, 10:00 and 12ish.
Still searching for flights with R availability, but in case I can't find one, what is the consensus on the best flight for a waitlisted upgrade? The 767 has the advantage that is 2x3x2 in coach which means the Wife and I would sit together. If we have to go 787, it will be 2 aisle seats. Downside to 767 is the 6:55 arrival and 30 vs 36 BF Seats.
TIA
Still searching for flights with R availability, but in case I can't find one, what is the consensus on the best flight for a waitlisted upgrade? The 767 has the advantage that is 2x3x2 in coach which means the Wife and I would sit together. If we have to go 787, it will be 2 aisle seats. Downside to 767 is the 6:55 arrival and 30 vs 36 BF Seats.
TIA
Jun 12, 2015, 2:02 pm
#162
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I'd do the 788, due to the better potential of upgrades, and an ability to sleep on said upgrade. Between the two, I'd pick the one with the least number of BF seats already booked and the least number of E+ already chosen.
Jun 12, 2015, 2:05 pm
#163
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Premier Platinum (and falling fast)
Posts: 566
Worth noting as well, the past few weeks they seem to have been subbing a 787-9 on this route (UA4 last night and tonight, for example), which adds 12 BF seats. Not sure if that's a long-term plan or just one they're using while getting the -9s into service.
Jun 12, 2015, 3:51 pm
#164
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I would take the 21:00. It permits a full day at the office and offers better chance for sleep. Later arrival for sure but the following day is a write off anyway.
Jun 12, 2015, 3:54 pm
#165
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 1K and MM, Marriot, Hilton
Posts: 804
I usually take the 21:00, i'm 2 for 2 with GPU's this year on that flight.