Beerman92

Not following the logic here. PN availability is a frequently used benefit for GS. The notion that GS is a group of customers who only buy front cabin fares is pretty far from reality.

escapefromphl

People who moan about going 0 for 15 etc trying to upgrade on instruments are doing exactly what UA wants. You are proof that they can have their cake and eat it too. Mileage+ is just a marketing tool these days, delivering very little of what is promised. Giving them your continued business sends a message you are ok with them selling TOD's while you spend $20k plus a year. I don't really have much sympathy the writing has been on the wall for several years now, so it's probably time to stop complaining.

pdx1M

Actually since that 0 for 15 was, I think, me above - no. You perhaps missed that I have flown 0 (that's none) UA miles nor given them any revenue since last year nor do I have any current plans on the horizon that would require me to fly them. The certs I have are from being a lifetime 1K and I have tried to use them for others in my family ranging from Gold to 1K for trips they had booked. Meanwhile I have bought (real money) quite a few business and first class tickets on other airlines on routes that would have been equally flyable with UA. So even as a 1K and all the (non) perqs that come with that today I prefer to fly other airlines. At least in my case the UA strategy is most certainly losing them very profitable business.

teeceedee

Not sure what your situation is, but if you're a lifetime 1k and still fly a lot, have you considered that extra MM to lifetime GS? Based on the content of this thread, that may be worth it

transportbiz

You've hit the nail on the head there. UA makes PN available, because they know it won't be utilized (not by those who earn it by spend), they withhold R inventory because it will be utilized.

The benefit is pretty much only utilized by comped GS members or designated GS members. Who don't fly often.

It would be pretty hard to qualify for GS without buying front cabin. You could do it by buying full-fare Y, but you'd be pretty foolish to do so most of the time because FC is often cheaper.

Baze

Yet a lot of companies forbid buying front cabin but will allow full fare coach tickets. Even if the F fare is cheaper. Why? Because behind the scenes those corporate full fare coach tickets are often cheaper than the F with the negotiated discounts.

Kacee

Hmmm . . . I believe GS do take vacation from time to time. For example, I recall fielding questions from GS taking their families to Hawaii and using RPUs for the upgrade. Or the GS I sat next to on ps who commented on how instruments allowed her to take her entire family to Australia in business class.

transportbiz

It was an observation I think can be applied in general, it was not intended as an absolute. GS members do buy flights with their own money, that would certainly be one of those many exceptions.

My general point is that GS members will most often have had to buy FC or full Y in order to qualify based on spend. For sure many companies don't allow FC purchases. Some do for upper C suite execs.

cesco.g

I have seen those situation turn into some R1++, closer in to the dpt date. This on overseas flights though, domestic availability often does not follow this pattern.

hookthem

The whole premise of this thread is off. I am 1k and have flown in PN in likely > 90% of my flights over the last few months. This isn't directed toward GS ... just anyone that spends a ton of money!

Kacee

Sorry, the premise of your comment is off. Sounds like you fly only domestic, non ps routes.

The only way to get into PN on a BusinessFirst route is if you're GS (or as beneficiary of a GS instrument).

physioprof

Actually, I have a few segments that were Y,B instant upgrade to PN on EWR-SFO route purchased before the announcement of the switch of PS to EWR. Those segments are still PN in BusinessFirst on what are now PS flights, and I'm not GS.

Kacee

That's because the route did not become BF until after you cleared into PN. If you purchase a Y/B/M on those flights today, you cannot instant upgrade into PN. As you are well aware.

physioprof

Absolutely. Just being pedantically correct.

hookthem

Hmm... post #1 was talking about transcon. Perhaps in a later post he/she was talking exclusively PS?