dwbf11

Have two basic questions about GPU's and maximizing their value for an upcoming trip.

I currently have 2 tickets booked on the LAX-SYD 777 in business (I), which were booked using miles several months ago. (Side rant: Global First was available when I started the booking, but when I got to check out they were gone. Now they're showing as open seats, but not bookable with points again if I was starting from stage 0). I have no status with UA. Expert Mode shows 9 seats in "R" class available and 0 in "O" class.

Question 1: I can't see a way to use miles to upgrade to GlobalFirst; is it possible to do this, and if yes, where on the reservation page is that option?

Question 2: Is it worth it to use GPU's to bump into GlobalFirst? Or put another way, is there a way to check if there is even GPU availability on my specific flight, before I waste the GPU's?

TIA.

WineCountryUA

not as an upgrade but if O opens up you can change your tickets from I to O (for the mileage difference)

GPUs can not be used on award tickets (unless you are a GS).

The use of GPU to GF would required ON space.

Where would you be getting the GPUs from?

dwbf11

OK, thanks for that. Interesting - there do appear to be 6 "ON" seats available, but seems like a moot point if it's an award ticket.

Other than Expertflyer do you know of any other ways to get a notification of O space opening up?

I have a couple of colleagues who each offered me one of their GPU's - I guess they are allowed to "sponsor" me on it, or something similar?

WineCountryUA

O for UA is not available on EF -- none of the award/upgrade space is.

yes they can but I believe they need to be traveling with you to apply on award tickets.

EWRMAN

I'm interested to see the difference in a Y or B fare compared to the M fare I have currently booked. EWR-LHR (11/2-11/6) . Which leads me to a couple of questions:

1.why would there be no availability in Y or B fare class but availability in cheaper classes.

2.The flight search says:

UA 29 11/2
Y9 YN9 B9 M9

but when I search by Y or B fares it says 'your requested fare class is not available'. Why is this?

I don't have any GPU's but am interested in getting the bonus PQM.

WineCountryUA

Likely a fare rule issue -- no filed fare rule or not meeting a requirement of the fare rule. Why? that would take research -- fastest way is to call and ask.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unite...book-into.html

Never seen this before on Y/B fares but common for lower fare classes.

EWRMAN

OK - thx. I'll call later and post their response

EWRMAN

Lady didn't know why I couldn't do it online but could tell me the prices differences.

B+$931
Y+$2657

She also alluded to a problem with united's system today where it is charging people $300 who are changing their reservation within 24 hrs

EmailKid

Just today

Tried to do SDC Sunday, and .bomb was asking for $200 change fee even though my fare class was open

Later in the day decided it was ok with $0 fee.

And yes, within :-: 24 hours :-: of all flights.

Nimitz

I will be 1K for the first time in a few days when my return leg from Vietnam post. This means that I will have access to GPU's for the first time. I was wondering if W-class fares stay the same or if the fluctuate like the lower class fares.

Thanks Nimitz

EmailKid

I have seen them change at times, though not always.

But I have not been 1K since January, moreover haven't looked at W fares for over a year as that's when I applied the last of my GPUs.

Kacee

That's a frequent online bug. Free SDC via the website is often not possible.

Yes there's nothing at all special about a W, it's just the minimum fare UA will let you upgrade to international BF with a GPU.

JC1976

is there no more 1k mileage plus direct line?
I know there is 1k reservations desk but its not really the same.

gameover98

So the company will only pay for full fare economy, but will not pay for discounted first class, it's policy. They priced EWR-IAH at $1800+, what are my chances of getting upgraded to first, or even economy plus? I have no status on United, I fly maybe 3-4 times a year at most.

manneca

I had W fares booked and had to change my departure and return and the fare jumped by $470. I had assumed the fare would not change and I'd only have to pay the cancellation fee.