Jan 9, 2016, 5:58 pm
Last edit by: Zorak
This thread is for general RPU usage questions. ---- Previous Thread was Specific GPU and RPU usage questions thread
Questions like "will my upgrade clear" are better placed in
[Consolidated] Chance of upgrade clearing on my flight [2016]
How often do your RPUs clear?
General comments on utility / value are better placed in
My new United Regional Premier Upgrade (RPU) strategy
Regional Premier® Upgrades (RPUs) are one-way, one-cabin, space available confirmable upgrades as early as the time of ticketing on eligible UA/UX and Copa Airlines-operated flights. They can be used on any fare and any flight that is also CPU eligible and on PS flights. This includes some Oceania and some COPA South America flights. They are generally not usable on flights outside of North America -- see upgrade region chart for details.
PS and non-west coast Hawaii flights are considered one of the better uses of RPUs since those flights are not CPU eligible and since elites are subject to copays on mileage upgrades.
RPUs are earned by elites -- (Re-)qualifying for Premier Platinum earns 2 RPU for the rest of the year, all of the next year and then thru 31 January of the following year. Re-)qualifying for Premier 1K earns 2 more RPUs and you can then earn 2 more RPUs for each additional 25K PQMs.
Unlike GPUs, UA does not offer an extension of unused and about to expire RPUs.
2MM, assuming they did not otherwise qualify for Platinum in the prior year, will have 2 RPUs deposited into their account around mid-January. 3MM+, assuming they did not otherwise qualify for 1K in the prior year, will have 2 RPUs and 6 GPUs deposited into their account around mid-January.
RPUs can be used for other individuals / friends / family but the upgrade priority is based on the status of the flyer, not the earning elite.
RPUs require PZ space (formerly R) to clear (except for GS RPUs which clear into PN space). For a given flight, RPU /GPU or Mileage+Copay have the same waitlist priority -- what does matter is passenger Status then Fare Class and then the time of the request. For more on waitlisting, see Understanding the United Upgrade List Comprehensively
A Regional Premier Upgrade will be considered used if any segment of an itinerary is upgraded and flown - no exception. Miles and GPUs have an exception if the waitlisted International BF/GF (now called Polaris business / first) does not clear, the miles/GPU will be returned -- this does not apply to RPUs. Recent changes in the rules make it clear there is no exception for PS routes.
Note on most RPU routes, a "connection" needs to be under 4 hours (longer only if it is the next scheduled flight) or a single RPU will not apply. This standard stopover definition for North American flights.
A single RPU (or GPU or Miles+copay) can not be applied to flights on different PNRs (or for different carriers even on the same PNR).
Questions like "will my upgrade clear" are better placed in
[Consolidated] Chance of upgrade clearing on my flight [2016]
How often do your RPUs clear?
General comments on utility / value are better placed in
My new United Regional Premier Upgrade (RPU) strategy
Regional Premier® Upgrades (RPUs) are one-way, one-cabin, space available confirmable upgrades as early as the time of ticketing on eligible UA/UX and Copa Airlines-operated flights. They can be used on any fare and any flight that is also CPU eligible and on PS flights. This includes some Oceania and some COPA South America flights. They are generally not usable on flights outside of North America -- see upgrade region chart for details.
PS and non-west coast Hawaii flights are considered one of the better uses of RPUs since those flights are not CPU eligible and since elites are subject to copays on mileage upgrades.
RPUs are earned by elites -- (Re-)qualifying for Premier Platinum earns 2 RPU for the rest of the year, all of the next year and then thru 31 January of the following year. Re-)qualifying for Premier 1K earns 2 more RPUs and you can then earn 2 more RPUs for each additional 25K PQMs.
Unlike GPUs, UA does not offer an extension of unused and about to expire RPUs.
2MM, assuming they did not otherwise qualify for Platinum in the prior year, will have 2 RPUs deposited into their account around mid-January. 3MM+, assuming they did not otherwise qualify for 1K in the prior year, will have 2 RPUs and 6 GPUs deposited into their account around mid-January.
RPUs can be used for other individuals / friends / family but the upgrade priority is based on the status of the flyer, not the earning elite.
RPUs require PZ space (formerly R) to clear (except for GS RPUs which clear into PN space). For a given flight, RPU /GPU or Mileage+Copay have the same waitlist priority -- what does matter is passenger Status then Fare Class and then the time of the request. For more on waitlisting, see Understanding the United Upgrade List Comprehensively
A Regional Premier Upgrade will be considered used if any segment of an itinerary is upgraded and flown - no exception. Miles and GPUs have an exception if the waitlisted International BF/GF (now called Polaris business / first) does not clear, the miles/GPU will be returned -- this does not apply to RPUs. Recent changes in the rules make it clear there is no exception for PS routes.
Note on most RPU routes, a "connection" needs to be under 4 hours (longer only if it is the next scheduled flight) or a single RPU will not apply. This standard stopover definition for North American flights.
A single RPU (or GPU or Miles+copay) can not be applied to flights on different PNRs (or for different carriers even on the same PNR).
General RPU earning & usage questions [Consolidated 2016 onward]
Nov 6, 2016, 9:40 pm
#151
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, UA Gold, WN, Global Entry; +others wherever miles/points are found
Posts: 14,425
By far the best use of RPUs are into open R space at booking. Preferably on high value routes (p.s. transcons, ORD/EWR-HNL, that sort of thing) or whatever route you value most. If you're willing to be flexible about your travel then it's easier to do this, but sometimes you get lucky. Just keep an eye out for R space (flying home from EWR soon and confirmed R at 6pm on a Friday which I thought was a pretty good score).
Flights which are I9 within three weeks tend to be a pretty strong bet for 1K/plat CPU.
Flights which are I9 within three weeks tend to be a pretty strong bet for 1K/plat CPU.
Nov 7, 2016, 12:13 am
#152
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,480
From LAX? EWR or Hawaii (preferably with lie-flats or barcaloungers). As others have noted, best to confirm into open R at booking.
If you haven't burned them by November, start applying them to everything.
Actually, as 1K it can be predicted with a pretty high degree of accuracy if you're buying high fare class within a week of departure.
If you haven't burned them by November, start applying them to everything.
Actually, as 1K it can be predicted with a pretty high degree of accuracy if you're buying high fare class within a week of departure.
Nov 7, 2016, 2:40 am
#153
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: ZOA, SFO, HKG
Programs: UA 1K 0.9MM, Marriott Gold, HHonors Gold, Hertz PC, SBux Gold, TSA Pre✓
Posts: 13,811
Burn it as fast as you can.
Your CPU success rate will definitely get improved. The question is - how much? Sorry to say - despite the status boost, you are still behind GSs and 1Ks for CPU.
So when the route is long enough, don't hesitate to use it.
Your CPU success rate will definitely get improved. The question is - how much? Sorry to say - despite the status boost, you are still behind GSs and 1Ks for CPU.
So when the route is long enough, don't hesitate to use it.
Nov 7, 2016, 8:02 am
#154
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Honolulu Harbor
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 15,029
Here's an example of where use of a Plat's RPU might be considered. Tomorrow night's flight SFO-OGG. A single 1K CPU cleared at T-96 Friday. No CPUs since. Went R1 this morning, two seats remaining. UA's giving people the opportunity to use instruments/miles for an upgrade just prior to check-in later today, at which time I expect to see some buy-ups offered. UA's even made a First saver and a couple of economy saver awards available. A Plat could very well be sitting in the back if relying on a CPU for a hub to non-hub leisure route. UA is definitely pricing and sizing Hawaii F cabins to sell. A year or two ago, you'd see (non-atypically) 2-4 F seats sold and the rest upgrades and even non-revs on a 757. Now it's predominantly 738/9s, often with 3/4 of the cabin non-upgrades.
16 F seats, two non-CPU upgrades, one CPU upgrade, two available seats.
Edit: last 2 seats gone w/o additional CPUs granted. Wait list growing.
16 F seats, two non-CPU upgrades, one CPU upgrade, two available seats.
Edit: last 2 seats gone w/o additional CPUs granted. Wait list growing.
Last edited by IAH-OIL-TRASH; Nov 8, 2016 at 7:17 am
Nov 7, 2016, 11:40 am
#155
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: SBA
Programs: UA Gold 1MM, Marriott Gold, IHG Plat, Hertz PC
Posts: 941
EWR to SFO p.s. flights showing lots of availability for RPU's on Saturdays in Jan. This picture is Jan 14th, showing 3 of 7 flights available for an instant confirmed upgrade. EWR to LAX was showing a few spots as well. Only $154 for this segment makes it even better!
Nov 7, 2016, 1:33 pm
#156
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 1K and MM, Marriot, Hilton
Posts: 804
I was able to use an RPU on this mornings 6am SFO-EWR, 1K on an S fare, pretty crazy for a Monday
Nov 7, 2016, 6:45 pm
#157
Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 22
I just got platinum for the very time ever (yay) and very new to this game!
Thanks!
Nov 7, 2016, 7:04 pm
#158
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.997MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,861
Nov 7, 2016, 7:33 pm
#159
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: SF Bay Area
Programs: UA Platinum
Posts: 502
(As I have never been a Pt before I have never seen a screen like this)
Nov 7, 2016, 8:25 pm
#160
Join Date: Jan 2016
Programs: UA 1K; *G, AA Plat
Posts: 1,700
Yes. The yellow means 'waitlist' while the green means 'confirmed at booking'. You can bring up a page like this yourself by booking on UA.com and selecting the "All Search Options" in the blue "Book travel" box. This will bring up a 'Advanced' search. Look for the subheading "Fare preferences". There will be a dropdown box with the heading "Upgrade type". Select RPU and search. You'll see the yellow and green icons when your search results are displayed.
Nov 7, 2016, 9:22 pm
#161
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: SF Bay Area
Programs: UA Platinum
Posts: 502
Yes. The yellow means 'waitlist' while the green means 'confirmed at booking'. You can bring up a page like this yourself by booking on UA.com and selecting the "All Search Options" in the blue "Book travel" box. This will bring up a 'Advanced' search. Look for the subheading "Fare preferences". There will be a dropdown box with the heading "Upgrade type". Select RPU and search. You'll see the yellow and green icons when your search results are displayed.
Nov 8, 2016, 4:03 pm
#162
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: SBA
Programs: UA Gold 1MM, Marriott Gold, IHG Plat, Hertz PC
Posts: 941
As others just posted, the instructions on how to get these to show on United.com are spot on. The only drawback is you have to search one day at a time (can't search over 6 days at once), so it takes a bit of patience.
But when you see the green status, you're upgraded at booking. Hope that helps!
Nov 8, 2016, 4:05 pm
#163
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, UA Gold, WN, Global Entry; +others wherever miles/points are found
Posts: 14,425
Just a general note of caution when searching for R space on p.s. routes. If the equipment is a 772, there is a high chance that the advertised inventory is wrong. If you see something (like R9 IN9 I0) which seems too good to be true, it's usually because it is. But Saturday is a good time to find real R.
Nov 8, 2016, 5:19 pm
#164
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: SF Bay Area
Programs: UA Platinum
Posts: 502
Welcome to Platinum status! Yes, that's exactly right, $154 total for a one way p.s EWR-SFO service, flat bed seats and all, definitely a great deal if you can fly on a Saturday.
As others just posted, the instructions on how to get these to show on United.com are spot on. The only drawback is you have to search one day at a time (can't search over 6 days at once), so it takes a bit of patience.
But when you see the green status, you're upgraded at booking. Hope that helps!
As others just posted, the instructions on how to get these to show on United.com are spot on. The only drawback is you have to search one day at a time (can't search over 6 days at once), so it takes a bit of patience.
But when you see the green status, you're upgraded at booking. Hope that helps!
Just a general note of caution when searching for R space on p.s. routes. If the equipment is a 772, there is a high chance that the advertised inventory is wrong. If you see something (like R9 IN9 I0) which seems too good to be true, it's usually because it is. But Saturday is a good time to find real R.
Nov 9, 2016, 11:58 am
#165
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Denver, CO
Programs: UA Silver, Bonvoy Gold, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 21,561
Sorry that I haven't searched (since "CPU") is not allowed.
If I apply an RPU before the CPU threshold, and R and I inventory do get released at T-72, and I'm eligible for either, does it apply the CPU or the RPU? Is it better for me to apply the RPU at sometime like T-70 or so?
If I apply an RPU before the CPU threshold, and R and I inventory do get released at T-72, and I'm eligible for either, does it apply the CPU or the RPU? Is it better for me to apply the RPU at sometime like T-70 or so?