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]
Jan 29, 2017, 8:09 pm
#256
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: MSP/ORD
Programs: UA 1MM/GS, Marriott Lifetime Platinum
Posts: 318
I have an upcoming domestic flight, AAA-BBB-CCC. I was avoiding applying a RPU to it because, based on prior experience, I thought I was a lock to get a CPU on BBB-CCC. Sure enough, the CPU just came through on BBB-CCC at T-96.
My question is, what would happen if I were to now apply an RPU? I wouldn't want it to overrule the already-granted CPU on BBB-CCC. I'm worried that I were to apply the RPU, but I don't get upgraded on AAA-BBB, then I might not get the RPU redeposited on the grounds that I was upgraded on BBB-CCC.
My question is, what would happen if I were to now apply an RPU? I wouldn't want it to overrule the already-granted CPU on BBB-CCC. I'm worried that I were to apply the RPU, but I don't get upgraded on AAA-BBB, then I might not get the RPU redeposited on the grounds that I was upgraded on BBB-CCC.
Jan 29, 2017, 10:19 pm
#257
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: 66,859
I have an upcoming domestic flight, AAA-BBB-CCC. I was avoiding applying a RPU to it because, based on prior experience, I thought I was a lock to get a CPU on BBB-CCC. Sure enough, the CPU just came through on BBB-CCC at T-96.
My question is, what would happen if I were to now apply an RPU? I wouldn't want it to overrule the already-granted CPU on BBB-CCC. I'm worried that I were to apply the RPU, but I don't get upgraded on AAA-BBB, then I might not get the RPU redeposited on the grounds that I was upgraded on BBB-CCC.
My question is, what would happen if I were to now apply an RPU? I wouldn't want it to overrule the already-granted CPU on BBB-CCC. I'm worried that I were to apply the RPU, but I don't get upgraded on AAA-BBB, then I might not get the RPU redeposited on the grounds that I was upgraded on BBB-CCC.
Feb 2, 2017, 3:22 pm
#258
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Madrid spain
Programs: UA 1K, Hilton Gold, SPG PLT
Posts: 574
manual clear R within T-24
Being based in Asia, we rarely had chance to use RPU for US domestic segments. My experience from a year ago indicates that 1K agent could manually clear the RPU upgrade within T-24. But this last weekend, on our friend from HNL-SFO, I called twice, the agent told me it was not possible. Imagine seeing two R seats few away. If I had changed our routing to the direct HNL-LAX flight, we could have applied the RPU as there were two R seats left on that flight within T-24.
Could anyone confirm my understanding that it is not possible to manually clear R class within T-24?
Thank you.
Could anyone confirm my understanding that it is not possible to manually clear R class within T-24?
Thank you.
Feb 2, 2017, 3:30 pm
#259
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Honolulu Harbor
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 15,029
...But this last weekend, on our friend from HNL-SFO, I called twice, the agent told me it was not possible. Imagine seeing two R seats few away. If I had changed our routing to the direct HNL-LAX flight, we could have applied the RPU as there were two R seats left on that flight within T-24.
Could anyone confirm my understanding that it is not possible to manually clear R class within T-24?...
Could anyone confirm my understanding that it is not possible to manually clear R class within T-24?...
Feb 2, 2017, 3:48 pm
#260
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, UA Gold, WN, Global Entry; +others wherever miles/points are found
Posts: 14,424
If there was open R, most agents will force clear your upgrade.
Feb 2, 2017, 3:54 pm
#261
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Madrid spain
Programs: UA 1K, Hilton Gold, SPG PLT
Posts: 574
I saw clearly in the expert mode two R class for both HNL-SFO and HNL-LAX flights in the morning of Feb 1. I could also book two savor first class reward tickets (didn't click on confirm) for these two flights at that time. I called 1K and two agents also saw it. The first agent told me straight out they can't manually upgrade me into R. The second agent said she can try, but then told me the system won't let her. What's upseting was my partner and I were both 1K members, and we were on #1 and #2 on the upgrade list.
Feb 2, 2017, 4:02 pm
#262
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Honolulu Harbor
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 15,029
You may not have been #1 and #2 on the actual upgrade list. The list you can see only shows those who have checked in. Some GSs or 1Ks may not have checked in and might have been ahead of you on the actual upgrade list that you cannot see.
Feb 2, 2017, 4:08 pm
#263
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Madrid spain
Programs: UA 1K, Hilton Gold, SPG PLT
Posts: 574
Thanks. Now I Got it! I was still under the impression the upgrade list is based on status then time of checkin, when did they change this? My RPU upgrade chance had been really bad because user error.
Feb 10, 2017, 1:30 pm
#264
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 630
I applied an RPU to the a flight and the upgrade cleared. a few days after I had to cancel the flight so I called UA and asked to cancel and refund my RPU. I still don't see the RPU back to my account (4 days later). How long does it usually take? should I call in and check what's up?
Thanks.
Thanks.
Feb 10, 2017, 4:07 pm
#265
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: SBA
Programs: UA Gold 1MM, Marriott Gold, IHG Plat, Hertz PC
Posts: 941
Can't hurt to call although for something like this if I'm not in a rush I just email. Much less time consuming and gets the job done. For me at least, they replied back saying they redeposited the RPU. I checked and it was there again.
Feb 16, 2017, 11:47 pm
#266
Join Date: Mar 2014
Programs: 1K
Posts: 220
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.
Did the rule referenced in the Wiki change?
Feb 17, 2017, 12:36 am
#267
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: 66,859
I just got off the phone with a "1K" agent who was helping me apply some RPUs to the long segments of two flights. She insisted that I could apply the an RPU to the outbound if "both segments don't clear" I will get the RPU back. She said she had just confirmed it with MileagePlus earlier and that was the rule. I said my experience has been the exact opposite and she applied them only to the longer legs at my request.
Did the rule referenced in the Wiki change?
Did the rule referenced in the Wiki change?
A Regional Premier Upgrade will be considered used if any segment of an itinerary is upgraded and flown.
Feb 17, 2017, 10:22 am
#268
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: San Francisco
Programs: UA MM Plat, UA 1MM, Hilton Lifetime Gold, Marriott Gold, Hertz Gold, CLEAR, AS MVP Gold
Posts: 3,621
"A Regional Premier Upgrade will be considered used if any segment of an itinerary is upgraded and flown. "
This is absolutely the often unfortunate case. I flew MFR-SFO-ORD at the end of last year and the MFR-SFO cleared but NOT the SFO-ORD and the RPU was indeed pulled for a 50 min flight.
This is absolutely the often unfortunate case. I flew MFR-SFO-ORD at the end of last year and the MFR-SFO cleared but NOT the SFO-ORD and the RPU was indeed pulled for a 50 min flight.
Feb 17, 2017, 3:08 pm
#269
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: TOA
Programs: HH Diamond, Marriott LTPP/Platinum Premier, Hyatt Lame-ist, UA !K
Posts: 20,061
"A Regional Premier Upgrade will be considered used if any segment of an itinerary is upgraded and flown. "
This is absolutely the often unfortunate case. I flew MFR-SFO-ORD at the end of last year and the MFR-SFO cleared but NOT the SFO-ORD and the RPU was indeed pulled for a 50 min flight.
This is absolutely the often unfortunate case. I flew MFR-SFO-ORD at the end of last year and the MFR-SFO cleared but NOT the SFO-ORD and the RPU was indeed pulled for a 50 min flight.
David
Feb 25, 2017, 4:02 pm
#270
Join Date: Sep 2015
Programs: 1 thousand
Posts: 2,112
Some reports from my recent RPU adventures:
1. Applied RPUs for 2 passengers on a Transcon (west coast, to IAD) + short-hop (100 mile flight), the short-hop cleared 1 month out, the transcon never cleared. Both RPUs returned automatically 1 day after the flight. (I don't know if I would've cleared the CPU on the second flight, the upgrade list was 20 people for a CRJ-700, I was on a lowish fare).
2. Applied RPU to a similar transcon + medium hop (500 miles), both segments cleared a few weeks out. Had irrops on the transcon, decided to cancel the second segment. Cancelled online, my RPU was returned (the website told me I'd get my RPU back during cancellation, even though I'd flown the long segment).
It's unlikely that I'll be able to use many of these upgrades over the next year, so there's no chance of my being able to use that extra RPU I got from (2) anyway even if I wanted to (but I'd consider that unethical regardless).
1. Applied RPUs for 2 passengers on a Transcon (west coast, to IAD) + short-hop (100 mile flight), the short-hop cleared 1 month out, the transcon never cleared. Both RPUs returned automatically 1 day after the flight. (I don't know if I would've cleared the CPU on the second flight, the upgrade list was 20 people for a CRJ-700, I was on a lowish fare).
2. Applied RPU to a similar transcon + medium hop (500 miles), both segments cleared a few weeks out. Had irrops on the transcon, decided to cancel the second segment. Cancelled online, my RPU was returned (the website told me I'd get my RPU back during cancellation, even though I'd flown the long segment).
It's unlikely that I'll be able to use many of these upgrades over the next year, so there's no chance of my being able to use that extra RPU I got from (2) anyway even if I wanted to (but I'd consider that unethical regardless).