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]
Mar 8, 2017, 2:30 pm
#286
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Chicago
Programs: United 1k , Hertz President's Circle, Avis President's Club, Marriott Platinum, SPG platinum
Posts: 68
So I am a 1k and I have an RPU applied for my flight tomorrow from SAN to ORD. In case an upgrade clears(highly unlikely- only 1 seat open) and no TOD was offered, how will I know if it was my RPU that makes me sit upfront vs a CPU? This is so that in case I was CPU'd I would like the RPU back.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Last edited by ordflyer18; Mar 8, 2017 at 4:13 pm Reason: Grammar
Mar 8, 2017, 3:31 pm
#287
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
So I am a 1k and I have an RPU applied for my flight tomorrow from SAN to ORD. In case an upgrade clears(highly unlikely) only 1 seat open and no TOD was offered, how will I know if it was my RPU makes me sit upfront vs a CPU? This is so that in case I was CPU'd I would like the RPU back.
Thanks!
Thanks!
So not you will not automatically get the RPU back. Guess you can try to argue the CPU would have worked but you willn't have anything to support that believe.
Mar 8, 2017, 4:15 pm
#288
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Chicago
Programs: United 1k , Hertz President's Circle, Avis President's Club, Marriott Platinum, SPG platinum
Posts: 68
RPUs are higher priority and there is not way to tell where you would have been in the list without the RPU.
So not you will not automatically get the RPU back. Guess you can try to argue the CPU would have worked but you willn't have anything to support that believe.
So not you will not automatically get the RPU back. Guess you can try to argue the CPU would have worked but you willn't have anything to support that believe.
Mar 8, 2017, 8:23 pm
#289
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: TOA
Programs: HH Diamond, Marriott LTPP/Platinum Premier, Hyatt Lame-ist, UA !K
Posts: 20,061
David
Mar 10, 2017, 11:02 am
#290
Join Date: Apr 1999
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
Programs: Hyatt LT Globalist, Marriot LT Titanium, UA 2.4MM, HH Gold, AS MVPG
Posts: 3,400
Do Platinums earn 2 more RPU at 100K if not qualifying for 1K?
So as I'm starting to decide on my travel plans for the remainder of the year, I know that I could easily hit 100K miles. The $12,000 PQD is always a bit of a challenge.
So I know that once I hit $9000PQD, and 75,000 miles I'll get two RPU.
But if I hit 100,000 miles, but not $12,000 PQD do I still get an additional 2 RPU or not?
If not then I may change strategy as a 2MM I'll get 2 RPU regardless of weather I fly 0 miles or 100,000 miles (if I don't make PQD for 1K).
Thanks.
So I know that once I hit $9000PQD, and 75,000 miles I'll get two RPU.
But if I hit 100,000 miles, but not $12,000 PQD do I still get an additional 2 RPU or not?
If not then I may change strategy as a 2MM I'll get 2 RPU regardless of weather I fly 0 miles or 100,000 miles (if I don't make PQD for 1K).
Thanks.
Mar 10, 2017, 11:11 am
#291
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
Premier members will earn two Regional Premier Upgrades upon meeting all qualification requirements of Premier Platinum status, plus two more upon meeting all qualification requirements of Premier 1K® status. An additional two Regional Premier Upgrades will be awarded for each 25,000 Premier qualifying miles or 30 Premier qualifying segments earned thereafter during the same calendar year that Premier 1K was reached.
Mar 10, 2017, 11:17 am
#292
Join Date: Apr 1999
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
Programs: Hyatt LT Globalist, Marriot LT Titanium, UA 2.4MM, HH Gold, AS MVPG
Posts: 3,400
Mar 11, 2017, 11:45 am
#293
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Benicia, California, USA
Programs: AA PLT,AS,UA PP,J6,FB,EY,LH,SQ,HH Dmd,Hyatt Glbl,Marriott Plat,IHG Plat,Accor Gold
Posts: 10,820
Easy way to search for upgrade (RPU) availability?
I haven't searched for flights with Regional Premier Upgrades available in some time, and am now giving it a try. It seems that I must search on a flight-by-flight basis - that is, either hover on the arrow for each flight or use Expert Mode to search R availability for each flight.
1. Is there any quicker way on united.com to search for RPU availability so that it shows up (if any are available) for all flights on a given day?
2. Do any non-united.com sites show availability more easily? It seems that Expertflyer has award availability but not upgrade availability.
Thanks for any help!
1. Is there any quicker way on united.com to search for RPU availability so that it shows up (if any are available) for all flights on a given day?
2. Do any non-united.com sites show availability more easily? It seems that Expertflyer has award availability but not upgrade availability.
Thanks for any help!
Mar 11, 2017, 6:00 pm
#294
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: GVA (Greater Vancouver Area)
Programs: DREAD Gold; UA 1.035MM; Bonvoy Au-197; PCC Elite+; CCC Elite+; MSC C-12; CWC Au-197; WoH Dis
Posts: 52,140
1. Is there any quicker way on united.com to search for RPU availability so that it shows up (if any are available) for all flights on a given day?
2. Do any non-united.com sites show availability more easily? It seems that Expertflyer has award availability but not upgrade availability.
2. Do any non-united.com sites show availability more easily? It seems that Expertflyer has award availability but not upgrade availability.
Mar 11, 2017, 10:36 pm
#295
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
I haven't searched for flights with Regional Premier Upgrades available in some time, and am now giving it a try. It seems that I must search on a flight-by-flight basis - that is, either hover on the arrow for each flight or use Expert Mode to search R availability for each flight.
Of course, you're probably only seeing yellow, since upgrade certificates are useless nowadays. UA now releases close to zero advance domestic R space.
Also there have been many reports that the "search by upgrade" tool is broken. I don't use it, so can't comment on that. I long ago concluded the only reliable method is to use expert mode to look for R.
Mar 12, 2017, 5:27 am
#296
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Benicia, California, USA
Programs: AA PLT,AS,UA PP,J6,FB,EY,LH,SQ,HH Dmd,Hyatt Glbl,Marriott Plat,IHG Plat,Accor Gold
Posts: 10,820
Not sure what you mean by this. If you're searching by upgrade type, the color changes depending on availability - green for available, yellow for waitlist, red for mixed cabin.
Of course, you're probably only seeing yellow, since upgrade certificates are useless nowadays. UA now releases close to zero advance domestic R space.
Also there have been many reports that the "search by upgrade" tool is broken. I don't use it, so can't comment on that. I long ago concluded the only reliable method is to use expert mode to look for R.
Of course, you're probably only seeing yellow, since upgrade certificates are useless nowadays. UA now releases close to zero advance domestic R space.
Also there have been many reports that the "search by upgrade" tool is broken. I don't use it, so can't comment on that. I long ago concluded the only reliable method is to use expert mode to look for R.
Yes, I'm seeing only yellow (though in terms of thinking of the whole issue of availability at booking, I'm seeing red
). I didn't even know green existed until I checked Boise (which someone on the other thread had referenced) and found it for a flight.But having discovered that green, mah, the answer to my first question (though perhaps I phrased the question poorly) would seem to be yes. That is, one can scan through all the flights seeking green...it's just that the chances of actually finding it about as likely as finding a leprechaun.
Now, having said all that, I've found a the thread that lists and details successes re GPUs upgrading. Is there such a thread for RPUs?
Last edited by Thunderroad; Mar 12, 2017 at 5:48 am
Mar 13, 2017, 6:32 pm
#297
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: SBA
Programs: UA Gold 1MM, Marriott Gold, IHG Plat, Hertz PC
Posts: 941
I often see availability on the p.s. flight on Saturdays. Checking next month, sat 4/15 EWR - SFO. Availability for a 7pm flight that would serve dinner, and the upgrade would be confirmed at booking.
- Tom
- Tom
Mar 13, 2017, 9:04 pm
#298
Join Date: Mar 2014
Programs: 1K
Posts: 220
Consider this. DRO->DEN->MIA
Called and applied RPU to only DEN->MIA long leg and agent said to call back if it clears and they can then apply the RPU to the short leg (DRO->DEN) and if R opens up that will automatically clear. Well DEN->MIA cleared and now they say that it will be an additional RPU for DEN->DRO.
All travel on same day, same PNR.
Called and applied RPU to only DEN->MIA long leg and agent said to call back if it clears and they can then apply the RPU to the short leg (DRO->DEN) and if R opens up that will automatically clear. Well DEN->MIA cleared and now they say that it will be an additional RPU for DEN->DRO.
All travel on same day, same PNR.
Mar 13, 2017, 9:39 pm
#299
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: YVR
Programs: UA Premier Platinum
Posts: 3,759
I applied an RPU on an IAH-SFO-YVR trip. SFO-YVR cleared far in advance. For the purpose of this discussion assume IAH-SFO doesn't clear. If I SDC to a later SFO-YVR flight, what happens? Is the RPU applied to the new flight (even though it's within 24 hours), giving me higher priority for an upgrade at the gate, or is it removed and returned to my account?
Mar 14, 2017, 12:10 am
#300
Moderator, Omni, Omni/PR, Omni/Games, FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Between DCA and IAD
Programs: UA 1K MM; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 67,146
Consider this. DRO->DEN->MIA
Called and applied RPU to only DEN->MIA long leg and agent said to call back if it clears and they can then apply the RPU to the short leg (DRO->DEN) and if R opens up that will automatically clear. Well DEN->MIA cleared and now they say that it will be an additional RPU for DEN->DRO.
All travel on same day, same PNR.
Called and applied RPU to only DEN->MIA long leg and agent said to call back if it clears and they can then apply the RPU to the short leg (DRO->DEN) and if R opens up that will automatically clear. Well DEN->MIA cleared and now they say that it will be an additional RPU for DEN->DRO.
All travel on same day, same PNR.