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]
Apr 27, 2017, 3:41 pm
#331
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: PHL
Programs: UA 1K 1MM, Marriott Gold, IHG Platinum, Raddison Platinum, Avis Presidents Club
Posts: 5,271
Oh really, a GA will know how to remove an RPU. Good to know. Maybe I'll ask before the TCON leg. On a short CR7 flight, I dont care so much where I sit, my fear would only be if it were full. I guess I'll keep a close eye on the flight.
Apr 28, 2017, 7:15 am
#332
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: NYC (Primarily EWR)
Programs: UA 1K / *G, Marriott Bonvoy Gold; Avis PC
Posts: 9,010
Just cleared an RPU on EWR-LAX for a flight in 6 weeks or so. Woohoo! 
May 8, 2017, 3:55 pm
#333
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
I know this can be a sucker's game but I really want to use up some of my RPU/GPU's and have had ZERO clear in 9 months. I have a bunch pending but still haven't seen any of them clear. I just purchase a SFO-CLE for next month (of course no R space) and this time bought up to W class. Was this/is this just a waste of cash or do some feel it does significantly increase your chance of upgrade? Of course the UA agent said it will help.
May 8, 2017, 4:25 pm
#334
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Portland OR & Bangkok
Programs: United GS, Marriott Ambassador
Posts: 662
If you are doing it to get ahead of others with the same status as you, then I personally think it is a waste of money!
May 8, 2017, 4:30 pm
#335
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
While 1Ks are generally losing to GS and purchased upgrades, on a flight that is connecting internationally, many 1Ks are on W fares due to the international route. I think on those international connector flights there is significant grouping at W. So those below W are further behind.
May 9, 2017, 10:05 am
#336
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
Well since none are clearing for me I wanted to take another run at buying an up class W ticket and see what happens. Last Dec I did it on an a SFO-FRA ticket and it still didn't hit so yeah I felt like a fool. No changes since then with zero RPU/GPU's clearing so I figured I would give this a try. Wasn't too pricey to jump up to W class, about $60 (RT), I guess I will soon see if I just threw my $$$ out the window.
May 10, 2017, 9:36 am
#337
formerly bulgarianfreak55
Join Date: May 2012
Programs: United 1K, Marriott Platinum, SPG Platinum, Hertz Pres
Posts: 142
Does it matter how far ahead you request an upgrade using RPU, in terms of your priority? Say for an August flight, you put it in in May. Another person puts it in July, with same status.
Day of flight, does the person who put it in back in May have higher priority?
Also, does a GPU used on a domestic flight have higher priority than a RPU used on that flight?
Day of flight, does the person who put it in back in May have higher priority?
Also, does a GPU used on a domestic flight have higher priority than a RPU used on that flight?
May 10, 2017, 9:42 am
#338
Join Date: Jan 2016
Programs: UA 1K; *G, AA Plat
Posts: 1,700
Does it matter how far ahead you request an upgrade using RPU, in terms of your priority? Say for an August flight, you put it in in May. Another person puts it in July, with same status.
Day of flight, does the person who put it in back in May have higher priority?
Also, does a GPU used on a domestic flight have higher priority than a RPU used on that flight?
Day of flight, does the person who put it in back in May have higher priority?
Also, does a GPU used on a domestic flight have higher priority than a RPU used on that flight?
*Edited based on post #440's response from OP.
May 10, 2017, 9:44 am
#339
formerly bulgarianfreak55
Join Date: May 2012
Programs: United 1K, Marriott Platinum, SPG Platinum, Hertz Pres
Posts: 142
I meant day of flight as in when upgrades start to clear.
May 10, 2017, 9:48 am
#340
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: EWR/LHR/SFO
Programs: UA 1K 1MM
Posts: 574
Does it matter how far ahead you request an upgrade using RPU, in terms of your priority? Say for an August flight, you put it in in May. Another person puts it in July, with same status.
Day of flight, does the person who put it in back in May have higher priority?
Also, does a GPU used on a domestic flight have higher priority than a RPU used on that flight?
Day of flight, does the person who put it in back in May have higher priority?
Also, does a GPU used on a domestic flight have higher priority than a RPU used on that flight?
If your upgrade goes to the gate (ie is processed manually by an agent prior to boarding), then the tiebreaker is time of check-in, not time of instrument application. So if the June 1K checks in at T-24 and the May one at T-23, the June 1K will appear higher on the gate upgrade list (and the one you see in "flight status").
May 10, 2017, 9:55 am
#341
formerly bulgarianfreak55
Join Date: May 2012
Programs: United 1K, Marriott Platinum, SPG Platinum, Hertz Pres
Posts: 142
No difference on G/RPU. There are two upgrade lists. For the pre-gate list that gets processed automatically, it goes status then fare class then time of instrument application. So if two 1Ks on the same fare class apply an RPU to the same flight, but one does it in May and one in June, the May person is higher up on the pre-gate waitlist.
If your upgrade goes to the gate (ie is processed manually by an agent prior to boarding), then the tiebreaker is time of check-in, not time of instrument application. So if the June 1K checks in at T-24 and the May one at T-23, the June 1K will appear higher on the gate upgrade list (and the one you see in "flight status").
If your upgrade goes to the gate (ie is processed manually by an agent prior to boarding), then the tiebreaker is time of check-in, not time of instrument application. So if the June 1K checks in at T-24 and the May one at T-23, the June 1K will appear higher on the gate upgrade list (and the one you see in "flight status").
May 11, 2017, 7:27 am
#342
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 630
Hey guys,
I'm booked on DCA-IAH-PHX and requested to use my RPU
IAH-PHX cleared, so far DCA-IAH is wait-listed. The first leg is in 96 hours and as Plat, I am eligible for an upgrade 72 hours before the flight. F cabin is full about 4/12 full.
I'd like to call UA and request to remove the RPU from this segment and with that try to utilize a CPU instead. if I will do it:
1) What will happen to the RPU? will it go back to my account?
2) Will the confirmed upgrade stay confirmed?
Thanks!
I'm booked on DCA-IAH-PHX and requested to use my RPU
IAH-PHX cleared, so far DCA-IAH is wait-listed. The first leg is in 96 hours and as Plat, I am eligible for an upgrade 72 hours before the flight. F cabin is full about 4/12 full.
I'd like to call UA and request to remove the RPU from this segment and with that try to utilize a CPU instead. if I will do it:
1) What will happen to the RPU? will it go back to my account?
2) Will the confirmed upgrade stay confirmed?
Thanks!
May 11, 2017, 8:45 am
#343
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 1K and MM, Marriot, Hilton
Posts: 804
happily cleared 2x2 RPU for EWR-SFO recently. both sunday nights for travel but i will take it
May 11, 2017, 10:38 am
#344
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,417
Hey guys,
I'm booked on DCA-IAH-PHX and requested to use my RPU
IAH-PHX cleared, so far DCA-IAH is wait-listed. The first leg is in 96 hours and as Plat, I am eligible for an upgrade 72 hours before the flight. F cabin is full about 4/12 full.
I'd like to call UA and request to remove the RPU from this segment and with that try to utilize a CPU instead. if I will do it:
1) What will happen to the RPU? will it go back to my account?
2) Will the confirmed upgrade stay confirmed?
Thanks!
I'm booked on DCA-IAH-PHX and requested to use my RPU
IAH-PHX cleared, so far DCA-IAH is wait-listed. The first leg is in 96 hours and as Plat, I am eligible for an upgrade 72 hours before the flight. F cabin is full about 4/12 full.
I'd like to call UA and request to remove the RPU from this segment and with that try to utilize a CPU instead. if I will do it:
1) What will happen to the RPU? will it go back to my account?
2) Will the confirmed upgrade stay confirmed?
Thanks!
I can't think of any reason to remove it only from the DCA-IAH segment, though. The RPU will still be considered used (for IAH-PHX), so it wouldn't be redeposited, and you would have moved yourself down the upgrade list -- behind any gold / silver / no-status members using miles or a gifted certificate, and behind 1K members hoping for a CPU.
May 11, 2017, 11:33 am
#345
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
Hey guys,
I'm booked on DCA-IAH-PHX and requested to use my RPU
IAH-PHX cleared, so far DCA-IAH is wait-listed. The first leg is in 96 hours and as Plat, I am eligible for an upgrade 72 hours before the flight. F cabin is full about 4/12 full.
I'd like to call UA and request to remove the RPU from this segment and with that try to utilize a CPU instead. if I will do it:
1) What will happen to the RPU? will it go back to my account?
2) Will the confirmed upgrade stay confirmed?
Thanks!
I'm booked on DCA-IAH-PHX and requested to use my RPU
IAH-PHX cleared, so far DCA-IAH is wait-listed. The first leg is in 96 hours and as Plat, I am eligible for an upgrade 72 hours before the flight. F cabin is full about 4/12 full.
I'd like to call UA and request to remove the RPU from this segment and with that try to utilize a CPU instead. if I will do it:
1) What will happen to the RPU? will it go back to my account?
2) Will the confirmed upgrade stay confirmed?
Thanks!