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]
Dec 11, 2017, 9:40 pm
#496
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 11,464
I am flying PHL-ORD-LAS-SFO-PHL. Yes a mileage run lol. I am just curious if certain legs do not clear do you get a refund? In the past when I've had GPU's applied and the longest legs didn't clear, they would always refund it. But I am not sure if the same applies with RPU's. So lets say some legs clear but not the long SFO-PHL flight, is there any chance? Just wondering...
If you want to preserve the RPU if, for example, SFO-PHL doesn't clear, you can request it only be applied to certain legs. That has to be done by phone, though.
Dec 11, 2017, 9:51 pm
#497
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: NYC
Programs: UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist, Bonvoy Titanium, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 368
In this case if any leg clears the RPU is considered used. The only ambiguity is on formerly-p.s. (EWR <> SFO/LAX, now BOS <> SFO?) routes.
If you want to preserve the RPU if, for example, SFO-PHL doesn't clear, you can request it only be applied to certain legs. That has to be done by phone, though.
If you want to preserve the RPU if, for example, SFO-PHL doesn't clear, you can request it only be applied to certain legs. That has to be done by phone, though.
Dec 11, 2017, 10:35 pm
#498
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: LAS
Programs: 3 MMer
Posts: 458
In this case if any leg clears the RPU is considered used. The only ambiguity is on formerly-p.s. (EWR <> SFO/LAX, now BOS <> SFO?) routes.
If you want to preserve the RPU if, for example, SFO-PHL doesn't clear, you can request it only be applied to certain legs. That has to be done by phone, though.
If you want to preserve the RPU if, for example, SFO-PHL doesn't clear, you can request it only be applied to certain legs. That has to be done by phone, though.
BOS-LAX didn't clear and the LAX-LAS did via the CPU route. Waited the mandatory days that res advised, after a few calls, and still not returned. So I spent over 2 hours on the horn, on Thanksgiving Day with MP debating whether I in fact applied the RPU for BOTH legs, which included an RJ (wide open up front) on the last leg. Neither of us would budge, on my part not because I wanted an RPU returned that was going to expire in 10 weeks, but rather because I was getting jerked around. She was pretty cool, but being trained by the "Always say NO" Houston group she wasn't going to budge, and neither was I. She very nicely asked if I wanted to elevate this matter and I said, "YES". After over 45 mins on the phone, waiting for a supervisor, I hung up as the drumstick getting cold. After the pie, I checked and lo and behold the RPU was returned and an half-apologetic e-mail was sent to me, by her, to inform me the I had received a ONE TIME exemption/exception, but to never pull this caper again, or something like that.
I probably have a huge red flag somewhere in my Friendly-Skies folder apprising every agent to be on the look-out for this RPU double-dipper!
Watch EVERYTHING like a hawk and don't fall for the ol' "Otto will take care of everything in a few days", trick!!!
Dec 11, 2017, 10:42 pm
#499
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: SAN
Programs: 1K (since 2008), *G (since 1990), 1MM
Posts: 3,219
CAUTION! CAUTION! A few weeks ago a m/r that included BOS-LAX-LAS. I purposly removed the LAX-LAS portion RPU from the itin.
BOS-LAX didn't clear and the LAX-LAS did via the CPU route. Waited the mandatory days that res advised, after a few calls, and still not returned. So I spent over 2 hours on the horn, on Thanksgiving Day with MP debating whether I in fact applied the RPU for BOTH legs, which included an RJ (wide open up front) on the last leg. Neither of us would budge, on my part not because I wanted an RPU returned that was going to expire in 10 weeks, but rather because I was getting jerked around. She was pretty cool, but being trained by the "Always say NO" Houston group she wasn't going to budge, and neither was I. She very nicely asked if I wanted to elevate this matter and I said, "YES". After over 45 mins on the phone, waiting for a supervisor, I hung up as the drumstick getting cold. After the pie, I checked and lo and behold the RPU was returned and an half-apologetic e-mail was sent to me, by her, to inform me the I had received a ONE TIME exemption/exception, but to never pull this caper again, or something like that.
I probably have a huge red flag somewhere in my Friendly-Skies folder apprising every agent to be on the look-out for this RPU double-dipper!
Watch EVERYTHING like a hawk and don't fall for the ol' "Otto will take care of everything in a few days", trick!!!
BOS-LAX didn't clear and the LAX-LAS did via the CPU route. Waited the mandatory days that res advised, after a few calls, and still not returned. So I spent over 2 hours on the horn, on Thanksgiving Day with MP debating whether I in fact applied the RPU for BOTH legs, which included an RJ (wide open up front) on the last leg. Neither of us would budge, on my part not because I wanted an RPU returned that was going to expire in 10 weeks, but rather because I was getting jerked around. She was pretty cool, but being trained by the "Always say NO" Houston group she wasn't going to budge, and neither was I. She very nicely asked if I wanted to elevate this matter and I said, "YES". After over 45 mins on the phone, waiting for a supervisor, I hung up as the drumstick getting cold. After the pie, I checked and lo and behold the RPU was returned and an half-apologetic e-mail was sent to me, by her, to inform me the I had received a ONE TIME exemption/exception, but to never pull this caper again, or something like that.
I probably have a huge red flag somewhere in my Friendly-Skies folder apprising every agent to be on the look-out for this RPU double-dipper!
Watch EVERYTHING like a hawk and don't fall for the ol' "Otto will take care of everything in a few days", trick!!!
Dec 11, 2017, 10:52 pm
#500
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 11,464
CAUTION! CAUTION! A few weeks ago a m/r that included BOS-LAX-LAS. I purposly removed the LAX-LAS portion RPU from the itin.
BOS-LAX didn't clear and the LAX-LAS did via the CPU route. Waited the mandatory days that res advised, after a few calls, and still not returned. So I spent over 2 hours on the horn, on Thanksgiving Day with MP debating whether I in fact applied the RPU for BOTH legs, which included an RJ (wide open up front) on the last leg. Neither of us would budge, on my part not because I wanted an RPU returned that was going to expire in 10 weeks, but rather because I was getting jerked around. She was pretty cool, but being trained by the "Always say NO" Houston group she wasn't going to budge, and neither was I. She very nicely asked if I wanted to elevate this matter and I said, "YES". After over 45 mins on the phone, waiting for a supervisor, I hung up as the drumstick getting cold. After the pie, I checked and lo and behold the RPU was returned and an half-apologetic e-mail was sent to me, by her, to inform me the I had received a ONE TIME exemption/exception, but to never pull this caper again, or something like that.
I probably have a huge red flag somewhere in my Friendly-Skies folder apprising every agent to be on the look-out for this RPU double-dipper!
Watch EVERYTHING like a hawk and don't fall for the ol' "Otto will take care of everything in a few days", trick!!!
BOS-LAX didn't clear and the LAX-LAS did via the CPU route. Waited the mandatory days that res advised, after a few calls, and still not returned. So I spent over 2 hours on the horn, on Thanksgiving Day with MP debating whether I in fact applied the RPU for BOTH legs, which included an RJ (wide open up front) on the last leg. Neither of us would budge, on my part not because I wanted an RPU returned that was going to expire in 10 weeks, but rather because I was getting jerked around. She was pretty cool, but being trained by the "Always say NO" Houston group she wasn't going to budge, and neither was I. She very nicely asked if I wanted to elevate this matter and I said, "YES". After over 45 mins on the phone, waiting for a supervisor, I hung up as the drumstick getting cold. After the pie, I checked and lo and behold the RPU was returned and an half-apologetic e-mail was sent to me, by her, to inform me the I had received a ONE TIME exemption/exception, but to never pull this caper again, or something like that.
I probably have a huge red flag somewhere in my Friendly-Skies folder apprising every agent to be on the look-out for this RPU double-dipper!
Watch EVERYTHING like a hawk and don't fall for the ol' "Otto will take care of everything in a few days", trick!!!
Oh I did this for a trip in January. Applied the RPU to KOA-LAX but not LAX-SAN. Do you think it would be advisable to take a screen shot of the current reservation? As F is fully booked I very much doubt the RPU will stick but suspect I will get the CPU for the LAX-SAN leg.
Enjoy the 25m CPU.
Dec 11, 2017, 11:00 pm
#501
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.995MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,857
If you get a partially used RPU return, you are lucky. The posted rules are clear and there is no reason to think you should get an exception.
There is no Polaris segment exception because RPUs cannot be on a Polaris marketed segment.
If you don't want an RPU wasted on a short segment, call and apply only on the longer segment.
A Regional Premier Upgrade will be considered used if any segment of an itinerary is upgraded and flown
If you don't want an RPU wasted on a short segment, call and apply only on the longer segment.
Dec 11, 2017, 11:00 pm
#502
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: LAS
Programs: 3 MMer
Posts: 458
Oh I did this for a trip in January. Applied the RPU to KOA-LAX but not LAX-SAN. Do you think it would be advisable to take a screen shot of the current reservation? As F is fully booked I very much doubt the RPU will stick but suspect I will get the CPU for the LAX-SAN leg.
If I wasn't so persistent I would have lost the battle. Knowing some of the catch phrases and explaining that after all these years, and sitting on 3MM BIS's, I know what I applied and what I DID NOT apply to the itin.
It was right up there with a "five finger discount" of all their life savers from the club.
After I was finished, it really did spoil my Thanksgiving dinner in DEN with the family. MY fault, but once the call got started I wasn't going to let go!
Dec 11, 2017, 11:10 pm
#503
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 1K MM, Marriott Gold
Posts: 4,768
Oh I did this for a trip in January. Applied the RPU to KOA-LAX but not LAX-SAN. Do you think it would be advisable to take a screen shot of the current reservation? As F is fully booked I very much doubt the RPU will stick but suspect I will get the CPU for the LAX-SAN leg.
Dec 11, 2017, 11:14 pm
#504
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 11,464
I called recently to un-apply SFO-LAX of SFO-LAX-OGG and was told that in cases where you go out of the lower 48, the RPU is returned if the overwater leg doesn't clear. This was after a lengthy hold with reservations talking to MileagePlus. I found some anecdotal cases of the RPU being returned if the Hawaii leg didn't clear. Who knows if this is actually the rule but the agent seemed pretty specific on the conditions.
This 'rule' has been floated in the past, but as with any contract, in absence of official writ I would not bank on it.
Dec 17, 2017, 8:58 pm
#505
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: San Francisco, CA (SFO)
Programs: UA 1K, UA .53 MM, Marriott Gold, Nexus, GE, TSA Pre, Hertz PC
Posts: 581
Flying UA 712, IAD-SFO, on 1/1/18, debating whether or not to apply an RPU. Current fares are: F9, A9, JN9, C9,D9, Z9, ZN9, P9. Seat map has 11 open seats in F.
I'll clear 1K on 12/24/17, so I'm expecting to have the status before 12/28/17 (T-96). I'm thinking of doing the following. Nothing until T-96, and hoping I clear then. If I don't clear at T-96, applying an RPU and going from there. Thoughts on this approach? Would any of you do anything differently? I'm 15 days away from departure...can't imagine that too many more of the F seats will sell before TOD?
I'll clear 1K on 12/24/17, so I'm expecting to have the status before 12/28/17 (T-96). I'm thinking of doing the following. Nothing until T-96, and hoping I clear then. If I don't clear at T-96, applying an RPU and going from there. Thoughts on this approach? Would any of you do anything differently? I'm 15 days away from departure...can't imagine that too many more of the F seats will sell before TOD?
Dec 17, 2017, 9:11 pm
#506
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,461
Dec 17, 2017, 9:14 pm
#507
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: San Francisco, CA (SFO)
Programs: UA 1K, UA .53 MM, Marriott Gold, Nexus, GE, TSA Pre, Hertz PC
Posts: 581
Dec 17, 2017, 9:15 pm
#508
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,461
Dec 17, 2017, 9:22 pm
#509
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: San Francisco, CA (SFO)
Programs: UA 1K, UA .53 MM, Marriott Gold, Nexus, GE, TSA Pre, Hertz PC
Posts: 581
Dec 17, 2017, 9:32 pm
#510
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,461