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]
May 27, 2016, 12:42 pm
#61
Join Date: Jan 2013
Programs: Hyatt Glb, MR Plat
Posts: 2,577
I have a flight with R space that cleared instantly with RPU. The front page shows Upgrade Confirmed, however, the receipt still shows the original Economy e-ticket and seats. Is this correct in how United displays/processes upgrades?
I also noticed the seats I chose and confirmed via email summary yesteday sent to myself were removed today to no seats when I went back to check again.
Sorry I'm a noob with UA upgrades, but when AA processes upgrades we get a new e-ticket, so just wanted to make sure.
I also noticed the seats I chose and confirmed via email summary yesteday sent to myself were removed today to no seats when I went back to check again.
Sorry I'm a noob with UA upgrades, but when AA processes upgrades we get a new e-ticket, so just wanted to make sure.
May 27, 2016, 12:42 pm
#62
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
UA does not change the e-ticket number for R type upgrade.
May 27, 2016, 1:29 pm
#63
Join Date: Jan 2013
Programs: Hyatt Glb, MR Plat
Posts: 2,577
Yes, I was able to re-select.
Thank you, much more comforting now.
Jun 6, 2016, 10:58 am
#64
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 573
Maybe stupid question but I want to be 100% clear.
If I get prem plat on July 1 2016 I will get 2 RPUs and be prem plat for remainder of 2016 and all of 2017.
Do I get 2 more RPUs on Jan 1 2017?
Thx
If I get prem plat on July 1 2016 I will get 2 RPUs and be prem plat for remainder of 2016 and all of 2017.
Do I get 2 more RPUs on Jan 1 2017?
Thx
Jun 6, 2016, 11:34 am
#65
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Honolulu Harbor
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 15,029
Jun 6, 2016, 11:35 am
#66
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
You receive 2 RPU upon qualification which will be good through Jan 2018. You will not receive additional RPUs unless you re-qualify for Platinum in 2017 (or make 1K this year).
Jul 15, 2016, 6:38 am
#68
Join Date: May 2012
Location: ORF, RIC
Programs: UA LT 1K, 3 MM; Marriott Titanium; IHG Platinum
Posts: 6,958
I am just off phone with a UA agent. She said that the waitlisted upgrade (EWR-SFO flight with a RPU) will be cleared based upon my status (1K), instead of the traveler's status. This was obviously wrong, but I did not correct her.
From wiki: "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."
From wiki: "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."
Jul 15, 2016, 7:39 am
#69
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Jersey Shore/YYZ
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Plat, Hilton Diamond, Hertz PC
Posts: 12,521
As we know well, UA agents aren't always up to speed.
Jul 15, 2016, 10:39 am
#70
Join Date: May 2012
Location: ORF, RIC
Programs: UA LT 1K, 3 MM; Marriott Titanium; IHG Platinum
Posts: 6,958
Jul 15, 2016, 10:40 am
#71
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Ewa Beach, Hawaii
Posts: 10,909
Jul 15, 2016, 10:56 am
#72
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
Jul 21, 2016, 11:21 am
#73
Join Date: Sep 2009
Programs: United GS, Marriott Titanium, HHonors Gold, AA Gold
Posts: 97
1K, RPUs and CPUs?
I'm 1K but this is the first time I'm using my RPUs.
My BF (no status) and I are on the same itinerary this weekend for RDU-ORD. We've booked in paid economy V fare.
As of today (3 days prior to the flight), Expert Mode shows availability by class as below.
I just applied 2 RPUs to upgrade both of us on this flight, but got a message indicating an upgrade could not be confirmed at this time, so I've been added to the upgrade waitlist.
1) Which fare class shows availability of RPU upgrades as pertains to me (1K)? I read the alphabet soup wiki but am still unclear.
2) I can't tell - would I have cleared a CPU upgrade just based on my status? Would this have only applied to me and not my BF? We are less than 96 hours prior to departure so any CPUs I assume should have cleared by now.
Thanks!
My BF (no status) and I are on the same itinerary this weekend for RDU-ORD. We've booked in paid economy V fare.
As of today (3 days prior to the flight), Expert Mode shows availability by class as below.
I just applied 2 RPUs to upgrade both of us on this flight, but got a message indicating an upgrade could not be confirmed at this time, so I've been added to the upgrade waitlist.
1) Which fare class shows availability of RPU upgrades as pertains to me (1K)? I read the alphabet soup wiki but am still unclear.
2) I can't tell - would I have cleared a CPU upgrade just based on my status? Would this have only applied to me and not my BF? We are less than 96 hours prior to departure so any CPUs I assume should have cleared by now.
Thanks!
Jul 21, 2016, 11:44 am
#74
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
CPUs can clear as early as T-96, but may clear later or not at all. CPU inventory comes from a bucket which is smaller than R (largely rumored to be R-2). Applying the RPU does give you a strictly better shot at clearing an upgrade. If you are on the same PNR as your companion, you will be upgraded only if two upgrades clear at once. At check-in, you may elect to go the gate list on a split PNR, in which case you are both eligible for upgrades separately.
Jul 21, 2016, 11:52 am
#75
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: SFO
Programs: AS, UA, WN, IHG Diamond Elite, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Gold, CET 7*
Posts: 3,301
You require R inventory to clear the RPU, which is not present on your flight.
CPUs can clear as early as T-96, but may clear later or not at all. CPU inventory comes from a bucket which is smaller than R (largely rumored to be R-2). Applying the RPU does give you a strictly better shot at clearing an upgrade. If you are on the same PNR as your companion, you will be upgraded only if two upgrades clear at once. At check-in, you may elect to go the gate list on a split PNR, in which case you are both eligible for upgrades separately.
CPUs can clear as early as T-96, but may clear later or not at all. CPU inventory comes from a bucket which is smaller than R (largely rumored to be R-2). Applying the RPU does give you a strictly better shot at clearing an upgrade. If you are on the same PNR as your companion, you will be upgraded only if two upgrades clear at once. At check-in, you may elect to go the gate list on a split PNR, in which case you are both eligible for upgrades separately.