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]
Aug 9, 2016, 11:02 pm
#91
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: SFO
Programs: UA-1K
Posts: 308
PQD requirements need to be met:
https://www.united.com/web/en-US/con...gupgrades.aspx
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.
https://www.united.com/web/en-US/con...gupgrades.aspx
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.
Aug 10, 2016, 8:14 pm
#92
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: PDX/HIO
Programs: AS MVPG; Hertz Pres; Tanquery Million Minier
Posts: 375
I'm flying with my wife on PHL-SFO-PDX on a K-fare and would like to use 2 RPUs. Naturally, R is available on SFO-PDX now and is not available on PHL-SFO. I could use some advice on what the easier route is going to be:
A. Apply now which upgrades SFO-PDX and waitlists PHL-SFO. If SFO-PHL does not clear call to redeposit and cross my fingers that K will be available.
B. Call to mark SFO-PDX as do not upgrade and just waitlist PHL-SFO.
I'm assuming that for B very few agents would agree to honor the RPU on the short segment even if R is still available. I haven't dealt with this scenario for a few years though so I could definitely be wrong about that.
A. Apply now which upgrades SFO-PDX and waitlists PHL-SFO. If SFO-PHL does not clear call to redeposit and cross my fingers that K will be available.
B. Call to mark SFO-PDX as do not upgrade and just waitlist PHL-SFO.
I'm assuming that for B very few agents would agree to honor the RPU on the short segment even if R is still available. I haven't dealt with this scenario for a few years though so I could definitely be wrong about that.
Aug 10, 2016, 8:26 pm
#93
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: NYC (Primarily EWR)
Programs: UA 1K / *G, Marriott Bonvoy Gold; Avis PC
Posts: 9,011
I'm flying with my wife on PHL-SFO-PDX on a K-fare and would like to use 2 RPUs. Naturally, R is available on SFO-PDX now and is not available on PHL-SFO. I could use some advice on what the easier route is going to be:
A. Apply now which upgrades SFO-PDX and waitlists PHL-SFO. If SFO-PHL does not clear call to redeposit and cross my fingers that K will be available.
B. Call to mark SFO-PDX as do not upgrade and just waitlist PHL-SFO.
I'm assuming that for B very few agents would agree to honor the RPU on the short segment even if R is still available. I haven't dealt with this scenario for a few years though so I could definitely be wrong about that.
A. Apply now which upgrades SFO-PDX and waitlists PHL-SFO. If SFO-PHL does not clear call to redeposit and cross my fingers that K will be available.
B. Call to mark SFO-PDX as do not upgrade and just waitlist PHL-SFO.
I'm assuming that for B very few agents would agree to honor the RPU on the short segment even if R is still available. I haven't dealt with this scenario for a few years though so I could definitely be wrong about that.
Aug 10, 2016, 8:29 pm
#94
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,484
I'm flying with my wife on PHL-SFO-PDX on a K-fare and would like to use 2 RPUs. Naturally, R is available on SFO-PDX now and is not available on PHL-SFO. I could use some advice on what the easier route is going to be:
A. Apply now which upgrades SFO-PDX and waitlists PHL-SFO. If SFO-PHL does not clear call to redeposit and cross my fingers that K will be available.
B. Call to mark SFO-PDX as do not upgrade and just waitlist PHL-SFO.
I'm assuming that for B very few agents would agree to honor the RPU on the short segment even if R is still available. I haven't dealt with this scenario for a few years though so I could definitely be wrong about that.
A. Apply now which upgrades SFO-PDX and waitlists PHL-SFO. If SFO-PHL does not clear call to redeposit and cross my fingers that K will be available.
B. Call to mark SFO-PDX as do not upgrade and just waitlist PHL-SFO.
I'm assuming that for B very few agents would agree to honor the RPU on the short segment even if R is still available. I haven't dealt with this scenario for a few years though so I could definitely be wrong about that.
A is risky, especially on the K fare.
Aug 10, 2016, 9:06 pm
#95
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: 66,861
Just ask for RPU to be applied only to PHL-SFO. Later if it clears, call and ask to be applied to the short leg (R may be gone by then but puts you ahead of the non-GS CPUers).
Don't suggest marking SFO-PHX as do not upgrade -- not needed and kills the CPU for the RPU never clears.
Don't play the downgrade game, in corner cases that can be a problem and in most cases leads to a lousy seat.
irrelevant?? it is required for a voluntary downgrade and on a full flight, K-fare may not open at the gate.
Aug 11, 2016, 7:33 pm
#96
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: PDX/HIO
Programs: AS MVPG; Hertz Pres; Tanquery Million Minier
Posts: 375
The buyup offer right now is $369, which certainly isn't terrible, but it would be nice to do something useful with the RPUs.
Aug 11, 2016, 7:34 pm
#97
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: EWR
Programs: UA MM GS, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 520
Waitlist Priority
I was checked in on a flight and number two on upgrade list.
Had to be checked out to potentially switch on another light. Ended up checked in again on the same flight but further down on the upgrade list.
This MAY be because others checked in in the meantime. Does time of check in determine upgrade list prio?
Seleratelty I was trying to use RPU to upgrade. If I ended up being upgraded on CPU eligible flight they'd still deduct it but I don't seem to get priority. Seems unfair.
Had to be checked out to potentially switch on another light. Ended up checked in again on the same flight but further down on the upgrade list.
This MAY be because others checked in in the meantime. Does time of check in determine upgrade list prio?
Seleratelty I was trying to use RPU to upgrade. If I ended up being upgraded on CPU eligible flight they'd still deduct it but I don't seem to get priority. Seems unfair.
Aug 11, 2016, 7:39 pm
#98
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
Aug 11, 2016, 7:41 pm
#99
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: PSM
Posts: 69,232
Aug 11, 2016, 7:43 pm
#100
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: 66,861
I was checked in on a flight and number two on upgrade list.
Had to be checked out to potentially switch on another light. Ended up checked in again on the same flight but further down on the upgrade list.
This MAY be because others checked in in the meantime. Does time of check in determine upgrade list prio? ...
Had to be checked out to potentially switch on another light. Ended up checked in again on the same flight but further down on the upgrade list.
This MAY be because others checked in in the meantime. Does time of check in determine upgrade list prio? ...
Since the RPU puts you at an higher priority than you would have been as a simple CPU, the premise is not that simple. Since the RPU places you ahead of those of higher (non-GS) status, fare, ... but only using CPU, you have received an advantage with the RPU. Now could you have also cleared as a simple CPU? That is a risk you take -- you can always pull the RPU before the gate list clears and take your chances.
Aug 11, 2016, 8:14 pm
#101
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: NYC (Primarily EWR)
Programs: UA 1K / *G, Marriott Bonvoy Gold; Avis PC
Posts: 9,011
YMMV, I guess.
Aug 11, 2016, 8:24 pm
#102
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: PSM
Posts: 69,232
Time added to the list. Usually this is the same as the SEQ/check-in time but not so if OALs are involved in the check-in process prior to a UA flight (e.g. LH TXL-FRA followed by UA FRA-ORD).
Aug 11, 2016, 11:16 pm
#103
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: EWR
Programs: UA MM GS, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 520
For the visible gate list, "sequence number" / time of checkin is the tie break if all other factors are equal.
Since the RPU puts you at an higher priority than you would have been as a simple CPU, the premise is not that simple. Since the RPU places you ahead of those of higher (non-GS) status, fare, ... but only using CPU, you have received an advantage with the RPU. Now could you have also cleared as a simple CPU? That is a risk you take -- you can always pull the RPU before the gate list clears and take your chances.
Since the RPU puts you at an higher priority than you would have been as a simple CPU, the premise is not that simple. Since the RPU places you ahead of those of higher (non-GS) status, fare, ... but only using CPU, you have received an advantage with the RPU. Now could you have also cleared as a simple CPU? That is a risk you take -- you can always pull the RPU before the gate list clears and take your chances.
So you are saying RPU improves upgrade chance vs CPU? Interesting. Doesn't look like it on where I ended up on the list...
Aug 22, 2016, 1:01 pm
#104
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2013
Programs: DL PM, MR Titanium/LTP, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 10,130
Quick married segment RPU question. If R is showing up on one leg but not on the other, it can still be applied through calling in correct?
I'm looking at a couple TCON flights I have upcoming and R space is showing on the long leg but not on the short (so when searching together it shows no R but it shows R on RDU - SFO when searching for that individually).
I'm looking at a couple TCON flights I have upcoming and R space is showing on the long leg but not on the short (so when searching together it shows no R but it shows R on RDU - SFO when searching for that individually).
Aug 22, 2016, 1:11 pm
#105
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: 66,861