Jun 30, 2013, 7:39 am
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
This is an archive thread, the active thread is
General PlusPoints (was GPU) earning & usage questions [Consolidated]
Note: the term journey is used here to denote travel between a pair of cities, with one or more layovers, and all segments of the journey are part of the same ticket, confirmation number, and record locator. A one way ticket has one journey. A round trip has two journeys. A multicity ticket has three or more journeys.
Can I apply a GPU to UA metal that is ticketed on non-UA ticket stock?
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/19321483-post23.html says you can.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/19324013-post25.html says not always.
Can I use a GPU on flights operated by other airlines?
Yes, Copa, LH and NH.
On Copa, the rules are the same as for flights operated by UA. It can't be done online, so you have to call. The regular Premier desk can't do it, though, even though Copa uses MP as its loyalty program--you'll need to call (or be transferred to) the Star Alliance Help Desk to complete the process. (And it's an involved process for the agents--they have to duplicate the Copa PNR in SHARES and issue you a separate UA PNR. Betwen *A Desk hold times--no priority for Premiers--and the hassle it is for the agents, plan on 30-45 minutes to get this done. It may be simpler if you booked your Copa tickets through United.) Note that an RPU works anywhere on Copa that a GPU works, so don't waste GPUs unnecessarily.
On LH, the process is completely different. You can use a GPU on LH operated fights only if printed for a specific flight of a specific reservation. See
Update to Lufthansa (LH) GPU Certificate Request Process
I see GPUs for sale on Craigslist or eBay. May I buy them and use them?
We do not recommend this. If UA determines the GPU was sold, you risk having your M+ account terminated and loss of your miles, status, lifetime miles, etc.
If I have upgraded a flight with miles, cash, GPU, RPU, CPU, etc. from Y to J, may I upgrade to F with a GPU?
Policy does not allow this. However, once upgraded to business you may be offered a cash buy-up to F.
If I apply a GPU on a multi segment journey, what happens one or segments clear, and one or more do not?
The exact wording from united.com is:In most cases, the Global Premier Upgrade will be considered used if any segment of an itinerary is upgraded or flown. However, for travel which includes segments in United BusinessFirst or United Global First, the Global Premier Upgrade will be re-deposited if the United BusinessFirst or United Global First segment(s) could not be upgraded.
This has at least three interpretations when the journey consists of segments that have all lie flat seating, and one or more upgrades to BF or GF fails, but one or more upgrades to BF or GF succeeds. The first is that since the wording is not "if any United BusinessFirst or United Global First segment(s) could not be upgraded" the GPU is not redeposited. The second is that the GPU is redeposited, even if for example, ORD-NRT was upgraded, and NRT-SIN was not. The third is that if the longest segment was not upgraded to BF or GF, the GPU is redeposited. In practice, UA agents appear to follow the third interpretation.
UPDATE: The wording in the Mileage upgrade section is a bit clearer and probably also reflects the policy for GPUs.What is the refund policy for MileagePlus Upgrade Awards that do not clear the waitlist?
If you request an upgrade using a MileagePlus Upgrade Award, and none of your travel segments are upgraded, then we will automatically redeposit your miles and co-pay. In most instances, a MileagePlus Upgrade Award will be considered used if any segment of your travel is upgraded. However, if your travel includes requested upgrades to United BusinessFirst® and/or United Global FirstSM, and none of the United BusinessFirst or United Global First segments are upgraded, then your MileagePlus Upgrade Award will not be considered used, even if you are upgraded to United First® or United Business® on another segment. In these instances, we will fully redeposit your miles and co-pay. When applicable, these refunds will occur automatically seven to 10 days after travel.
Redeposits don't always happen automatically, and when you call, you might find agents are trained to follow the longest segment interpretation, whereby if the longest segment is upgraded, even if not BF or GF, then the GPU will not be deposited. See http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/21138703-post394.html of push back and eventual capitulation by UA.
Can I add myself to the wait list within 24 hours of departure?
No, all you can do is attempt to apply the GPU periodically until it clears into upgrade inventory if any opens up. The 1K desk cannot put you on the wait list inside 24 hours because SHARES transfers the flight to airport control.
Do the fare class restrictions apply to domestic flights?
No, you can use a GPU on any fare on any domestic/ any CPU eligible flight.
Is there a maximum layover between segments of a journey?
Unclear. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/20453548-post221.html is an example of 38 hours, where the 1K desk applied it on behalf of the customer. What is interesting about this case is that 38 hours is well beyond a layover, which implies that in some cases, one GPU can be used for two journeys on the same ticket even if the two journeys are beyond 12 hours apart (12 hours being the pmUA rule – 4 hours for North American / “domestic” only flights).
How is the waitlist prioritized?
United.com details the process in the "Upgrade confirmation priority" section of this page.
For non-CPU flightsIf an upgrade seat becomes available, waitlisted customers are confirmed automatically based on the Premier® status of the redeeming account***, then fare class, then time of request.
For CPU flights, GS and YBM fares will be handled before GPU/Miles/RPU users and finally CPU requests. Within these groups upgrades are prioritized based on Premier® status of the redeeming account***, then fare class.
If not cleared until gate, it is believe the time factor is based on check-in time.
***On 4/15/15 travelers will no longer inherit the status of the redeeming account and will instead be prioritized by the status of the highest premier member on the PNR they are traveling on.
What is the relative waitlist priority of GPU vs Miles
Appears the use of GPU vs Miles has no impact on the waitlist priority.
May I cross two oceans with one GPU?
Yes if the entire journey is on one confirmation number and the max layover rule (above) is met.
Can I avoid upgrade lottery by booking only flights that have upgrade inventory?
Yes, see Post 3-Mar-2012:How to find upgrade inventory [+how to see fare bucket availability]. Note that you have to wait for the flight to ticket, by which time upgrade inventory can disappear. If so, cancel (within 24 hours of booking, so no penalty) and try again.
My GPU is still valid, but my journey starts after the GPU expires. Can I use the GPU for that journey?
No.
My GPU is still valid, but my journey starts before the GPU expires, and ends after the GPU expires. Can I use the GPU for that journey?
Yes if the initial flight scheduled departure is prior to expiration.
Can I let someone else use my GPU?
Yes. They will be waitlisted prioritized based on your status until 4/15/2015 at which point they will be prioritized based on their own status (or lack thereof).
If I let someone else use my GPU, do I have to be on the same reservation, same journey and/or same flight?
No to all.
What happens if there are multiple pax on the same reservation confirmation number and the reservation is split; will the GPU(s) that is(are) waitlisted on one or more pax stay with the new reservation?
Yes.
Why do Non-Revs get assigned seats in First/Business instead of upgrading paying customers?
UA’s policy is paying customers have priority for upgrades. However, per UA’s employee benefit package, Non-Revs can have access to unassigned seats if there are no waitlisted paying customers. This Non-Rev benefit is part of the negotiated employee compensation.
General PlusPoints (was GPU) earning & usage questions [Consolidated]
Note: the term journey is used here to denote travel between a pair of cities, with one or more layovers, and all segments of the journey are part of the same ticket, confirmation number, and record locator. A one way ticket has one journey. A round trip has two journeys. A multicity ticket has three or more journeys.
Can I apply a GPU to UA metal that is ticketed on non-UA ticket stock?
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/19321483-post23.html says you can.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/19324013-post25.html says not always.
Can I use a GPU on flights operated by other airlines?
Yes, Copa, LH and NH.
On Copa, the rules are the same as for flights operated by UA. It can't be done online, so you have to call. The regular Premier desk can't do it, though, even though Copa uses MP as its loyalty program--you'll need to call (or be transferred to) the Star Alliance Help Desk to complete the process. (And it's an involved process for the agents--they have to duplicate the Copa PNR in SHARES and issue you a separate UA PNR. Betwen *A Desk hold times--no priority for Premiers--and the hassle it is for the agents, plan on 30-45 minutes to get this done. It may be simpler if you booked your Copa tickets through United.) Note that an RPU works anywhere on Copa that a GPU works, so don't waste GPUs unnecessarily.
On LH, the process is completely different. You can use a GPU on LH operated fights only if printed for a specific flight of a specific reservation. See
Update to Lufthansa (LH) GPU Certificate Request Process
I see GPUs for sale on Craigslist or eBay. May I buy them and use them?
We do not recommend this. If UA determines the GPU was sold, you risk having your M+ account terminated and loss of your miles, status, lifetime miles, etc.
If I have upgraded a flight with miles, cash, GPU, RPU, CPU, etc. from Y to J, may I upgrade to F with a GPU?
Policy does not allow this. However, once upgraded to business you may be offered a cash buy-up to F.
If I apply a GPU on a multi segment journey, what happens one or segments clear, and one or more do not?
The exact wording from united.com is:In most cases, the Global Premier Upgrade will be considered used if any segment of an itinerary is upgraded or flown. However, for travel which includes segments in United BusinessFirst or United Global First, the Global Premier Upgrade will be re-deposited if the United BusinessFirst or United Global First segment(s) could not be upgraded.
This has at least three interpretations when the journey consists of segments that have all lie flat seating, and one or more upgrades to BF or GF fails, but one or more upgrades to BF or GF succeeds. The first is that since the wording is not "if any United BusinessFirst or United Global First segment(s) could not be upgraded" the GPU is not redeposited. The second is that the GPU is redeposited, even if for example, ORD-NRT was upgraded, and NRT-SIN was not. The third is that if the longest segment was not upgraded to BF or GF, the GPU is redeposited. In practice, UA agents appear to follow the third interpretation.
UPDATE: The wording in the Mileage upgrade section is a bit clearer and probably also reflects the policy for GPUs.What is the refund policy for MileagePlus Upgrade Awards that do not clear the waitlist?
If you request an upgrade using a MileagePlus Upgrade Award, and none of your travel segments are upgraded, then we will automatically redeposit your miles and co-pay. In most instances, a MileagePlus Upgrade Award will be considered used if any segment of your travel is upgraded. However, if your travel includes requested upgrades to United BusinessFirst® and/or United Global FirstSM, and none of the United BusinessFirst or United Global First segments are upgraded, then your MileagePlus Upgrade Award will not be considered used, even if you are upgraded to United First® or United Business® on another segment. In these instances, we will fully redeposit your miles and co-pay. When applicable, these refunds will occur automatically seven to 10 days after travel.
Redeposits don't always happen automatically, and when you call, you might find agents are trained to follow the longest segment interpretation, whereby if the longest segment is upgraded, even if not BF or GF, then the GPU will not be deposited. See http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/21138703-post394.html of push back and eventual capitulation by UA.
Can I add myself to the wait list within 24 hours of departure?
No, all you can do is attempt to apply the GPU periodically until it clears into upgrade inventory if any opens up. The 1K desk cannot put you on the wait list inside 24 hours because SHARES transfers the flight to airport control.
Do the fare class restrictions apply to domestic flights?
No, you can use a GPU on any fare on any domestic/ any CPU eligible flight.
Is there a maximum layover between segments of a journey?
Unclear. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/20453548-post221.html is an example of 38 hours, where the 1K desk applied it on behalf of the customer. What is interesting about this case is that 38 hours is well beyond a layover, which implies that in some cases, one GPU can be used for two journeys on the same ticket even if the two journeys are beyond 12 hours apart (12 hours being the pmUA rule – 4 hours for North American / “domestic” only flights).
How is the waitlist prioritized?
United.com details the process in the "Upgrade confirmation priority" section of this page.
For non-CPU flightsIf an upgrade seat becomes available, waitlisted customers are confirmed automatically based on the Premier® status of the redeeming account***, then fare class, then time of request.
For CPU flights, GS and YBM fares will be handled before GPU/Miles/RPU users and finally CPU requests. Within these groups upgrades are prioritized based on Premier® status of the redeeming account***, then fare class.
If not cleared until gate, it is believe the time factor is based on check-in time.
***On 4/15/15 travelers will no longer inherit the status of the redeeming account and will instead be prioritized by the status of the highest premier member on the PNR they are traveling on.
What is the relative waitlist priority of GPU vs Miles
Appears the use of GPU vs Miles has no impact on the waitlist priority.
May I cross two oceans with one GPU?
Yes if the entire journey is on one confirmation number and the max layover rule (above) is met.
Can I avoid upgrade lottery by booking only flights that have upgrade inventory?
Yes, see Post 3-Mar-2012:How to find upgrade inventory [+how to see fare bucket availability]. Note that you have to wait for the flight to ticket, by which time upgrade inventory can disappear. If so, cancel (within 24 hours of booking, so no penalty) and try again.
My GPU is still valid, but my journey starts after the GPU expires. Can I use the GPU for that journey?
No.
My GPU is still valid, but my journey starts before the GPU expires, and ends after the GPU expires. Can I use the GPU for that journey?
Yes if the initial flight scheduled departure is prior to expiration.
Can I let someone else use my GPU?
Yes. They will be waitlisted prioritized based on your status until 4/15/2015 at which point they will be prioritized based on their own status (or lack thereof).
If I let someone else use my GPU, do I have to be on the same reservation, same journey and/or same flight?
No to all.
What happens if there are multiple pax on the same reservation confirmation number and the reservation is split; will the GPU(s) that is(are) waitlisted on one or more pax stay with the new reservation?
Yes.
Why do Non-Revs get assigned seats in First/Business instead of upgrading paying customers?
UA’s policy is paying customers have priority for upgrades. However, per UA’s employee benefit package, Non-Revs can have access to unassigned seats if there are no waitlisted paying customers. This Non-Rev benefit is part of the negotiated employee compensation.
Consolidated Global Premier Upgrade (GPU) Questions Thread [Archive]
Jan 11, 2019, 8:17 pm
#2237
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 144
Anyone? Still trying to figure out a way to use those GPUs
City: ORD
Status: GS
Budget up to $300-$400 per ticket for North America/Central, a bit more for international
City: ORD
Status: GS
Budget up to $300-$400 per ticket for North America/Central, a bit more for international
Feb 10, 2019, 7:36 pm
#2238
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: NY
Programs: UA, Marriott, SPG, Hyatt, Hilton, Omni
Posts: 108
Only problem is that there is zero PZ inventory across all the dates fr 1 week pre and 1week post from my desired date. How is that possible? it really does seem United has drastically reduced GPU availability than from previously. So annoying!
Feb 10, 2019, 7:59 pm
#2239
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, UA Gold, WN, Global Entry; +others wherever miles/points are found
Posts: 14,406
In my experience that's fairly normal. A month-long scan of an upgrade-rich market will turn over options on maybe a quarter of the days (usually MTW); for less lucrative routes finding nothing is par for the course.
Feb 15, 2019, 9:01 am
#2240
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: PHL
Programs: UA 1K 1MM, Marriott Gold, IHG Platinum, Raddison Platinum, Avis Presidents Club
Posts: 5,268
I'm looking into potential places to go for a vacation and which to use a GPU. I'm looking at DEL or TLV. Doing some initial searches, I've found 0 upgrade inventory so far. Are these notoriously difficult to upgrade (at booking) routes?
Feb 15, 2019, 9:08 am
#2241
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,386
Pretty sure that's a zero.
Feb 15, 2019, 2:23 pm
#2242
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: PHL
Programs: UA 1K 1MM, Marriott Gold, IHG Platinum, Raddison Platinum, Avis Presidents Club
Posts: 5,268
And yes, that's why I try to use GPU's on vacation travel since I can be flexible. But there are limits to flexibility if its always PZ=0
But anyways, you've answered my question, thanks
Feb 15, 2019, 5:17 pm
#2243
Join Date: Oct 2002
Programs: United Premier 1K
Posts: 1,230
Sorry if this has been covered somewhere in this huge thread. If so, it would be great to have it added to the Wiki.
For a leg YYZ-SFO-HKG, I'm using a GPU to waitlist a K fare to Premium Plus on the SFO-HKG leg. (No judgement please for using a GPU on this! :-) )
United.com has the following language:
I called to confirm that I would get the GPU back if YYZ-SFO cleared to business but SFO-HKG did not clear to premium plus, and they said "of course - that's how GPUs work!" I asked him to note the PNR that he told me that but he refused. I don't trust that agents know what the rules are for upgrades to premium plus - is there anything firm on this in writing from United? The only wording I can find on the site is this, which isn't really clear one way or another regarding premium plus:
For a leg YYZ-SFO-HKG, I'm using a GPU to waitlist a K fare to Premium Plus on the SFO-HKG leg. (No judgement please for using a GPU on this! :-) )
United.com has the following language:
- Members requesting to move to a United® Premium Plus seat only and who have domestic portions of their itinerary will not be automatically waitlisted for United First. To be waitlisted for United First on domestic portions of an international itinerary, use your Global Premier Upgrade to request an upgrade to the United Polaris business class cabin.
I called to confirm that I would get the GPU back if YYZ-SFO cleared to business but SFO-HKG did not clear to premium plus, and they said "of course - that's how GPUs work!" I asked him to note the PNR that he told me that but he refused. I don't trust that agents know what the rules are for upgrades to premium plus - is there anything firm on this in writing from United? The only wording I can find on the site is this, which isn't really clear one way or another regarding premium plus:
- In most cases, the Global Premier Upgrade will be considered used if any segment of an itinerary is upgraded or flown. However, for travel which includes segments in United Polaris business class, the Global Premier Upgrade will be re-deposited if the United Polaris business class segment(s) could not be upgraded.
Feb 16, 2019, 4:44 am
#2244
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: EWR
Programs: United GS, Marriott Titanium, Hertz PC
Posts: 37
What do you mean, you see other upgradeable fares available? If you're talking about inventory buckets -- e.g. Y9 B9 M9 etc. -- that's a necessary but not sufficient condition for being ticketed. You also need a valid fare. When is your flight? Is it an outbound leg, return leg, or a one-way flight? Are you connecting beyond FRA?
Feb 16, 2019, 4:14 pm
#2245
Join Date: Oct 2002
Programs: United Premier 1K
Posts: 1,230
I called to confirm that I would get the GPU back if YYZ-SFO cleared to business but SFO-HKG did not clear to premium plus, and they said "of course - that's how GPUs work!" I asked him to note the PNR that he told me that but he refused. I don't trust that agents know what the rules are for upgrades to premium plus - is there anything firm on this in writing from United?
Feb 22, 2019, 3:34 pm
#2246
Join Date: Oct 2016
Programs: UA Platinum, SPG Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 203
GPU if flight cancelled
Hi all
My partner has a conference in Sydney in December and we will make a vacation out of it. He will book into Polaris out of IAH with work nearer the time but as we are buying my flight ourselves we want to book now.
We found flights with PZ availability where upgrade will be confirmed at time of booking using GPUs on both legs.
Question is - if the conference plans change and I have to cancel flight (it’s a refundable fare), will the GPUs be redeposited? Equally if I have to change flights and the new flight is waitlist for GPU, I assume it would be redeposited if the upgrade were never confirmed?
Want to make sure we aren’t wasting a couple of instruments just to save a few bucks!
Thanks all
My partner has a conference in Sydney in December and we will make a vacation out of it. He will book into Polaris out of IAH with work nearer the time but as we are buying my flight ourselves we want to book now.
We found flights with PZ availability where upgrade will be confirmed at time of booking using GPUs on both legs.
Question is - if the conference plans change and I have to cancel flight (it’s a refundable fare), will the GPUs be redeposited? Equally if I have to change flights and the new flight is waitlist for GPU, I assume it would be redeposited if the upgrade were never confirmed?
Want to make sure we aren’t wasting a couple of instruments just to save a few bucks!
Thanks all
Feb 22, 2019, 3:44 pm
#2247
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: 3,617
Hi all
My partner has a conference in Sydney in December and we will make a vacation out of it. He will book into Polaris out of IAH with work nearer the time but as we are buying my flight ourselves we want to book now.
We found flights with PZ availability where upgrade will be confirmed at time of booking using GPUs on both legs.
Question is - if the conference plans change and I have to cancel flight (it’s a refundable fare), will the GPUs be redeposited? Equally if I have to change flights and the new flight is waitlist for GPU, I assume it would be redeposited if the upgrade were never confirmed?
Want to make sure we aren’t wasting a couple of instruments just to save a few bucks!
Thanks all
My partner has a conference in Sydney in December and we will make a vacation out of it. He will book into Polaris out of IAH with work nearer the time but as we are buying my flight ourselves we want to book now.
We found flights with PZ availability where upgrade will be confirmed at time of booking using GPUs on both legs.
Question is - if the conference plans change and I have to cancel flight (it’s a refundable fare), will the GPUs be redeposited? Equally if I have to change flights and the new flight is waitlist for GPU, I assume it would be redeposited if the upgrade were never confirmed?
Want to make sure we aren’t wasting a couple of instruments just to save a few bucks!
Thanks all
Feb 22, 2019, 4:02 pm
#2248
Join Date: Jan 2019
Posts: 64
First time poster here. Wanted to know best strategy to employ to maximize GPU usage/clearing on outbound and inbound legs of a trip. Let's say for example, I see PZ availability on the outbound, but need to waitlist for the return. Return is flexible +/- 3 days. Should I:
- Go ahead and purchase the roundtrip fare and hope that the return flight clears into PZ?
- Purchase only the outbound fare and wait until I see PZ availability on any of the +/- 3 return dates later on? (Wouldn't this be non-economical given round-trip fares are cheaper due to min. stay requirements?)
- Wait until both outbound and inbound shows PZ availability?
Feb 22, 2019, 4:24 pm
#2249
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: West Palm Beach, FL
Programs: UA 1k, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 363
Hi,
I am looking book PBI-LHR , on 3rd April. As my usual route via ERW has no PZ zpace, I am looking at going via ORD, which has PZ9 for both the 3rd and 4th April.
When I search ORD-LHR it shows it as PZ9
When I go to book using the GPU search function, from PBI to LHR , the ORD segment shows PZ0. I understand that when having 2 legs it, will not show the PZ space for the TATL leg, however, I was wondering how it works when book. I go through the process of booking (before actually paying) and it says one or more flights are waitlist only. If I book it, will the GPU auto clear so I can then go back and change ORD - LHR segment to BF seat? OR , is the only way of doing it to go through the hassle of booking on the phone ?
thx
I am looking book PBI-LHR , on 3rd April. As my usual route via ERW has no PZ zpace, I am looking at going via ORD, which has PZ9 for both the 3rd and 4th April.
When I search ORD-LHR it shows it as PZ9
When I go to book using the GPU search function, from PBI to LHR , the ORD segment shows PZ0. I understand that when having 2 legs it, will not show the PZ space for the TATL leg, however, I was wondering how it works when book. I go through the process of booking (before actually paying) and it says one or more flights are waitlist only. If I book it, will the GPU auto clear so I can then go back and change ORD - LHR segment to BF seat? OR , is the only way of doing it to go through the hassle of booking on the phone ?
thx
Feb 22, 2019, 4:25 pm
#2250
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: 3,617
First time poster here. Wanted to know best strategy to employ to maximize GPU usage/clearing on outbound and inbound legs of a trip. Let's say for example, I see PZ availability on the outbound, but need to waitlist for the return. Return is flexible +/- 3 days. Should I:
- Go ahead and purchase the roundtrip fare and hope that the return flight clears into PZ?
- Purchase only the outbound fare and wait until I see PZ availability on any of the +/- 3 return dates later on? (Wouldn't this be non-economical given round-trip fares are cheaper due to min. stay requirements?)
- Wait until both outbound and inbound shows PZ availability?