What can be done to increase the chances of a GPU clearing when waitlisting is the only way? I am hoping to clear a GPU for the notoriously hard to clear SFO-SIN route.

Is there any way I can increase my odds if I am flexible with scheduling? Like flying off on a Tuesday? Or selecting flights that have more unassigned business class seats available? Choosing a day where more discount business class seats are available in fares D or Z etc? Any anecdotal experience or evidence would be greatly appreciated.

I know I could try flying through ORD-HKG-SIN and have a much higher chance of clearing a GPU. Would be a great chance to try the new Polaris Lounge as well. But I would rather avoid having to sit in the pmUA 2-4-2 configuration.

Thanks in advance for any input!

To increase your chances, don't just buy a W fare, buy a Y,B,M, etc. As high as your company will allow, it's still an 'economy' ticket.

If you have to buy the cheapest economy ticket and you're doing the upfare to W yourself, and have flexibility, then try and secure R space at the time of booking.

Other than that, this thread might be one to assist you with anecdotal experience/evidence.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unite...ne-2016-a.html

I'd second this. My anecdotal experience is W stands for worthless (but expensive). This might have been due to United's f'up, who knows, but:

Last year I booked 2 W tickets (myself and my partner) ORD-AMS. I used 2 GPU's. Bought the tickets 6 months prior to departure. I'm 1k, partner is MP member only. At the gate, my partner is #1 spot (United can't tell me why other than, whoops) and I'm #2. I checked with the GA 1 minute before boarding and was told that someone just bought full fare business in the last open seat.

On return flight, united had previously split our tickets without me knowing. Now my partner is 500 down the list on return flight, and I'm #1. Had the ticket not been split, he would have been #2, but I digress.

Anyway, I rarely clear GPU's flying domestically, never worth betting an upgrade on an international. I've written them off as worthless. If I want business I'll buy it or use miles.

I wouldn't go higher than a V or a Q for that purpose. Odds are you're just throwing even more money away if you go higher.

Going one fare class above a W definitely gives you a potential advantage on a flight that's heavily waitlisted with 1Ks though.

Y,B,M and you might was well buy Premium Economy and any of the other airlines. LH works to help keep status- but if GPUs aren't going to clear anymore, why am I even a 1K?

True. I just brought up the higher fare because the OP asked about increasing chances and if the OP isn't paying for his/her ticket, then it would def increase your chances.

Whether it's 'worth' it is another discussion.

Similar comment on the wiki about why GPU/RPU's are worthless. Sadly similar experience as yours last year going SFO-FRA and SFO-MUN. Booked months in advance, used GPU's for myself and partner (and on returns). Never got taken. Long TATL flights in UA E+ both ways and both trips, not pretty. Will NEVER buy up and play that game again. I like your W stands for worthless line, very appropriate.

Which is the exact reason I stopped flying UA. I made my 1 million and then flew on whoever was the cheapest.
Example UA Economy to Atlanta $800.
AA 1st class to Atlanta $450

All those upsells to 1st and boom there goes seats that used to be earmarked for upgrades.

The best part is they just don't care about loyalty.

Holding out for an upgrade these days is not a winning proposition. The seat will be offered for an upgrade $ale to other passengers as they check in for the flight even if they have no status.

My inability to use GPUs out of SFO to Europe was the main reason I left, even after 2.7 MM. I'm one of those people who can't really afford $4500+ for RT business to Europe, so full boat is not an option.

Now, for the price of a UA Q fare for example, I can usually buy an actual premium economy seat on a European airline, which is wider and has more legroom. Often I can upgrade for money or miles to business, as neither of my current airlines (BA and VS) wait-lists for upgrades, and by keeping a sharp eye I can grab one if they appear.

But, in any case, I hope to never again fly in an economy seat for 10 hours! It's worth the extra money.

Wow, that is a sad indictment on customer loyalty. You obviously are a frequent traveler. I understand airlines need to make money but since you are able to travel on other airlines for lower prices and they continue to operate UA has lost your revenue.

I do wonder why UA does not make a better E+ hard product for TATL and TPAC flights. Other airlines like TK and SQ do this well and appear to make money from them as people are willing to pay for the privilege.

I too am struggling to find available R inventory for flights and looking at *A alternatives as I have met my minimum 4 flights for the year. I do like 1K for IRROPS but the GPUs are the real incentive for me to strive for 1K. I already have *G through my 1MM. I do a mixture of paid J flights and E (hoping for upgrades) both TATL and TPAC. I am starting the switch to *A for these flights.

Personally I wouldn't go higher than the bare minimum at all, unless you really hate your employer. In which case perhaps looking for a new job should be the top priority.

Whilst GPUs are far less certain now that they were a few years ago (and let's not forget that the economy is in far better shape which has quite a lot to do with it), I think some people here are being over-dramatic. None of last year's will have expired worthless and I'm reasonably confident I will be able to say the same this year. So far, through the end of March which is how far I am booked, I'm three out of three, two of which had R on booking and one didn't.

The problem I have is that my travel is mainly domestic, and the few international personal trips I take a year, I'm not willing to gamble with a GPU.

I'm not complaining that I clear my GPUs, I'm complaining that I've never cleared a GPU on a "global" flight, and I "waste" them all on domestic work trips.

edit: I also just love getting worked up on here

+1

It's unfortunate that OP has asked a legitimate question, only to have the thread hijacked by the same complaints that are already being aired in multiple other threads.

Can we just say, "yes, TATL GPUs can be difficult to clear, particularly ex-SFO," and move on with the question that OP asked?