Nov 3, 2018, 11:06 am
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
Until 18 Oct 2018, upgrade space for RPU/GPUs was "R" ("PN" for GS), starting 19 Oct 2018 "R" has been replaced by "PZ"
Changes to UA's Fare Classes (19-20 October 2018)
"R" upgrade / fare class is missing! (replaced by PZ)
Changes to UA's Fare Classes (19-20 October 2018)
"R" upgrade / fare class is missing! (replaced by PZ)
When using Expert to find upgrade space, check segments individually because checking multiple segments may defaults to reporting the less inventory (such as zero) of any segment for the multi-segment result
R / PZ Avail changes depending on how you search flights
Segments clear individually based on their upgrade space
UA provides Advance Search options for Mileage Upgrades or GPUs or RPUs -- There are complications with those searches, so if used to find space best to just record the flights and then book without the extra search options.
If you expect for an upgrade to clear after booking and it does not, remember you can cancel within 24 hours with no cancellation fee.
There are no tools available for searching for more than one day or one route at a time. UA has blocked any attempts by third parties to provides such tools,
Ways to search for upgrade space at booking?
Apr 30, 2018, 9:49 pm
#31
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,452
I have found this tool to be unreliable.
Nov 3, 2018, 8:22 am
#32
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: LAX
Programs: UA Gold/1MM, AA EXP, Marriott Plat
Posts: 963
So I've tried multiple browsers and for some reason I can't see "R" space in Expert Mode anymore. Does anyone else have that issue? I'm not sure if it just doesn't show because R=0 or what...but it used to for me.
Nov 3, 2018, 8:27 am
#33
Join Date: Apr 1999
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
Programs: Hyatt LT Globalist, Marriot LT Titanium, UA 2.4MM, HH Gold, AS MVPG
Posts: 3,400
R is no longer the upgrade fare code. You need to look for PZ.
Dec 3, 2018, 8:50 am
#35
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Kitchener, ON, Canada
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 1,266
Tips on searching for PZ space?
Is there a working third party app or software extension out there? I used to have "UA Expert Mode+" Extension for Chrome, but it's simply not working anymore. (Who knows... it may still be looking for R space instead of PZ space?)
I'm trying to get to Berlin in early March (March 3-9) out of Toronto... So I've been methodically pulling up EWR to TXL, then clicking 'details', and inevitably seeing PZ0. Then I try FRA, BRU, AMS, LHR, and FCO. Then I do the same, all over again, but using ORD as my origin point instead of EWR. Then I do the same, all over again, using IAD.
Then I repeat the entire process from scratch with different dates. It's hours upon hours of work. THEN I get to try to figure out a way home!
Has anyone got a smarter idea when it comes to workflow? Or is this just part of the fun?
I'm trying to get to Berlin in early March (March 3-9) out of Toronto... So I've been methodically pulling up EWR to TXL, then clicking 'details', and inevitably seeing PZ0. Then I try FRA, BRU, AMS, LHR, and FCO. Then I do the same, all over again, but using ORD as my origin point instead of EWR. Then I do the same, all over again, using IAD.
Then I repeat the entire process from scratch with different dates. It's hours upon hours of work. THEN I get to try to figure out a way home!
Has anyone got a smarter idea when it comes to workflow? Or is this just part of the fun?
Dec 3, 2018, 9:27 am
#36
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Houston/DC
Programs: UA 1K, 1MM
Posts: 564
I just made 1K for the first time & it seems this is what you have to do if you want to maximize your GPU's. Just wish the Chrome extension still worked. At least that made the process a little easier.
Dec 3, 2018, 9:40 am
#37
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: In between IAD and DCA
Programs: UA Plat 1.1MM , Marriott Gold Elite, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 2,262
As far as I know, that's what you have to do. It's part of the "fun." It gets really tiring after putting in your 42nd different city combination lol.
Btw, I find it's usually easier to find PZ space to Asia than Europe. Europe is a pain in the ... to find PZ space. It's not uncommon to find PZ space from IAD to NRT or ORD to HKG a few weeks out in the middle of the summer. I can rarely find PZ space even in winter to Europe.
Btw, I find it's usually easier to find PZ space to Asia than Europe. Europe is a pain in the ... to find PZ space. It's not uncommon to find PZ space from IAD to NRT or ORD to HKG a few weeks out in the middle of the summer. I can rarely find PZ space even in winter to Europe.
Dec 3, 2018, 9:43 am
#38
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 553
If you go to Advanced Search, there should be an option to search for GPU upgrades if you're logged in. It should tell you if there are GPU upgrades that are confirmable (i.e., PZ > 0). Those will have a green arrow. The orange/yellow arrows indicate that you'll be waitlisted (PZ = 0). Still have to search tons of dates, but it does save you the trouble of having the click "Details" and checking the PZ inventory.
Dec 3, 2018, 10:56 am
#39
Join Date: Mar 2018
Programs: UA 1K, AA EXP. Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,134
As far as I know, that's what you have to do. It's part of the "fun." It gets really tiring after putting in your 42nd different city combination lol.
Btw, I find it's usually easier to find PZ space to Asia than Europe. Europe is a pain in the ... to find PZ space. It's not uncommon to find PZ space from IAD to NRT or ORD to HKG a few weeks out in the middle of the summer. I can rarely find PZ space even in winter to Europe.
Btw, I find it's usually easier to find PZ space to Asia than Europe. Europe is a pain in the ... to find PZ space. It's not uncommon to find PZ space from IAD to NRT or ORD to HKG a few weeks out in the middle of the summer. I can rarely find PZ space even in winter to Europe.
Dec 3, 2018, 12:04 pm
#40
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Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, UA Gold, WN, Global Entry; +others wherever miles/points are found
Posts: 14,410
Dec 3, 2018, 12:26 pm
#41
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Kitchener, ON, Canada
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 1,266
Grrr... figures. I've got meetings in Berlin March 6. Happy to get into Europe early and do some sightseeing, but I can't get in late.
Dec 27, 2018, 7:57 am
#42
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 54
What is the best way to locate PZ availability
I understand that United does not publish PZ availability. Beside, running the search on united.com are there any alternatives to that? EF can only provide I availability (Business Saver Awards) but is the I class considered a good proxy for PZ? I did two searches in EF and whenever I was available, I have also found PZ availability for the same flight, but this could just a random sample
Dec 27, 2018, 9:13 am
#44
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: EAU
Programs: UA 1K, CO Plat, NW Plat, Marriott Premiere Plat, SPG Plat, Priority Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 4,712
What do you mean by "search"? If you're logged in to United.com and have expert mode enabled, it will show you PZ availability on flights.
Dec 27, 2018, 10:39 am
#45
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BOS/EAP
Programs: UA 1K, MR LTT, HH Dia, Amex Plat
Posts: 32,038
I understand that United does not publish PZ availability. Beside, running the search on united.com are there any alternatives to that? EF can only provide I availability (Business Saver Awards) but is the I class considered a good proxy for PZ? I did two searches in EF and whenever I was available, I have also found PZ availability for the same flight, but this could just a random sample