fumje

No rule of thumb, but the times I typically check for it opening are about one week prior, then T-48, T-24.

findark

Inventory adjusts to the closer-to-departure forecast after 21, 14, and 7 days to go. Periodic adjustments based on demand usually happen on Tuesday nights also, but can be any time.

simonoaks

The first flight EWR to SFO is 8.15 am and a 777-200
the 2nd EWR- LAX is 9.00am and also a 777-200
3rd EWR to LAX is 10am and is a 757-200 28J

I have a really good CPU upgrade ratio this year for non PS routes, esily over 80% . My last 3 trips I has all 4 segments clear on both trips and all 5 segments on the other. But I can see ORD to SMF being a close one as it is a 319 inseatd of a 320 or a 378/9 .

jsloan

Long 319 flights are almost impossible to clear via CPU. They're not even easy to clear via RPU.

simonoaks

True ! I also need to take into consideration the E+ seating, not just chance of upgrade. I have just been reading that the E+ seating on the 777-200 V4 is literally the worst in the fleet. AT 6'4' and 320lb , I care a lot about E+ seating. I think I should go with the EWR-ORD-SMF route , as I cannot risk not clearing on one of the PS routes, and then being stuck in bad E+ seat. Unless , like on the EWR to LAX route, I get a seat of 3 with only 2 of us in it....but again, a risk.

Still worndering what my upgrade chances are with the PS routes I posted above , so will wait and see what people say , first....

I see that UA703 ewr-LAX at 9am has J9 (14 seats open on seatmap on app) and PN3, but importantly , seems lots of E+ space open. Any idea on chance of upgrade on that one? Or chance that will have spare middle seat ? thx

simonoaks

So, I found something surprising: insead of fly to SMF on the morning of 20th. I can get flight EWR to SFO on the evening of 19th, then fly to SMF the following morning, and there are several PZ spaces open , for e.g. 8pm EWR to SFO PZ2 on 777 200 Polaris, 9pm EWR to SFO 757 200 PZ4 or EWR to LAX 8pm 757 200 PZ8 !
Think I will go with the EWR to LAX at 8pm, as I do not like the polaris seats.

Just surprised so many PZ options open for that route.

simonoaks

Ok,

Have a new question about upgrade options, sorry !
I can get a 7am EWR - LAX on 20th Aug, it is a 787-10 and has J9 PN9, T fair - what is upgrade chance ?
Or I can get 8pm on 20th EWR - SFO on 777-200 polaris - PZ3
Or A flight EWR - LAX on 757-200 - PZ5
Or EWR - LAX 9am on 20th - PN4 - what is chance of upgrade?
I am pretty flexible on the route , so lastly which is considered the better seats/ plane - 757-200 , 777-200 old layout , 777-200 polaris or dreamliner 10 polaris... thx !

findark

If it fits your schedule the 772 Polaris is the best seats out of the four and also seems to have upgrade space (unless you meant to type PN3?). Regardless, the 50J aircraft are a bit of an over-provisioning on the route and are a good bet for upgrades.

myperks

Wanted to seek advice on upgrading on the SFO to Taipei flights. Previously it was a day to upgrade and lots of PZ space open up way before the flight. Hopefully it still is.

Would you buy a W class for 600 or R class for 730 one way and use gpu for upgrade? On one hand I believe this will clear (looking at today’s 871 gone out with 10+ open Polaris), on the other hand it seems like they might clear PP into Polaris first and for 130 more is probably a good deal.

Kacee

Unless the flight is PZ>0, I would pay up for R, as the upgrade odds are much enhanced compared to the W. You also get 150% PQM.

SFO-TPE is still a good upgrade bet much of the time, though there are occasional misses and Saturdays and Sundays can be a particular challenge.

myperks

Thanks. That was what I was thinking as well. Now I just need to get through the phone line to change the flight within 24 hours but lines are busy, even for 1K. can't change online for some reason and can't refund since an ETC was attached. I wonder if the GG Buyup change fee will be waived if it is over 24 hours.

myperks

lesamuel

Kmxu

I would check in as soon as possible. You will see how many people will push you down on the upgrade standby list if you monitor it very closely. Typically, United will clear up to 5 passengers at T-23 h for your flight at J7/P7 (leaving two seats). Some seats may be taken by buy-ups, too.

lesamuel