Upgrades/Access to Polaris Global First since UA Ended Polaris Global First Sales
Jul 22, 2018, 7:07 am
#151
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: JAX
Programs: UA Plat MM, AA Gold MM, Marriott LTT, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 3,770
7/19 CDG-IAD, original flight status had 3/8 F seats assigned. Email from UA on 7/18 informed me of aircraft swap to new config 777.
I wonder how UA handled the 3 F passengers? I assume this means down grade from F to C.
I wonder how UA handled the 3 F passengers? I assume this means down grade from F to C.
Jul 22, 2018, 9:07 pm
#152
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Flyover Country
Programs: United 1K/GS, AA Gold
Posts: 65
Global First
i know this isn’t really a Global Services question, but figured this would be a knowledgeable crowd. In September, I am scheduled to take a flight that is currently listed as a 3-class 777. As a global services flyer, what is the chance that I will be upgraded to a global first seat? Is there anything I can do to improve my chances? I still love those seats.
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Jul 24, 2018 at 10:52 pm Reason: move to exisiting thread
Jul 22, 2018, 9:34 pm
#153
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, UA Gold, WN, Global Entry; +others wherever miles/points are found
Posts: 14,394
i know this isn’t really a Global Services question, but figured this would be a knowledgeable crowd. In September, I am scheduled to take a flight that is currently listed as a 3-class 777. As a global services flyer, what is the chance that I will be upgraded to a global first seat? Is there anything I can do to improve my chances? I still love those seats.
Jul 22, 2018, 9:54 pm
#154
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Flyover Country
Programs: United 1K/GS, AA Gold
Posts: 65
I don’t think they sell the Global First seats on any flights anymore. I think I read that here.
Jul 22, 2018, 10:54 pm
#156
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: SFO, TPE, HNL
Programs: UA GS 4MM, RCC life member (paid), Marriott Lifetime Titanium, Hyatt Globalist, CLEAR
Posts: 1,822
i know this isn’t really a Global Services question, but figured this would be a knowledgeable crowd. In September, I am scheduled to take a flight that is currently listed as a 3-class 777. As a global services flyer, what is the chance that I will be upgraded to a global first seat? Is there anything I can do to improve my chances? I still love those seats.
Jul 23, 2018, 7:34 am
#157
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: BOS<>NYC<>BKK
Programs: UA 4.3MM LT-GS; AA1MM; Amtrak SE; MAR LT TITAN; PC Plat; HIL DIA; HYA GLOB
Posts: 4,388
i know this isn’t really a Global Services question, but figured this would be a knowledgeable crowd. In September, I am scheduled to take a flight that is currently listed as a 3-class 777. As a global services flyer, what is the chance that I will be upgraded to a global first seat? Is there anything I can do to improve my chances? I still love those seats.
Jul 23, 2018, 11:31 am
#158
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Bucks County
Programs: UAL GS & Million Miler; Delta Lifetime Gold; Hilton Diamond; Marriott Platinum; Legion Etrangere
Posts: 1,609
Going to NRT and KIX next month. Any advice/guidance on how to get in the former Global First seats in advance? Will be paying full fare. TIA
Jul 23, 2018, 10:28 pm
#159
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Chicago
Programs: UA GS 1MM, CM PP
Posts: 689
This happened to me once in 2017. I had upgraded to F with a GPU. Last minute swap to Polaris config. GS agents in ORD were super apologetic about it, returned the GPU and gave me a $1500 voucher. I thought that was more than generous, as I was happy to be in the new config anyhow (direct aisle access being my main issue). Not sure if a paid F ticket would've received the same or something more specific to the value of tickets exchanged.
Jul 24, 2018, 8:07 am
#160
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 710
Jul 24, 2018, 9:18 am
#161
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: NY NY USA
Posts: 192
[
Good morning all,
I am doubting about the purchase of non-stop EWR-GRU return on a sUA 3 class 777. First class is not for sale and when speaking to a 1K supervisor they told me that it is not clear to them how the upgrade process to ex first works. A 'different' department on day of departure allocates the seats. I am pretty positive there will not be a plane swap - these birds with heavy (and horrible) business have always been on this premium heavy route.
From previous posts I read that upgrades may be allocated to a combination of status and fare paid (which could make sense) - or non-revs ( which of course makes a lot of sense for UA employees - lol) - UA has a shameful monopoly over this route - a P class fare is above $6,500 USD and I do not feel like spending more for the "hope" of a better chance to GF seat.
Honestly I would have preferred a LH style handling - top fliers for free (GS) and a flat fare of XXX money for eveybody else.
My options are
1. book the EWR-GRU, enjoy polaris lounge for dinner and hope for an upgrade (or bite the bullet and sit in subpar c for $4,500 USD!) or
2. take a connecting flight to IAD (where there is no polaris lounge) and ride on a sCO 767 with better seat? - eventually, if I dig enough I may route through IAH where there is a polaris and a 767 to GRU
3. connecting through ORD makes no sense because apart from polaris lounge the same 3 class 777 flies to GRU
What would you recommend?
Thanks in advance for your kind reply,
Good morning all,
I am doubting about the purchase of non-stop EWR-GRU return on a sUA 3 class 777. First class is not for sale and when speaking to a 1K supervisor they told me that it is not clear to them how the upgrade process to ex first works. A 'different' department on day of departure allocates the seats. I am pretty positive there will not be a plane swap - these birds with heavy (and horrible) business have always been on this premium heavy route.
From previous posts I read that upgrades may be allocated to a combination of status and fare paid (which could make sense) - or non-revs ( which of course makes a lot of sense for UA employees - lol) - UA has a shameful monopoly over this route - a P class fare is above $6,500 USD and I do not feel like spending more for the "hope" of a better chance to GF seat.
Honestly I would have preferred a LH style handling - top fliers for free (GS) and a flat fare of XXX money for eveybody else.
My options are
1. book the EWR-GRU, enjoy polaris lounge for dinner and hope for an upgrade (or bite the bullet and sit in subpar c for $4,500 USD!) or
2. take a connecting flight to IAD (where there is no polaris lounge) and ride on a sCO 767 with better seat? - eventually, if I dig enough I may route through IAH where there is a polaris and a 767 to GRU
3. connecting through ORD makes no sense because apart from polaris lounge the same 3 class 777 flies to GRU
What would you recommend?
Thanks in advance for your kind reply,
Jul 25, 2018, 3:47 pm
#162
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Virginia and Vitoria, ES Brazil
Programs: UA 1K, Million Miler, *G, JJ, AD, Global Entry, CLEAR, H.O.G. Life Member
Posts: 1,407
My options are
1. book the EWR-GRU, enjoy polaris lounge for dinner and hope for an upgrade (or bite the bullet and sit in subpar c for $4,500 USD!) or
2. take a connecting flight to IAD (where there is no polaris lounge) and ride on a sCO 767 with better seat? - eventually, if I dig enough I may route through IAH where there is a polaris and a 767 to GRU
3. connecting through ORD makes no sense because apart from polaris lounge the same 3 class 777 flies to GRU
Jul 25, 2018, 11:21 pm
#163
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: SEA, WAS, PEK
Programs: UA 3K UGS 3MM
Posts: 2,176
[
Good morning all,
I am doubting about the purchase of non-stop EWR-GRU return on a sUA 3 class 777. First class is not for sale and when speaking to a 1K supervisor they told me that it is not clear to them how the upgrade process to ex first works. A 'different' department on day of departure allocates the seats. I am pretty positive there will not be a plane swap - these birds with heavy (and horrible) business have always been on this premium heavy route.
From previous posts I read that upgrades may be allocated to a combination of status and fare paid (which could make sense) - or non-revs ( which of course makes a lot of sense for UA employees - lol) - UA has a shameful monopoly over this route - a P class fare is above $6,500 USD and I do not feel like spending more for the "hope" of a better chance to GF seat.
Honestly I would have preferred a LH style handling - top fliers for free (GS) and a flat fare of XXX money for eveybody else.
My options are
1. book the EWR-GRU, enjoy polaris lounge for dinner and hope for an upgrade (or bite the bullet and sit in subpar c for $4,500 USD!) or
2. take a connecting flight to IAD (where there is no polaris lounge) and ride on a sCO 767 with better seat? - eventually, if I dig enough I may route through IAH where there is a polaris and a 767 to GRU
3. connecting through ORD makes no sense because apart from polaris lounge the same 3 class 777 flies to GRU
What would you recommend?
Thanks in advance for your kind reply,
Good morning all,
I am doubting about the purchase of non-stop EWR-GRU return on a sUA 3 class 777. First class is not for sale and when speaking to a 1K supervisor they told me that it is not clear to them how the upgrade process to ex first works. A 'different' department on day of departure allocates the seats. I am pretty positive there will not be a plane swap - these birds with heavy (and horrible) business have always been on this premium heavy route.
From previous posts I read that upgrades may be allocated to a combination of status and fare paid (which could make sense) - or non-revs ( which of course makes a lot of sense for UA employees - lol) - UA has a shameful monopoly over this route - a P class fare is above $6,500 USD and I do not feel like spending more for the "hope" of a better chance to GF seat.
Honestly I would have preferred a LH style handling - top fliers for free (GS) and a flat fare of XXX money for eveybody else.
My options are
1. book the EWR-GRU, enjoy polaris lounge for dinner and hope for an upgrade (or bite the bullet and sit in subpar c for $4,500 USD!) or
2. take a connecting flight to IAD (where there is no polaris lounge) and ride on a sCO 767 with better seat? - eventually, if I dig enough I may route through IAH where there is a polaris and a 767 to GRU
3. connecting through ORD makes no sense because apart from polaris lounge the same 3 class 777 flies to GRU
What would you recommend?
Thanks in advance for your kind reply,
Jul 25, 2018, 11:54 pm
#164
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: TOA
Programs: HH Diamond, Marriott LTPP/Platinum Premier, Hyatt Lame-ist, UA !K
Posts: 20,061
Jul 26, 2018, 10:09 am
#165
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Denver
Programs: UA Lifetime Plat 2MM. Starwood Lifetime Gold
Posts: 178
Just flew UA 960 FRA - ORD with family 3 of us on paid Business -P class - and 2 on Business saver award tickets. All 3 of us were upgraded to F at the gate. Found out about the upgrade only when we boarded and scanner kicked our Bus boarding pass out. Never asked for an upgrade