Automatic Upgrade Request Inhibitor
#16
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 5
Thanks everyone. I think the consensus is that it's not possible. Thanks to all for the sanity check / confirmation that I hadn't missed anything on the app / site.
As for making a reservation without an MP number...that's an interesting alternative, I hadn't considered that, thanks. I do like most of the benefits, like the bonus points, and the free checked bag, and priority boarding, etc...I just didn't want the "automatic" upgrade / seat change benefit.
As for what seat in economy is so special...it's not any particular seat or any general reason, it's related to a personal health issue...so don't worry, no one is missing out on any secret fun in the back of the cattle car...
As for making a reservation without an MP number...that's an interesting alternative, I hadn't considered that, thanks. I do like most of the benefits, like the bonus points, and the free checked bag, and priority boarding, etc...I just didn't want the "automatic" upgrade / seat change benefit.
As for what seat in economy is so special...it's not any particular seat or any general reason, it's related to a personal health issue...so don't worry, no one is missing out on any secret fun in the back of the cattle car...
#17
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,455
Sure, MileagePlus is an optional program. Don’t join, or stop providing your frequent flyer number during the reservation process, and you’re extremely unlikely to get upgraded. And, if you’d prefer to have only the mileage earning and nothing else, you can ask for retroactive credit after the flight.
On an airbus, 7A, C, D, or F, with open middle, was IMO preferable to 1E/F. That's no longer true since they slimined Y in these aircraft.
#18
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 14,888
So let me ask another question that I probably already know the answer to: can you opt-out of your upgraded status entirely? In other words, if I travel enough to qualify for a premier level, but I don't want it...can I refuse it or retroactively downgrade my status? Or am I automatically bumped up to a new level, and that's that?
if you don’t want any of your premier benefits, probably the best way is simply to leave your MP # off your booking entirely. If you do indeed want the miles to redeem for whatever later, you can always leave your MP # off, and then request retro credit for your flight afterwards. While this would also have to be done manually for each itin, you can at least do this online so t doesn’t require a phone call.
But there is is a lot of conveniences you could lose. For example, by not using your account, you’d have to manually enter your personal info. each time you book a trip (though come to think of it - you might be able to book through your account with saved info and be able to not select a mileage program at that part - presumably this can be done - I’ve just never tried). You’ll also probably lose some other perks you really do want, like higher priority for rebooking/standby in IRROPS, etc.
#19
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,406
As for making a reservation without an MP number...that's an interesting alternative, I hadn't considered that, thanks. I do like most of the benefits, like the bonus points, and the free checked bag, and priority boarding, etc...I just didn't want the "automatic" upgrade / seat change benefit.
#20
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Houston
Programs: UA 1K and Million Miler, *A Gold, Marriott Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, Hertz Five Star,
Posts: 1,301
You're right, and I understand I'm definitely in the minority...but I was hoping there was some manual opt-out, or some secret way to beat the system.
So let me ask another question that I probably already know the answer to: can you opt-out of your upgraded status entirely? In other words, if I travel enough to qualify for a premier level, but I don't want it...can I refuse it or retroactively downgrade my status? Or am I automatically bumped up to a new level, and that's that?
So let me ask another question that I probably already know the answer to: can you opt-out of your upgraded status entirely? In other words, if I travel enough to qualify for a premier level, but I don't want it...can I refuse it or retroactively downgrade my status? Or am I automatically bumped up to a new level, and that's that?
#21
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,203
Avoiding CPUs has been on my mind for awhile. If I am traveling on my own, a CPU is great (as well as all of the other benefits). But I travel with a group of work folks on routes that I have a decent chance of a CPU. The other folks rarely travel by plane - not even personally. I am dreading the day that I receive a CPU while everyone else is in the back. They can make some trouble for me workwise - maybe not intentionally; but it would certainly raise questions and I'd have to provide explanations to those who have no familiarity with FF programs. (My status is more so from personal travel.)
My solution is to monitor the upgrade list and if I think I have a chance of a CPU, I'll speak with the GA.
My solution is to monitor the upgrade list and if I think I have a chance of a CPU, I'll speak with the GA.
#22
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 11,461
Avoiding CPUs has been on my mind for awhile. If I am traveling on my own, a CPU is great (as well as all of the other benefits). But I travel with a group of work folks on routes that I have a decent chance of a CPU. The other folks rarely travel by plane - not even personally. I am dreading the day that I receive a CPU while everyone else is in the back. They can make some trouble for me workwise - maybe not intentionally; but it would certainly raise questions and I'd have to provide explanations to those who have no familiarity with FF programs. (My status is more so from personal travel.)
My solution is to monitor the upgrade list and if I think I have a chance of a CPU, I'll speak with the GA.
My solution is to monitor the upgrade list and if I think I have a chance of a CPU, I'll speak with the GA.
#23
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,203
(And this is great - I got to post to a 'trending' FT thread!)
#24
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 11,461
https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly.../upgrades.html
#25
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,406
The is only applicable if you're traveling on a single reservation with your co-workers. If you each have separate reservations, you won't have the option to decline the CPU (except by calling as the OP mentioned).
#26
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: HND, NRT
Programs: UA Gold (1K 2016–2023 by miracle extensions; RIP 1K status), 1MM
Posts: 220
Alternatively, just check in a couple hours before your flight instead of 24ish hours in advance. You'll fall lower on the upgrade list. Look at the number on the list and the number of available seats. Only when there's a real chance of being upgraded at the gate—or if you get an email a day (if you're silver) or more (if you're higher) in advance that you got upgraded, or, you look at the the F cabin a couple days before the flight and it's still wide open and you might get upgraded more than 24 hrs in advance, would you need to call.
#27
Join Date: Dec 2017
Posts: 413
So let me ask another question that I probably already know the answer to: can you opt-out of your upgraded status entirely? In other words, if I travel enough to qualify for a premier level, but I don't want it...can I refuse it or retroactively downgrade my status? Or am I automatically bumped up to a new level, and that's that?
#28
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Colorado
Programs: UA Gold (.85 MM), HH Diamond, SPG Platinum (LT Gold), Hertz PC, National EE
Posts: 5,656
Avoiding CPUs has been on my mind for awhile. If I am traveling on my own, a CPU is great (as well as all of the other benefits). But I travel with a group of work folks on routes that I have a decent chance of a CPU. The other folks rarely travel by plane - not even personally. I am dreading the day that I receive a CPU while everyone else is in the back. They can make some trouble for me workwise - maybe not intentionally; but it would certainly raise questions and I'd have to provide explanations to those who have no familiarity with FF programs. (My status is more so from personal travel.)
My solution is to monitor the upgrade list and if I think I have a chance of a CPU, I'll speak with the GA.
My solution is to monitor the upgrade list and if I think I have a chance of a CPU, I'll speak with the GA.
#29
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: LAX & EWR/JFK
Programs: Fomerly UA 1K, now Gold... next year, who knows?
Posts: 1,432
Just to be clear, UA will not remove your existing seat assignment just because you are on the waitlist—they will only change your seating assignment if you are upgraded. You are saying you do not want to be upgraded under any circumstances, and would prefer your economy seat over first?
There’s several reasons I can think of why someone might not want to be upgraded. Just wanted to confirm that’s what you meant.
There’s several reasons I can think of why someone might not want to be upgraded. Just wanted to confirm that’s what you meant.
I don't know the odds, and I assume it's low, but you know that old saying..."when you least expect it..."
And you're right--if I DID happen to get upgraded, I'm sure I could swap with someone...but I'm not sure I would be able to swap back to the same seat that I had originally.
Yes, you understood my intent perfectly--I do not want to be upgraded under any circumstances, I would prefer to keep the seat that I selected during booking (in economy class--over a first class seat, business class, or even in a different economy section).
And you're right--if I DID happen to get upgraded, I'm sure I could swap with someone...but I'm not sure I would be able to swap back to the same seat that I had originally.
Yes, you understood my intent perfectly--I do not want to be upgraded under any circumstances, I would prefer to keep the seat that I selected during booking (in economy class--over a first class seat, business class, or even in a different economy section).