United called traveller to check source of GPU (purchased online)
#17
Join Date: Jul 2016
Programs: UA1K | *A Gold
Posts: 767
They're probably just trying to gather information regarding the seller to shut down that person's MP account (who probably applied too many GPUs/RPUs to PNRs with different names and in different locations).
Worst case foryou your friend is that they close your MP account, pull the GPU, and charge you for any fare difference to put you back on the original flight.
Worst case for
#18
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: DSM, BKK or anywhere with an airport
Programs: UA 2P, HH Gold
Posts: 1,018
Read Through This
You might want to peruse the 130 pages of this thread: MP Accounts Closed Alleging Fraud/Misuse
#19
In memoriam
Join Date: Dec 2001
Programs: DL 2MM, AA MM, DL Sky Club Life, AA Admirals Club Life, Hilton Gold Life
Posts: 1,732
Did she explain the purchase and source to the United rep? If so, there is an almost guaranteed likelihood United will cancel the upgrade, and cancel the ticket without a refund. As to what UA will do with HER mileage account, it's hard to say, but the seller's account is probably going to get shut down.
#20
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BOS/EAP
Programs: UA 1K, MR LTT, HH Dia, Amex Plat
Posts: 32,055
A friend of mine got a call few days ago from a UA Rep asking questions about an upgrade she got.
Anyone else experienced a phone call from a UA rep asking who upgraded you and why? How you got the GPU?
What are the guidelines for upgrading someone else? Voluntary or revenue? seller or buyer? How does it work, i am not familiar with those but would be happy to know more if someone could help
Anyone else experienced a phone call from a UA rep asking who upgraded you and why? How you got the GPU?
What are the guidelines for upgrading someone else? Voluntary or revenue? seller or buyer? How does it work, i am not familiar with those but would be happy to know more if someone could help
#22
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#23
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sure, that's an obvious way. The OPs case sounds different unless there were several sold and they are tracking all of them down from that particular UA account which might have very well been what happened.
#24
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Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Pacific Northwest
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‘Tis the Season... of expiring upgrades, inspiring sales, it seems.
AA’s on the hunt, too, according to today’s story on LL:
https://loyaltylobby.com/2018/12/15/...-how-to-react/
AA’s on the hunt, too, according to today’s story on LL:
https://loyaltylobby.com/2018/12/15/...-how-to-react/
Last edited by notquiteaff; Dec 15, 2018 at 1:30 pm Reason: fixing “autocorrect” mistakes
#25
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: SAN
Programs: 1K (since 2008), *G (since 1990), 1MM
Posts: 3,219
As mentioned upthread, I am someone who upgrades family and friends.
i am glad United goes after the transactions where people sell, barter and exchange their certificates.. People who sell their instruments likely result in fewer of us getting our GPUs, RPUs and CPUs.
I am all for sharing the upgraded experience with friends and family as a great gift.
However, co-workers or friends of co-workers? That has a huge taint of a business transaction in my personal opinion and adds a whole extra large group to a small pool of availability.
i am glad United goes after the transactions where people sell, barter and exchange their certificates.. People who sell their instruments likely result in fewer of us getting our GPUs, RPUs and CPUs.
I am all for sharing the upgraded experience with friends and family as a great gift.
However, co-workers or friends of co-workers? That has a huge taint of a business transaction in my personal opinion and adds a whole extra large group to a small pool of availability.
#28
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: SAN
Programs: 1K (since 2008), *G (since 1990), 1MM
Posts: 3,219
That may be fine under United's rules but is probably taxable to the recipient as taxable income as not a gift. A true gift is not taxable to the recipient. It may be all your co-workers are your friends and it is not a business relationship.
#29
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Colorado
Programs: UA Gold (.85 MM), HH Diamond, SPG Platinum (LT Gold), Hertz PC, National EE
Posts: 5,656
Due to a business relationship - correct?
That may be fine under United's rules but is probably taxable to the recipient as taxable income as not a gift. A true gift is not taxable to the recipient. It may be all your co-workers are your friends and it is not a business relationship.
That may be fine under United's rules but is probably taxable to the recipient as taxable income as not a gift. A true gift is not taxable to the recipient. It may be all your co-workers are your friends and it is not a business relationship.
#30
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: MBS/FNT/LAN
Programs: UA 1K, HH Gold, Mariott Gold
Posts: 9,630
I would love to know how UA tracks these down. Have been upgrading friends, family and co-workers (even friends of co-workers, what else can you do with expiring RPUS ) often over the years and neither they nor I ever got a call from UA ... so somehow they figured that this is o.k. (which it is of course) vs. the OPs (and others) case where they rightfully track down a sale.
since you have never received a call or had a problem its likely your "pattern" fits the algorithm that considers it above board.