Upgrade Mathamatics
#1
Original Poster




Join Date: Feb 2011
Programs: WS Gold, AC 75K, Hertz PC, National EE, Hilton Diamond, Bonvoy Gold, Bills Mafia
Posts: 353
Upgrade Mathamatics
Thinking of booking a trip with the family. 4 people in total. 1 is a 1k, 1 is a PP. What is the best way to go about bookings, keeping upgrades in mind.
4 people on one reservation?
or 2 reservations of two ppl.
Thanks
4 people on one reservation?
or 2 reservations of two ppl.
Thanks

#3
Moderator: United Airlines




Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA LT Plat 2MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 73,162
Are you trying to upgrade both ways or just one-way (if so, which)?
How are you trying to upgrade?
Routing / connections?
What sub-optimal results are acceptable? is all or none or partial?
Any under 15-year-olds?
How are you trying to upgrade?
Routing / connections?
What sub-optimal results are acceptable? is all or none or partial?
Any under 15-year-olds?
#4
Original Poster




Join Date: Feb 2011
Programs: WS Gold, AC 75K, Hertz PC, National EE, Hilton Diamond, Bonvoy Gold, Bills Mafia
Posts: 353
Upgrade via the upgrade window, complementary premiere upgrade.
YUL-ORD-PHX
TUS-ORD-YUL
The two non-elites are under well under 15
Thanks
Last edited by bcard519; Dec 16, 2018 at 3:41 pm
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist


Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 12,778
So in this case, I think the best strategy is book two reservations in each direction. On each reservation have one elite and one non-elite. Then this is up for debate, but I would check in as late as possible and if not upgraded by that time, do not split to go on the visible list.
#7
Moderator: United Airlines




Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA LT Plat 2MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 73,162
As long as the sub-15s are in economy, one of the adults needs to remain behind also. Minors can not be in a different cabin from adults (not always enforced but for younger ones, it is more likely to be enforced.
Are these mainline or UX flights?
But first, 4 on PNR will not work
2-2 with an elite on each will be needed but the Plat's chances will be lower
Are these mainline or UX flights?
But first, 4 on PNR will not work
If a reservation includes three or more travelers, and only one is not a Premier member, the Complimentary Premier Upgrades will be processed according to the lowest Premier status level in the reservation. If two or more travelers on the reservation are not Premier members, it will not be processed automatically. In these cases, Premier members should call the Premier Priority Desk to request a separate reservation for themselves and the eligible companion.
#8




Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 865
I should note that one-way vs round-trip shouldnt make a difference as far as upgrade likelihood is concerned.
Also, what is the ORD-YUL segment? I fly that route a lot and while there are some UX170s/175s, most of the flights are either UX 145s or Air Canada 175s, neither of which will give you upgrades via CPU (though Air Canada may op-up if they are oversold in back and undersold up front, but your difference in UA status wont matter because all Air Canada knows is that you are *G).
Also, what is the ORD-YUL segment? I fly that route a lot and while there are some UX170s/175s, most of the flights are either UX 145s or Air Canada 175s, neither of which will give you upgrades via CPU (though Air Canada may op-up if they are oversold in back and undersold up front, but your difference in UA status wont matter because all Air Canada knows is that you are *G).
#9
Original Poster




Join Date: Feb 2011
Programs: WS Gold, AC 75K, Hertz PC, National EE, Hilton Diamond, Bonvoy Gold, Bills Mafia
Posts: 353
I should note that one-way vs round-trip shouldnt make a difference as far as upgrade likelihood is concerned.
Also, what is the ORD-YUL segment? I fly that route a lot and while there are some UX170s/175s, most of the flights are either UX 145s or Air Canada 175s, neither of which will give you upgrades via CPU (though Air Canada may op-up if they are oversold in back and undersold up front, but your difference in UA status wont matter because all Air Canada knows is that you are *G).
Also, what is the ORD-YUL segment? I fly that route a lot and while there are some UX170s/175s, most of the flights are either UX 145s or Air Canada 175s, neither of which will give you upgrades via CPU (though Air Canada may op-up if they are oversold in back and undersold up front, but your difference in UA status wont matter because all Air Canada knows is that you are *G).





