Are Upgrades Getting Easier on UA?
Dec 19, 2018, 6:01 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2017
Posts: 3,359
Are Upgrades Getting Easier on UA?
Hey FTers,
I heard somewhat recently about UA launching PY on some of their routes starting in March 2019. Upon researching further I noticed that CPUs/GPUs/RPUs can be used to upgrade from Y to PY (in addition to J/F). My question for the community is, given there's another premium cabin available will the chances of upgrades clearing (even just to PY) increase?
Safe Travels,
James
I heard somewhat recently about UA launching PY on some of their routes starting in March 2019. Upon researching further I noticed that CPUs/GPUs/RPUs can be used to upgrade from Y to PY (in addition to J/F). My question for the community is, given there's another premium cabin available will the chances of upgrades clearing (even just to PY) increase?
Safe Travels,
James
Dec 19, 2018, 6:27 pm
#3
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Lovely Tahoe City
Programs: UA 1mm Gold. Former 1K and GS.
Posts: 951
Hey FTers,
I heard somewhat recently about UA launching PY on some of their routes starting in March 2019. Upon researching further I noticed that CPUs/GPUs/RPUs can be used to upgrade from Y to PY (in addition to J/F). My question for the community is, given there's another premium cabin available will the chances of upgrades clearing (even just to PY) increase?
Safe Travels,
James
I heard somewhat recently about UA launching PY on some of their routes starting in March 2019. Upon researching further I noticed that CPUs/GPUs/RPUs can be used to upgrade from Y to PY (in addition to J/F). My question for the community is, given there's another premium cabin available will the chances of upgrades clearing (even just to PY) increase?
Safe Travels,
James
Dec 19, 2018, 6:49 pm
#5
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: PWM
Programs: AA Plat
Posts: 1,335
Perhaps I haven't been in the game long enough to say this but I don't ever see upgrades getting easier. Didn't happen after going revenue based, or the big award deval, or the increased PQDs, or award deval 2.0 and I predict it won't after PQD 2.0.
I see FFPs as analogous to churning at banks. There will always be an influx of new people flooding the market, regardless of how poorly the airlines/banks treat them.
I see FFPs as analogous to churning at banks. There will always be an influx of new people flooding the market, regardless of how poorly the airlines/banks treat them.
Dec 19, 2018, 7:08 pm
#7
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: NYC (Primarily EWR)
Programs: UA 1K / *G, Marriott Bonvoy Gold; Avis PC
Posts: 9,005
I don't think it has gotten easier. If I want to fly up front, I look for cheap fares and book it direct. My tolerance level for a flight in Y these days is probably the length of EWR-DEN/IAH. Anything longer and I'm going to find a way to make it to the front cabin. Not going to count on a CPU/waitlisted RPU to clear.
Dec 19, 2018, 7:22 pm
#8
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: IAH / HOU
Programs: UA GS, DL-Plat, Hilton Gold, IHG Platinum, Hyatt Somethingist, Marriott Titanium Lifetime
Posts: 2,853
I don't think it has gotten easier. If I want to fly up front, I look for cheap fares and book it direct. My tolerance level for a flight in Y these days is probably the length of EWR-DEN/IAH. Anything longer and I'm going to find a way to make it to the front cabin. Not going to count on a CPU/waitlisted RPU to clear.
Dec 19, 2018, 7:25 pm
#9
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Lovely Tahoe City
Programs: UA 1mm Gold. Former 1K and GS.
Posts: 951
Dec 19, 2018, 8:42 pm
#13
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2017
Posts: 3,359
-James
Dec 19, 2018, 9:32 pm
#14
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: CHI
Programs: UA 1K, MR Titanium, IHG Gold, National Exec
Posts: 3,841
$1000 on east coast -> Asia is not a crazy TOD offer at all, especially considering the co-pay alone for a miles + co-pay upgrade from the lowest fare buckets on a Polaris flight (except LIM) is $500-$600 and requires PZ space.