Advice on flight time to maximize upgrade chance LAX-HNL or LAX-CUN
Jun 21, 2019, 10:24 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Murder Mitten
Posts: 298
Advice on flight time to maximize upgrade chance LAX-HNL or LAX-CUN
Hey guys,
I am a 1k and live in LA. I am looking to go on vacation for a few days during the end of July 29 or 30th. We were thinking either Cancun or Honolulu. I can either leave on Monday or Tuesday. What flight time would give me the best chance of getting an upgrade? I am also looking to come back on Friday or Sat (preferably on Sat) of that same week.
Lastly, I see a few cheaper flight options that go through SFO. How difficult is it to get upgrades to Hawaii from SFO?
Thanks!
I am a 1k and live in LA. I am looking to go on vacation for a few days during the end of July 29 or 30th. We were thinking either Cancun or Honolulu. I can either leave on Monday or Tuesday. What flight time would give me the best chance of getting an upgrade? I am also looking to come back on Friday or Sat (preferably on Sat) of that same week.
Lastly, I see a few cheaper flight options that go through SFO. How difficult is it to get upgrades to Hawaii from SFO?
Thanks!
Jun 21, 2019, 11:09 pm
#2
Join Date: Jun 2018
Posts: 15
Both routes have similar 1Ks looking to do the same, during summer vacation time. I think your chances are slim, but flying either off days/times may help. Also, use the advanced class search for flights those days and see which fares are available still. That gives you a clue if award space is available, etc.. good luck!
https://www.united.com/web/en-us/content/mileageplus/awards/upgrade/default.aspx?POS=US#regions
https://www.united.com/web/en-us/content/mileageplus/awards/upgrade/default.aspx?POS=US#regions
Jun 22, 2019, 12:27 am
#3
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,413
CUN is a pure leisure route and a much easier upgrade. HNL can be very challenging. The easiest HNL upgrades these days tend to be the late day departures on the 739 or 753. It's almost impossible to upgrade into a lie-flat to the islands.
SFO is more difficult than LAX.
SFO is more difficult than LAX.
Jun 22, 2019, 7:02 am
#4
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 4,113
That advice is spot on right there.
Jun 22, 2019, 10:13 am
#5
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: HNL
Programs: UA GS4MM, MR LT Plat, Hilton Gold
Posts: 6,447
I would think Cancun would be much easier - I made the mistake, once, of going to Cancun in that timeframe, I found it brutally hot and humid with daily late afternoon thunderstorms (and much higher hurricane risk) - on the flip side, probably much cheaper than HNL.
I find November to May to be very pleasant in Cancun.
I find November to May to be very pleasant in Cancun.
