Sep 24, 19, 8:33 am
Last edit by: economyplusfan
Quick Summary
Starting on December 4, 2019 all existing and future upgrade instruments (RPU and GPU) will be changed into PlusPoints. There will be a straight equivalence: each RPU is 20 points and each GPU is 40 points. There will be no actual changes to the earning rates or expiration dates for Premiers, including Million Milers and bonus instruments (now points) for multiples of 25,000 PQM beyond the 1K requirements.
More from United: Upgrade Types: PlusPoints
Earning Rates
Premier Platinum: 40 points
Premier 1K: 320 points (includes the 40 points earned for reaching Platinum)
Premier 1K in 2019, earned for every 25,000 PQM beyond the 100,000-mile minimum (or every 30 PQS in excess of 120): 40 points
Premier 1K in 2020, earned for every 3,000 PQP beyond the 18,000 PQP minimum: 20 points
Upgrade Options
Short-haul flights (all non-Polaris marketed flights), Economy (all fare classes) to Premium Plus, Business, or First: 20 points
Short-haul flights, Premium Plus to Business or First: 10 points
Long-haul flights, Economy (all fare classes) to Premium Plus: 20 points
Long-haul flights, Economy (Y, B, M, E, U, H, Q, V, or W class) to Polaris: 40 points
Long-haul flights, Economy (S, T, L, K, or G class) to Polaris: 80 points
Long-haul flights, Premium Plus (all fare classes) to Polaris: 30 points
Long-haul flights, Economy (Y, B, M, E, U, H, Q, V, or W class) or Premium Plus (all classes) to Polaris ("skip the waitlist"): ?? points (must be Premier 1K or GS and 30+ days in advance, expected to be a dynamic price, details still TBA)
Economy or Premium Economy to Business, or Business to First on LH, NH, or CM: 40 points
Basic Economy (fare class N and -LGT TATL fares in N/S/T/L/K/G classes as of current writing) tickets are never eligible for any upgrade of any kind.
Changes from Current Program
Generally speaking, all current uses of RPUs and GPUs will be the same as before (same inventory requirements, costs, and procedures) except that 20 or 40 points will be used instead of an RPU or GPU. However, there are some additional options and prices:
Weve heard from MileagePlus Premier members that theyre interested in an upgrade program thats more customizable and with fewer restrictions. Introducing PlusPoints flexible points that can be used for upgrades anywhere we fly. Starting in December, the new program gives MileagePlus Platinum members and above a bank of points that they can use to upgrade on U.S. domestic and international flights where they previously would have used Regional Premier Upgrades (RPUs) and Global Premier Upgrades (GPUs). Complimentary Premier Upgrades wont change, so you will still get free upgrades on select flights when available.
FAQ with UA Insider (direct quotes in "quotes")
Will Global Services members have the same cost structure (in points) as 1K and Platinum? (link)
Yes.
How will the pricing of "Skip Waitlist" work? (link)
It is expected to be dynamic. "Availability and pricing ... will vary based on a number of factors."
Will 1K members still be able to extend 2 GPUs (or 80 PlusPoints) until April 30 of the following year, subject to re-qualification? (link)
Reports now show that you can extend up to 80 points, but only if you've requalified for 1K/GS and those 80 points were previously 2 GPUs. They know the difference and there are mixed reports of success extending former RPU points (but highly unlikely).
Will it still be possible to optionally list for both Premium Plus and Polaris (on an Economy fare)? (link)
"You will still be able to waitlist for both cabins. However, if you only clear into Premium Plus youll ultimately only pay for the highest upgrade you receive which in this example would be Premium Plus (20 PlusPoints). Keep in mind well deduct the full request price, equal to the highest price upgrade requested, whenever any upgrade clears and youll receive any difference in PlusPoints due back to you when landing at your destination."
What happens if only part of your itinerary is upgraded? (link)
You will be charged for the upgrade you received: "If you dont receive the highest-priced PlusPoints upgrade you requested, ... youll be due for a credit ... equal to the difference between the PlusPoints request price and the highest-priced PlusPoints upgrade you received."
You will not be able to cancel PlusPoints requests that have received upgrades. (link) Essentially burning 20 points in the event that only the domestic portion of your request clears.
If I don't want to risk a short connection clearing but not the long haul, can I request only the long haul? Can I add the short haul later?
Yes, you can limit the request to a specific segment.
But once a all or a portion or all the request has cleared, you can not change it to add another segment.
Will I get a refund if only the short segment clears but not the long haul / Polaris segment?
No, that is a change from the GPU days (but still true for mileage upgrades). But you will only be charged the amount for the cleared segment(s).
Is {anything else} changing? (link)
No, not really. "Million milers will receive the equivalent of what they receive today in PlusPoints. Classes of availability for upgrades are not changing. PlusPoints can be sponsored to other travelers in the same way GPUs and RPUs could be. For Skip Waitlist upgrades, the account holder must also be traveling."
I see PlusPoints for sale on Craigslist or eBay. May I buy them and use them?
We do not recommend this. If UA determines the PlusPoints was sold, you risk having your M+ account terminated and loss of your miles, status, lifetime miles, etc.
Do the fare class restrictions apply to domestic flights?
No, you can use a PlusPoints on any fare on any domestic/ any CPU eligible flight.
For non-CPU flights, the standard 40 PlusPoints is needs for W or higher. For lower fares it takes 80 PlusPoints.
Is there a maximum layover between segments of a journey?
Unclear. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/20453548-post221.html is an example of 38 hours, where the 1K desk applied it on behalf of the customer. What is interesting about this case is that 38 hours is well beyond a layover, which implies that in some cases, one PlusPoints can be used for two journeys on the same ticket even if the two journeys are beyond 12 hours apart (12 hours being the pmUA rule 4 hours for North American / domestic only flights).
Lots of uncertain still exists on this issue.
What is the relative waitlist priority of PlusPoints vs Miles
The use of PlusPoints vs Miles has no impact on the waitlist priority, they have the same priority as a supported upgrade
May I cross two oceans with the same set of PlusPoints?
Yes if the entire journey is on one confirmation number and the max layover rule (above) is met.
My PlusPoints ares still valid/unexpired, but my journey starts after the PlusPoints expires. Can I use them for that journey?
No.
Can I use my PlusPoints for another traveler? Do I have to be traveling with them?
You can use your PlusPoints for another traveler. If on the same PNR, it will be done as you do yourself. When on a common PNR, you can only request upgrades for everyone, not just some -- to do that you need to split the PNR.
If the other traveler is on a separate PNR, you pull up their PNR in your account (via My Trips), you will need their PNR id and their bass name as on the reservation. Then go to the upgrade tab and proceed as if it was your reservation
When on a common PNR, the other travelers will have the same waitlist priority as you (this should continue even if the PNR is split after requesting the upgrade).
When on a separate PNR, they will be prioritized based on their status.
If my status changes, will I lose my PlusPoints?
No, PlusPoints, once granted, are good until they expire. You could conceivably drop to general member and maintain your PlusPoints. When you use the PlusPoints, you'll be prioritized based on your present status.
The prior GPU thread is now archived
Starting on December 4, 2019 all existing and future upgrade instruments (RPU and GPU) will be changed into PlusPoints. There will be a straight equivalence: each RPU is 20 points and each GPU is 40 points. There will be no actual changes to the earning rates or expiration dates for Premiers, including Million Milers and bonus instruments (now points) for multiples of 25,000 PQM beyond the 1K requirements.
More from United: Upgrade Types: PlusPoints
Earning Rates
Premier Platinum: 40 points
Premier 1K: 320 points (includes the 40 points earned for reaching Platinum)
Premier 1K in 2019, earned for every 25,000 PQM beyond the 100,000-mile minimum (or every 30 PQS in excess of 120): 40 points
Premier 1K in 2020, earned for every 3,000 PQP beyond the 18,000 PQP minimum: 20 points
Upgrade Options
Short-haul flights (all non-Polaris marketed flights), Economy (all fare classes) to Premium Plus, Business, or First: 20 points
Short-haul flights, Premium Plus to Business or First: 10 points
Long-haul flights, Economy (all fare classes) to Premium Plus: 20 points
Long-haul flights, Economy (Y, B, M, E, U, H, Q, V, or W class) to Polaris: 40 points
Long-haul flights, Economy (S, T, L, K, or G class) to Polaris: 80 points
Long-haul flights, Premium Plus (all fare classes) to Polaris: 30 points
Long-haul flights, Economy (Y, B, M, E, U, H, Q, V, or W class) or Premium Plus (all classes) to Polaris ("skip the waitlist"): ?? points (must be Premier 1K or GS and 30+ days in advance, expected to be a dynamic price, details still TBA)
Economy or Premium Economy to Business, or Business to First on LH, NH, or CM: 40 points
Basic Economy (fare class N and -LGT TATL fares in N/S/T/L/K/G classes as of current writing) tickets are never eligible for any upgrade of any kind.
Changes from Current Program
Generally speaking, all current uses of RPUs and GPUs will be the same as before (same inventory requirements, costs, and procedures) except that 20 or 40 points will be used instead of an RPU or GPU. However, there are some additional options and prices:
- A short-haul (formerly RPU-eligible) upgrade is now 20 points (always) -- there is no concept of using a GPU on a domestic route since there is no concept of a GPU as a distinct instrument. So a 1K could choose to effectively use all 320 points for 16 RPUs.
- BOG, UIO, HNL-GUM, and HNL-MAJ are now effectively RPU-eligible and require only 20 points.
- Upgrading from Economy to Premium Economy ("Premium Plus") is now 20 points (from any fare class), which is an RPU-equivalent instead of a GPU-equivalent before.
- Upgrading from Premium Economy to Business ("Premium Plus" to "Polaris") is now 30 points (from any fare class), which is a new price level and less than the GPU-equivalent before.
- You may upgrade a previously ineligible deep discount Economy fare (classes S, T, L, K, or G) to Polaris for 80 points (2x GPU equivalent). (Upgrading a W or higher Economy fare is still 40 points, as before.)
- Premier 1K members will have the opportunity to pay additional points to confirm an upgrade even if the requisite class (PZ/PN) is not available via "SkipWaitlist". This carries a 30-day advance requirement, will be available "from time to time", and further details are TBA.
- Points are not deducted when you list for the upgrade, only when some part of the upgrade clears. You can request an unlimited number of upgrades in parallel, and remaining (uncleared) requests will be canceled if your points are exhausted.
- E.g., if you waitlist for PZ (or PN) and for RN, and later RN clears from the waitlist, the full total for PZ will be deducted at that time.
- Changes to how partial clearance of upgrades works. You have two options:
- List all segments. If at least one segment clears, you will ultimately be charged for the highest single cost among all cleared segments. Thus, you will "spend an RPU" (20 points) if only a domestic connector to a Polaris-marketed segment clears (previously there was no cost).
- List only the Polaris-marketed segments (or any subset you wish). You can add more segments back in after the Polaris-marketed segment clears - but this will be considered a new upgrade request (and cost extra points).
You can no longer cancel and redeposit a confirmed upgrade, even if your fare class is available(or maybe not - see post, which would imply no change here). If still waitlisted, it can be withdrawn. If withdrawn within 24 hrs of flight you will have to call UA to have ticket cancelled and reissued, as withdrawals can no longer be automatically processed within this window. (You can probably still SDC to another flight and back if your fare class is available and get the points back.)- No change to
- Expiration. Instruments expiring 31-Jan-2020 will become points expiring 31-Jan-2020, and ditto for 31-Jan-2021. (UA Insider separated the 2 GPU extension practice from this announcement)
- Use of instruments on partners (LH, NH, etc). Points will be deducted at application, like before (unlike UA flights which are changing). (Except CM, which will now be billed as a 40-point upgrade per segment.)
- Pretty much anything else not covered above.
- PlusPoints upgrades can be requested all the way until the cut-off time to check in for your flight. Previously, UA only accepted new waitlist requests for Global Premier Upgrades and Regional Premier Upgrades up to 24 hours before departure. Waitlists for MileagePlus Upgrade Awards will continue to be accepted until 24 hours before departure.
Weve heard from MileagePlus Premier members that theyre interested in an upgrade program thats more customizable and with fewer restrictions. Introducing PlusPoints flexible points that can be used for upgrades anywhere we fly. Starting in December, the new program gives MileagePlus Platinum members and above a bank of points that they can use to upgrade on U.S. domestic and international flights where they previously would have used Regional Premier Upgrades (RPUs) and Global Premier Upgrades (GPUs). Complimentary Premier Upgrades wont change, so you will still get free upgrades on select flights when available.
FAQ with UA Insider (direct quotes in "quotes")
Will Global Services members have the same cost structure (in points) as 1K and Platinum? (link)
Yes.
How will the pricing of "Skip Waitlist" work? (link)
It is expected to be dynamic. "Availability and pricing ... will vary based on a number of factors."
Will 1K members still be able to extend 2 GPUs (or 80 PlusPoints) until April 30 of the following year, subject to re-qualification? (link)
Reports now show that you can extend up to 80 points, but only if you've requalified for 1K/GS and those 80 points were previously 2 GPUs. They know the difference and there are mixed reports of success extending former RPU points (but highly unlikely).
Will it still be possible to optionally list for both Premium Plus and Polaris (on an Economy fare)? (link)
"You will still be able to waitlist for both cabins. However, if you only clear into Premium Plus youll ultimately only pay for the highest upgrade you receive which in this example would be Premium Plus (20 PlusPoints). Keep in mind well deduct the full request price, equal to the highest price upgrade requested, whenever any upgrade clears and youll receive any difference in PlusPoints due back to you when landing at your destination."
What happens if only part of your itinerary is upgraded? (link)
You will be charged for the upgrade you received: "If you dont receive the highest-priced PlusPoints upgrade you requested, ... youll be due for a credit ... equal to the difference between the PlusPoints request price and the highest-priced PlusPoints upgrade you received."
You will not be able to cancel PlusPoints requests that have received upgrades. (link) Essentially burning 20 points in the event that only the domestic portion of your request clears.
If I don't want to risk a short connection clearing but not the long haul, can I request only the long haul? Can I add the short haul later?
Yes, you can limit the request to a specific segment.
But once a all or a portion or all the request has cleared, you can not change it to add another segment.
Will I get a refund if only the short segment clears but not the long haul / Polaris segment?
No, that is a change from the GPU days (but still true for mileage upgrades). But you will only be charged the amount for the cleared segment(s).
Is {anything else} changing? (link)
No, not really. "Million milers will receive the equivalent of what they receive today in PlusPoints. Classes of availability for upgrades are not changing. PlusPoints can be sponsored to other travelers in the same way GPUs and RPUs could be. For Skip Waitlist upgrades, the account holder must also be traveling."
I see PlusPoints for sale on Craigslist or eBay. May I buy them and use them?
We do not recommend this. If UA determines the PlusPoints was sold, you risk having your M+ account terminated and loss of your miles, status, lifetime miles, etc.
Do the fare class restrictions apply to domestic flights?
No, you can use a PlusPoints on any fare on any domestic/ any CPU eligible flight.
For non-CPU flights, the standard 40 PlusPoints is needs for W or higher. For lower fares it takes 80 PlusPoints.
Is there a maximum layover between segments of a journey?
Unclear. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/20453548-post221.html is an example of 38 hours, where the 1K desk applied it on behalf of the customer. What is interesting about this case is that 38 hours is well beyond a layover, which implies that in some cases, one PlusPoints can be used for two journeys on the same ticket even if the two journeys are beyond 12 hours apart (12 hours being the pmUA rule 4 hours for North American / domestic only flights).
Lots of uncertain still exists on this issue.
What is the relative waitlist priority of PlusPoints vs Miles
The use of PlusPoints vs Miles has no impact on the waitlist priority, they have the same priority as a supported upgrade
May I cross two oceans with the same set of PlusPoints?
Yes if the entire journey is on one confirmation number and the max layover rule (above) is met.
My PlusPoints ares still valid/unexpired, but my journey starts after the PlusPoints expires. Can I use them for that journey?
No.
Can I use my PlusPoints for another traveler? Do I have to be traveling with them?
You can use your PlusPoints for another traveler. If on the same PNR, it will be done as you do yourself. When on a common PNR, you can only request upgrades for everyone, not just some -- to do that you need to split the PNR.
If the other traveler is on a separate PNR, you pull up their PNR in your account (via My Trips), you will need their PNR id and their bass name as on the reservation. Then go to the upgrade tab and proceed as if it was your reservation
When on a common PNR, the other travelers will have the same waitlist priority as you (this should continue even if the PNR is split after requesting the upgrade).
When on a separate PNR, they will be prioritized based on their status.
If my status changes, will I lose my PlusPoints?
No, PlusPoints, once granted, are good until they expire. You could conceivably drop to general member and maintain your PlusPoints. When you use the PlusPoints, you'll be prioritized based on your present status.
The prior GPU thread is now archived
Consolidated UA PlusPoints Question & Answer Thread
May 30, 21, 6:55 pm
#1501
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 11,045
I am telling them that there was a schedule/flight change, and that the +P upgrades are out of whack. And see below...
Thats the thing, certain segments of the reservation do NOT show waitlisted any longer. No "complimentary" waitlist, and no +P waitlist. Just a seat number. So there is no way of knowing if things are correct, and the representative is "hmm yea, I see that", followed by "let me see what I can do", and now multiple times "I am going to connect with a supervisor".
Maybe y'all are just lucky, but this has happened several times. I've been a 1k for at least 7-8 years, so I'm not exactly a rookie. It's just a crappy byproduct of all the schedule changes and the +P system not playing nice with each other. The silliest part is that it will NOT let me cancel on my own! Always met with a red error message, and to call a rep. Dog chasing tail.
Thats the thing, certain segments of the reservation do NOT show waitlisted any longer. No "complimentary" waitlist, and no +P waitlist. Just a seat number. So there is no way of knowing if things are correct, and the representative is "hmm yea, I see that", followed by "let me see what I can do", and now multiple times "I am going to connect with a supervisor".
Maybe y'all are just lucky, but this has happened several times. I've been a 1k for at least 7-8 years, so I'm not exactly a rookie. It's just a crappy byproduct of all the schedule changes and the +P system not playing nice with each other. The silliest part is that it will NOT let me cancel on my own! Always met with a red error message, and to call a rep. Dog chasing tail.
I don't think there's any fix except a new reservation (rarely practical), and agents don't seem to be able to do anything if they can even understand what's wrong at all.
Good luck, hope you don't get any more schedule changes if you do get everything orderly again.
May 30, 21, 7:23 pm
#1502
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BOS/EAP
Programs: UA 1K, MR LTT, HH Dia, Amex Plat
Posts: 31,048
Thats the thing, certain segments of the reservation do NOT show waitlisted any longer. No "complimentary" waitlist, and no +P waitlist. Just a seat number. So there is no way of knowing if things are correct, and the representative is "hmm yea, I see that", followed by "let me see what I can do", and now multiple times "I am going to connect with a supervisor".
One way of checking whether the backend thinks these are still on the UG list is to see if you can request a new one. If it tells you you can ... then there is a problem.
May 31, 21, 12:55 pm
#1503
Join Date: Apr 2021
Location: Manhattan, Palm Beach Island, San Francisco, Boston, & Hong Kong
Programs: Lifetime United Global Services, Delta Plat, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Ambassador, & Hilton Diamond
Posts: 3,153
Sorry for the very simple questions. I am the million miler companion and child of two very frequent United fliers. We have about 1000 plus points. They usually let them expire.
1) Do all PlusPoints expire at the same time?
2) How long does it take for PlusPoint upgrades to confirm?
3) Can I use PlusPoints for a flight that will occur after their expiration?
4) How can I efficiently burn 1000 points before January? Unfortunately, United currently doesnt seem to have good options for my big 2021 trips (Maldives and Beijing).
1) Do all PlusPoints expire at the same time?
2) How long does it take for PlusPoint upgrades to confirm?
3) Can I use PlusPoints for a flight that will occur after their expiration?
4) How can I efficiently burn 1000 points before January? Unfortunately, United currently doesnt seem to have good options for my big 2021 trips (Maldives and Beijing).
May 31, 21, 1:19 pm
#1504
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 11,045
Sorry for the very simple questions. I am the million miler companion and child of two very frequent United fliers. We have about 1000 plus points. They usually let them expire.
1) Do all PlusPoints expire at the same time?
2) How long does it take for PlusPoint upgrades to confirm?
3) Can I use PlusPoints for a flight that will occur after their expiration?
4) How can I efficiently burn 1000 points before January? Unfortunately, United currently doesnt seem to have good options for my big 2021 trips (Maldives and Beijing).
1) Do all PlusPoints expire at the same time?
2) How long does it take for PlusPoint upgrades to confirm?
3) Can I use PlusPoints for a flight that will occur after their expiration?
4) How can I efficiently burn 1000 points before January? Unfortunately, United currently doesnt seem to have good options for my big 2021 trips (Maldives and Beijing).
2) It varies. If PZ (or PN for GS) is available on the flight, it will confirm instantly. If not, then it may clear any time up to departure or not at all. Signs that it may clear soon are Z or P inventory opening. Here is a reference on looking at inventories in case you are unfamiliar: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unit...cket-data.html
3) No.
4) Basically, look for PZ/PN, and other than that just apply them to every flight. The SFO/LAX-JFK flights seem to have decent chances of clearing them, if you have any reason to fly those routes. However, in general systemwide it is not very easy to clear an upgrade now.
May 31, 21, 1:22 pm
#1505
Join Date: Apr 2021
Location: Manhattan, Palm Beach Island, San Francisco, Boston, & Hong Kong
Programs: Lifetime United Global Services, Delta Plat, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Ambassador, & Hilton Diamond
Posts: 3,153
1) No. To see the expiries log into whichever account and click the (?) next to the Pluspoints heading on the account summary (to get account summary, click on the "Hi, <name>" in the upper right of UA homepage).
2) It varies. If PZ (or PN for GS) is available on the flight, it will confirm instantly. If not, then it may clear any time up to departure or not at all. Signs that it may clear soon are Z or P inventory opening. Here is a reference on looking at inventories in case you are unfamiliar: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unit...cket-data.html
3) No.
4) Basically, look for PZ/PN, and other than that just apply them to every flight. The SFO/LAX-JFK flights seem to have decent chances of clearing them, if you have any reason to fly those routes. However, in general systemwide it is not very easy to clear an upgrade now.
2) It varies. If PZ (or PN for GS) is available on the flight, it will confirm instantly. If not, then it may clear any time up to departure or not at all. Signs that it may clear soon are Z or P inventory opening. Here is a reference on looking at inventories in case you are unfamiliar: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unit...cket-data.html
3) No.
4) Basically, look for PZ/PN, and other than that just apply them to every flight. The SFO/LAX-JFK flights seem to have decent chances of clearing them, if you have any reason to fly those routes. However, in general systemwide it is not very easy to clear an upgrade now.
May 31, 21, 1:26 pm
#1506
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BOS/EAP
Programs: UA 1K, MR LTT, HH Dia, Amex Plat
Posts: 31,048
Sorry for the very simple questions. I am the million miler companion and child of two very frequent United fliers. We have about 1000 plus points. They usually let them expire.
4) How can I efficiently burn 1000 points before January? Unfortunately, United currently doesnt seem to have good options for my big 2021 trips (Maldives and Beijing).
4) How can I efficiently burn 1000 points before January? Unfortunately, United currently doesnt seem to have good options for my big 2021 trips (Maldives and Beijing).
There is a chance that UA will once again extend 1/31/22 expiring +Ps, but tough to tell if they will and when.
May 31, 21, 1:28 pm
#1507
Join Date: May 2012
Location: ORF, RIC
Programs: UA LT 1K, 3 MM; Marriott Titanium; IHG Platinum
Posts: 6,568
Yes. The ratio of premium seats to economy seats is much higher for JFK. There is virtually no connection traffic, there are few people chasing for upgrades. Just check flight status for the past three days to get some comparison/idea.
May 31, 21, 1:37 pm
#1508
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 11,045
If you can fly TATL or TPAC, chances of finding space or clearing from the waitlist are also decent as cfischer said. It seems like TPAC is hard to find open PN/PZ, but loads are very light these days.
By the way, just a warning if you get someone messaging you here, offering to buy pluspoints from you, do not reply. There were a few users reporting getting fishy messages.
May 31, 21, 1:59 pm
#1509
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.97MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 65,143
PZ/PN are the inventory classes for upgrades. You can see these for individual flights by enabling Expert Mode in your profile.
PZ2 means there are two upgrades that could clear immediate on application. PZ0 means you will be waitlisted.
GS have their own inventory class, PN. If the upgrade Plus Points came from a GS, then look for PN.
Expert Mode Update: better upgrade visibility and opt-in to see fare bucket data.
Ways to search for upgrade space at booking?
Understanding the United Upgrade List Comprehensively
PZ2 means there are two upgrades that could clear immediate on application. PZ0 means you will be waitlisted.
GS have their own inventory class, PN. If the upgrade Plus Points came from a GS, then look for PN.
Expert Mode Update: better upgrade visibility and opt-in to see fare bucket data.
Ways to search for upgrade space at booking?
Understanding the United Upgrade List Comprehensively
Last edited by WineCountryUA; May 31, 21 at 2:06 pm Reason: Understanding waitlist
May 31, 21, 2:44 pm
#1510
Join Date: Jan 2018
Programs: UA LT GS | UA LT Club | Marriott LT Titanium
Posts: 1,250
Sorry for the very simple questions. I am the million miler companion and child of two very frequent United fliers. We have about 1000 plus points...How can I efficiently burn 1000 points before January? Unfortunately, United currently doesn’t seem to have good options for my big 2021 trips (Maldives and Beijing).
1. Maldives - easily reached via Singapore. Singapore will be the first 'small' Asian country to open up. They're approaching 40% of their population having received 1+ dose, and should be fully vaccinated by end of summer. Once Singapore opens to US travelers, PZ will be plentiful on that route.
2. Beijing - China has quietly ramped their vaccination rate to half a billion people/month (not a typo). They're on pace to be the first 'large' Asian country to open -- also should be done by end of summer. Once they open to US travelers, the Beijing routes will have plenty of PZ space.
Finally, don't be discouraged by current PZ availability to Asia. UA has basically turned off PZ into Asia for now. It should turn back on once a major Asian country opens up.
1000+ PPs is a lot. Enjoy!
May 31, 21, 2:53 pm
#1511
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Houston
Programs: UA Plat, Marriott Gold
Posts: 12,495
2. Beijing - China has quietly ramped their vaccination rate to half a billion people/month (not a typo). They're on pace to be the first 'large' Asian country to open -- also should be done by end of summer. Once they open to US travelers, the Beijing routes will have plenty of PZ space.
May 31, 21, 2:56 pm
#1512
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.97MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 65,143
Let's nit get sidetrack -- this is a discuss thread on how PlusPoints operate. Discussion about countries opening or vaccines are topics for elsewhere.
WineCountryUA
UA coModerator
WineCountryUA
UA coModerator
May 31, 21, 5:31 pm
#1513
Join Date: Apr 2021
Location: Manhattan, Palm Beach Island, San Francisco, Boston, & Hong Kong
Programs: Lifetime United Global Services, Delta Plat, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Ambassador, & Hilton Diamond
Posts: 3,153
PZ/PN are the inventory classes for upgrades. You can see these for individual flights by enabling Expert Mode in your profile.
PZ2 means there are two upgrades that could clear immediate on application. PZ0 means you will be waitlisted.
GS have their own inventory class, PN. If the upgrade Plus Points came from a GS, then look for PN.
Expert Mode Update: better upgrade visibility and opt-in to see fare bucket data.
Ways to search for upgrade space at booking?
Understanding the United Upgrade List Comprehensively
PZ2 means there are two upgrades that could clear immediate on application. PZ0 means you will be waitlisted.
GS have their own inventory class, PN. If the upgrade Plus Points came from a GS, then look for PN.
Expert Mode Update: better upgrade visibility and opt-in to see fare bucket data.
Ways to search for upgrade space at booking?
Understanding the United Upgrade List Comprehensively
You're in luck. You picked two perfect Asian destinations.
1. Maldives - easily reached via Singapore. Singapore will be the first 'small' Asian country to open up. They're approaching 40% of their population having received 1+ dose, and should be fully vaccinated by end of summer. Once Singapore opens to US travelers, PZ will be plentiful on that route.
2. Beijing - China has quietly ramped their vaccination rate to half a billion people/month (not a typo). They're on pace to be the first 'large' Asian country to open -- also should be done by end of summer. Once they open to US travelers, the Beijing routes will have plenty of PZ space.
Finally, don't be discouraged by current PZ availability to Asia. UA has basically turned off PZ into Asia for now. It should turn back on once a major Asian country opens up.
1000+ PPs is a lot. Enjoy!
1. Maldives - easily reached via Singapore. Singapore will be the first 'small' Asian country to open up. They're approaching 40% of their population having received 1+ dose, and should be fully vaccinated by end of summer. Once Singapore opens to US travelers, PZ will be plentiful on that route.
2. Beijing - China has quietly ramped their vaccination rate to half a billion people/month (not a typo). They're on pace to be the first 'large' Asian country to open -- also should be done by end of summer. Once they open to US travelers, the Beijing routes will have plenty of PZ space.
Finally, don't be discouraged by current PZ availability to Asia. UA has basically turned off PZ into Asia for now. It should turn back on once a major Asian country opens up.
1000+ PPs is a lot. Enjoy!
May 31, 21, 6:37 pm
#1514
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: PIT
Programs: OZ Diamond, UA Gold
Posts: 9,635
o.k., that needs most likely fixing then. But not a supervisor. The waitlist just needs to moved to what are presumably new flight numbers.
One way of checking whether the backend thinks these are still on the UG list is to see if you can request a new one. If it tells you you can ... then there is a problem.
One way of checking whether the backend thinks these are still on the UG list is to see if you can request a new one. If it tells you you can ... then there is a problem.
Ive got a reservation that had a changeand part of it meant losing one way of upgrades. Now the return doesnt show waitlisted on the website, but it does on the app. And my SOs name (who Im upgrading) appears on the upgrade list when using the clock trick on the app. So I assume its okay.
Additionally, one leg that was lost was upgraded again on the outbound, but the PP werent withdrawn. Im sure theyll be withdrawn at a later date.
May 31, 21, 6:46 pm
#1515
formerly wunderpit
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: ONT-SNA-LAX
Programs: UA1K-HHDiamond
Posts: 1,292
o.k., that needs most likely fixing then. But not a supervisor. The waitlist just needs to moved to what are presumably new flight numbers.
One way of checking whether the backend thinks these are still on the UG list is to see if you can request a new one. If it tells you you can ... then there is a problem.
One way of checking whether the backend thinks these are still on the UG list is to see if you can request a new one. If it tells you you can ... then there is a problem.
Something to note...sometimes they were dual-segment reservations, where I only dropped 20 PP on one of the legs. I don't want to lose any PP on a short leg that typically clears with a comp. Could that be the reason? Who knows?!
