Sep 24, 2019, 7:33 am
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
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.
Can PlusPoints be used on partner-operated flights?
Only on LH, NH and CM -- see Lufthansa, ANA or Copa Upgrades | United Airlines for specific rules
Archive:Consolidated UA PlusPoints Question & Answer Thread {Archive}
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, CM). 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.
Can PlusPoints be used on partner-operated flights?
Only on LH, NH and CM -- see Lufthansa, ANA or Copa Upgrades | United Airlines for specific rules
Archive:Consolidated UA PlusPoints Question & Answer Thread {Archive}
The prior GPU thread is now archived
Consolidated UA PlusPoints Question & Answer Thread
Apr 19, 2026 | 3:33 pm
#797
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 778
Hi All,
Question regarding the best workflow for using Plus Points for international Y - J with infant lap child.
-Looking at a fall off peak trip ABC ORD EU
-Four adults, 2 infant lap children
-Have PP to burn
I have flown internationally on revenue and award tickets in J with infant lap child, but have not gone through workflow of using Plus Points for PZ space with lap kiddo.
My question: Does the traditional workflow of book Y -- Manage Reservation -- Upgrade -- Apply Plus Points still work? My concern is I do not see where in this workflow I would be paying the 10% lap kiddo international ticketing fee. If I can find PZ4, is calling in best? That would be a bit of a PITA for 4 adults and 2 lap children but I obviously can do that. Had a bit of a bad experience last year adding lap kiddo to long haul flight after it was ticketed (admittedly with a non UA/A3 connection) so would like to try to avoid that if I can.
Any thoughts?
Thanks!
Question regarding the best workflow for using Plus Points for international Y - J with infant lap child.
-Looking at a fall off peak trip ABC ORD EU
-Four adults, 2 infant lap children
-Have PP to burn
I have flown internationally on revenue and award tickets in J with infant lap child, but have not gone through workflow of using Plus Points for PZ space with lap kiddo.
My question: Does the traditional workflow of book Y -- Manage Reservation -- Upgrade -- Apply Plus Points still work? My concern is I do not see where in this workflow I would be paying the 10% lap kiddo international ticketing fee. If I can find PZ4, is calling in best? That would be a bit of a PITA for 4 adults and 2 lap children but I obviously can do that. Had a bit of a bad experience last year adding lap kiddo to long haul flight after it was ticketed (admittedly with a non UA/A3 connection) so would like to try to avoid that if I can.
Any thoughts?
Thanks!
Apr 21, 2026 | 12:31 pm
#798
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: PHL
Programs: UA 1K 1MM, Marriott Gold, IHG Platinum, Raddison Platinum, Avis Presidents Club
Posts: 6,079
Looking to head to Japan 7/29 or 7/30 returning 8/6. Departing from EWR. Looking at connection options.
Looking at seat maps SFO-NRT and HND-SFO has the most seats available (but ofcourse seat maps arent that accurate.
7/29 ORD/SFO-HND and SFO-NRT both have PN/IN available. IAD-HND had it the other day. 7/30 ORD-HND has PN available but has the smallest J cabin with least seats showing open.
I'm not sure if PN/IN is much of an indicator these days.
Looking at seat maps SFO-NRT and HND-SFO has the most seats available (but ofcourse seat maps arent that accurate.
7/29 ORD/SFO-HND and SFO-NRT both have PN/IN available. IAD-HND had it the other day. 7/30 ORD-HND has PN available but has the smallest J cabin with least seats showing open.
I'm not sure if PN/IN is much of an indicator these days.
Apr 22, 2026 | 11:06 am
#799
Join Date: Oct 2025
Posts: 7
Hello all, I'm flying ORD to GRU and have successfully upgraded to Polaris using PlusPoints - what a benefit when the seat is listed at over $10K! I've had a great run of upgrades, which is fantastic! This also means I've nearly run out so now have 20 PlusPoints remaining. The return flight shows lots of Polaris seats but I need 40 to request upgrade. Is there any way around this or do I just need to suck up economy (!) and wait for 1K requalification and start again when the PlusPoints arrive? Thanks for any advice on this.
* edited to add; is the 787-10 United Premium Plus seat worth the 20 points?
* edited to add; is the 787-10 United Premium Plus seat worth the 20 points?
Apr 22, 2026 | 1:42 pm
#802
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA LT Plat 2MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 73,134
May 1, 2026 | 5:20 am
#803
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: NYC
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 70
How long does it typically take UA to process PlusPoints refunds from a partially upgraded ticket?
In our case, 2 people K fare HKG-LAX-EWR confirmed RN waitlisted PZ on HKG-LAX with 80 PP each deducted. We didnt clear into Polaris. At LAX, PNR was split and one person confirmed into PZ and the other into RN.
Its now been 4 days after conclusion of the trip, but no refund. If thats outside the typical timeline, what is the process to request the refund?
I think were both due back 60 PlusPoints (given I think LAX-EWR in PZ is same cost as RN) but appreciate any thoughts otherwise.
Thanks!
In our case, 2 people K fare HKG-LAX-EWR confirmed RN waitlisted PZ on HKG-LAX with 80 PP each deducted. We didnt clear into Polaris. At LAX, PNR was split and one person confirmed into PZ and the other into RN.
Its now been 4 days after conclusion of the trip, but no refund. If thats outside the typical timeline, what is the process to request the refund?
I think were both due back 60 PlusPoints (given I think LAX-EWR in PZ is same cost as RN) but appreciate any thoughts otherwise.
Thanks!
May 1, 2026 | 7:48 am
#804
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 25,721
How long does it typically take UA to process PlusPoints refunds from a partially upgraded ticket?
In our case, 2 people K fare HKG-LAX-EWR confirmed RN waitlisted PZ on HKG-LAX with 80 PP each deducted. We didnt clear into Polaris. At LAX, PNR was split and one person confirmed into PZ and the other into RN.
Its now been 4 days after conclusion of the trip, but no refund. If thats outside the typical timeline, what is the process to request the refund?
I think were both due back 60 PlusPoints (given I think LAX-EWR in PZ is same cost as RN) but appreciate any thoughts otherwise.
Thanks!
In our case, 2 people K fare HKG-LAX-EWR confirmed RN waitlisted PZ on HKG-LAX with 80 PP each deducted. We didnt clear into Polaris. At LAX, PNR was split and one person confirmed into PZ and the other into RN.
Its now been 4 days after conclusion of the trip, but no refund. If thats outside the typical timeline, what is the process to request the refund?
I think were both due back 60 PlusPoints (given I think LAX-EWR in PZ is same cost as RN) but appreciate any thoughts otherwise.
Thanks!
May 1, 2026 | 2:47 pm
#805
Join Date: Aug 2022
Posts: 57
Hi All,
Question regarding the best workflow for using Plus Points for international Y - J with infant lap child.
-Looking at a fall off peak trip ABC ORD EU
-Four adults, 2 infant lap children
-Have PP to burn
I have flown internationally on revenue and award tickets in J with infant lap child, but have not gone through workflow of using Plus Points for PZ space with lap kiddo.
My question: Does the traditional workflow of book Y -- Manage Reservation -- Upgrade -- Apply Plus Points still work? My concern is I do not see where in this workflow I would be paying the 10% lap kiddo international ticketing fee. If I can find PZ4, is calling in best? That would be a bit of a PITA for 4 adults and 2 lap children but I obviously can do that. Had a bit of a bad experience last year adding lap kiddo to long haul flight after it was ticketed (admittedly with a non UA/A3 connection) so would like to try to avoid that if I can.
Any thoughts?
Thanks!
Question regarding the best workflow for using Plus Points for international Y - J with infant lap child.
-Looking at a fall off peak trip ABC ORD EU
-Four adults, 2 infant lap children
-Have PP to burn
I have flown internationally on revenue and award tickets in J with infant lap child, but have not gone through workflow of using Plus Points for PZ space with lap kiddo.
My question: Does the traditional workflow of book Y -- Manage Reservation -- Upgrade -- Apply Plus Points still work? My concern is I do not see where in this workflow I would be paying the 10% lap kiddo international ticketing fee. If I can find PZ4, is calling in best? That would be a bit of a PITA for 4 adults and 2 lap children but I obviously can do that. Had a bit of a bad experience last year adding lap kiddo to long haul flight after it was ticketed (admittedly with a non UA/A3 connection) so would like to try to avoid that if I can.
Any thoughts?
Thanks!
You may already know this - but just sharing an irritant that came up for me... I needed to change my itinerary 2x and had to call in on both occasions since I had a lap infant... online it kept erroring it out for me and telling me I had to call customer service, so I would say be aware you may have to work with the agents for extra time if you have to change after you have the LA ticketed.
May 11, 2026 | 12:14 pm
#807
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: CLE, DCA, and 30k feet
Programs: Honors LT Diamond; United 1K 1MM; Hertz PC
Posts: 5,733
Just to confirm before I go all charging-at-jet engines like a modern Don Quixote...
There's no way to waitlist PlusPoints on a reservation that has not been ticketed, correct? (I can think of at least 5 reasons why this would/could break things, but can't resist asking
)
My wife has a government TA booked (but as far as I can tell not yet ticketed) reservation in a few weeks... I'd love to try to surprise her and I know the PPs I currently have are unlikely to be useful before expiry based on what's already booked up front and travel that's unlikely to occur based on geopolitical stuff. I can pull the UA PNR on the app but the upgrade button doesn't appear; .COM throws "lost in space" error and won't even display the reservation. A friendly UA agent has confirmed that they can see the reservation and that all segments are HK1 but it doesn't appear to be ticketed. Reservation was booked ~2 months ago and she is able to assign seats and all of the other niceties.
IIRC from past travel the TA/TMC doesn't actually ticket any travel until very close to departure so that doesn't surprise me.
There's no way to waitlist PlusPoints on a reservation that has not been ticketed, correct? (I can think of at least 5 reasons why this would/could break things, but can't resist asking
)My wife has a government TA booked (but as far as I can tell not yet ticketed) reservation in a few weeks... I'd love to try to surprise her and I know the PPs I currently have are unlikely to be useful before expiry based on what's already booked up front and travel that's unlikely to occur based on geopolitical stuff. I can pull the UA PNR on the app but the upgrade button doesn't appear; .COM throws "lost in space" error and won't even display the reservation. A friendly UA agent has confirmed that they can see the reservation and that all segments are HK1 but it doesn't appear to be ticketed. Reservation was booked ~2 months ago and she is able to assign seats and all of the other niceties.
IIRC from past travel the TA/TMC doesn't actually ticket any travel until very close to departure so that doesn't surprise me.
May 11, 2026 | 12:24 pm
#808
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 25,721
May 11, 2026 | 1:08 pm
#809
Join Date: May 2012
Location: ORF, RIC
Programs: UA LT 1K, 3 MM; Marriott Titanium, LTP; IHG Platinum
Posts: 7,949
May 11, 2026 | 1:35 pm
#810
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: CLE, DCA, and 30k feet
Programs: Honors LT Diamond; United 1K 1MM; Hertz PC
Posts: 5,733
) -- I think I'll just keep checking and since we aren't that far out from the outbound travel date anyway probably won't have to wait much longer anyway.