Strategy for confirming GPU upgrades to/from Europe
Oct 31, 2019, 9:40 am
#1
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Strategy for confirming GPU upgrades to/from Europe
Im planning a trip to Europe for next summer, and hope to be able to use my GPUs. Within a two week period in late July/early August, my dates are fairly flexible. And I can probably fly in or out of LHR, AMS, or FRA. When I searched through that timeframe for each of these cities, inevitably it was PZ=0, so it doesnt appear that I can get immediately upgraded. As between those cities, any thoughts on which one might be most likely to get a waitlisted GPU request confirmed?
Oct 31, 2019, 9:43 am
#2
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Try using a GPU on LH out of FRA (go on ExpertFlyer or do an award search to look for I class availability).
Although summer is generally harder to clear than in winter, weekday flights (not Mondays or Fridays) are generally easier to clear.
Although summer is generally harder to clear than in winter, weekday flights (not Mondays or Fridays) are generally easier to clear.
Oct 31, 2019, 9:50 am
#4
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Right. Summer is a long time away; I'd keep looking. Also, if you intend to use double the PlusPoints to upgrade a discount fare -- W fares to Europe can be quite expensive -- you need to wait until after December 4th anyway.
If you're going to insist on the nonstop flights from SFO, you may be in trouble. If you're willing to break up the trip by connecting in DEN, IAH, or LAX, you may have better luck -- search from those airports also.
And, yes, try to fly midweek.
If you're going to insist on the nonstop flights from SFO, you may be in trouble. If you're willing to break up the trip by connecting in DEN, IAH, or LAX, you may have better luck -- search from those airports also.
And, yes, try to fly midweek.
Oct 31, 2019, 10:04 am
#5
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Also consider SEA and YVR as gateway cities, and they tend to be easier upgrades.
But I generally agree with the advice that you just keep looking for confirmable space and take what shows up. Waitlisting on UA metal is usually a suckers' game. AMS in general has less premium demand on *A than either FRA or LHR.
But I generally agree with the advice that you just keep looking for confirmable space and take what shows up. Waitlisting on UA metal is usually a suckers' game. AMS in general has less premium demand on *A than either FRA or LHR.
Oct 31, 2019, 10:29 am
#6
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SFO based, I don't even try to use GPUs to Europe. I buy discounted business class fares. There's currently a $2564 fare to LHR in July and $2866 to CDG. Use googleflights.
SFO-LHR $2564
Note that you can route these fares on other carriers (i.e., AC) for a bunch more of whatever UA is calling the new qualifying points.
SFO-LHR $2564
Note that you can route these fares on other carriers (i.e., AC) for a bunch more of whatever UA is calling the new qualifying points.
Last edited by Kacee; Oct 31, 2019 at 10:37 am
Oct 31, 2019, 10:29 am
#7
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Oct 31, 2019, 12:10 pm
#8
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I just confirmed EWR-TXL in Feb. Also had luck with EWR-BRU
one sure fire way to find PZ is to find saver business, which at least searches more flights at once but in theory there is more PZ than IN so you might miss out on certain flights.
one sure fire way to find PZ is to find saver business, which at least searches more flights at once but in theory there is more PZ than IN so you might miss out on certain flights.
Oct 31, 2019, 12:20 pm
#9
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Yep, this is a quick way to do it. As you noted, you miss a lot of space, but it's easier this way.
Oct 31, 2019, 12:23 pm
#10
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Oct 31, 2019, 12:35 pm
#11
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Also SFO based and totally agree with Kacee. Have been doing this for several years now as I got tired of playing GPU roulette. Unless things change for the better under the new system and I seriously doubt that look for discounted business class fares and dare I say look at other carriers unless you are tied to UA. I also use googleflights and kayak. Some have had better luck using points on LH and AC as well (I have used them on LH ) but as noted don't know what you will need under new point system.