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Understanding the United Upgrade List Comprehensively {Archive}

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Old Apr 27, 2020, 1:00 am
FlyerTalk Forums Expert How-Tos and Guides
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
Types of Upgrades

UA's Upgrades overview

UA has multiple methods for upgrading to a higher cabin. Examples include: Economy to Domestic First, Economy to International Business or Business (ex-p.s. flights) or Economy to Premium Economy ("Premium Plus").

In this regard, seating in Economy Plus is considered Economy.

Not all upgrade methods are available on all flights (see table).
  • Complimentary Premier Upgrades (CPU) are available for most North American flights, Central America flights, and some select Oceania flights.
    "ex-PS" flights (EWR-SFO/LAX, BOS-SFO and v.v.) and Hawaii-EWR, IAD, ORD, IAH, DEN, GUM, MAJ and v.v. are not CPU eligible. CPUs are available for all paid fares and in some cases on award tickets with certain credit cards. A CPU is requested automatically for all elites as long as there is a maximum of one non-Premier as only one companion on the same PNR is also eligible for CPU. CPUs cannot be confirmed until inside the particular window:Global Services: 120 hours
    Premier 1K: 96 hours
    Premier Platinum: 72 hours
    Premier Gold: 48 hours
    Premier Silver: 24 hours
    • Plus Points (provided to Plats and above) are the upgrade currency of United elites. This wiki of this thread has more details about pricing of various Plus Points upgrades.
      • Mileage Upgrade Awards (MUA) can be requested for all UA flights with a higher cabin on all paid fares. This a varying amount of miles and a $ copay (elites are exempt from the co-pay for CPU eligible flights) -- see UA award chart for details Note the miles and copay are due at time of the request and will be returned if unsuccessful.
      • Instant Upgrades are space available for all elites on Y & B fares for CPU-eligible flights at booking. For Plats and below these require PZ space. For 1Ks and GS, this can be done on Y, B & M fares and requires PN space. 1K & GS, if not cleared at booking, will be waitlisted.

Paid/cash upgrades are a different mechanism and are only available if confirmable -- no waitlisting. Depending on methods, paid upgrades can clear into almost any fare class. If the class would otherwise be used for upgrades, the cash upsell can show up on the cleared upgrade list.

Plus Points and MUA (also called "miles+cash upgrades") are collectively referred to as instrument-supported upgrades, as they are considered with equal priority once applied. They may also be used on Copa (CM), Lufthansa (LH), and ANA (NH) flights.

Waitlisting for a premium cabin award and all forms of Economy Plus are not considered upgrades.


Upgrade Priority and Required Inventory

All upgrades other than CPU may clear immediately if the required inventory class is available. If you request an upgrade when there is not inventory to confirm your upgrade immediately, you will be added to the upgrade waitlist. The required inventory classes are as follows:

RN class is required for all upgrades to Premium Economy (United Premium Plus)
PN class is required for Instant Upgrades to Business/First from Y, B, and M fares for Premier 1K members, and for all upgrades to Business/First of any type for Global Services members.
PZ class is required for all other upgrades to Business/First except CPUs.

Note: The display of the upgrade lists is rather complicated at the moment. There seems to be more information available than usual, but its accuracy is disputed. The following is how it has historically functioned in terms of public visibility.

Passengers with unconfirmed upgrade requests will be added to the upgrade waitlist. This is not the same as the upgrade standby list which you can see on the Flight Status page. You cannot see this list by any means. The ordering of the upgrade waitlist is as follows:
  • All Global Services members (presumably prioritized similar to other members below), including those awaiting a CPU.
  • For CPU eligible flights, Premier 1K members on eligible Y-, B- and M-class fares that were not cleared at time of booking are prioritized by fare class and then time of request.
  • All travelers on waitlisted instrument-supported upgrades: Prioritized by Premier status of the traveler, then fare class and then time of request. There is no priority difference between types of instruments.
  • For CPU eligible flights all remaining Premier members: Prioritized by Premier status of the traveler and fare class (award tickets are considered the lowest fare class)

Recent announced modification
Effective August 14, 2018, upgrade waitlists are processed in the following priority order:
  1. Premier status of the traveler
  2. Fare class
  3. Chase United MileagePlus Club cardholder
  4. United Corporate Preferred participant
  5. Time of request
Later in 2018: We will include upgrade priority for primary Chase United MileagePlus Cardmembers who have met the $25K annual spend Premier Qualifying Dollar (PQD) waiver on a Chase MileagePlus co-brand card. Priority order for these Cardmembers will fall after United Corporate Preferred participants and before time of request.
United will periodically run sweeps from this list. The required inventory class for your upgrade does not need to be available in order to be upgraded from the standby list; passengers on the list will be upgraded at the discretion of United's systems. (You can also think of it as space was opened and then you immediately took it.)

Once check-in starts a new waitlist will be generated for use at the gate. The pre-gate list will continue to process until the flight goes to the gate, typically one to three hours prior to departure. This new list is the visible one on the Flight Status page. Generally they will have the same order, but there can be some differences in priority ordering of the two lists -- usually due to the time tiebreaker -- which is time of request for the pre-gate list and time of check-in (sequence number) for gate list. The visible (upgrade standby) list has only checked-in passengers and is not used until the flight is under gate control and the gate agent manually processes an upgrade.

The upgrade list sometimes also shows passengers who have been upgraded. Advance-cleared upgrades will not show on the gate list as cleared -- only passengers who clear after they check in will display with a green checkmark. Some paid Premium Economy fares may show as a confirmed upgrade to Premium Economy.

For both cases, display cleared upgrades will appear in alphabetic order and regardless if checked-in (as long as a seat has been assigned). Uncleared, waitlisted requests will appear, once checked in, in priority order. But until all have checked in, the visible gate waitlist is incomplete.


Upgrades and Companions
Main article: Comprehensive Companion Upgrade Questions

The following applies ONLY to the invisible upgrade list.

Up to one companion on the same PNR as you is entitled to a CPU based on your status. However, because PNRs must consist only of passengers with the same itinerary, you will only be eligible for an upgrade if all passengers on your PNR have the same upgrade eligibility. For CPUs, you may extend your CPU status to one companion, and then the system will take the status of the lowest passenger on the reservation.

This is a little complicated. Here are some example PNRs:

1K and non-status companion: both are eligible to CPU as 1Ks
1K and two non-status companions: no one is eligible to CPU
1K, Gold, and non-status companion: the companion gets "1K CPU status" but the Gold cannot, so all three pax have Gold priority

The situation for instrument supported upgrades is slightly different. Waitlisting an instrument is also all-or-nothing on the PNR. Either all pax must have a waitlisted upgrade, or none may. If you have a waitlisted upgrade for a multiple passenger PNR, it will have the priority of the highest Premier status on the reservation. Thus:

1K and non-status companion, 2x GPU applied: both are eligible as 1Ks with GPU
1K and three non-status companions, 4x GPU applied: all four are eligible as 1Ks with GPU

Multi-pax PNR upgrades are all or nothing - you may (or may not) be skipped over if there are fewer available seats than members in your party. If you do not like the treatment of your PNR, you may split it into smaller pieces at any time and be treated as smaller groups or individuals.


Now, what happens if you haven't cleared by check-in?

Multiple pax PNRs are not eligible for the (visible) upgrade standby list. If you wish to be added to the list, you must split the PNR at check-in. This often happens even if you didn't intend to. Note, however, that the hidden list is active until 3 hours before departure and splitting your PNR changes it. Therefore, you may wish to delay check-in until the airport. On the other hand, the tiebreak for the gate list is time of check-in, so you may wish to do so immediately. It depends on your situation.

Companions may be eligible for the upgrade standby list even after splitting the PNR, if it is split at check-in. The behavior of your companion(s) depends on whether the reservation had instruments applied. You may have one CPU companion, who will be waitlisted with your Premier priority but with an effective fare class below X (namely, last). If your companion was on a different PNR originally, or you want to designate a different companion, an airport agent can do that for you. Therefore, the list of 1Ks might be:

1) 1K on an S fare (you)
2) 1K on a K fare
3) Your no-status companion
4) Plat on a B fare

If your reservation had instruments applied, however, this process is different. In this case, if the reservation is auto-split at check-in, all travelers will have your Premier priority with their fare class. Say you are a 1K with three non-status companions, all with GPUs applied. Then you have

1) 1K on a V fare, GPU applied
2..5) you (1K) and your three companions on W fares, ordered by sequence number
6) Plat on a Q fare, miles+cash applied


Frequently Asked Questions

I was #1 on the upgrade list, but someone else got the upgrade instead. What happened?
The most likely answer is that the upgraded passenger was not checked in. Remember that the upgrade standby list (the visible list) only shows passengers who have checked in.

I'm #1 on the upgrade list but seats in the forward cabin keep disappearing. No one is being upgraded. What's going on?
There are two major sources of this. First, once your flight is within 24 hours of departure, it is eligible for SDC. Passengers with paid premium tickets can change to your flight and take seats. Many experienced flyers, especially FT members, underestimate the volatility of flight loads on the day of departure. Additionally, United usually makes a time-of-departure upsell offer available at check-in. Purchasers of this upgrade may often appear similar to last-minute revenue bookings.

I was waitlisted for I (or IN) class and did not clear. Am I now eligible for an upgrade?
"Upgrade" is the wrong terminology. You should be automatically placed on the standy list for business or first (whichever applies). Historically there have been problems with this occurring automatically, but that seems to have mostly been fixed. The exact priority compared to passengers who are waitlisted for an upgrade is unclear and a matter of some dispute. See discussion of GG ONESTANDBY lines 32-55.

Who are these people who are on standby lists for both Business and First?
These are non-revs (i.e., UA employees and family members) - either NRPS (non-rev positive space) or NRSA (non-rev standby). Non-revs can list for any cabin. NRPS are traveling on company business (e.g., deadheading pilots) and will clear into open space ahead of upgraders. NRSA travel standby and will be last in priority after all paid passengers. Why would someone be listed on both standby & upgrade list(s)?

Can you have one companion on a different PNR?
Yes, but only at the airport/gate and some agents are not familiar with the process. They are at the bottom of your status group.

Related threads
Ever see (+X blocked) in booked column on upgrade list?
Consolidated "Waitlist for Award Seats Questions/Issues"
[Consolidated] Chance of upgrade clearing on my flight
Decoding the alphabet soup - fare buckets for UA

Understanding the United Upgrade List Comprehensively [Archive]

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Old Nov 24, 2018, 1:17 pm
  #1246  
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
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Is there a policy to upgrade military after the UG list is exhausted?

On my last flight, 10/20 F seats were empty, Y also had many empty seats. Right after the door closed, I saw 4 military people come up front. The FA said "just pick any open seat".
It is quite rare that I see F with empty seats so I'm not sure if this is a policy or the GA/FAs just did it on their own.

It was interesting as for two of the military passengers, it was their first time on an airplane ever. They were VERY excited as the take off roll began and we became airborne.
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Old Nov 24, 2018, 1:28 pm
  #1247  
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Originally Posted by roseallday
So once 24 hours hit, it doesn’t matter when you requested the upgrade anymore? It’s just about status, class fare, and check in time?
Kacee has addressed this fully but if you are still unsure about what happen and if the hypothesis is true that others check-in during the gap, you can check the Sequence Numbers. It is not the actual time that is used but rather the Sequence Number which are incremented as each passenger checks in. The BP show the sequence number -- you will find this in the far upper right hand corner of the printed BP and it is below the QR code on the mobile BP. You should see a gap in the sequence numbers if the hypothesis that others checked in-between is a possibility.

If you every had had a BP reader issue at the gate, the GA used the sequence number from the BP to check you in.

There are some particularities of sequence numbed, such as if a flight number is used again for a separate flight that day, see https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unit...e-numbers.html
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Old Nov 24, 2018, 4:51 pm
  #1248  
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 156
Flight is about T-6 hours away, and the TOD upgrade screen shows only “6 customers eligible for an upgrade”, while the flight status upgrade list has 13 passengers listed (none on standby). The top 4 names on the flight status list do not even show on the TOD list. Any insights?
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Old Nov 24, 2018, 5:33 pm
  #1249  
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Originally Posted by adams828
Flight is about T-6 hours away, and the TOD upgrade screen shows only “6 customers eligible for an upgrade”, while the flight status upgrade list has 13 passengers listed (none on standby). The top 4 names on the flight status list do not even show on the TOD list. Any insights?
Don't pay any attention to the paid upgrade screen . . . it's just marketing. Flight status shows the actual upgrade standby waitlist.
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Old Nov 25, 2018, 2:42 am
  #1250  
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For what its worth, this month had a PNR split on the outbound, and the uncleared segment on the return showed for the visible list

(1) me, a 1K on a W fare with GPU applied, who checked in second
(2) companion, a Silver on a W fare with GPU applied, who checked in first

This one seems to support the "status doesn't inherit on the split PNR" hypothesis but honestly I think you're tossing the dice any time you need a tiebreak like this.
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Old Nov 28, 2018, 5:51 pm
  #1251  
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Florida
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After 30 minutes and 2 holds with the 1K desk, to no resolution, I'm hoping someone can weigh in on my situation for tomorrow:

I have a Copa/United itinerary where the first flight is Copa, the remaining two United. I cleared the first United flight (out of LatAm) 3 days ago (woo!), but not the final leg. When I checked in for the first flight (Copa), I never showed up on the visible upgrade list on the app for the final flight that's still in Y. 1K desk says they cannot add me manually because the first flight is with Copa - advised me to ask the agents in PTY once I complete the Copa segment or call then.

I'm a bit concerned when UA finally does a sweep tonight (which should have been done days ago considering F is basically empty - they like playing games on this route I think), that I will somehow get passed over.

Is it still safe to assume I would clear off of said "invisible list" given my status? I'm also on an award ticket if that matters.. cleared the other segment with no issues though, and my reservation does show "complementary upgrade requested" on the last leg, just not showing on the visible app list at all.

Thanks in advance!
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Old Nov 28, 2018, 5:53 pm
  #1252  
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If the app (not website) shows CPU requested, I think your place on the invisible list should be OK.
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Old Nov 28, 2018, 5:58 pm
  #1253  
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Florida
Programs: United 1K, Marriott Ambassador, Hilton Gold
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Originally Posted by findark
If the app (not website) shows CPU requested, I think your place on the invisible list should be OK.
Thanks! The app does show that. I know the visible list isn't used until the gate so I guess there's time to fix things tomorrow if I don't magically appear on it after the Copa flight.
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Old Nov 29, 2018, 7:11 am
  #1254  
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
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Update to the above, I completed my copa flight and called back - still no dice and claiming that even with the credit card you aren’t eligible for the airport list, only in advance. Agent at PTY could also not add me to the list and told me to try in EWR.

I recall other people having the same issue in the past. Any suggestions on how to get it resolved so I hopefully don’t get screwed out of an upgrade?

None of this makes sense given I’ve gone to the gate list while on an award ticket dozens of times...
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Old Nov 29, 2018, 8:30 am
  #1255  
ezl
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 9
Ok, I have the following situation which I don't understand based on what I read in this post:
1k friend booked a ticket in October for a flight to Denver tomorrow and returning on Sunday for himself and a Silver companion. L&L fare. $284 a person.
I, also a 1k, decided to join them and booked a ticket 2 weeks ago for the same flights. L&T fares. $277.
He got a notification yesterday night that both him and his companion are upgraded on the flight back (72 hours window). I am not, even though I am in T and they are in L.
This morning he got a a notification that he and the companion are upgraded on the flight tomorrow (24h window). I did not. This one I sort of understand given that we're in the same fare and he booked earlier.

Is this how it's supposed to work?
Thanks!
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Old Nov 29, 2018, 8:44 am
  #1256  
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Originally Posted by ezl
Is this how it's supposed to work?
A T should clear before an L.

Either there's something wrong with your ticket, the tickets are coding wrong (e.g., your T is coding as an L for upgrade purposes), or the process is just broken.
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Old Nov 29, 2018, 9:09 am
  #1257  
ezl
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 9
That would be my expectation as well. Lady on the 1k desk said that it's because he paid $7 more.....
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Old Nov 29, 2018, 12:48 pm
  #1258  
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Originally Posted by ezl
That would be my expectation as well. Lady on the 1k desk said that it's because he paid $7 more.....
Yeah they have no idea how the list works. Though apparently we don't either, since it's not processing per the published rules.
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Old Nov 29, 2018, 3:31 pm
  #1259  
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Originally Posted by ezl
That would be my expectation as well. Lady on the 1k desk said that it's because he paid $7 more.....
As Kacee alluded, not true.

The only thing I can imagine is you have an unacknowledged schedule change?? or somehow the ticket needs to be brought into sync. Seems quite unlikely, especially if you've already called.

Do you show on the waitlist for your soonest flight?
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Old Nov 29, 2018, 10:11 pm
  #1260  
ezl
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 9
Yeah, I figured, but did not have time to argue with her...
I showed as first on the waitlist when I checked in, now 2 people jumped ahead of me. Also available inventory decreased by 3 and it does not look like I'm going to make it.
He did not use any RPUs or CPUs. I don't know if those things play into it, but this year he already re-established the status, but i'm still 2 trips away, yet I have significantly greater $ spend this year.
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