ORF-ORD and ORD-ORF
 

ORF-ORD on XN was cleared at T-23.5 h; perhaps, it was related to aircraft switch from A320 to A319. Six passengers were cleared at the same time. The return, ORD-ORF (also XN) was cleared at T-96 h (1K window). This trip was booked with the MP 40th Anniversary 1-day sale for 8000 miles RT.

While that might have been true five years ago, United's A-319s now have the same amount of F seats as their A-320s.

On my PQP bonus run now, ONT-SFO, SFO-LAS and tomorrow LAS-LAX. ONT-SFO 6am flight was an easy upgrade, it looks like a few nonrevs made it up front from the list. Inflight F service was a plastic baggy with a stoopwaffle, pretzels, and bottle of water, but that isn't significantly different from pre-virus service on this flight. 7C refused to wear their mask properly, FAs did nothing about it, they didn't even try speaking to him. Unacceptable.

SFO-LAS on a Sunday morning is booked full, as a 1K on a W fare I ended up pretty low on the list, at least not beyond #10, although I am not sure how much of that was due to checking in a little late. So, absent anything major, this looks like a no-go for the upgrade, but I am sure I won't be missing anything upfront since it's a very short flight.

LAS-LAX shows I am near the very top with a few open seats, but I suspect UA holds all unsold F seats ex-LAS for last minute "I hit the jackpot" buy-ups, so this one will still be a roll of the dice - but again, a very short flight with no service, so not the end of the world.

I was buried down the list SFO-LAS this past Wednesday - about as off peak as it gets. This notion they need more elites or people booking away is false in my opinion. (Although I am 100% on SFO-HNL-SFO as the 777-300 just has too many seats)

We have no idea how much those people paid for their tickets or gate upgrades

HNL to SFO - CPU (Premier Plat) or use points help.
 

Hello,

Traveling from HNL to SFO in a week and am in need of advice on whether to use points or if you think my CPU will clear to 2 lay flats on the 777-300er. There are two travelers, including me, and it there are currently over 40 lay flats still showing available on the seat map. I am not a frequent UA flyer so any advice on if you think we should be okay with the CPU with over 40 lay flats showing available currently? Can anyone please advise my chances. Thanks for helping a UA novice!

Highly likely you will get the upgrade - my Wednesday SFO-HNL has 31 seats available and only 23 on the entire upgrade list.

Thanks for your response and when can the upgrade list be viewed? I know upgrades can clear at 4 days days for 1k's and 3 for platinum's, but when is the list visible? Thanks again for the education.

FWIW, I'm a Premier Gold and flew HNL-SFO on June 24th. I had a similar experience; the seat map showed lots of empty seats up front on the 777-300ER. My CPU cleared at 24 hours prior to departure. Good luck.

Thanks so much for your response!

A good guess is how many seats are taken in Economy Plus as to your competition. (GS, 1K, Platinum, and Gold).

Also looking at the same flight this week is a decent harbinger (as both this and next week are routine non-holiday weeks).

This Wednesday's morning flight is booked 36/60, with 31 on the UG list. Means 7 will not clear (all likely Silver/Gold).
This Wednesday's afternoon flight is booked 36/60, with 24 on the UG list. Means all will clear, even a Silver.

Under "flight status" on the app. You can see it anytime by changing the date on your phone to within two days of departure.

Thanks for the info, much appreciated! Upgrades still grayed out, but will check periodically. Thanks again!

I started seeing the upgrade list Sunday for my Wednesday flight. Do not expect to clear until they do a massive sweep approximately 24 hours before your flight.