Lux Flyer

If you can "switch for free" then there will be no change in the amount of PQPs you would earn on the ticket compared to what you had previously, even if the website display is saying otherwise (it's a display glitch, and there is a disclaimer somewhere that says that number is only estimated earnings but not guaranteed to be correct). PQPs, for a ticket issued on 016 stock, will be earned based on whatever the (1) airfare, (2) surcharge [Q], (3) stopover [S], and (4) international surcharge [YQ] totals come out to. If you want to check what those values are, you can look at the receipt for the itinerary where it breaks down the fare, surcharges and taxes (I think, when applicable, the Q surcharge and S stopover fee get added into the airfare component on the receipt).

loganre17

I'm *G via AC and UA Silver via Marriott.

I understand it's not the highest chance to get complimentary upgrades, but for my own interest. Does UA consider *G from other programs for complimentary upgrades? Secondly, would they see my UA status if I credit to AC?

Kacee

No and no.

scratchphysics

Been paying attention to redemptions from Asia to LAX around Thanksgiving time. Sadly, today, all major cities in East Asia to LAX on Friday, Saturday, Sunday have doubled in price.

Does this happen every year? What are the chances they redemption rates get back to what it was last week?

angetenar

Awards on UA or partner awards? Do you have an example of which cities you're looking at? Japan has recently reopened so there will be strong booking demand to Tokyo.

Kacee

UA award pricing is dynamic, and changes like this are not uncommon. While it's possible prices will drop, in this situation, with limited seats and high demand, it's very unlikely. Note as well that UA just did a website "upgrade" and it's certainly possible there's a correlation. Would be interested to know if prices on partner metal have increased, as that would reflect an underlying change in UA's pricing model, since those prices are fixed.

SSF556

How do I use points to upgrade to first class. I need to burn some points.

WineCountryUA

More details on your travel plans would help. Where? When?
UA / domestic flights? Go to you online reservation and select the upgrade option. Note upgrades can be difficult even with status, with status very difficult.
Partners flights?

scratchphysics

Tokyo
Taipei
Seoul
Saigon
Bangkok
Singapore
Manilla

They used to be Savers but now most are YN at 80k for economy. A combo of UA and Partner

Kacee

YN means UA metal. Partner metal is X or I only.

I see LAX/SFO-TYO for 38.5k on NH metal and 35k on UA metal on random November dates. That's X/XN inventory.

scratchphysics

That's good I think? It must mean EVA pulled all their availability.

I got a 88k biz on ANA going to Asia by waiting until 2 weeks before. But coming back for Thanksgiving weekend seems hard to get a good deal now I probably won't be able to risk it by waiting like I did for the flight to Asia.

Kacee

It's possible prices will go down, but I think it's unlikely at this point.

If you have transferable points currency (Amex, Chase, etc.), it's worth checking across a range of carriers, including DL, SQ, BA, etc. AS is really good for JL awards.

scratchphysics

I never good deals on Skyteam (Flying Blue) or One World (BA). SQ is pretty much impossible without waitlist.

Saw DL 56k Econ redemption for Non-stop ($1200 cash). Pretty good value

Kacee

If you don't check, you definitely won't find anything. I've had success over the years being very flexible and willing to book through multiple programs, including UA, DL, AS, AA, SQ, VS, BA, CX, AF, AV, and AC.

Repooc17

AS is a valuable program still with fixed award chart. You can transfer into AS from hotel currencies but much easier/better to earn via flying.