Jan 27, 2024, 4:51 pm
The way of the Dodo? - 1K upgrades, PP or CPU
Jan 27, 2024, 7:55 pm
#1291
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,417
I'm not saying there's never a glitch, but those are the published rules and every indication is that they work the vast majority of the time.
Jan 27, 2024, 9:03 pm
#1292
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: NYC
Programs: UA MileagePlus 2MM
Posts: 1,567
The difference in fares between Y and J cabins appears to have decreased on many USA-Europe routes over the years. I just purchased an EWR-AMS returning ZRH-EWR for $3200 in Polaris. Nonrefundable Y was $1700. It's kind of a no-brainer for that lay flat seat despite how the soft product lottery goes. Guessing there are a lot less upgradable seats in this scenario....
Jan 27, 2024, 9:17 pm
#1293
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Philadelphia, LAX, Paris
Programs: UA 1K/2MM, SPG/Marriott Lifetime Titanium, Lifetime HHonors Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, AA Exec Plat
Posts: 3,331
The difference in fares between Y and J cabins appears to have decreased on many USA-Europe routes over the years. I just purchased an EWR-AMS returning ZRH-EWR for $3200 in Polaris. Nonrefundable Y was $1700. It's kind of a no-brainer for that lay flat seat despite how the soft product lottery goes. Guessing there are a lot less upgradable seats in this scenario....
So, if you want Business then book Business! Simple as that!
Jan 29, 2024, 5:50 am
#1294
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Virginia
Programs: UA Plat (1MM), Marriott Lifetime Plat, Hertz PC
Posts: 89
I don't have much flexibility on the day of travel, but I do have a bit of flexibility on the time of travel. Fortunately, my schedule typically has me flying US to Japan on a Tuesday and returning on a Friday. It probably also helps that I buy P+ seats rather than trying to upgrade from Economy.
Mar 27, 2024, 3:08 pm
#1295
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: SAN
Programs: UA 1MM/1K, HH Diamond
Posts: 6,832
My usual SAN-IAD flight cleared with PP in mid-Feb and last Sunday, both times more than a week out. Probably would have CPU'd both times but didn't want to risk it.
It's getting easier...my go-to flights at least.
Mar 27, 2024, 3:11 pm
#1296
Join Date: Oct 2018
Programs: United 1k, HH Diamond, Bonvoy Ambassador and LT-Gold
Posts: 1,661
as219 - nice, but on the other side of the coin (and I know it is people returning home after spring break)... but the OGG-DEN (777-200) flight that I booked last week for a trip in a few days... I cant even get a non-middle row E+ seat (or a coffin class lay-flat for less than the price of a kidney) - and there are only a few of those available.....
-m
-m
Mar 28, 2024, 10:26 am
#1297
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: CO
Programs: UA OG-1K, Marriott Plat, Hertz PC
Posts: 1,360
These days, for eastbound flights like EWR-CDG, EWR-FRA, or IAD-FRA for example, I do exactly as you do which is to find the best price on Polaris and book J outright. I may be willing to take a chance on the westbound in PE and use PP for the Polaris upgrade, but then United will offer me a buy-up and I end up taking it!
So, if you want Business then book Business! Simple as that!
So, if you want Business then book Business! Simple as that!
Mar 28, 2024, 11:52 am
#1298
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,470
Mar 28, 2024, 12:06 pm
#1299
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: SAN
Programs: UA 1MM/1K, HH Diamond
Posts: 6,832
as219 - nice, but on the other side of the coin (and I know it is people returning home after spring break)... but the OGG-DEN (777-200) flight that I booked last week for a trip in a few days... I cant even get a non-middle row E+ seat (or a coffin class lay-flat for less than the price of a kidney) - and there are only a few of those available.....
-m
-m
Mar 30, 2024, 1:07 pm
#1300
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Philadelphia, LAX, Paris
Programs: UA 1K/2MM, SPG/Marriott Lifetime Titanium, Lifetime HHonors Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, AA Exec Plat
Posts: 3,331
I got a super nice LA-based crew, and my flight attendant was super friendly with a nice smile, which is making for a very pleasant flight even if I am not in Polaris.
Mar 30, 2024, 1:23 pm
#1301
Join Date: Oct 2018
Programs: United 1k, HH Diamond, Bonvoy Ambassador and LT-Gold
Posts: 1,661
Last night ogg-den. About 50 1k or gs
upgrade list was a mile long - mostly families Trying to upgrade 4+ people - which I don’t understand
den-abq: upgraddd t-2 with a cpu
carlos, the FA, was great
found my old fashions.
upgrade list was a mile long - mostly families Trying to upgrade 4+ people - which I don’t understand
den-abq: upgraddd t-2 with a cpu
carlos, the FA, was great
found my old fashions.
Mar 30, 2024, 5:16 pm
#1302
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.997MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,859
Mar 30, 2024, 6:43 pm
#1303
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Philadelphia, LAX, Paris
Programs: UA 1K/2MM, SPG/Marriott Lifetime Titanium, Lifetime HHonors Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, AA Exec Plat
Posts: 3,331
Definitely Easter family travel! LAX and EWR were packed with families with kids in tow. Madhouse everywhere and clearly, travel is back in style!
I was in Premium Plus and surrounded by little kids with their parents!
I was in Premium Plus and surrounded by little kids with their parents!
Mar 31, 2024, 9:06 am
#1304
Join Date: Oct 2018
Programs: United 1k, HH Diamond, Bonvoy Ambassador and LT-Gold
Posts: 1,661
Mar 31, 2024, 9:28 am
#1305
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: ORD
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 4,220
I have 280 PP right now, so could upgrade me and 13 of my favorite friends and family. I’m sure there are others on the thread with many more.