Shellhead

Flying on a non-rev (family works for UA). We are Silver Elite. Are we eligible for upgrades? This is our first standby flight…

kluau88

As a non-rev you will not get any of the benefits that come with being silver elite member. However if you are using the employee discount which is available to some non-revs you will get your silver benefits.

Good luck with the non-rev game and make sure you have a plan A,B,C,D….

LMG0910

Based on my personal experience as a non-rev passenger, I found myself at the very end of the upgrade list. This might not be the same for everyone, but it's worth noting that I held a gold status at that time. Regarding other perks or upgrades, it's better to keep expectations minimal. Although I had access to the lounge due to my membership, I was quite aware that my chances of getting on any flights were slim. Humorously, it seemed more likely for in-cabin pets to receive an upgrade before me. That being said, securing an upgrade as a silver member is quite an uncommon occurrence anyway.

VRFast

Can't non-rev's pay extra to get on the waitlist for PP/Polaris/First?

JDS747

Yes they can do that but they will still be at the bottom of the waitlist and status doesn't come into play. All revenue upgrades will be put in first before any non-revs. I've been moved up, or I guess offered to move up, when other revenue tickets declined to take their upgrade.

PTahCha

It's funny, because on an AA flight a cello was upgraded, but its owner was not.

Then again, the instrument should have been in a window seat, and it was not. The solution was to put it in First.

LarryJ

MP status does not apply to non-rev travel.

Not all pass classes are eligible for upgrade so it depends on what type of pass you're using. In any case, you must be LISTED in the higher cabin in order to be on the upgrade list. If you are listed for economy you will not be considered for an open seat in a higher cabin and the gate agent can't change it. There is a fee for upgrading that is either paid at time of listed, then refunded when you don't get upgraded, or payroll deducted from the employees check after the travel is completed.

On most days, and most flights, non-revs don't have much of a chance of an upgrade. I was #40 on the list on my commute on a 737 a couple of weeks ago. I think I've only gotten it once this year and I always list for FC. That was on an E175 which, of course, has the best F to Y ratio for upgrades.

jtkohl

Did the cello use an instrument-supported upgrade?

sinoflyer

Nothing is free without strings attached.

asovse1

I guess this is tangentially relevant, but how do I put my FFP# on my nonrev flight, tomorrow? Is there a place to do it on the app? I didn't spot anything during OLCI

I'll probably just list my AC*G because UA*S will do nothing according to this thread (I'm very minimally aware of my priority level, and that any waitlist tiebreaker at my priority level isn't swayed by status of any type)

Lux Flyer

Good question for your employee sponsor. But you can't add a FF# on a non-rev reservation. The FF# field is used for your pass priority.

asovse1

Thanks. I'll just remember to pack my physical *G card, then =)

hhdl

Take a bow.

CALMSP

but that card means nothing as a non-rev.

FlyerBeek

Not necessarily. Star Alliance lounge access policy expressly permits nonrev travelers with Star Gold status access to Star Alliance lounges. Ref: https://www.staralliance.com/en/lounge-access-policy

-FlyerBeek