​​​​​​Just make sure you are aware PlusPoints expire annually if you don't use them. For example, PlusPoints earned in 2022 will expire on January 31, 2024. They also have to be used for flights scheduled to depart on or prior to expiration date.

Thank you. I have read some customers have had success extending the expiry date, is this something that is likely to happen or not based on your experience?

During COVID travel shutdown, UA freely extended PlusPoints. That is not likely to occur further. In the past, UA has annually extend a limited number of upgrades for re-qualified 1Ks, it is unknown if UA will do that in 2023 --- follow the discussion in Will United extend 80 January 31 2024 expiring PlusPoints to 30 April?

no the reply that I expected - I guess I need to go back and re-read the T&C
I thought this was the way to "game" the system in trying to avoid wasting PP on short segments when the longer/more-desirable segment does not clear.

I guess you need to book them all together - and then can cancel the shorter/undesirable one if the longer one does not (which I have also done before)

In this case, I dont remember why I didnt try to get both segments.....

-m

Oddly enough, UA apparently didn't want a system that could be "gamed."

Once any segment clears, you're not supposed to be able to "un-upgrade" without changing flights.

This was a deliberate move by UA to try to prevent what you're doing -- as well as to prevent the old RPU to CPU ploy, where somebody would put an RPU on, it'd clear, and then they'd remove it if it looked like a CPU was likely.

hang on a sec..... per T&C:

adding in a segment (which is what I think I was trying to do) - only deducts additional PP if the "Polaris-marketed segment clears" -
In my case, the cleared OGG-DEN is in a 777 2-4-2 (whatever the old ones are called - not a true Polaris)
and then what about the Premium Econ (waiting for Polaris) upgrade that I got cleared on the TATL coming back in which I added the PP for the short segment after that cleared?

• Changes to how partial clearance of upgrades works. You have two options:
  • List all segments. If at least one segment clears, you will ultimately be charged for the highest single cost among all cleared segments. Thus, you will "spend an RPU" (20 points) if only a domestic connector to a Polaris-marketed segment clears (previously there was no cost).
  • List only the Polaris-marketed segments (or any subset you wish). You can add more segments back in after the Polaris-marketed segment clears - but this will be considered a new upgrade request (and cost extra points)

jsloan - I have not done it in a while (since so rare that PP clear to begin with), but I recall being able to cancel a PP upgrade after it cleared? I know you can "decline" an upgrade once it clears - maybe I am just thinking about canceling PP request before they clear?

-m

I just read the entire T&C for PlusPoints. None of this language is in there.

The FAQ (same page) is very clear:



They can only be canceled before they clear. Again, from the FAQ:

No domestic route is Polaris marketed. Business or First, but not Polaris.
Additionally,, segments can not be added to existing requests, cleared or not
Other than you can waitlist for both PremPlus and Polaris, do not understand this comment
These are from the thread's wiki, not UA T&Cs, and they are still correct (even with the reference to antiquated RPUs

I had 160 that had already cleared on SYD and BER tickets during the summer operational meltdown - ones that would have been used otherwise.

Agent told me point blank "I haven't been able to get anyone an exception, but I'll put it in and see" - she was shocked not only did it go through, but it gave until November 1 AND extended all 200. Guess I either got lucky or being nice matters! :)

I'm wondering what folks' recent experience is in the case where the flight is cancelled by United and you had a confirmed Polaris upgrade using PlusPoints. Did they recommodate you in Polaris, or was rebooking in Y and a points refund the only option offered?

Thanks,

Generally, space available, you will be reaccommodated in to Polaris. Issues are was this day of travel irrops or a advance schedule change and what the alternative options are. Generally you will not be reaccommodated in business on a non-UA flight.

Yes, to be clear I was referring to day of travel irrops. The route is SYD-LAX, so what I'd _hope_ for is to be reaccomodated in Polaris on one of UA's other flights ex-SYD (either same day or next day). Basically I am trying to weigh the odds that I'd end up in Y for the long-haul flight.

Thanks,

THe worst case issue is a flight cancellation which leaves 50 pasenger to accommodate. With flexibility on routing and days, you should be fine.

What fare buckets to look for intl PP upgrading?
 

Sorry I can't seem to find the info easily among the existing reference threads --

Suppose that I'm debating whether to buy a W economy ticket say to Europe or Asia with the hopes of using 40 PP to upgrade instantly. Which fare buckets would I watch to see if that's any possibility? (if 1K)

PN? PZ? IN? Do any of these give an indication of likelihood even if not immediately available?

Thanks! It's been years since I've had or used the new PP.

For 1K instruments, PZ space means the flights will clear immediately. PN space, with PZ0, is the next best thing -- you won't clear immediately, but you know that they're seeing relatively low load, and any GSes on the list should already have cleared and therefore won't get in your way.