removing the upgrade is the easy part. I've never had an agent refuse or even pushback when asking to remove a confirmed upgrade.
not one mentioned that's it's against the rules
I Should not have used the word competent. Experienced a better word.

but UA does say that

Fair point, however if you look closely UA also says one cannot cancel a flight for a free refund within 7 days of flight...
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The DOT says that. (rather, the DOT says the mandatory 24 hour cancellation policy does not apply to flights departing within 7 days)

I have never seen United say that, but I have not looked closely.

Before we go off on a tangent, the 7-day limitation of 24 hour refunds is well discussed in United’s 24-hour cancellation / flexible booking policy ... and it has been rarely enforced.

But getting back to the issue at hand, the refund of cancelled confirmed upgrades, there have been reports of enforcement of that limitation. So ones needs to be wary if that is an option. In today's world of plentiful PZ, agents maybe willing to look the other way.

Using Plus Points
 

Current 1k trying to make the best of it while it lasts... I was trying to use my plus points to upgrade to first class for a trip from IAH to HNL. When I turn on expert mode, it looks like there isnt availability for PN or PZ. Does this mean I'm SOL? Or can it change as we get closer to the dates? I tried looking at other months/dates, but no dice. Also want to avoid stops if possible since I'm carrying a 3 year old with me. I am breaking out the return flight by having a stopover in LAX.

What's the best way to get upgraded?
Thanks for your help.

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...da3f502d75.png

Available can change, but the demand for Hawaii flights is quite high at the moment and the capacity is still reduced. People are ready to travel to Hawaii (and many are willing to buy F for the extra distancing). Chances are poor for short-term

Adding more flight options / connections can only help but not guarantee.

Travel non-peak times (such as weekdays, especially mid-week) helps also

I am looking at these flights using Plus Points with LAX-SFO on waitlist while SFO-FRA is available on PZ. If I decline to be on WL for the first flights during checkout, would that preclude me from being upgraded using my 1K status? Also, I notice that LAX-SFO is on a B fare, would that consider an instant upgrade fare?

Thanks.

Do not apply PP to LAX-SFO because the CPU priority with B fare is higher than instrument upgrade with PP.

+1 on this - apply the PP and clear SFO-FRA. The LAX-SFO will have a higher priority with CPU from a B fare than using PP. This is true even for GS

Appreciate the info...however, I run into a small problem. My wife (a Gold) decided to join me and since we both still have ETC remaining, the system does not allow us to book. Should I call or book the reservation individually using the appropriate fare codes under "advance search"? As for the domestic portion in "B", does it matter if she is under the same reservation as mine?

Not sure what the issue is -- as long as all the flights are UA operated you should be able to use ETCs. You should be able to use multiple ETCs. But there is no downside to calling. The PZ could disappear so best not to wait.


While Golds are eligible for Instant Upgrades at booking, they can not waitlist for them. Only 1Ks/GS,

LAX-SFO is a short flight, getting the TATL upgrade would be my focus.

Two separate reservations will be the solution. Do apply PP for LAX-SFO for your wife’s reservation.

Adding to WineCountry's reply.... if you call they can combine your ETC and your wife's ETC. make one reservation flor the both of you. Apply the plus points to SFO-DFRA and hopefully the PZ space is still there for you both to clear. Your wife should clear CPU from B with you based on your status