Gamble on Upgrade Availability
Aug 7, 2002 | 12:23 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: San Francisco, CA USA
Posts: 1
Gamble on Upgrade Availability
I'm flying SFO to CDG in September. There are no upgrades available for business but business class is still pretty open and upgrades "may become available." Any advice on gambling with an upgradeable fare or just using all miles to get a business class ticket?
Aug 7, 2002 | 12:40 pm
#2
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Seattle
Programs: Alaska Airlines
Posts: 1,570
In my opinion - that route is usually full in Biz as I have heard. I would just guarantee your seat in business by using miles.
That's what I would do & not take the gamble.
I am excited for your trip, as I have not taken UA on an international trip.
It should be awesome!
Patrick
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Patrick A. Inouye
That's what I would do & not take the gamble.
I am excited for your trip, as I have not taken UA on an international trip.
It should be awesome!
Patrick
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Patrick A. Inouye
Aug 7, 2002 | 12:47 pm
#3
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: DEN (Boulder) ~ UA 1K, Hyatt Diamond, US Gold, Marriott Platinum, Starwood Gold, LH SEN
Programs: Hyatt, United, Starwood, USAir, Marriott, Lufthansa, Hilton
Posts: 1,514
A couple of things to consider:
Are you trying to get to a status level and need the mileage to get it?
Can you check to see if there is upgradeable space with mileage when you book it?
Are you a high enough status level to be able to clear the upgrade list?
Are you trying to get to a status level and need the mileage to get it?
Can you check to see if there is upgradeable space with mileage when you book it?
Are you a high enough status level to be able to clear the upgrade list?
Aug 7, 2002 | 2:01 pm
#4
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: SF Bay Area
Programs: UA 1K MM, Accor Plat, Htz PC, Natl ExEm, other random status
Posts: 2,879
So that I understand - there are award C seats available, but not upgrade seats? That's a sign to me that the yield management systems are broken (others may feel differently).
I'd take the chance on the upgrade clearing, personally, if that's the case, because that suggests they don't think loads will be too heavy.
Greg
I'd take the chance on the upgrade clearing, personally, if that's the case, because that suggests they don't think loads will be too heavy.
Greg
Aug 7, 2002 | 2:57 pm
#5
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: The Puget Sound, WA
Posts: 2,232
You did not mention what your status was. Chances are they will not open up any or very few upgrade seats before the departure date.
If you are a 1K you have about 90% chance of clearing.
If you are a 1P you have about a 70% chance of clearing.
If you are a 2P you have about a 40% chance of clearing.
If you are a non-status you have a 20% chance of clearing.
These are not scientific percentages but a very rough guide to your gambling percentages, on trying to buy that H ticket and hoping for the best.
If you are a 1K you have about 90% chance of clearing.
If you are a 1P you have about a 70% chance of clearing.
If you are a 2P you have about a 40% chance of clearing.
If you are a non-status you have a 20% chance of clearing.
These are not scientific percentages but a very rough guide to your gambling percentages, on trying to buy that H ticket and hoping for the best.
Aug 7, 2002 | 4:48 pm
#6
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Orange, CA, USA
Programs: UA 1K 1MM, Hyatt Platinum, Marriott Silver
Posts: 111
I booked SFO-CDG for mid-October about two weeks ago. There were no upgrades to business class available for any flight to Paris that entire week. I took the gamble with the H-fare and was put on the waitlist. About 10 days later my itinerary showed that I was confirmed in business class. Checking the website showed that they had made a few more business class awards available.