United's Unlimited Domestic Upgrades Program (Data through March 18, 2010) [Merged]
Oct 12, 2009, 2:26 pm
#46
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Chicago 'burbs
Programs: UA 2P, HHonors Diamond, Hertz Gold
Posts: 873
Another thing to think about is the secondary sorting. Will this "reward" early purchasers (FIFO in status), or penalize them (later purchased tickets likely being more expensive and higher fare classes).
Oct 12, 2009, 2:28 pm
#47
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: BUR/LAX
Programs: UA 1K/2MM, HHonors Diamond, IHG Diamond Elite
Posts: 2,505
As somebody who is usually on the cheapest fare, I hope that the ungrade priority will not be fare based but I have a nasty feeling about this.
Oct 12, 2009, 2:28 pm
#48
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: SEA
Programs: DL Gold
Posts: 1,510
Thanks for announcing it here first, UnitedPR. ^
Really interested in the details, especially as they pertain to upgrading non-status passengers traveling with us (spouse, children, etc.). Previously I could save up (or buy) e500's and share them with companions. Without the ability to "request" an upgrade or otherwise sponsor a companion, coupled with more competition for the seats due to waitlisting everyone, this seems troublesome.
I hope this is the case.
Really interested in the details, especially as they pertain to upgrading non-status passengers traveling with us (spouse, children, etc.). Previously I could save up (or buy) e500's and share them with companions. Without the ability to "request" an upgrade or otherwise sponsor a companion, coupled with more competition for the seats due to waitlisting everyone, this seems troublesome.
It would be great if the automatic upgrades (regardless of status) cleared after all instrument upgrades, and only after that, sorted by status. i.e. after the 24hr e500 windows that GMs get.
This gives 1P/2Ps a leg up on 1K's hoping for the automatic upgrade, and still gives UA the opportunity to sell e500s to GMs.
This gives 1P/2Ps a leg up on 1K's hoping for the automatic upgrade, and still gives UA the opportunity to sell e500s to GMs.
Oct 12, 2009, 2:29 pm
#49
Join Date: May 2005
Programs: UA
Posts: 1,775
Another open question is if you use a SWU upgrade e.g. flying from DEN via SFO to HKG, how will this work for the domestic leg ?
Oct 12, 2009, 2:32 pm
#50
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: DL Diamond, UA 1K MM, SPG Plat For Life, Marriott Plat, Nexus/GlobalEntry
Posts: 9,198
While I could be wrong, I have a gut feeling that CR1's and SWU's will still be confirmable in advance..maintaining that benefit for those who earn them. Here's hopin!
All in all, I like the change. I've never loved e500's.
All in all, I like the change. I've never loved e500's.
Oct 12, 2009, 2:33 pm
#51
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: MBS/FNT/LAN
Programs: UA 1K, HH Gold, Mariott Gold
Posts: 9,630
The devil will be in the details.....
If this is a: once the instrument list has cleared, and there are open seats left for "unlimited" upgrades.... then ^
If this is a: 1K/GS get unlimited upgrades, and <1P's "get your rear in the back....
If this is a: once the instrument list has cleared, and there are open seats left for "unlimited" upgrades.... then ^
If this is a: 1K/GS get unlimited upgrades, and <1P's "get your rear in the back....
Oct 12, 2009, 2:33 pm
#52
Join Date: Oct 2004
Programs: UA 1K, SPG Plat
Posts: 384
This is interesting... not sure how I feel about it yet. Need to see the details behind the upgrade instruments and how this impacts those.
Oct 12, 2009, 2:33 pm
#53
Senior Moderator; Moderator, Eco-Conscious Travel, United and Flyertalk Cares
Join Date: Jun 1999
Location: Fulltime travel/mostly Europe
Programs: UA 1.7 MM;; Accor & Marriott Pt; Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 17,833
Oct 12, 2009, 2:33 pm
#54
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Los Angeles & Orange County, CA
Programs: Wouldn't you like to know?!
Posts: 23,822
WOW!
This is just what I wanted! ^
I might just stick with UA next year! ^ I will 100% stick with UA if they match AA's all fare classes upgrade with SWUs
This is just what I wanted! ^
I might just stick with UA next year! ^ I will 100% stick with UA if they match AA's all fare classes upgrade with SWUs
Oct 12, 2009, 2:33 pm
#55
Moderator, Omni, Omni/PR, Omni/Games, FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Between DCA and IAD
Programs: UA 1K MM; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 67,165
Even as someone who will be 1K next year, I am not thrilled with this idea.
The only way I think it can work well is if the complimentary upgrades clear only at the gate, and that confirmable u/g's clear as soon as inventory is available, and 500s (if they still exist) clear at the windows.
Thus, those who want to upgrade particular routes will still have a good shot at doing so--basically the same chance they have now, except in the cases where they go to clearing-at-the-gate and many 1Ks don't even bother (happens a lot--now those 1Ks will be on the list automatically).
The only way I think it can work well is if the complimentary upgrades clear only at the gate, and that confirmable u/g's clear as soon as inventory is available, and 500s (if they still exist) clear at the windows.
Thus, those who want to upgrade particular routes will still have a good shot at doing so--basically the same chance they have now, except in the cases where they go to clearing-at-the-gate and many 1Ks don't even bother (happens a lot--now those 1Ks will be on the list automatically).
Oct 12, 2009, 2:34 pm
#56
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Truth or Consequences, NM
Programs: HH Diamond, Marriott Titanium, Hertz President's Circle, UA Silver, Mobile Passport Unobtanium
Posts: 6,196
I'm wondering if domestic instrument upgrades will be phased out....leaving the automatic upgrades for domestic travel and SWUs for international travel.
Oct 12, 2009, 2:34 pm
#57
Used to be MBS PremExec
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Saginaw, MI (MBS)
Programs: UA 1K 1.9MM, Marriott Titanium w/Lifetime Plat, Hilton LIfetime ♢, National Exec, Amex Plat
Posts: 5,722
To me, this is ABSOLUTELY horrible news. NOT ONE GOOD THING ABOUT IT. And I'm a 1K.
1) I have not involuntarily sat in coach in FOUR YEARS. I upgrade EVERY flight and still have 500's expire. (Effective planning and efficient use of CR1s, occasional paid F, but also a lot of time on RJs).
2) I often travel with at least one, sometimes 2 companions...Usually with no status, or surely less status than me. This will throw a wrench into upgrades.
3) It's nice to OCCASIONALLY have a flight in F with an empty seat next to me...Rare, but it does happen.
This is a SEVERE devaluation to this 1K. YMMV. I hate it.
Is there ANY good news to come out of UA lately?
1) I have not involuntarily sat in coach in FOUR YEARS. I upgrade EVERY flight and still have 500's expire. (Effective planning and efficient use of CR1s, occasional paid F, but also a lot of time on RJs).
2) I often travel with at least one, sometimes 2 companions...Usually with no status, or surely less status than me. This will throw a wrench into upgrades.
3) It's nice to OCCASIONALLY have a flight in F with an empty seat next to me...Rare, but it does happen.
This is a SEVERE devaluation to this 1K. YMMV. I hate it.
Is there ANY good news to come out of UA lately?
Oct 12, 2009, 2:35 pm
#58
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: LAX/BUR
Posts: 2,012
Good news for the most part, but would hate to see the CR1s go 
Last edited by Angeleno228; Oct 12, 2009 at 3:29 pm
Oct 12, 2009, 2:35 pm
#59
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: PDX
Programs: DL DM, AS MVP 100K, Amtrak peon, Colbert Lifetime Platinum
Posts: 4,534
I'd hope the domestic leg would clear in advance if space is available as it does now, just as I also hope advance-confirmable CR1s aren't going anywhere. But if the latter goes, perhaps all bets are off in terms of confirming domestic upgrades through any method (SWU, CR1, miles [even with copay]).
Oct 12, 2009, 2:36 pm
#60
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: SFO
Programs: United 1K 2MM / Marriott LTP
Posts: 5,071
I know there are going to be many critics of how this is going to be good or bad. I was thinking if you fly mostly domestic segments as a 1K it's practically impossible to earn enough upgrade certs (E500's or CR1's) to cover all your domestic upgrades hence you need to pick and choose which flights you want to upgrade. Without seeing details of the program it seems like there will be more people on the WL before than with the exisiting program. Am I using the correct logic as now we have those who have upgrade certs and those who wouldn't be on the ug wl since they ran out of certs on the upgrade waitlist.
I guess this means no more NRSA in F since all elites will get an upgrade assuming space available!
I guess this means no more NRSA in F since all elites will get an upgrade assuming space available!