My United Upgrade Instruments (SWU/CR-1) Are Going to Expire - What Are my Options?
 

Chances of extending 1 SWU thru 2010
 

Previous years, ive heard that United will allow you to extend 1 SWU for another year, do u think they will do this again? And what are the chances if you asked?

My guess:

Very likely if you requalify as 1K.

Not a prayer if you don't.

Seems like 1Ks got a single extension through April this year, based on a quick glance at these threads:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unite...-merged-3.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unite...ed-2008-a.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unite...-question.html

From what we have seen this past year, I would say the odds of extending one are good. The odds of them extending it the whole year of 2010 are zero. Extension will probably be no more than they gave this year.

Extending SWU expiration
 

You might think of doing a trade with someone with a later expiring SWU, but offering some premium for doing the trade.

Soon to be expired SWU (Nov 09) - what are my options?
 

My last unused SWU is about to expire end of Nov 09. Most likely i wont be flying in November to make good use of it.

What are my option to avoid simply loosing this SWU?

Thanks!

If you don't want to let it expire, you'll just need to find someone to upgrade. You can sponsor anyone you want who is on an eligible fare.

You must have a family member or friend who has never experienced status or an upgrade who would appreciate it.

Extending SWU's
 

In previous years, UA allowed an extension of 1 SWU. Two years ago, I think you could extend it (by calling) until the end of June. Last year you could extend until the end of April. Does anyone know whether UA will allow an extension of 2009 SWU's considering their new policies?

I have an SWU that expires today and called to ask if I can extend it until Tuesday to use on a cross-country flight and was told no.

Last year this benefit was confirmed on/about Nov. 21, 2008, allowing a 1K to extend one (1) SWU expiring 1/30/09 to 4/30/09. Not sure if you had to have re-qualified.

In past years (as an unpublished, not guaranteed to repeat, benefit) has extended one SWU. This has been for the annual SWUs expiring in January.
last year thread http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unite...ed-2008-a.html

Since yours expires before January, I would suspect an extension is unlikely and therefor gifting to someone else is your only option.

Countdown to SWU Expiration (November 30)
 

All:

I have 2 SWUs that are set to expire on 11/30/2009. I'm traveling in NC next week and won't be back until 12/1/2009. So I will be unable to use these SWUs. (Am I correct in saying that I can't use SWUs expiring in November for travel that is occurring in December?)

Anyway, I have to get rid of them. So here are my options (as far as I see them).

1. Since I'm going through IAD on Wednesday, I could try and upgrade a serviceman/servicewoman on a flight, (I recall the KWI flight having a decent number of military passengers).

2. Is there any chance I could finagle an upgrade to F on an award ticket using an SWU?

3. Can I somehow get one of these Lufthansa paper certificates to continue the life of these SWUs?

4. My biggest preference would be to use them for my mother who is traveling on December 22 on IAD-LHR. But she's non-MP and traveling after November 30.

Basically any suggestion you might have about last minute efforts to use an SWU would be appreciated.

Thanks

2, 3, and 4 will not work. Your options are to use them or lose them.