Regional upgrades
Dec 18, 2011, 2:37 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 1K; HHonors gold
Posts: 18
Regional upgrades
I have never used these other than on SFO to New York. Can someone explain their purpose to me, please. Am I more likely to be upgraded if I apply a regional upgrade than if I rely solely on an UDU with 1K status? I've asked a couple of United agents this question and they seem to think not. If I'm not, then I don't see their use apart from as gifts. How do you all use them.
Dec 18, 2011, 2:55 pm
#2
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: BUR/LAX
Programs: UA 1K/2MM, HHonors Diamond, IHG Diamond Elite
Posts: 2,505
The main advantage of a CR-1 is that you can be upgraded outside of the UDU window if there is upgrade inventory available.
Dec 18, 2011, 2:57 pm
#3
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.997MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,859
SFO-JFK (PS service) is not eligible for UDU -- so if you wish to upgrade you will need $$$/miles/regional or SWUs. No complimentary upgrades on those flights.
SFO-EWR is mostly CO and is eligible for EUA. There is one UA which has UDU. Regionals will allow earlier confirmation -- such as at booking.
SFO-EWR is mostly CO and is eligible for EUA. There is one UA which has UDU. Regionals will allow earlier confirmation -- such as at booking.
Dec 18, 2011, 3:11 pm
#4
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: GVA (Greater Vancouver Area)
Programs: DREAD Gold; UA 1.035MM; Bonvoy Au-197; PCC Elite+; CCC Elite+; MSC C-12; CWC Au-197; WoH Dis
Posts: 52,140
I use them on any flight where I care about the upgrade. For me, that's anything to ORD or further.
Dec 21, 2011, 10:17 pm
#5
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: LAX & EWR/JFK
Programs: Fomerly UA 1K, now Gold... next year, who knows?
Posts: 1,432
I have never used these other than on SFO to New York. Can someone explain their purpose to me, please. Am I more likely to be upgraded if I apply a regional upgrade than if I rely solely on an UDU with 1K status? I've asked a couple of United agents this question and they seem to think not. If I'm not, then I don't see their use apart from as gifts. How do you all use them.
The general consensus here at FT is that using your CR1s on PS flights is the best use of them, since PS is not eligible for UDU.
If you apply a CR1 to another UDU eligible flight, there is a chance you will get upgraded before the UDU window opens up, and therefore a chance you will get an upgrade that under UDU would go to someone else. How likely? I can't say. There have been reports in other threads of flights out of SFO that had a lot of 1Ks who did not get UDU.