OK old-hands, share the codes "PA" and "PB"? Point me to a thread that explains. Just looked through the glossary( )

Ron

Try this one:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showt...ferrerid=47445

If you are using a SWU/CR-1, then you are on the PA waitlist.

If you are using a mileage upgrade award, then you are on the PB waitlist.

UA clears the PA waitlist first, then the PB waitlist. These waitlists are cleared in "order of addition", so the first person added clears, then the second, then the third, etc. as UA Inventory Management make upgrade inventory available (the "X" and "O" buckets).

If you have not cleared before roughly 24 hours, the waitlists then go to Airport Control. Both the PA and the PB waitlists are dumped into a master Departure Management (DM) waitlist. This waitlist is then cleared first by status (in order, UGS, 1K, 1P, 2P, GM) and then by fare paid (C, D, Y, B, M, H, etc.) and finally, if necessary, by time added to the DM (you are added to the DM when you check-in for your flight).

Just remember that when it comes to Op-Ups fare basis trumps status now.

SEA_Tigger - Do 500 milers fall on the PB list or are they only for day of departure upgrades? And so status has no merit on the PA/PB lists it would appear, correct?

Thanks for the clarification!

Ain't this the truth!!!

I always thought that this thread was detailed and complete.

The one time I used miles for an upgrade, as a 1K, I was told by the agent I was on the PA waitlist. Of course I have no way of knowing if I was really on the PA waitlist. This was two years ago so maybe things have changed?

Well my most recent op-up was an a Saver Economy award, so N must be higher then Y now. I still think that, at the gate (not beforehand by Inventory Management), it's all about being in the right place at the right time.


Since 500 milers can be confirmed up to five days out (if UGS), they have to fall on one of the waitlists, and I am guessing that it would be the PB since they are kind of like mileage ones, but I honestly do not know.


Correct. People are added serially (as they request the upgrade) and they clear that way as well. A 2P added at 11am will clear (in theory) before a 1K added at 11:30am. I personally have witnessed lower-status folks on my PNR clear before me, as has ozstamps. I imagine other FTers have noticed this, as well.


Agents at least used to be able to put you on the PA waitlist, regardless of upgrade instrument (so they have told me). I have not used miles for an international upgrade since 2003, but during those times, I successfully (at least I was told so) that I was put on the PA waitlist when asked (I was flying on Y fare bases, so I did use that as an angle).