DCA-DEN upgrades? difficult?
 

Trying to decide whether or not a cr1 is warranted on this route, or if I should sweat it out with 500 milers. I'm traveling on the 5pm flight on a Wednesday. Seems like it wouldn't be that tough. Thoughts?

I would advise dumping the DCA flight and taking the 5:25 out of Dulles. Its an International 777 (XC/XI). Upgrading to C would be well-worth your CR1 on that bird, but also almost a sure bet with 500 milers.

I have made it with just 500 milers, but it depends on the flight. Check the # of 1st class seats still available for purchase, and place your bets. Also, what seat do you have in coach? if you have exit row aisle, I would gamble because I already have a decent seat. But otherwise, I might use the confirmed upgrade.

If it's a 757 and I have row 9 or 16 reserved already, I use 500's. The Dulles flight is not good for me because it takes me too long to get there from where I usually am in D.C. vs metro to DCA but if you can get there in time , 777 is nicer.

I did the DCA DEN flight a couple of weeks ago on a sunday. United.com was showing a F9 for the flight. First class was not full that day. I used 500-milers for that flight and it cleared 72 days before.

Edit: I meant it cleared 72 HOURS before. Sorry :)

Hmmm I just booked the DCA-DEN itinerary today and rode my bike to DCA to ticket (used vouchers). Wonder if it's too late to switch to that 777. Hmmm.

If you hadn't used vouchers, you could cancel and rebook since its within the 24-hour cancellation period. However, I think the vouchers are non-refundable.

Is your ticket in a higher fare class? You may find a kind agent on the phone who might switch you to the IAD flight, especially if there is the same fare class available. IAD and DCA are interchangeable co-terminals in terms of standby and routing.

Standby is the other option. Standby for the 777 flight. A lot of times the GA will give you a seat when you ask and then you can be put on the DM list for upgrades and go from there.

i tried using 500 milers for the 777 IAD-DEN flight and got turned down
it's not as easy as you think boys and girls!

72 DAYS before??!!!??? Are you sleeping with a yield manager or something?? :eek:

;)

I will 2nd a move to IAD and the 777 to DEN. UA runs a number of evening flights from IAD to DEN on 777 and 767 (International 3 Class config) and I always connect in IAD and take one of these flights back to DEN when I go to the east coast.

Edited to add: I am batting 100% on upgrades from Y to C.

Sorry. I meant 72 hours before. I corrected my original post already

As am I (1K). :cool: