Community
Wiki Posts
Search

DCA-DEN upgrades? difficult?

 
Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jun 20, 2005 | 2:34 pm
  #1  
Original Poster
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: NYC (formerly BOS/DCA)
Programs: UA 1K, IC RA
Posts: 60,745
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?
magiciansampras is offline  
Old Jun 20, 2005 | 2:56 pm
  #2  
10 Countries Visited
20 Countries Visited
30 Countries Visited
20 Years on Site
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: IAH
Programs: formerly UA GS, now lowly MM lifetime gold :(
Posts: 1,205
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.

Last edited by osxanalyst; Jun 20, 2005 at 3:10 pm
osxanalyst is offline  
Old Jun 20, 2005 | 3:02 pm
  #3  
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Arlington, VA USA
Programs: United Premier; HHonors Gold
Posts: 83
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.
coachigdon is offline  
Old Jun 20, 2005 | 3:11 pm
  #4  
All eyes on you!
20 Years on Site
 
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Springfield,MO,USA
Programs: UA 1K MM, HH Diamond, Marriott Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 1,637
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.
u600213 is offline  
Old Jun 20, 2005 | 3:26 pm
  #5  
1M
50 Countries Visited
All eyes on you!
20 Years on Site
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: LAX
Programs: UA 1P 1MM
Posts: 721
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

Last edited by UALboy; Jun 21, 2005 at 3:12 pm
UALboy is offline  
Old Jun 20, 2005 | 3:26 pm
  #6  
Original Poster
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: NYC (formerly BOS/DCA)
Programs: UA 1K, IC RA
Posts: 60,745
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.
magiciansampras is offline  
Old Jun 20, 2005 | 4:14 pm
  #7  
FlyerTalk Evangelist
20 Years on Site
 
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: USA
Programs: UA Platinum, 1MM
Posts: 13,472
Originally Posted by magiciansampras
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.
CApreppie is offline  
Old Jun 21, 2005 | 2:40 pm
  #8  
All eyes on you!
20 Years on Site
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: SNA
Programs: UA1K
Posts: 4,055
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!
haddon90 is offline  
Old Jun 21, 2005 | 2:58 pm
  #9  
FlyerTalk Evangelist
All eyes on you!
20 Years on Site
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Still going through ORD security when boarding has already started
Programs: AA EXP, UA Silver, HH Gold, Bonvoy Gold, IHG Plat, Hyatt Disco, Reno Air MEGA Platinum
Posts: 10,322
Originally Posted by UALboy
I used 500-milers for that flight and it cleared 72 days before.
72 DAYS before??!!!??? Are you sleeping with a yield manager or something??

aisleorwindow is offline  
Old Jun 21, 2005 | 3:05 pm
  #10  
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: DEN and a barrier island near RSW
Programs: 1K (I know, my screen name is outdated), Marriott Plat, *Wood Plat, Five Star, Amex Plat
Posts: 1,360
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.
DENPremEx is offline  
Old Jun 21, 2005 | 3:13 pm
  #11  
1M
50 Countries Visited
All eyes on you!
20 Years on Site
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: LAX
Programs: UA 1P 1MM
Posts: 721
Originally Posted by g_leyser
72 DAYS before??!!!??? Are you sleeping with a yield manager or something??

Sorry. I meant 72 hours before. I corrected my original post already
UALboy is offline  
Old Jun 21, 2005 | 3:16 pm
  #12  
10 Countries Visited
20 Countries Visited
30 Countries Visited
20 Years on Site
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: IAH
Programs: formerly UA GS, now lowly MM lifetime gold :(
Posts: 1,205
Originally Posted by DENPremEx
Edited to add: I am batting 100% on upgrades from Y to C.
As am I (1K).
osxanalyst is offline  


Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

This site is owned, operated, and maintained by MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Designated trademarks are the property of their respective owners.