Upgrades via Ebay
 

Hi All,

Newbie 1P here, doing weekly runs on either p.s. or regular UA metal into EWR depending on price.

A few questions:

1) Can anyone please speak to the legality/sense in purchasing CR1s (seems SWUs would be a waste of money for this purpose) via Ebay?

2) I know CC opens up on here after 90 days/90 posts - so is Ebay the best method of obtaining CR1s for me in the meantime?

3) What is the likelihood of being upped on the p.s. flights as a 1P? Will the EWR flights be easier?

4) I would imagine business seats/service on the p.s. might be nicer than first on the EWR (either 757-200 or A319)...would this be correct?

As always, thanks for taking the time out of your day to answer my pestering questions.

Have a great new year!

SS

Buying/selling upgrades on eBay has been discussed here many times. A search would reveal that it is not encouraged at all by most FT members.

1. It is not illegal by law, but it buying & selling upgrades are a violation of MP rules and they can suspend your MP account and take all status and/or miles from you. They can do pretty much anything they want with your account in fact. If you are "found out" at the airport, they may demand that you pay the full fare for the upgraded cabin.
2. I would strongly discourage you from using eBay. I would also advise you that if your main purpose here is to use the CC that you are missing out on a whole lot more. Stay and contribute and you will discover a very fun and knowledgeable community.
3. Almost 0% on both p.s. & EWR flights.
4. Yes

You may be successful in winning and using CR-1s on eBay, but you should do it with full knowledge of the main risk, which is the possibility of losing your status and miles in the Mileage Plus program. There's the possibility that you'd be endangering the seller's account too. However, if they're selling upgrade instruments on eBay, they've already decided to take that risk.

If you're okay with paying for CR-1s, how do you feel about paying for 500-mile certificates? It's probably more expensive, and you'd be subject to the 72-hour window for Premier Executive upgrades, but at least you'd have the comfort of knowing you're not endangering your M+ account. There is also the option of paying for upgrades with miles. When I was flying coast to coast every week, I'd upgrade one roundtrip per month with miles. It gave me something to look forward to.

Here's one thing you ought to know about the Coupon Connection: You need to have "travel currency" to trade for CR-1s, such as hotel points, miles, or upgrade instruments on other airlines. No cash transactions are allowed.

I hope you decide to contribute to FlyerTalk! It's a great place to hang out.

Welcome to FlyerTalk. I hope you'll find this a helpful community, and we look forward to your contributions.

Per long-standing practice on FT, we don't use the board to discuss or promote the buying and selling of awards/upgrades/miles via other websites.

Regards,

cblaisd
Moderator, United