Question about upgrades from the MP web site
Feb 23, 2006, 6:18 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 128
Question about upgrades from the MP web site
Hi,
Am a 1K this year, having been prem executive many years in the past, but clearly am not as savvy as the rest of you, hence my question....
The paragraph below is pasted from the United web site regarding the benefits of mileage plus. Basically, it says upgrades are available without any payment of any sort: miles, certificates, or money. How does this work??? I have flown in coach many times with empty FC seats despite the paragraph below. Do I just call up UA reservations and ask for an available FC seat???
Thanks! Mike
"Also, when you buy a full fare economy electronic ticket (select Y or B class*) for travel within the United States, Canada, Hawaii, Caribbean or Central America (Region 1), you may upgrade one (1) class of service, free of charge without using miles, certificates or money. Your upgrades are subject to availability and will be processed based on your elite status. "
Am a 1K this year, having been prem executive many years in the past, but clearly am not as savvy as the rest of you, hence my question....
The paragraph below is pasted from the United web site regarding the benefits of mileage plus. Basically, it says upgrades are available without any payment of any sort: miles, certificates, or money. How does this work??? I have flown in coach many times with empty FC seats despite the paragraph below. Do I just call up UA reservations and ask for an available FC seat???
Thanks! Mike
"Also, when you buy a full fare economy electronic ticket (select Y or B class*) for travel within the United States, Canada, Hawaii, Caribbean or Central America (Region 1), you may upgrade one (1) class of service, free of charge without using miles, certificates or money. Your upgrades are subject to availability and will be processed based on your elite status. "
Feb 23, 2006, 6:20 pm
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Chicago
Posts: 11,513
Originally Posted by flyingmike
"Also, when you buy a full fare economy electronic ticket (select Y or B class*) for travel within the United States, Canada, Hawaii, Caribbean or Central America (Region 1), you may upgrade one (1) class of service, free of charge without using miles, certificates or money. Your upgrades are subject to availability and will be processed based on your elite status. "
Feb 23, 2006, 6:21 pm
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2004
Programs: Nah.
Posts: 13,967
You have to buy a Y or a B fare for the freebie upgrade. Govt fares do not qualify, but most others do.
Feb 23, 2006, 6:40 pm
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 128
Thanks for the quick replies....
I understand I have to buy the right fare ticket, but then is the upgrade automatic or do I have to call UA beforehand and request the upgrade?
Mike
I understand I have to buy the right fare ticket, but then is the upgrade automatic or do I have to call UA beforehand and request the upgrade?
Mike
Originally Posted by qasr
You have to buy a Y or a B fare for the freebie upgrade. Govt fares do not qualify, but most others do.
Feb 23, 2006, 6:45 pm
#5
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Arlington, VA
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 1,013
You have to request the upgrade just you would request an upgrade with 500-milers. However, no 500-milers will be deducted from your account if you are on an elligible Y of B fare.
Feb 23, 2006, 6:52 pm
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2004
Programs: Nah.
Posts: 13,967
Originally Posted by flyingmike
Thanks for the quick replies....
I understand I have to buy the right fare ticket, but then is the upgrade automatic or do I have to call UA beforehand and request the upgrade?
Mike
I understand I have to buy the right fare ticket, but then is the upgrade automatic or do I have to call UA beforehand and request the upgrade?
Mike
The upgrade will clear like 500's, that is, at your window.
Feb 23, 2006, 7:10 pm
#7
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Bay Area
Programs: UA 1K2MM
Posts: 241
Originally Posted by chrisw
You have to request the upgrade just you would request an upgrade with 500-milers. However, no 500-milers will be deducted from your account if you are on an elligible Y of B fare.
Feb 23, 2006, 7:50 pm
#8
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2004
Programs: Nah.
Posts: 13,967
Originally Posted by SJC
From my experience, the upgrade request is automatic if you buy an Y or B fare. I've had EasyUpdate message sent to me within a couple of minutes of purchasing a ticket confirming an upgrade without me making an upgrade request.
Feb 23, 2006, 9:06 pm
#9
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: SFO
Programs: AA ExPlat,EX-UA 1K, Hyatt Diamond, SPG Plat,
Posts: 12,212
500 miles
Do 1K still receiving 4 500 miles? if so what do they use that for?
Feb 23, 2006, 9:11 pm
#10
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2004
Programs: Nah.
Posts: 13,967
Originally Posted by karung99
Do 1K still receiving 4 500 miles? if so what do they use that for?
1K's get 4x 500 mile upgrade certificates for every 10K BIS on UA/UX/Ted metal. They can be used to upgrade 500 miles or less of a flight. You can combine them for longer flights, and you get a 50 mile grace. So a 1040 mile flight would still require only 2 certs.