The right reso agent can make a big difference.
 

I know this has been said many times here, but it pays to "shop around" for the right reso agent. I wanted to upgrade the ORD/PEK leg of a trip to C. Wanted a one way buy up from W to H and kick in the miles. First agent said no one way available, must buy both ways even though I didn't want the return upgraded (traveling with someone.) I said I'll think about it because with the $150 change charge it would be a difference of about $800.

Second agent I called, JoAnne, agreed with me, that was pretty pricey. So, she said hang on and called the rate desk to see what could be done. After a very long wait, she came back and said they found a diffferent fare which cut the price by $326, about half of the upcharge for H. (Or, maybe they found a one way upgrade.)

So, it goes to show that many times what we want is available, just takes persistence and the right agent. $326 will buy a lot of knock off purses and great meals in PEK, so I'm feeling pretty good about this. Thank you JoAnne.

Unfortunately, this is absolutely correct. The inconsistency of UA is terrible!:td:

I am happy that it worked out for you in the end!

Or great when they do not tell you what you want to hear the first time.... :)

Shouldn't have had a change fee for buying up on intl flight

Untrue. Some cheaper int'l fares have do not have the free buy up option. It's in the fare rules.

This is correct. Agents, though, seem inclined to automatically charge you a change fee unless you press them. I spoke to a phone agent recently about a buy-up from V to B (which I eventually declined due to price) and she only waived the $150 change fee after I asked her to check with her supervisor about whether it really applied.

Yet another piece of evidence supporting the OP's point...