Rules on upgrading with miles?
Jan 21, 2007 | 9:09 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 30
Rules on upgrading with miles?
I am looking for some clarification on when upgrades clear if they are 'purchased' with miles.
If I indicate when I purchase my ticket that I want to upgrade with miles, does my upgrade request go in the same queue as elite members upgrades (where as a 2P I have to wait until 48 hours before the flight for them to clear)? Or do upgrades purchased with miles clear right away if there is a seat available?
The only rule I can find on united.com says that the "ticket must be issued in paid class before an upgrade can be issued." But it doesn't say when the upgrade will be issued - 10 minutes later, 10 days later or maybe 10 minutes before the flight??
Here is my situation. I will be flying IAD-NRT, and have enough miles for a standard award for business class. But if I can buy an economy class ticket and use miles to upgrade, I'd rather do that. But only if I can know for sure when I buy the ticket that I can get the upgrade.
Thanks for any info on this!
If I indicate when I purchase my ticket that I want to upgrade with miles, does my upgrade request go in the same queue as elite members upgrades (where as a 2P I have to wait until 48 hours before the flight for them to clear)? Or do upgrades purchased with miles clear right away if there is a seat available?
The only rule I can find on united.com says that the "ticket must be issued in paid class before an upgrade can be issued." But it doesn't say when the upgrade will be issued - 10 minutes later, 10 days later or maybe 10 minutes before the flight??
Here is my situation. I will be flying IAD-NRT, and have enough miles for a standard award for business class. But if I can buy an economy class ticket and use miles to upgrade, I'd rather do that. But only if I can know for sure when I buy the ticket that I can get the upgrade.
Thanks for any info on this!
Jan 21, 2007 | 9:12 am
#2
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: seattle
Programs: UNITED 2K HILTON DIAMOND
Posts: 2,774
seatcounter.com enter ua twice. If theres inventory in I class your UG is avail when you book.
Jan 21, 2007 | 9:15 am
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 23,999
Yes, you should be able to confirm your upgrade.
First, use either seatcounter or ual.com to look for "NC" inventory. On ual.com you do this by "dummy" booking an award, putting in your dates for a standard award, and then look under "Show Details" and you will see if there is NC availability.
Assuming there is, you will be able to confirm your upgrade immediately, and already select C seats.
First, use either seatcounter or ual.com to look for "NC" inventory. On ual.com you do this by "dummy" booking an award, putting in your dates for a standard award, and then look under "Show Details" and you will see if there is NC availability.
Assuming there is, you will be able to confirm your upgrade immediately, and already select C seats.
Jan 21, 2007 | 9:37 am
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 30
Thanks for the quick replies. But I just tried this out for a random date that had NC4 availability, but when I went though a trial booking to the stage where it lets you choose seats, it was still only giving me E+ to choose from.
Jan 21, 2007 | 9:40 am
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 23,999
Are you talking about booking the revenue flight you wanted to take? If so, you have to buy the ticket first and then apply for the upgrade immediately.
Jan 21, 2007 | 9:43 am
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 30
Yes, the revenue flight. But I don't want to purchase it unless I know 100% that I will get the upgrade. Is that just not possible?
Jan 21, 2007 | 9:45 am
#7
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: seattle
Programs: UNITED 2K HILTON DIAMOND
Posts: 2,774
book it through resvs then.
Jan 21, 2007 | 9:46 am
#8
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 23,999
No, you must first ticket the flight and then upgrade. I would call just to verify that it is in fact NC4, and then either book it over the phone, where you can upgrade and book on the same call, or just do it online. Online is perfectly safe as well.
Jan 21, 2007 | 9:47 am
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 30
OK - thanks for the responses!
Jan 21, 2007 | 9:48 am
#10
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: NYC
Programs: UA 1.5 Million Mile flyer, Hilton Diamond, Bonvoy Gold, Hertz 5* and PC since 1985
Posts: 5,611
Book it over the phone, it's not worth the agro for 500 miles
Jan 21, 2007 | 10:40 am
#11
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Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: GVA (Greater Vancouver Area)
Programs: D.R.E.A.D. Gold card holder
Posts: 53,213
Jan 21, 2007 | 10:50 am
#12
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Anaheim, CA US
Posts: 251
If you book online, be sure to use the 'Miles-MH' search option and doublecheck that the fare you actually booked was H or higher so you qualify for the upgrade.