Using Segment Upgrades
Feb 20, 2000 | 12:22 pm
#1
Original Poster
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Los Angeles
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Using Segment Upgrades
As a PremEx, I am still confused on how to use these coupons. Some agents insist that I must surrender coupons based on each leg. Others tell me it is "as the crow flies." Which is correct?
Also, if I am flying from A to B and then onto C, and the B-C segment has no upgrades available while the A-B does, but the A-C distance requires fewer coupons than the A-B would alone, can I surrender coupons for the entire distance of my flight, even though I would be flying in coach part way?(Did this make any sense?).
Also, if I am flying from A to B and then onto C, and the B-C segment has no upgrades available while the A-B does, but the A-C distance requires fewer coupons than the A-B would alone, can I surrender coupons for the entire distance of my flight, even though I would be flying in coach part way?(Did this make any sense?).
Feb 20, 2000 | 1:14 pm
#2
Join Date: Apr 1999
Location: Henderson, NV
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Posts: 3,517
It is based on the non-stop distance, or as you say as the crow flies. However if it is not confimed all the way then you are out-of-luck and need to surrender for just a portion of the flight even if it is more than the non-stop.
For example - I often fly HNL-LAX-SFO and only give 2500 miles worth of coupons, since HNL-SFO is less than 2500, however if you add it all up you come up with close to 3000 miles, and the HNL-LAX part is already over 2500. But I usually always have to explain it to the check-in agent.
For example - I often fly HNL-LAX-SFO and only give 2500 miles worth of coupons, since HNL-SFO is less than 2500, however if you add it all up you come up with close to 3000 miles, and the HNL-LAX part is already over 2500. But I usually always have to explain it to the check-in agent.
Feb 20, 2000 | 1:24 pm
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Texas, U.S.A.
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It depends on the type of "these" upgrade certificates you are using. The title of this thread and the first part of your question seems to suggest you are using Segment Upgrades, but the second part seems to suggest that you are using 500 Mile Upgrades. So, just to be clear and to help you understand United's terminology:
One-Segment Upgrades mean just that. One flight number, one plane regardless of distance. See rules of upgrade certificate as to if one flight number with a change of planes or stopover is permitted.
One-Way Upgrades get you to your destination, regardless of miles, change of planes or flight numbers, provided that upgraded class is available on all of your flights.
500 Mile Upgrades are neither pure One-Way or One-Segment upgrades. They are One-Way "distance" upgrades, and are based on United's non-stop distances that can be confirmed prior to you first departure, as SF1K states. If only your A to B is available for upgrading at the time of your departure, I'm afraid you'll be penalized with the higher mileage level. If you then get to B and you end up clearing your B to C flight, you'll probably be asked for additional certificates.
Suggestion: I'd ask my A Check-In agent to please note in your record the numbers of certs collected at point A. Then your B Gate Agent/Angel might take pity on you and bend the rules, especially as they are able to confirm that X number of certs have already been collected that day. But keep in mind that they don't have to do this.
[This message has been edited by PremEx (edited 02-20-2000).]
One-Segment Upgrades mean just that. One flight number, one plane regardless of distance. See rules of upgrade certificate as to if one flight number with a change of planes or stopover is permitted.
One-Way Upgrades get you to your destination, regardless of miles, change of planes or flight numbers, provided that upgraded class is available on all of your flights.
500 Mile Upgrades are neither pure One-Way or One-Segment upgrades. They are One-Way "distance" upgrades, and are based on United's non-stop distances that can be confirmed prior to you first departure, as SF1K states. If only your A to B is available for upgrading at the time of your departure, I'm afraid you'll be penalized with the higher mileage level. If you then get to B and you end up clearing your B to C flight, you'll probably be asked for additional certificates.
Suggestion: I'd ask my A Check-In agent to please note in your record the numbers of certs collected at point A. Then your B Gate Agent/Angel might take pity on you and bend the rules, especially as they are able to confirm that X number of certs have already been collected that day. But keep in mind that they don't have to do this.
[This message has been edited by PremEx (edited 02-20-2000).]
Feb 20, 2000 | 10:54 pm
#4
Join Date: May 1999
Location: New York City
Programs: UA MM-1P, Hilton Life Diamond, Marriot Life Gold, ICH Spire
Posts: 4,080
I successfully used PremEx's suggestion a couple of years ago at the SFO RCC. I was travelling LAS-SFO-EWR and the upgrade was only available LAS-SFO. By the time I got to SFO, my flight to EWR had been cancelled, and they rebooked me to JFK on a flight that had available upgrade space. I talked the RCC agent into accepting 1 or 2 less than the normally required number of 500 mile coupons, since I had already surrendered one in LAS. Of course, it probably helped that I also bought an RCC membership at the same time. 