Upgrades becoming easier?
Mar 26, 2009, 8:12 am
#46
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Regarding the original topic, I've found upgrades to be VERY easy. I've cleared on everything at the window (with 500-milers) on 319s, 320s, 737s--and needless to say, all bigger planes as well too. I'm about 15/15 in 2009, even upgrading companions on about half of those flights.
The 'prime' intl routes mentioned here got me thinking...I see all kinds of crazy availability to Oz in December. I'm not sure if I can even go yet, but about book two C seats to SYD in December. Ironically, there's no XF/XC space on the ORD midcons in either direction--but I'll take my chances on waitlists on those. If UA is considering pulling out of Australia, might want to take advantage while they're still going there, especially since the 747s should all be converted by then.
The 'prime' intl routes mentioned here got me thinking...I see all kinds of crazy availability to Oz in December. I'm not sure if I can even go yet, but about book two C seats to SYD in December. Ironically, there's no XF/XC space on the ORD midcons in either direction--but I'll take my chances on waitlists on those. If UA is considering pulling out of Australia, might want to take advantage while they're still going there, especially since the 747s should all be converted by then.
Mar 26, 2009, 8:23 am
#47
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: YVR
Programs: AC SE, BA silver
Posts: 2,906
I doubt this was a mistake. No matter how horrible United's IT is (and yes, it is awful indeed), I doubt they will accidentally release tons of XC/NC across the board.
More likely, this was like one of those unadvertised sales that last for a very short period, i.e. an opportunity to discreetly dump some unused inventory and/or test the waters.
More likely, this was like one of those unadvertised sales that last for a very short period, i.e. an opportunity to discreetly dump some unused inventory and/or test the waters.
Mar 26, 2009, 8:28 am
#48
Join Date: Aug 2005
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I doubt this was a mistake. No matter how horrible United's IT is (and yes, it is awful indeed), I doubt they will accidentally release tons of XC/NC across the board.
More likely, this was like one of those unadvertised sales that last for a very short period, i.e. an opportunity to discreetly dump some unused inventory and/or test the waters.
More likely, this was like one of those unadvertised sales that last for a very short period, i.e. an opportunity to discreetly dump some unused inventory and/or test the waters.
Mar 26, 2009, 8:35 am
#49
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: YVR
Programs: AC SE, BA silver
Posts: 2,906
Perhaps they're also testing responsiveness to the (not so) new higher award levels for C/F redemptions.
Mar 26, 2009, 8:59 am
#50
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I remember this mistake happening early this year as well where there was upgrade and award inventory let out on all intl routes. People jumped on it and UA relised the mistake and then fixed it.
I found it odd to see flights to HKG in the summer as well as OZ this time of year.
I found it odd to see flights to HKG in the summer as well as OZ this time of year.
Mar 26, 2009, 10:31 am
#51
Join Date: Sep 2008
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Not sure if there is a thread for general upgrading questions or not, so i'm sorry if this is OT. Is it possible to upgrade from Y to F internationally? Is the fee for doing so 30,000-40,000 miles? If so, how does one do a 2 class upgrade?
Mar 26, 2009, 10:39 am
#52
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: YVR
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Posts: 2,906
No, double upgrades are not allowed at all (except for operational reasons or mistakes).
Mar 26, 2009, 11:48 am
#53
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I think something is amiss with the system--The flights are showing such strange things as XC2 NC0, one is even XC6 NC0. I've NEVER known XC>NC. United, understandably so, would much rather sell you a ticket and have you upgrade than use straight mileage.
Mar 26, 2009, 1:25 pm
#54
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I would think it is the first.
Mar 26, 2009, 3:56 pm
#55
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. On the other hand, given the high level of competition on USA-OZ, this could also be a way for UA to leverage their FF program. I jumped on the opportunity and booked a rather expensive W ticket instead of booking a cheap L ticket.
Mar 26, 2009, 4:04 pm
#56
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Mar 26, 2009, 4:21 pm
#57
Join Date: Apr 2006
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Posts: 140
On a W fare in mid-March I was waitlisted for a few days on SFO-LHR and BOS-LAX as there was no NC or NF availability.
I was surprised that SFO-LHR on a SWU cleared 14 days in advance (as in all of my experiences flying UA # 930 on a Saturday night was that upgrades cleared at the gate on the day of departure and previously I always had an M or H fare).
BOS-LAX UA # 167 cleared 16 days in advance using a CR-1, including the last leg LAX-SFO.
I was surprised that SFO-LHR on a SWU cleared 14 days in advance (as in all of my experiences flying UA # 930 on a Saturday night was that upgrades cleared at the gate on the day of departure and previously I always had an M or H fare).
BOS-LAX UA # 167 cleared 16 days in advance using a CR-1, including the last leg LAX-SFO.
Mar 26, 2009, 9:34 pm
#58
Join Date: Mar 2003
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I had a 7 segment itinerary booked last week.
At booking it was 2 confirmed, 5 WL.
After the last two days, it is 5 confirmed, 2 WL, and BOTH SFO-HKG and HKG-SFO cleared. I was stunned. Quite sure it was an error
At booking it was 2 confirmed, 5 WL.
After the last two days, it is 5 confirmed, 2 WL, and BOTH SFO-HKG and HKG-SFO cleared. I was stunned. Quite sure it was an error
Mar 27, 2009, 12:29 am
#59
Join Date: Jul 2007
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I've been flying weird routes this year...so I'm not sure what weight (if any) you want to put into my experiences....BUT, i'm 21/21 on upgrades this year so far.
Mostly DCA-ORD and IAD-ATL roundtrips so far. None of the transcon nonsense I had to deal with last year.
Mostly DCA-ORD and IAD-ATL roundtrips so far. None of the transcon nonsense I had to deal with last year.
Mar 29, 2009, 2:55 pm
#60
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Yardley PA 19067
Posts: 28
How do you monitor flights to tell when inventory is open for NC, XC, NF, XF?