Comments on: Thinking of using miles for an upgrade? Welcome to the endless waitlist

By: Phil

Phil — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 21:28:36 +0000

As a 1K million mile member on United, I find that getting upgrades from ORD to HKG (coach to business) is definitley getting harder. One of the reasons is that the 747s have been ugraded to the new “lay flat” business class seats.The earlier BC seats numbered 74 now it is only 52.
I also find that UA treats me no different as a paasenger than my wife who is just premier status. In the near future there will be no point in staying a loyal passenger on United because ther will be virtually no chance of using 1K system wide upgrades on international flights let alone any other status.

By: Janice Hough

Janice Hough — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 00:03:22 +0000

1k pulls a lot of weight. It means you are above everyone but Global Services, and one reason people get to Global Services is that they book a lot of expensive tickets, so many of them are in business trying to upgrade to first. I am a 1k myself and have had pretty good luck, but I can tell you that executive premiers often complain to me they never get upgraded anymore, and regular premiers say it almost never happens. Again, as a 1k you leapfrog an executive premier who has been on the waitlist for months.

By: Jason

Jason — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 18:56:31 +0000

I’ve flown a lot on United the past six weeks and have gotten upgraded on every sector that I’ve wanted to which included an LHR-ORD (the seats were the same in the picture above) and four trans continentals.

I am a 1K and some of the upgrades were confirmed ahead of time (one JFK-LAX and one SFO-JFK) but the others cleared at departure.

Am I just lucky or does the 1K status pull that much weight?

By: Scott

Scott — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 03:28:43 +0000

Actually the picture is from a 767. All of the 767 and 747 planes have been converted to the new seats (save for a lone 747 that mostly is flying military charters). 777s will be converted starting in February.

Purchased upgrades are the lowest priority and seats are NOT saved for them. Seats are “saved” in hopes that people will buy full-fare business class tickets. Purchasing upgrades for $500-1200 at the last minute are only available when seats are otherwise open. Mileage upgrades get prioritized over purchased upgrades.

By: uberVU - social comments

uberVU - social comments — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 22:03:47 +0000

Social comments and analytics for this post…

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By: Jeff L

Jeff L — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 21:16:24 +0000

At least United has a waitlist. For USAir, its call back repeatedly and hope :)

By: Janice Hough

Janice Hough — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 18:30:18 +0000

Thanks Frank, the picture is United’s new business class, which is mostly on their 747s Supposedly someday it will be on their international 777s.

Re the buying with points suggestions others have made. Good idea, but with these fares in 4000-5000 range usually it can take a lot of points. Curiously enough, a lot of the best business class specials are around the holidays, because business travelers are either staying home or going on personal trips where the company won’t pay for the front cabin

By: Frank

Frank — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 18:01:02 +0000

hey janice,
Alittle off topic, but you choose amazing pictures to accompany your articles. Wondering who’s Business/First Class section that is and if you could post an “explanation with the picture” for future articles.
thanks!

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Wed, 16 Dec 2009 17:10:05 +0000

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By: Karen Fawcett

Karen Fawcett — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 17:08:12 +0000

I am 1K and always purchase a ticket that permits upgrading when I feel it’s essential.

Having flown from Hong Kong to Chicago in Coach, I won’t pay the upgrade fee UNLESS I can be booked in Business class when I reserve the seat.

My ticket cost more than three times the deep discounted promotional fare and (naturally) I wasn’t entitled to a financial rebate. Not only was I tired when I reached my destination, but I was cranky over the money I spent for nothing. Everyone is a 1K these days. The man in the seat next to me was Global Services and he was none too pleased with his seat assignment.