Frequency of upgrades in 2024
May 4, 2024, 7:42 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 37
Frequency of upgrades in 2024
I had hoped with the higher minimums to earn 1K last year that there would be fewer 1Ks this year, and thus more upgrades. So far, it seems like I’m actually getting upgraded less often compared to last year 😡. Maybe about 25% of the time, and often I am using PPs and still not clearing. Has anybody else experienced the same frustrations?
May 4, 2024, 7:56 pm
#2
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: SFO
Posts: 226
I think more people are paying cash for first class.
In my opinion, the 1K preboarding group is significantly smaller than previous years and the upgrade lists are shorter.
In my opinion, the 1K preboarding group is significantly smaller than previous years and the upgrade lists are shorter.
Last edited by SFO_LOW_CLOUDS; May 5, 2024 at 1:34 pm
May 4, 2024, 8:27 pm
#4
Join Date: May 2010
Location: AVP & PEK
Programs: UA 1K 1.9MM
Posts: 6,445
What upgrades are we talking about?
CPU? Domestic PlusPoints?
For international PlusPoints upgrades I'm still at 100% in 2024, same as most of 2023 (one didn't clear in 2023, although that was mostly my fault).
CPU? Domestic PlusPoints?
For international PlusPoints upgrades I'm still at 100% in 2024, same as most of 2023 (one didn't clear in 2023, although that was mostly my fault).
May 4, 2024, 8:38 pm
#5
Join Date: Jan 2024
Programs: United 1K Member
Posts: 134
May 4, 2024, 9:01 pm
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 11,525
While I admit to the same mentality when it comes to my own upgrade attempts, it's pretty special that United has trained us to think of it as our fault when we can't clear the upgrades they advertise as a status benefit.
May 4, 2024, 9:15 pm
#7
Join Date: May 2010
Location: AVP & PEK
Programs: UA 1K 1.9MM
Posts: 6,445
Yeah, I know what you mean.
But this particular flight had to do with Covid restrictions being lifted just before the flight, so naturally the flight suddenly got booked much more than I had been accustomed to.
I could have easily re-arranged a few things to make it clear had I not overlooked the obvious.
But for sure, it requires some finagling to make it all work, definitely agree there...
May 4, 2024, 10:36 pm
#9
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: SFO
Programs: United 1K 2MM / Marriott LTP
Posts: 5,077
May 5, 2024, 12:09 am
#11
Join Date: May 2012
Location: ORF, RIC
Programs: UA LT 1K, 3 MM; Marriott Titanium; IHG Platinum
Posts: 7,004
May 5, 2024, 4:11 am
#12
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: NYC / TYO / Up in the Air
Programs: UA GS 1.7MM, AA 2.1MM, EK, BA, SQ, CX, Marriot LT, Accor P
Posts: 6,426
Even as a GS out of EWR I honestly rarely clear a CPU -- ironically my wife (my MileageMinus GS partner) clears more often than I do -- but she goes to odd places like PHX and ATL lol....
May 5, 2024, 6:28 am
#13
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 37
I believe we already have a thread for that -- The Way of the Dodo
Even as a GS out of EWR I honestly rarely clear a CPU -- ironically my wife (my MileageMinus GS partner) clears more often than I do -- but she goes to odd places like PHX and ATL lol....
Even as a GS out of EWR I honestly rarely clear a CPU -- ironically my wife (my MileageMinus GS partner) clears more often than I do -- but she goes to odd places like PHX and ATL lol....
ya I’m in a hub (DEN). Which is good because I always have direct flights. But sucks for upgrades. Kinda feels like 1K isn’t really worth it if I can’t get many upgrades…
May 5, 2024, 6:32 am
#14
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: NYC / TYO / Up in the Air
Programs: UA GS 1.7MM, AA 2.1MM, EK, BA, SQ, CX, Marriot LT, Accor P
Posts: 6,426
5 years ago I would clear at 120 hours 90% plus -- now its virtually never -- I'm glad I don't fly domestic so much any more.... UA has gotten really good at monetizing the F cabin -- upgrades on popular routes are tough these days....
May 5, 2024, 7:16 am
#15
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BOS/EAP
Programs: UA 1K, MR LTT, HH Dia, Amex Plat
Posts: 32,309
if 1K is about domestic CPUs for you I’d look for a different airline. That said, not sure the grass is much greener elsewhere tbh