7/7: So Far I'm Thrilled with United's New Unlimited Domestic Upgrade Program

It still may be too early to authoritatively evaluate UA’s new upgrade program, but I’m 7/7 and a happy camper right now.

Let’s review:

ROUTE > FARE CLASS > EQUIPMENT > # OF FC SEATS > TIME CLEARED BEFORE DEPARTURE

IAD-MSY > M-Class > A319 > 8 > 48 hours

MSY-LAX > M-Class > A319 > 8 > at gate

LAX-LAS > M-Class > A320 > 12 > 48 hours

SFO-IAD > T-Class > 757 (yeah, Flight 142) > 24 > 100 hours

PHL-SFO > T-Class > A319 > 8 > 8 hours

SFO-DEN > S-Class > 767 > 34 > 100 hours

DEN-PHL > S-Class > A320 > 12 > 100 hours

My biggest surprise was pulling off an upgrade on my transcon A319 from PHL-SFO this morning. Coach really isn’t that bad with a good book, Bose headphones, and in an exit row, but I am one of those odd travelers who looks forward to United’s omelets, salads, and steaks, so it is not a stretch to say that I upgrade for the meal.

If I can pull off an upgrade on a cheap fare on an 8-seat A319 transcon on a crowded plane on a holiday weekend, then I’m not going to question the wisdom of UA’s new UDU program.

Laissez les bon temps roulez. _{(or have I now jinxed myself?)}

How’s UA’s new program working for you? I’d love to hear about your successes and failures.