No guarantees with upgrades

Regarding “Lacking Class” [On the Spot, Dec. 9]: A key question to ask the travelers: Were they confirmed into United business before travel? If not confirmed, the traveler is wait-listed for the upgrade, which may or may not clear by flight time. Whenever I book travel directly with United, I am informed that purchasing a higher upgradable fare is no guarantee that an upgrade request will be successful. I find that travel agents do not share this information, and they probably do not know it.

If the travelers were confirmed into United’s business class before travel, then later downgraded, they very likely have a valid complaint and they should take it up with United customer service. I have seen situations where United needed to downgrade customers for various reasons, and the agents offered some form of compensation to those who were affected.

Finally, if travelers require a seat in a premium cabin, the most certain method is to purchase a premium ticket.

Bill Sweeney

Chino Hills