MileagePlus IT Upgrade - 15-16 Oct 2022 -- Multi issues / broken functionality - FlyerTalk Forums (2024)

FAQs

Why won't United let me upgrade? ›

Not everyone who books a United flight can be upgraded. There are certain fare classes that aren't eligible — such as basic economy — and certain limitations, like upgrades for award tickets. That being said, there are ways to upgrade nearly every flight except for seats in basic economy.

Complimentary Premier Upgrades are free, space-available upgrades for Premier members on select United and United Express flights*. Premier members who are cardholders may be able to use this type of upgrade on award flights**. On some flights, you can get a Complimentary Premier Upgrade for one travel companion.

If you are a Premier member traveling on full-fare economy Y- and B-class fare within an eligible region, you may be eligible for instant upgrades as early as time of ticketing subject to upgrade availability. Premier 1K^® members are also eligible for instant upgrades when purchasing M-class fares.

Make a Skip Waitlist request during booking by selecting “Available only and Skip Waitlist” during the pick your view step when making a PlusPoints upgrade. You'll see a “Skip Waitlist” label on eligible flights.

You can request a MileagePlus Upgrade Award while booking your flight or after booking your flight. To request during booking: Make sure you're signed in to your MileagePlus account and have selected “Advanced search options.”

Achieve elite travel status

Many airlines will provide complimentary upgrade certificates after you've reached a specific level of status, as well as proactively upgrade you during other flights for which you are eligible. Complimentary Preferred seats and Main Cabin Extra upgrades at check-in.

On almost every flight, the passengers who get upgrades are either the ones who pay for them (whether in dollars or miles) in advance or frequent fliers with elite status who receive complimentary upgrades as part of their perks. There are very few exceptions, so don't expect to score a free upgrade by just asking.

If a seat is available, you can upgrade immediately or confirm within eight weeks of departure. But any miles you earn will be based on your original ticket, not the upgrade. Upgrades might be available for ANA codeshare flights with a United flight number. Make a request at 1-800-UNITED-1 within the U.S. and Canada.

United miles are worth about 1.2 cents each when used for award travel. Sam Kemmis is a travel rewards expert at NerdWallet specializing in airline and hotel loyalty programs.

The eligibility for CPU depends on factors like Premier status, fare class, and availability. Premier 1K members have the highest priority for CPU, followed by Premier Platinum, Premier Gold, and Premier Silver members. Higher fare classes generally have a better chance of receiving a CPU upgrade.

What fare class can be upgraded on United? ›

Instant upgrades for all Premier members on Y and B full-fare Economy tickets and for Premier 1K^® members on M fares are available on all flights that are eligible for Complimentary Premier Upgrades.

The ability to upgrade further to Economy Plus or a premium cabin seat. Certain perks associated with your Premier status, like complimentary access to Economy Plus and preferred seating, complimentary Premier upgrades, and the option to upgrade using PlusPoints.