How to get an upgrade on United Airlines flights
When you travel on longer flights, it is helpful to know how to upgrade United Airlines flights to get the maximum comfort and value. A successful united airlines flight upgrade can elevate a boring flight to that of a premium experience. This complete guide will demonstrate exactly how to work through the system, using miles and understanding what waitlist priority for upgrades United offers.
What You Need to Know while booking an upgraded united airline flight
The initial phase of planning your premium journey is to understand how to potentially book an upgraded flight with united. The choices for booking an upgraded flight on united tickets may vary, depending on several determining factors, such as your level of MileagePlus membership and whether a fee is paid. United touts their upgraded flight availability to all travelers, but priority is given to elite members.
Can I upgrade my cabin to United Airlines?
Yes, you certainly can upgrade your cabin on United Airlines: The United Airlines cabin upgrade process permits you to upgrade to a higher class of service from Economy to Premium Plus or Premium Plus to United’s Polaris Business Class. You can request the United Airlines cabin upgrade with miles or upgrade certificates or for cash, depending on your ticket.
How to Use Miles and Cash for a United Seat Upgrade
The united upgrade with MileagePlus miles is the most flexible option for all travelers, regardless of elite status. United miles for the upgrade can be requested online after booking your ticket; go to “My Trips.”
- MileagePlus Upgrade Awards (MUA): This is the official name for spending united miles for upgrade plus, in some instances, a cash co-pay. The number of miles and cash required depends on your destination, your original fare class, and what type of seat you request.
- Premier Status: You may request an upgrade even without status, but Premier elite members will get higher priority. United miles for upgrades should be submitted as early as possible for better chances of getting confirmed.
Instant upgrades at the time of ticketing
Instant upgrades at the time of ticketing are what fliers prefer when it comes to immediately securing a premium seat. Instant upgrades at the time of ticketing come in two forms:
- Cash Offer: When you look up your flight on the United website or app, if an upgrade is available, you will see a cash price to move up to the next cabin, such as Business or Premium Plus. Once you pay the cash amount, your seat is confirmed immediately.
- Full Fare Tickets: Travelers who purchase full-fare Economy tickets, specific fare classes such as Y or B, are often eligible for instant upgrades at the time of booking, placing them directly into the premium cabin without waiting on a waitlist.
Understanding United Airlines Waitlist Upgrades
When an upgrade cannot be immediately confirmed, your Upgrade Flight United request will be Waitlisted onto the Waitlist upgrades list. Waitlist upgrades use a sophisticated system that processes requests based on a strict priority hierarchy.
- Waitlist Priority: The system prioritizes requests first by elite status level, with Premier 1K being the highest; then by type of upgrade instrument used-PlusPoints or MileagePlus Upgrade Awards get higher priority than complimentary upgrades; and finally, by original fare class of the ticket.
- Timeline: The Waitlist upgrades list is constantly being processed up to three hours before departure. If your upgrade isn’t confirmed by then, your request goes to the gate agent, who oversees the final distribution of seats.
- PlusPoints: Premier Platinum and 1K get PlusPoints that are flexible upgrade certificates and can be applied to Waitlist upgrades, both domestic and long-haul international.
United Airlines Check-in and Airport Time Limits
To get your trip started as smoothly as possible, you will want to know about the check-in timeframe that United allows. You may check in online, either on their website or app, for any flight starting 24 hours before departure to 60 minutes before departure. If you are checking a bag, you will need to check your bag no later than 60 minutes before departure for your international flight. United recommends arriving three hours prior to departure for international travel for easy travel. This will give you time to go through security, check your bag, and time to relax before continuing your trip.
Final Thoughts on Securing Your Upgrade
To increase your chances of booking an upgrade United seat, always remember these easy steps: ask for the upgrade as early as possible, look at your ticket’s fare class, and book a United seat upgrade using United miles to upgrade rather than waiting for a complimentary upgrade on international routes. With these steps taken, your travel experience will change for the better.
