The ticket upgrade process could be tiresome for most airlines, but United has a simple upgrading process. There are different types of upgrades that United Airlines has such as MileagePlus Upgrade Awards, Complimentary Premier Upgrades, PlusPoints, and Star Alliance Upgrade Awards.
In this guide, you will learn about how to upgrade on United Airlines, the types of upgrades, who will get the upgrade first, how to get an upgrade using miles, and many more.
How To Upgrade On United Airlines – Step-By-Step Process
Passengers can easily get an upgrade on United Airlines. It is always beneficial to get an upgrade from Economy to business/first class. By doing that, you will have additional services that will make your travel experience more convenient & hassle-free. You can upgrade your flight tickets using miles and reward points that are operated by United Express and United Airlines. You can upgrade your flights when making reservations or in case you forget, then request the upgrade through the manage booking option after booking. If you don’t know about the process of upgrading on United Airlines, then, follow the steps mentioned below:
- Open the United Airlines official website.
- Navigate the manage booking section, & click on the “My Trips” option.
- Next, fill out your confirmation number and your last name. Click on the “Search” tab.
- Now, select your preferred seats in your choice of fare class and then save the changes.
- Afterward, make the payment if there are any charges to upgrade.
- After you successfully get an upgrade, the airline will notify you through an email.
What are the Types of Upgrades?
There are four types of upgrade awards for MileagePlus members.
- MileagePlus Upgrade Awards
- Complimentary Premier Upgrades
- PlusPoints
- Star Alliance Upgrade Awards
MileagePlus Upgrade Awards
Upgrade your seat by using miles on the majority of tickets you purchase on flights that are run through United as well as United Express. You could also make use of miles to upgrade other passengers. If you aren’t able to upgrade your seat using miles you may have to pay an additional cost for co-paying certain kinds of airfares.
Complimentary Premier Upgrades
Complimentary Premier Upgrades are no-cost upgrade options that are space-available for Premier Members on selected United as well as United Express flights. Members of the Premier card might be eligible to take advantage of these types of upgrades for award flights*. For certain flights, you may be able to get a Complimentary Premier upgrade for only one passenger.
PlusPoints
These are Flexible points that are available to Premier Platinum or Premier 1K members. These points can be used for upgrades to United flights as well as certain partner airlines. PlusPoints can be used to upgrade a traveler even if they aren’t on your reservation.
Star Alliance Upgrade Awards
Upgrade your seat using miles on certain Star Alliance member airlines. Upgrade requests are possible after you’ve purchased your ticket. Miles can be used to help sponsor the Star Alliance Upgrade Award for up to four passengers traveling with you on the same trip.
For more details take a look at the Complimentary Premier Upgrades terms and conditions.
How Do I Request an Upgrade for Different Upgrade Types?
MileagePlus Upgrade Awards
To make a reservation using a MileagePlus upgrade:
- Log in with your MileagePlus account
- Search for your requirements
- Select “MileagePlus Upgrade Awards” as your award and enter it into the advanced search settings.
- If you’d like to upgrade the reservation you already have, there are three choices:
- First, Sign in to your United MileagePlus account, after that request online.
- Then, dial the reservation phone number or the Premier Priority Desk phone number provided on your membership card.
- Talk to an agent at the airport check-in counter or your gate.
When you submit your request, it will be then placed on a waiting list. Requests for new waitlists regarding MileagePlus Upgrade Awards can be submitted up to 24 hours before departure.
PlusPoints
To make a reservation using the PlusPoints upgrade, choose “PlusPoints upgrades” from the upgrade type drop-down menu within the advanced search.
- For an upgrade request on reservations already made, log into the MileagePlus account.
- Or dial toll-free at the Premier Priority Desk phone number on your membership card.
- You can apply for a PlusPoints upgrade starting from the moment you receive your ticket up to check-in time on your flight.
- When you submit your request you will get placed on a waiting list.
Star Alliance upgrades
You can apply for the Star Alliance Upgrade Award from the moment you book your flight up to 24 hours prior to departure. If you’re planning for a trip with a lap child make sure you contact the airline that you are traveling with. Certain Star Alliance partners do not allow lap infants in their premium cabins or require specific tickets.
Who will get the Upgrade First?
If United Airlines has put you on a waitlist for upgrades, then the airline follows a distinct manner to provide upgrades to the passengers.
- Passengers who have United Global Service invite.
- The mileage and PlusPoints members
- The Premier status holders.
- Passengers who have Premium fare class tickets.
- United Presidential Plus and United Club Infinite cardholders
- United Chase Club cardmembers with $25000 annual spending.
- Corporate Preferred Members.
- Time and date of request.
How to upgrade on United Airlines With Miles?
If you have already booked your reservation with United Airlines, and now want to upgrade to business/first class. Worry not! You can upgrade your booking without paying any cost. By using the miles, passengers can get an upgrade on United Airlines flights easily. To make an upgrade to the existing reservation, request to upgrade online, by calling the United Airlines Reservation Helpline number, or by visiting the airport.
To process your upgrade online using miles, follow the given steps carefully:
- First, access your account online at United airline website.
- Log in to your MileagePlus account and search for your requirements
- Select “MileagePlus Upgrade Awards” as your award type and enter it into the advanced search settings.
- Next, make a request for the upgrade online.
- After you are done with the request, your name will be on a United upgrades waitlist.
- You can make a request for the new waitlist until 24 hours prior to departure.
FAQs
What types of fares can be upgraded on United?
Passengers can get an upgrade to the United Airlines Economy Class Y & B and Business Class C & D.
How to upgrade on United Airlines international flights?
If you are a member of United 1K & Platinum Elite, then you will get upgraded to United premium classes easily. These members earn PlusPoints whenever they fly with the airlines. They can use the points to upgrade their tickets.
How do I upgrade to United Economy Plus?
The MileagePlus members can book their United Economy Plus seats free of cost.
Can I get an Upgrade from United Basic Economy?
If you want to upgrade your basic economy tickets to economy tickets, you can do it online through the manage booking option.
Related Article: What Is Business Class On United Airlines?
