Traveling with United Airlines can offer comfort and convenience, especially when you understand how to maximize the benefits of frequent flyer programs. Upgrading your flight with miles or PlusPoints can transform your journey from economy to a more luxurious experience. This guide explains the entire process, including step-by-step instructions, expert insights, and practical tips for using your rewards effectively.
Upgrading with United Airlines requires understanding the difference between miles and PlusPoints, as each has unique features, rules, and strategies.
MileageUpgrades are rewards redeemed from United MileagePlus miles. These upgrades can apply to premium cabins such as Economy Plus, Business, or First Class, depending on your flight and fare class.
Key points:
Only available on United-operated flights.
Requires a sufficient balance of MileagePlus miles.
Some fare classes are not eligible for upgrades.
PlusPoints are exclusive to Premier members of United MileagePlus, primarily Premier Platinum and Premier 1K travelers. These points offer flexible upgrade options on award tickets and paid fares.
Key points:
Awarded based on loyalty status and fare class.
Can be used for same-day upgrades, flight changes, and international travel.
Cannot be transferred or redeemed for cash.
Upgrading with miles is a structured process. Here’s how to do it effectively:
Before attempting an upgrade, confirm the following:
Your fare class allows upgrades.
Your MileagePlus account has sufficient miles.
The flight is operated by United Airlines.
Log in to your United account.
Navigate to the “My Trips” section.
Select your upcoming flight.
Click “Upgrade with Miles” to check available inventory.
The number of miles required depends on:
Route and distance.
Travel class upgrade (Economy to Business, Business to First).
Current fare class of your ticket.
Tip: Use United’s online mileage calculator to estimate the cost.
Once you confirm eligibility and availability:
Click “Request Upgrade”.
Review the required miles.
Confirm the transaction.
Upgrades are processed based on availability, with elite members prioritized.
PlusPoints offer more flexibility and can sometimes be a better choice than miles for elite travelers.
Premier Platinum members receive 40 PlusPoints annually.
Premier 1K members receive up to 280 PlusPoints annually.
Visit your United account.
Go to “My Trips” and select “Upgrade with PlusPoints”.
Verify that upgrades are available for your flight.
Select the desired flight segment.
Enter the number of PlusPoints you want to use.
Confirm your request.
Tip: PlusPoints can be used for international flights, which can provide significant value.
FeatureMiles UpgradePlusPoints Upgrade
EligibilityAll MileagePlus membersPremier Platinum/1K only
FlexibilityLimited to certain flightsFlexible on international & award flights
Redemption PriorityElite status may influenceHigher priority for higher status
ExpirationMiles can expirePlusPoints expire at year-end
CostBased on distance & fareFixed per upgrade class
Key takeaway: Choose PlusPoints for high-value international upgrades and miles for simpler, domestic upgrades.
Not all tickets are upgrade-eligible. Premium economy and full-fare economy tickets typically offer the best upgrade options.
Upgrades are more likely to be approved when you book early. United often opens upgrade windows up to 120 days before departure for elite members.
If an immediate upgrade is unavailable, join the upgrade waitlist.
Higher elite status increases your chances.
Check regularly for inventory changes.
In some cases, combining miles and PlusPoints for an upgrade may offer better value, especially for international flights.
A traveler with Premier Platinum status flying from Chicago to Los Angeles:
Economy fare costs $400.
Upgrade using 15,000 miles or 10 PlusPoints.
Upgrade request submitted 90 days in advance has a 70% success rate.
Premier 1K member flying New York to London in economy:
Economy fare costs $900.
Upgrade using 40 PlusPoints for Business Class.
Upgrade confirmed 60 days in advance due to high elite status.
Tip: Real-world data shows that using PlusPoints for long-haul flights often provides higher value than using miles.
United prioritizes upgrades for members with higher status:
Premier 1K: highest priority
Premier Platinum: high priority
Premier Gold/Silver: lower priority
Flights with limited premium seats may require joining the waitlist.
Off-peak days and times have higher upgrade success rates.
Submit requests as early as possible.
Consider monitoring flights for cancellations, which can free up upgrade seats.
The United mobile app simplifies upgrade requests.
Log in using your MileagePlus credentials.
Navigate to “My Trips”.
Select the flight you want to upgrade.
Tap “Upgrade with Miles/PlusPoints”.
Confirm your selection and points/miles to be used.
Check “Upgrade Status” for confirmation or waitlist position.
United allows certain account combinations to maximize upgrades:
Family members can pool miles.
PlusPoints are non-transferable but strategic planning can allow multiple upgrades across family accounts.
Tip: Plan upgrades for long-haul flights first, as they offer better value per mile or PlusPoint.
Monitor expiration dates.
Consider redeeming for smaller upgrades to prevent loss.
Economy Basic tickets often cannot be upgraded.
Check fare class rules before purchase.
Not every flight has upgrade inventory.
Always have a backup plan or alternative travel options.
How many miles do I need to upgrade a domestic United flight?
It varies by distance and fare class; check your MileagePlus account for exact amounts.
Can I upgrade a Saver award ticket?
Based on publicly available information, some Saver award tickets are upgrade-eligible, but restrictions may apply.
Do PlusPoints expire?
Yes, PlusPoints expire at the end of the calendar year, so plan their use accordingly.
Can I use both miles and PlusPoints for one upgrade?
Typically, you must choose one method; combining is not allowed.
Are upgrades guaranteed with PlusPoints?
No, upgrades are subject to availability and status priority.
Can I upgrade international flights with miles?
Yes, but the required miles may be higher than for domestic routes.
How does United prioritize upgrades?
Priority is based on elite status, fare class, and request timing.
Is it better to use miles or PlusPoints?
Use PlusPoints for long-haul flights; miles may suffice for domestic or short-haul flights.
Can I request upgrades at the airport?
Yes, subject to availability, but online requests typically have higher approval chances.
Can I upgrade someone else’s ticket using my miles?
Yes, if the flight is booked under your MileagePlus account.
What happens if my upgrade is denied?
You remain in your original cabin and may join the waitlist.
Are upgrades refundable if the flight is canceled?
Generally, miles or PlusPoints are refunded if the flight is canceled by United.
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