How to Upgrade to Business Class on United​ Airlines?

United Airlines business class is something like that you always want to relish, but the problem is how you can get there if you have already booked the flight. There is no big issue, as you can upgrade your United ticket and make it to the opulent business class where you not only dream of lie-flat seats, fine dining, personalized services, and priority over other passengers, but actually receive them. To upgrade to business class on United Airlines, you can use your cash, miles, or elite status. Whether you are a frequent flyer stacked with status or an occasional traveler, this guide makes upgrading to United business class very easy for you with all possible step-by-step methods.

Quick Answer

Learn more: How Do I Upgrade to First Class on United?

How Can You Upgrade To Business Class On United?

When you fly on United business class, also known as United Polaris, on long-haul international flights, your travel experience is nothing short of a lavish lifestyle. To add this mesmerizing experience to your memory, you can upgrade from Economy or Premium Plus to Business Class by using any of the following methods, depending on your eligibility.

1. Complimentary Premier Upgrade

Complimentary upgrade on United Airlines can be a great way for you to make it to the business class, but you must have an elite Premier status like Silver, Gold, Platinum, or 1K. Before you jump into the process of getting a complimentary premier upgrade on United Airlines, here is a caveat: Complimentary premier upgrades do not apply on Polaris long-haul business class. You can expect complimentary upgrades only on domestic US flights, short-haul international routes, and some Hawaii flights.

Now, let’s focus on how you can get a complimentary premier upgrade on United Airlines. Basically, you don’t need to perform any specific step with your booking, as you are automatically added to the upgraded list if you have purchased an eligible domestic flight and achieved Premier status Silver, Gold, Platinum, or 1K. If a Business Class seat is not available on your United flight, you will be added to the waiting list, and an upgrade will be prioritized based on your status level and fare class. See how the United upgrade priority works:

• 1K: Up to 96 hours before departure.
• Platinum: Up to 72 hours.
• Gold: Up to 48 hours.
• Silver: Up to 24 hours.

2. Upgrade With PlusPoints

Upgrading to United business class with PlusPoints is the most preferred and effective way to secure a sweet spot in the luxury cabin because PlusPoints can be used to request an upgrade to Polaris or Business Class on all flights, whether a long-haul international flight or a partner airline’s flight. Not only this, but PlusPoints also give you priority over miles upgrades.

To request an upgrade with PlusPoints, you must be an elite member of the Premier program with Platinum or 1K status. As you spend a certain number of PlusPoints per upgrade, depending on the route and original fare, make sure you have enough points before following these steps:

1. Log in to your MileagePlus account on United’s website or app.
2. Head to the My Trips page and select your booking.
3. Find the Upgrade button and generate a request for an upgrade.
4. Choose PlusPoints to pay for the upgrade.
5. Confirm the request and wait for confirmation if the upgrade is not instantly available.

3. Upgrade With MileagePlus Miles

The method of upgrading with MileagePlus miles to business class on United Airlines is best when you are miles-rich and low on cash. Moreover, you also do not need to be an elite member, as it is available to everyone who has a MileagePlus account. It can be a great choice if you are vying for an upgrade to business class on United-operated flights or select partner flights. To book an upgrade with miles, you may also need a small cash payment, as some fares require a co-pay.

Here are the steps you can follow to upgrade with miles:

1. Open United’s website or app and log in to your MileagePlus account.
2. Enter the My Trips section to select the flight you want to upgrade.
3. Look for the upgrade option and request an upgrade.
4. Now see the applicable fee for the United business class upgrade and choose miles to pay.
5. If an upgrade is not available, you will be placed on the waitlist.

4. Upgrade With Cash

When it comes to upgrading to business class on United Airlines, no option is better than the cash method because it gives you an instant result; whenever you see it, you can grab it. Furthermore, upgrading with cash, you don’t rely on your elite status or PlusPoints, which makes the process of buying an upgrade so easy and feasible that you can buy a business class upgrade when you are booking your flight, after booking the flight, or at check-in. However, the price for a United business class upgrade changes with the flight’s route and fluctuates dramatically closer to the flight’s departure, giving you a great chance to secure an upgrade at a surprisingly lower price.

Check what you can do to get an upgrade to business class with cash on United:

• During Booking: Select Business Class fare when purchasing your ticket.
• Post-Booking: Keep checking the “My Trips” section for a “Buy Upgrade” offer when seats open for upgrade.
• At the Gate: Sometimes asking the departure gate agent at the last-minute can pop up a fantastic upgrade deal.

Read more: How Can You Upgrade to Premium Plus on United Airlines?

Is Upgrading To United Business Class Worth It?

It is adequate to ask if upgrading to United business class is worth it or not, because sometimes it is better to buy the full business class ticket than upgrading to it, because upgrades can have some restrictions or limitations on some amenities or services. Whether you need to buy an upfront ticket or upgrade to business class on United, decide like this:

• Upgrade to United business class if a cash upgrade offer is under $300 for a domestic flight.
• Upgrading to an international business class United flight is a steal if the fee is under $700 or $900.
• Buy a United business class ticket if the full fare is only slightly more than the upgrade cost.

Final Thoughts

Upgrading to United business class is not a big task anymore if you know all the possible methods, be it complimentary premier upgrade, cash upgrades, or upgrading with MileagePlus miles or PlusPoints. If you are flying on an eligible flight and know the process, you can score your lie-flat seat in a luxurious business class cabin during initial booking, after booking, or at check-in.

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