Eager for the luxurious experience of flying in United Airlines First Class, but also worried about the budget at the same time? Well, a United first class upgrade can let you add this fantastic experience to your memories without breaking the bank. But how do you upgrade to first class on United Airlines? You can upgrade your seat to first class on United Airlines by using any of the methods, including MileagePlus miles, buying a paid upgrade, using Elite status, applying a travel certificate, or bidding for an upgrade. The method you need or can use to upgrade to first class on United depends on your route, MileagePlus status, fare class, and aircraft type.
Here you will get a comprehensive guide for all United Airlines first class upgrade options, from bidding to elite status, besides tips to maximize your chances of getting an upgrade by avoiding some common mistakes while requesting a United first class upgrade.
What are United First Class Benefits Post Upgrade?
Since first class on United Airlines is one of the most luxurious and expensive services, it is pertinent to think about what United first class benefits await after you upgrade your booking from Economy or Premium Plus. As one of the airline’s most premium offerings, United First Class provides a range of exclusive benefits that go far beyond what’s available in Economy or Premium Plus, like priority at the airport, premium seats, food and drinks, extra baggage allowance, and lounge access on long-haul international routes for you Altogether, these premium perks put weight on the real value of upgrading to United First Class where luxury teams up with comfort to redefine your journey.
Who is Eligible for United First Class Upgrades?
Certainly, some parameters are set by United Airlines to allow passengers to switch to First Class from other classes. Therefore, you must know whether you are eligible for a United Airlines first class upgrade or not. Your eligibility for a United First Class upgrade is decided on the basis of several factors: fare class, MileagePlus Premier status, flight route, and seat availability.
It’s worth noting that Basic Economy fares are never eligible for upgrades in any manner. If you want a switch from ordinary to extraordinary experience, make sure your flight offers a First Class cabin and that you’ve booked an upgrade-eligible fare. Travelers who have reached MileagePlus Premier elite status enjoy greater access and higher priority on the upgrade list. So before you make your request, ensure that your ticket and profile are eligible for an upgrade to First Class.
Learn more: Is United Airlines First Class Worth It?
How to Get Upgraded on United Airlines First Class?
United Airlines offers multiple ways to upgrade your seat to First Class. It is entirely up to you whether you prefer to do it online, over the phone, or in person at the airport. The method you can use depends on your eligibility, fare type, and available upgrade options. Here’s how you can secure your spot in the first class cabin with upgrade.
1. Use MileagePlus Miles
United MileagePlus miles upgrades are available only to its members. If you are also a member of MileagePlus Miles, you can redeem your earned miles or points to upgrade to first class.
- Visit the official website of United Airlines and log in to your MileagePlus account.
- Got to My Trips and find your booking that you want to upgrade.
- Select the booking and use the “Upgrade with Miles” option at checkout.
- Enter how many miles you want to redeem for an upgrade.
- Use your miles and get on a waitlist or instantly confirm your upgrade, depending on the availability of a United first class seat.
2. Bid for an Upgrade
United Airlines runs a program called “Offer to Upgrade” in which you purpose an amount for moving to first class from a lower class. If your purposed amount is better than others and accepted, your seat will be upgraded to first class.
- Check if United has sent any invitation emails for the Upgrade Your Flight offer.
- Participate in the bidding program using the link and submit your bid.
- You will get a reply before departure if your offer is accepted.
3. Purchase Paid Upgrade
If you firmly decide to travel in first class, don’t leave it to a chance and directly purchase a paid upgrade.
- While booking your flight, look for Upgrade to First Class option.
- If you don’t see the upgrade option, recheck the upgrade option during check-in or at the gate.
4. Apply Travel Certificate
United Airlines sometimes issues travel certificates as compensation for flight disruptions or service issues. If you also have a United travel certificate, you can easily apply it toward the United paid upgrade cost to First Class when managing your booking online.
5. Use Elite Status
Frequent flyers enrolled in United’s MileagePlus Premier program enjoy the perk of complimentary upgrades to First Class, based on their elite status level: Premier Silver, Gold, Platinum, or 1K. The higher your tier, the greater your upgrade priority. Even if you are on the waitlist, you will have better chances than passengers with lower status.
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Upgrading
Playing smartly can put you one step ahead of others and increase your chances of upgrading to United First Class. Using these tips will surely benefit you:
- Book Early: If you book a ticket early, more United first class seats for upgrade will be available.
- Travel During Off-Peak Season: Consider travel during off-peak season or off-peak hours to easily get the open first-class seats.
- Use the United Credit Card: Using cards like Chase Ultimate Rewards gives you points that can be used as MileagePlus miles for purchasing a first class upgrade.
- Dress Up Professionally: Sometimes, behaving gently and acting professionally can influence gate upgrade decisions.
Avoid These Common Mistakes
If you are keen to get into the first class cabin on United Airlines through an upgrade, you need to avoid some common mistakes that passengers often commit knowingly or unknowingly.
- Do not wait until the last minute to request or purchase an upgrade. Otherwise, you may end up seeing no United first class seat available for upgrade.
- Do not forget to enroll in the MileagePlus Premier program if you want to use miles or elite status for an upgrade.
- Elite upgrades are also not guaranteed. So never assume elite upgrades are guaranteed.
- Do not ignore upgrade-eligible fares while booking a flight because you never know what will happen in the future.
Summary
Upgrading to United Airlines First Class is one of the most convenient and affordable ways to elevate your travel experience without paying the hefty fare of United First Class. United Airlines first class upgrade is not only a budget-friendly way to enjoy the luxurious experience, but also a more effective way to utilize your miles or elite status. It does not matter whether you need to purchase a paid United first class upgrade, bid for an upgrade, or redeem MileagePlus miles; the benefits of flying in the premium cabin remain the same. However, requesting a United first-class upgrade early and using miles smartly, you can get the best experience without splurging.
If you need help with the upgrade or want to check eligibility for a United first class upgrade, call our agent at +1 (800) 419-9920.
FAQ’s
Yes, You can upgrade your seat to United First Class after booking, if your fare is not basic economy and your flight is eligible for upgrade. Log in to your account, go to “Manage Reservations,” and select “Upgrade Options” to upgrade your booking.
Yes, United First Class upgrade also offers two free checked bags and priority baggage handling.
United First Class upgrades using mileage are usually nonrefundable, while paid upgrades may be partially refundable depending on fare rules.
The number of miles required to upgrade to United first class has never been static; it changes with flight distance, route, original fare, availability, and MileagePlus status. For a domestic flight, the number of miles required to upgrade to United first class can be anything between 10,000 and 30,000. Can I upgrade to United First Class after booking?
Do United First Class upgrades include extra baggage?
Are United First Class upgrades refundable?
How many United miles to upgrade to first class?
