Here are some tips for getting an upgrade to business class on United Airlines:
- Use miles to upgrade – If you have enough miles in your United MileagePlus account, you can use them to upgrade an economy ticket to business class. Availability opens as the flight date approaches.
- Book with miles – You can use United miles to book an award business class ticket. Availability is limited but you can be flexible on dates/routes. Check often as award space opens over time.
- Get status – Elite status members of MileagePlus (Platinum, 1K) get complimentary, space-available upgrades to business class. Qualify through flying or the United credit card.
- Pay for upgrades – United may offer business class upgrades via auction bidding if seats are still open at check-in. Prices vary route by route.
- Book a full-fare ticket – Paying full price for a business class ticket guarantees you a seat. It’s expensive but availability won’t be an issue.
- Use a travel agent – An agent can help monitor and access the best available business class fares across various airlines.
The best approach depends on your budget, flexibility, and how soon you want to lock in the seats. Combining miles, status perks and some money can help unlock business-class awards.
Can I Upgrade to Business Class after Booking my Ticket?
Yes, you typically have multiple options to upgrade to United Airlines business class even after booking an economy ticket:
- Request an upgrade with miles: As a MileagePlus member, you can request to upgrade with miles if there is upgrade availability in the fare class you purchased. Log into your United account and submit an upgrade request after booking.
- Bid for an upgrade: At check-in, if business class seats are still available, United will make upgrade offers available by cash bid – prices vary route-by-route and could range from $200-$1,000 or more depending on factors like route, occupancy level and your status.
- Standby upgrade: If you have MileagePlus Premier Silver, Gold, Platinum or 1K elite status, you qualify for complimentary space-available upgrades to business class at check-in on most economy ticket fares. Your odds are prioritized by your status tier.
- Travel agent monitoring: A travel agent can help monitor your economy fare booking post-purchase and potentially move you into discounted business class seats that open later without change fees. Fees may still apply.
- Use upgrade certificates: Options like regional, global, RPUs or subscription PZ upgrades provided to elites can also confirm post-purchase upgrades, but with limits on routes or dates.
While not guaranteed, United provides multiple options to upgrade to business class after economy booking as plans change when the right award space or prices materialize.
