Few moments in travel feel as satisfying as watching your boarding pass transform from economy to business—especially when you didn’t pay full price for it. United Airlines offers more upgrade pathways than many travelers realize, but getting one isn’t just about luck. It’s about understanding how the system works and positioning yourself in the best possible spot.

After years of flying United, experimenting with different fare types, and tracking how the upgrade list behaves, I’ve learned that some strategies really do move the needle. If you're hoping to enjoy extra legroom, free drinks, and those cozy Polaris blankets without the full cost, here’s how you can actually make it happen.

If you're looking for general information about the airline, fleet, and routes, you can also explore a full guide to United Airlines.

1. Know the Different Types of Upgrades United Offers

Before chasing upgrades, it helps to know what’s available. United has several:

1. Complimentary Premier Upgrades (for elites)

2. PlusPoints Upgrades (for Platinum and 1K status)

3. MileageUpgrades (use miles + sometimes a cash co-pay)

4. Paid Upgrades (offered by email, app alerts, or at check-in)

5. Op-Ups (operational upgrades when economy is oversold)

Understanding your options helps you pick the strategy that matches your status, budget, and flexibility.

2. Increase Your Chances by Choosing the Right Fare Class

This one is often overlooked.

United doesn’t treat all economy tickets equally. Some fare classes have a better chance of clearing upgrades, while others (like Basic Economy) aren’t eligible at all.

Here’s the reality:
The cheapest tickets are usually the last to get upgraded.

If an upgrade truly matters on a certain trip, consider booking:

1. Economy (not Basic Economy)

2. A mid-tier fare that earns more Premier Qualifying Points (PQP)

You’ll pay a little more upfront, but you dramatically increase your chances.

3. Time Your Travel Wisely

Upgrades are harder to get on:

1. Monday morning and Thursday night business routes

2. Holiday weekends

3. Peak summer and Christmas/New Year flights

4. Hub-to-hub routes (ORD–DEN, EWR–SFO, etc.)

When possible, fly during:

1. Midday

2. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays

3. Off-season periods

Less competition = a higher spot on the upgrade list.

4. Leverage Your MileagePlus Status (Even Low Levels Matter)

United rewards loyalty. Here’s how status shapes your upgrade odds:

Premier Silver

1. Complimentary upgrades on some domestic flights

2. Clears last, but still possible on less competitive routes

Premier Gold

1. Better priority

2. More complimentary upgrade opportunities

Premier Platinum

1. Strong upgrade priority

2. Ability to earn PlusPoints, which unlock long-haul upgrades

Premier 1K

1. Highest priority

2. Most PlusPoints

3. Best chance of clearing international Polaris upgrades

Even if you’re not aiming for 1K, moving up just one level is often the difference between row 29 and 1C.

5. Use PlusPoints Wisely

If you have Platinum or 1K status, PlusPoints are your upgrade currency.

To use them strategically:

1. Prioritize long-haul flights where the value is highest

2. Check “waitlisted” vs. “confirmed” upgrade availability

3. Don't waste PlusPoints on short hops unless you have excess

Polaris (international business class) is the best redemption, especially when you grab an instant-confirm upgrade.

6. Keep an Eye Out for Paid Upgrade Offers

United regularly sends discounted upgrade offers:

1. Email notifications

2. App push alerts

3. Web check-in

4. Kiosk prompts at the airport

These can be surprisingly affordable—sometimes as low as $99–$250 on domestic routes and a few hundred dollars on international flights.

Tip:
Paid upgrades don’t affect your PQP earnings.
They’re purely comfort boosters, not status boosters. Decide accordingly.

7. Get on the Upgrade List Early

Your position on the upgrade list matters, and timing is a big factor.
You can improve your position by:

1. Checking in exactly 24 hours before your flight

2. Adding your MileagePlus number to the reservation

3. Using United’s app (the upgrade list refreshes in real time)

The earlier your check-in, the better your placing—especially if you share a status level with other passengers.

8. Travel Light and Keep Your Flexibility

Operational upgrades—often called op-ups—happen when:

1. Economy is oversold

2. First class seats are still open

Who gets picked?

Usually:

1. Solo travelers

2. Passengers traveling light

3. Those with higher status

4. People sitting near the front of the aircraft

If you’re flexible with seat assignments and aren’t checking bags, you’re more attractive for a last-minute move.

9. Be Loyal With Your Credit Card Choice

United’s branded credit cards from Chase offer perks that indirectly help with upgrades:

1. Priority boarding

2. Premier qualifying boosts (on select cards)

3. Better availability for award upgrades

Some cards also help you reach elite status faster, which leads to more complimentary upgrades over time.

10. Ask—Nicely

This won’t magically secure a Polaris seat on a packed flight, but sometimes gate agents or check-in staff can help if:

1. Seats are available

2. You have a legitimate reason (like broken seat hardware)

3. You’re polite and respectful

A simple “If any upgrades open up, I’d love to be considered” can occasionally work wonders.

Final Thoughts: Upgrades Are Earned, Not Won

Getting upgraded on United isn’t about luck—it’s about understanding the rules, flying smarter, and positioning yourself above the competition.