How To Upgrade to Business or First Class on United Airlines Flights

United Airlines offers 5 upgrade types: Paid Cabin Upgrades, PlusPoints Upgrades, Complimentary Premier Upgrades, MileagePlus Upgrade Awards, and Star Alliance Upgrade Awards. MileagePlus members can use miles to upgrade on eligible United and partner airline flights, though a copay applies on certain routes for members without Premier elite status.

This guide explains how United upgrade priority works, which fare classes matter, and how to request an upgrade.

Quick Overview: How To Upgrade on United Airlines

United Airlines offers 5 main upgrade types, including paid cabin upgrades, PlusPoints upgrades, complimentary Premier upgrades, MileagePlus Upgrade Awards, and Star Alliance Upgrade Awards (Source: United Airlines). MileagePlus Upgrade Awards require a copay for members without Premier status. For example, you may pay 22,500 miles plus a $125 copay each way from economy to business class.

Upgrade priority generally depends on elite status, upgrade type, fare class, and request timing. Premier Platinum members earn 40 PlusPoints on qualification, and Premier 1K members earn an additional 280 PlusPoints upon reaching that tier (Source: United Airlines). However, discounted business-class fares can sometimes cost less than the overall cost of an economy fare plus upgrading with miles. Star Alliance upgrades can be requested up to 331 days before departure for up to 4 travelers on the same reservation.

United Airlines Upgrade Types: At a Glance

How To Find Upgrade Availability

The best way to check whether seats are available for an upgrade is to search for tickets in United’s expert mode. To activate expert mode on your account, start at the United.com home page and sign in to your MileagePlus account.

Go to your profile, then select the option saying “Search Preferences.” Under that, find expert mode. Just click that you acknowledge the considerations, save, and it will be activated.

When searching for a flight in expert mode, you’ll be able to see the fare class you’re purchasing and the available fare classes for that flight by clicking on the Details tab.

The fare classes available on this flight from highest to lowest are J, C, D, Z, P (business) and Y, B, M, E, U, H, Q, V, W, S, T, L, K, G (economy). In expert mode, you can see how many seats are available in each class to help determine your chances for an upgrade.

The number next to the fare class represents the number of seats available for purchase, mileage awards, or upgrades in that fare class bucket. The number 9 is the highest and represents that 9 or more seats are available.

Although United doesn’t publish a list of what each fare code represents, the availability for upgrades is generally found in these classes:

• ON: First class upgrade from business class
• PN: Business class upgrade from Y, B, and M fare purchases by Premier 1K and Global Services members
• R, PZ: Business class or first-class domestic upgrade from economy
• RN: Business class upgrade for Y or B fare purchases by Premier Platinum, Gold, or Silver members

Hot Tip:

Each flight has different upgrade availability, so check each flight segment individually. 

Upgrade Priority

Getting upgraded from economy to a premium seat depends on your elite status with the airline and whether you’re using earned PlusPoints, paying for an upgrade, or using miles to upgrade (Source: United Airlines).

United has several tiers of elite airline status, with the following ranking order when it comes to upgrade determination:

• Global Services
• United Premier 1K
• United Premier Platinum
• United Premier Gold
• United Premier Silver

The computer system automatically clears the person who is at the top of the list for their upgrade until 3 hours before departure. At this point, the gate agents take over and manage the upgrade list. The priority list for upgrades is as follows:

• Premier 1K travelers on Y, B, and M-class fares who weren’t cleared before
• Travelers using PlusPoints, prioritized first by status, then fare class, then the time of request
• Remaining Premier members, prioritized first by status, then fare class, and then those traveling on award tickets

MileagePlus Premier members are eligible for complimentary Premier Upgrades when traveling on a United-operated flight. Primary cardholders of the following cards, who are also Premier members, qualify for this type of upgrade on award tickets:

• United℠ Explorer Card
• United℠ Business Card
• United Club℠ Card
• United Club℠ Business Card
• United Quest℠ Card
• United℠ Presidential Plus℠ Card (closed to new applicants)
• United℠ Presidential Plus℠ Business Card (closed to new applicants)

Premier members who have a qualifying United credit card from Chase qualify for complimentary upgrades on United award flights, while those who hold the United Club card can extend this benefit to their companions.

Hot Tip:

If you have a United co-branded credit card, sign in to your MileagePlus account before searching for flights, as elite members and cardholders receive expanded search access.

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

United℠ Explorer Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

With priority boarding privileges, no foreign transaction fees and more, MileagePlus members will definitely enjoy their partnered card.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

United℠ Explorer Card

With priority boarding privileges, no foreign transaction fees and more, MileagePlus members will definitely enjoy their partnered card.

Welcome Offer

Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

Up to 60,000 miles

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$720

Annual Fee

$150

APR

19.74% - 28.24% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

You travel United all the time, but you have heard that there could be ways to make your travel experiences even better, including priority boarding, free bags, and more miles.

You should consider the United℠ Explorer Card, because this card does all that and more!

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 9x total miles per $1 on eligible United flights
• 3x miles per $1 on all other eligible United purchases
• 2x miles per $1 on dining purchases (including delivery services), and hotel stays when booked with the hotel

Cons

• $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $150
• Does not earn transferable rewards

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn up to 60,000 bonus miles
• $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150
• NEW! 9x total miles on eligible United flights and 3x miles on all other eligible United^® purchases.
• 2x miles on dining and hotel stays when booked with the hotel. 1x mile on all other purchases.
• Free first checked bag - a savings of up to $200 per roundtrip. Terms Apply. Plus, priority boarding on United^® flights.
• 2 United Club one-time passes per year - over a $100 value
• Over $500 in partner credits each year
• NEW! Save 10% or more when booking flights with miles. Premier members save even more.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.74% - 28.24% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

United MileagePlus Frequent Flyer Program

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

United Club℠ Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Perfect for frequent United flyers who want premium perks like United Club access and free baggage benefits.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

United Club℠ Card

Perfect for frequent United flyers who want premium perks like United Club access and free baggage benefits.

Welcome Offer

Earn 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Up to 90,000 miles

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$1,080

Annual Fee

$695

APR

19.74% - 28.24% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The United Club℠ Card is a premium card designed for the most dedicated of United frequent flyers who are looking for a card that provides the opportunity to earn extra United MileagePlus miles and receive lounge access via a yearly United Club membership.

United frequent flyers will find that the United Club card provides an enhanced experience on their United flights thanks to the money saved on each flight and the conveniences it provides.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• NEW! 11x total miles on eligible United flights and 5x miles on all other eligible United^® purchases
• 2x miles per $1 on dining and other travel purchases
• Complimentary United Club membership

Cons

• $695 annual fee
• Does not earn transferable rewards

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn up to 90,000 bonus miles
• NEW! 11x total miles on eligible United flights and 5x miles on all other eligible United^® purchases
• 2x miles on dining and all other travel
• 1x mile on all other purchases
• Unlimited United Club℠ access for you and a guest - a $750+ value per year
• Free first and second checked bags - a savings of up to $440 per roundtrip (terms apply) - and Premier Access^® travel services.
• Earn up to 20,000-miles in award flight discounts annually
• NEW! Save 10% or more when booking flights with miles. Premier members save even more.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.74% - 28.24% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

United Quest℠ Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The United Quest card is a fantastic option for United flyers looking to earn more miles and enhance their flights.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

United Quest℠ Card

The United Quest card is a fantastic option for United flyers looking to earn more miles and enhance their flights.

Welcome Offer

Earn 60,000 bonus miles and 500 Premier qualifying points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

Up to 70,000 miles + 500 PQP

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$840

Annual Fee

$350

APR

19.74% - 28.24% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

Enter: the United Quest℠ Card. With it, you can bolster your United MileagePlus miles, thanks to the bonus categories, while enjoying the card’s many perks designed to help save you money on each United flight.

With an annual fee that falls between the United℠ Explorer Card and the United Club℠ Card, the United Quest card makes for a fantastic card option for United frequent flyers.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 10x total miles per $1 on United flights
• 5x miles on stays through Renowned Hotels and Resorts
• 3x miles per $1 on other United purchases

Cons

• Does not earn transferable rewards
• Does not offer airport lounge access

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn up to 70,000 bonus miles and 500 PQP
• NEW! 10x total miles on eligible United flights and 4x miles on all other eligible United^® purchases
• 2x miles on dining, select streaming services, and all other travel
• 1x mile on all other purchases
• Get a jump start on earning Premier status with 1,000 Card Bonus PQP each year, awarded within 8 weeks of February 1, starting in the calendar year following your account open date.
• Free first and second checked bags--a savings of up to $440 per roundtrip (terms apply)
• Receive a $200 United^® travel credit and 10,000-mile award flight discount on each account anniversary
• NEW! Save 10% or more when booking flights with miles. Premier members save even more.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.74% - 28.24% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

United Gateway℠ Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The United Gateway card is a great option for those looking to earn more United miles without paying an annual fee.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

United Gateway℠ Card

The United Gateway card is a great option for those looking to earn more United miles without paying an annual fee.

Welcome Offer

Earn 30,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus, 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases. Learn more.

Up to 40,000 miles

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$360

Annual Fee

$0

APR

0% Intro APR on Purchases for 12 months; after that, 19.74% - 28.24% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The United Gateway℠ Card is a great option for those looking to earn more United miles without wanting to pay a credit card annual fee. Plus, the card offers other solid benefits like a 25% back on United inflight purchases, purchase protection, and rental car insurance.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 5x total miles per $1 on United flights
• 2x miles per $1 on other United purchases
• 2x miles per $1 at gas stations and on local transit and commuting, including rideshare services, taxicabs, train tickets, tolls, and mass transit

Cons

• If you are a frequent United flyer, other cards offer more perks
• It does not earn transferable rewards

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn up to 40,000 bonus miles
• 0% intro APR for the first 12 months from account opening on purchases & no annual fee.
• 5x total miles on eligible United flights and 2x miles on all other eligible United^® purchases
• 2x miles at gas stations, on local transit and commuting
• 1x mile on all other purchases
• 25% back as a statement credit on purchases of food, beverages and Wi-Fi on board United-operated flights and on Club premium drinks when you pay with your Gateway Card
• Earn 2 checked bags after you spend $10,000 in a calendar year
• NEW! Save 10% or more on flights booked with miles after spending $10,000 in a calendar year
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 12 months; after that, 19.74% - 28.24% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

LIMITED TIME OFFER

United Club℠ Business Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The United Club Business card is a great option for frequent United flyers looking for United Club access.

United Club℠ Business Card

The United Club Business card is a great option for frequent United flyers looking for United Club access.

Welcome Offer

Earn up to 110,000 bonus miles and 2,000 Premier qualifying points (PQP) after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

Up to 110,000 miles + 2,000 PQP

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$1,320

Annual Fee

$695

APR

19.74% to 28.24% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The United Club℠ Business Card is a premium card option for dedicated United loyalists seeking a card that offers complimentary United Club access, helps them earn and retain status, and doesn’t skip on the benefits.

From free checked bags to upgrades on award tickets and the ability to earn Premier qualifying points, there is plenty to the United Club Business card that United flyers are sure to love.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• At least 8x total miles on eligible United flights
• 2x miles per $1 spent on other United purchases
• 1.5x miles per $1 spent on all other purchases

Cons

• $695 annual fee
• Earning rate for United purchases is poor compared to other United cards

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 100,000 bonus miles and 2,000 Premier qualifying points (PQP) after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus, 10,000 bonus miles when you add an employee card in the first 3 months your account is open.
• Earn 8x total miles on eligible United flights
• Earn 2x miles on other United purchases
• Earn 1.5x miles on all other purchases
• Earn 5x miles on stays purchased through Renowned Hotels and Resorts for United^® Cardmembers
• Employee cards at no additional cost
• United Club℠ membership included – at least a $750 value per year – with the ability to unlock United Club All Access Membership
• Earn 2 global Economy Plus^® seat upgrades each year
• Free first and second checked bags for you and a companion, save up to $320 per round-trip
• Up to $50 in credits on United FareLock purchases annually
• Up to $200 in credits on Renowned Hotels and Resorts for United^® Cardmembers annually
• Up to $150 in credits on rideshare purchases annually
• Up to $100 in United travel credits on Avis or Budget purchases annually
• Up to $200 in credits on JSX purchases annually
• 25% back on United inflight purchases
• No foreign transaction fees
• Complimentary Instacart+ Membership (terms apply)
• Up to $240 in Instacart credits annually (terms apply)

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.74% to 28.24% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: $0

Learn more about the best credit cards for United flyers and card benefits.

Upgrading With Money or Miles

You can upgrade your flight with United MileagePlus frequent flyer miles when you book or by modifying an existing reservation, but it may not always provide the best value. Many United fares can be upgraded with miles or miles with a copay.

How To Upgrade With Miles and Copay When Purchasing a Ticket

For a new reservation, search for flights using advanced search on the United.com homepage.

Once you put in your preferred departure, destination, and dates, select the MileagePlus Upgrade Awards option from the drop-down box under upgrades, certificates, and promotion codes.

You may be able to upgrade with just miles, or there may be a copay if you do not have Premier elite status. You can upgrade from economy to business or from business to first class this way.

In this example, it would cost $1,325 to purchase an economy seat on the flight. If you wanted to upgrade to business class, you could do so with 22,500 miles plus a $125 copay (service fee) each way.

Before you upgrade, compare the total cost with booking a business-class award. Discounted business class can sometimes cost less than purchasing economy and then upgrading afterward.

How To Upgrade an Existing Reservation With Miles

If you’ve already purchased your ticket and want to upgrade it to a premium cabin, you can process the upgrade yourself within your existing reservation, call United to request it, or request it at the airport.

To process the upgrade yourself online, sign in to your MileagePlus account and access your existing reservation. Select the button that says “Redeem upgrade” to view your options. You will see options to buy a premium cabin, use PlusPoints if you have them available, or use miles and a copay for the upgrade.

Need more miles? Read our in-depth article on how to earn lots of United MileagePlus miles.

Bottom Line:

Any traveler can upgrade with miles when booking a flight or upgrading an existing reservation. Premier members do not incur a copay for flights on select routes.

Upgrading on Partner Airlines

MileagePlus members can request upgrades on more than 20 United partner Star Alliance airlines from economy to business or first class (on 2-class planes) and business class to first class, depending on the partner airline’s seat availability. Upgrades for most partner airlines may be requested up to 331 days before departure for up to 4 travelers on the same reservation.

To request a Star Alliance upgrade with miles, book your ticket, access your reservation on united.com, then redeem upgrade as you would with a normal United reservation (Source: United Airlines).

Tips To Improve Your United Upgrade Chances

United upgrades aren’t guaranteed unless you buy a confirmed paid cabin upgrade. Try these methods to improve your upgrade chances:

• Earn PlusPoints with Premier Platinum or United Premier 1K elite status.
• Purchase a Y fare class ticket or a discounted full-fare economy B fare and receive an upgrade on select flights.
• Check for discounted business-class fares before applying upgrades or using miles to upgrade an economy ticket.
• Select an upgrade-eligible flight at booking using the advanced search tool, then choose the MUA option to find flights eligible for upgrades with miles.
• Purchase a higher fare ticket for priority over other Premier members with the same status.
• Request the upgrade early, as one of the last tie-breakers for upgrade priority is the time of the upgrade request.
• Purchase an upgrade-eligible ticket and use miles and copay to upgrade.

Final Thoughts

United Airlines offers 5 upgrade pathways, with priority determined by elite status, fare class, and time of request. MileagePlus Upgrade Awards are available to all MileagePlus members, though a copay applies for non-elite members on select routes. Before applying miles or PlusPoints, checking discounted business class fares is recommended, as they can sometimes cost less than an economy fare plus upgrade.