United Upgrade Options Overview
United Airlines has four main upgrade pathways, each suited to different traveler types:
- PlusPoints: Premium currency for Premier Elite members, used for complimentary upgrades to First/Business Class
- MileagePlus Miles: Used for Economy Plus seat upgrades and select cabin upgrades
- Cash/Upgrade Bid: Available for anyone at booking, check-in, or via upgrade offer emails
- Complimentary Upgrades: Automatically offered to Premier members based on status and availability
PlusPoints — The Elite Upgrade Currency
PlusPoints replaced upgrade certificates in 2020. Premier Silver, Gold, Platinum, and 1K members earn PlusPoints based on their status tier. They can be used to request upgrades to Business or First Class on eligible fare classes.
PlusPoints by Status Tier
- Premier Silver: 24 PlusPoints/year
- Premier Gold: 48 PlusPoints/year
- Premier Platinum: 72 PlusPoints/year
- Premier 1K: 280 PlusPoints/year + earn additional points with flight activity
PlusPoints upgrades require a minimum of 4 points for domestic first class and more for international business class depending on route distance. Requests open 96 hours before departure for Silver/Gold and further in advance for Platinum/1K.
Economy Plus — Extra Legroom
Economy Plus seats offer 3–5 extra inches of legroom compared to standard economy. They're available at booking for $20–$150 depending on route. Premier Silver members and above get Economy Plus for free when available. Non-elite passengers can purchase Economy Plus at booking, during check-in, or by using miles.
Economy Plus rows are typically the first 10–15 rows of economy and the exit row seats. Aisle and window seats in these rows are the highest-demand seats on United flights under premium cabin level.
Bid Upgrades — The Underutilized Option
United occasionally sends upgrade offer emails 5–7 days before departure. These allow you to bid a cash amount for a Business or First Class seat. Key tips:
- Bid just above the minimum stated amount — 10–20% over minimum usually wins
- Upgrades are confirmed 24–48 hours before departure
- Your card is only charged if the bid is accepted
- Check the app — United sometimes shows available upgrades directly for purchase in the days before a flight
Maximizing Upgrade Probability
- Book the highest eligible fare class (W, Y, B fares upgrade-eligible on more routes than discounted economy)
- Submit PlusPoints requests as early as your tier allows
- Check in exactly at 24 hours before departure — same-day upgrades sometimes clear at check-in
- Fly routes where Business Class isn't full — longer transcon and international routes have better upgrade rates than short hops
- Travel on off-peak days (Tuesday, Wednesday, early morning) — fewer upgrades requested means better odds