Originally Posted by
FlyGuy24
Just had a general question. It seems like some airlines will run an empty business/first cabin over upgrading elite members to fill the cabin and some will try to fill open up open premium cabin seats with upgrading elite members from Y. What is UA's stance on this? Also is it more of a practice of the USA airlines because it seems like the Middle Eastern/Asian carriers do NOT have this practice where they upgrade its elite members from Y. Am I wrong or right here and if someone could shed light if there is a general standard with this practice or does it vary with airline?
The only way to upgrade on international flights marketed at BusinessFirst or GlobalFirst is to either pay, use miles, or with an upgrade certificate. Sometimes if you are EXTREAMLY lucky and coach is over sold, they may do an operational upgrade. There are no complimentary upgrades and yes, the seats will go empty.