United MileagePlus (Consolidated) - Gifted/purchased upgrades

I searched the forum for this, but could only find something from 2003. :)

I am flying to Kauai in a week and a half on United. We are coming back (family of 4) on the overnight flight from HNL to ORD (united flight 200). I don't sleep well (if at all) on planes, so wondering about trying to upgrade this segment.

I called the airline, who said that I could pay to upgrade, but it would be $3k per ticket. They said I could use miles to upgrade, but since I'm a low-miler I would be unlikely to secure one.

Wondering if there is a way to purchase 2 (or 4) upgrade seats from someone with higher status than me. Is there a marketplace for this, or is this tabboo? I know it's technically against the rules, but wasn't sure if it was something they sort of turn their heads to, or a high offense. I don't want to get anyone in trouble, but would be willing to pay a good amount of money to get this segment upgraded. Feel free to email me privately through the website if you like, but I'd like to hear what the rules and common practices are on something like this.

Thanks!
Tom

I searched the forum for this, but could only find something from 2003. :)

I am flying to Kauai in a week and a half on United. We are coming back (family of 4) on the overnight flight from HNL to ORD (united flight 200). I don't sleep well (if at all) on planes, so wondering about trying to upgrade this segment.

I called the airline, who said that I could pay to upgrade, but it would be $3k per ticket. They said I could use miles to upgrade, but since I'm a low-miler I would be unlikely to secure one.

Wondering if there is a way to purchase 2 (or 4) upgrade seats from someone with higher status than me. Is there a marketplace for this, or is this tabboo? I know it's technically against the rules, but wasn't sure if it was something they sort of turn their heads to, or a high offense. I don't want to get anyone in trouble, but would be willing to pay a good amount of money to get this segment upgraded. Feel free to email me privately through the website if you like, but I'd like to hear what the rules and common practices are on something like this.

Thanks!
Tom
First of all, welcome to FT!

To answer your question, it is possible to trade for upgrade instruments through a forum here called 'Coupon Connection,' -- but to access it, you need to have been on FT for 180 days and have 180 posts. Otherwise, you may get PMs from individuals willing to work something out with you, given you don't qualify for CC, yet.

Wondering if there is a way to purchase 2 (or 4) upgrade seats from someone with higher status than me. Is there a marketplace for this, or is this tabboo?

Yes, purchasing is very taboo. If this thread survives you might get some people to private message (PM) you offers.

You can ask at check in to upgrade for cash which will be way lower then the 3k they are asking.
Also flight 200 should be a domestic 777 so the seats won't be that much better. They are just wider and a larger distance to seat in front of you. In my opinion they are not much better to sleep in then the economy seats.

& this is the reason that this thread needs to be closed otherwise it will turn into another e-Bay!

Thanks for the responses. Ia ppreciate the help, and apologize for cluttering the forum.