Australia, New Zealand & the South Pacific - Sydney Upgrade (United)

I'm flying to Sydney on United (via LAX) on an upgradeable coach fare in mid-March. With a few hundred thousand miles, I'm looking to burn a few on an upgrade to business class- but of course there are no seats available (though I'm on the waitlist). I have premier exec status (but being demoted to premier tomorrow- switched primary allegiance to AA). Any ideas on how to get around this somehow to get an upgrade approved?

Everyone is trying to burn their UA miles ... with negligible status you have no chance (even I would come ahead of you on the upgrade list, and I don't fly United or Star much!). United was offering very cheap fares to SYD recently (half the price of QF and NZ) so they are undoubtedly sold out. Adding to the upgrade competition. But coach to Australia is not so bad, and you'll enjoy it after you arrive.

If you fail to get an upgrade...you could always try for Economy Plus.

It may not be business class, but you may find the few extra inches very handy on a 14 hour flight. I know I do http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/smile.gif

Phoebe

When I flew last week then the jumbo had 100 pax at most! 1st was all full with people who looked like award travellers, biz was 2/3 empty and in coach you could get your own row and stretch out comfortably.

With ongoing war in Iraq, terrorist threats against US targets and the spread of SARS UA is likely to stay at least half empty for the times to come.