Originally Posted by
jraindc
I have searched for this answer but no dice. I'm upgrading a friend with 15,000 miles for a domestic flight (IAD-LAS). We will be flying together. I realize the $50 co-pay is due at check-in, but will I pay it as the one who is sponsoring, or will she pay as the one receiving the upgrade?
Replace "upgrage" or "your upgrade" with 'sponsored upgrade' below and you get the answer.
How does this process work?
1. Request your upgrade: You can request a Mileage Plus Upgrade Award when you make your reservation, or any time up to your date of travel. Look for your ticket class on your itinerary. Then find your ticket class and regions of travel in this Upgrade award chart to determine how many miles will be deducted and whether youll be charged a co-pay. Request an upgrade now.
2. Miles are deducted. Co-pay is calculated, but not charged: When you make your upgrade request, we will deduct the miles required and calculate the co-pay. If you dont receive an upgrade, your miles will be re-deposited, and you wont be charged the co-pay.
3. At check-in, you provide credit card info: Youll be prompted to provide credit card information when you check-in. You wont be charged until you get your upgrade.
4. If some of your flights on your itinerary are operated by another carrier , youll still be able to request an upgrade on United/United Express flights: Youll need to check in with a United gate agent or at an EasyCheck-inŽ Kiosk to submit your credit card information and to obtain your updated United boarding pass(es).
5. At the time of departure, we charge you the co-pay: We wont charge you the co-pay until your upgrade is confirmed.
6. If you dont get an upgrade, miles are re-deposited: If we are unable to accommodate your upgrade for any reason, your miles will be re-deposited into your account.
From the preceding, it can be inferred that the one who is sponsored can pay at check in, as it is his/her ID that would be requested at check in to complete the transaction. If the sponsor is present, s/he can elect to pay but the sponsor does not even need to be present.