Far East Upgrade Awards
I am a regular Mileage Plus member (not Premier) trying to find flights from US to Far East (Tokyo, Hong Kong, etc.) that I might be able to upgrade to Business Class using miles (& cash fees)(sorry, I don't know what the terminology is for this type of upgrade). I am out of ORD (tho willing to travel elsewhere in US for better chance). Have to be in Asia all/most of November, so looking to depart end of October, come back beginning of Dec.
Every flight I look at ORD-HKG says "! Upgrade not available on UAxxx." Am I out of luck or am I doing something wrong or misunderstanding? Admittedly I've never tried this before. Can anyone suggest better city pairs to check or days of week?
Also, is the "expert" mode on UA that I've read about here & elsewhere gone with the new system?
Thanks for any help, advice or direction offered.