Does anyone know if purchasing ecconomy plus helps get upgraded (Using points ) to business or first class over just a standard ecconomy ticket? I'm about to book my yearly trip from the US to Australia involving 3 flights each way. For 2 of us it will cost me well over $800 just for ecconomy there and back. Every year I apply for a points upgrade which has gone through everytime. The past few years I've only had to pay the $500 co pay each way which does beat the old way of purchasing a much higher upgradeable fare. Will I be wasting my $800 on Ecconomy Plus to only get upgraded to Business/First Class where I still have to pay $2000 return if both if us are UG there and back. I'm pretty sure United is more than happy to keep my $800 if I get UG to BC.