Originally Posted by
Alpha Golf
You might find an agent who's willing to reissue in F without a change fee (assuming your ticket imposes fee). Call again.
But United is notorious for selling upgrades when elites are waiting for theirs. It's one of the biggest gripes here. So there's also a decent chance they'll offer you a buy up -- perhaps very cheap -- between now and flight day.
there is never a change fee if you upfare. United.com and the app may not show the lowest available F fare. In essence you can call in and just pay the delta between what you paid and the lowest available F fare. Some agents don't know how to do this, but most do. HUCA in case there is an issue.