Originally Posted by
IAH-OIL-TRASH
You should really become familiar with this. Look at satus level qualifications, benefits, etc. Then look at the "upgrades" page. Knowledge is power:
https://www.united.com/web/en-US/con...ate=2017-04-24
Qualifying for upgrades and getting them are completely different issues. Domestic flights w/ front cabins marketed as "Business" do not qualify for status-based complimentary upgrades.
In short, you'll need to get to at least Plat to get 2 upgrade certificates (one is required for each segment) to use on the SFO-BOS flights. At 1K, you'll get 8 more certificates (2 regional and 6 global). You really should read up on the program and the terms and conditions on your own to start with if UA is going to be an important airline frequent flyer program for you.
Excellent information. And one should get familiar with all frequent traveler programs that they use, be it airline, hotel, or rental car. I'm always amazed how few learn all of this. The good thing is that all airline programs are fairly similar, all hotel programs are fairly similar, and all rental car programs are fairly similar. There are some specifics with each program, but all seem to have the same general rules.