Originally Posted by
WineCountryUA
Unfortunately this is the method that seems to have recently changed to many times being an upgrade fee that may book into a mileage bonus fare class or an "upgrade" fare class (no mileage bonus).
The only
surefire way to get the PQMs for the premium fare class is to call UA and request to up-fare an entire direction of travel using GG BUYUP. The cost should be the difference in fare between what you paid for the original itinerary and what you would pay for the same itinerary today if you booked that direction in business or first class.
Any other method, and any other price -- including anything that upgrades one flight while leaving a connecting flight in economy -- is an indication that you are likely to end up with economy PQMs.