Originally Posted by
kathode
.. I'm taking a cross-country flight for work, and got booked into a basic economy seat,
Do you mean a "regular" economy seat? Basic Economy tickets are not upgradeable
Originally Posted by
kathode
..I want to upgrade and have multiple options available.
I am able to use miles + cash to get on the waitlist for first class, which I did. However, I have little faith in getting off the waitlist. So instead of waiting in basic economy thinking that I'll get bumped up, I am thinking I should use cash to upgrade to an economy plus seat.
My question is, in the off chance that there's room and I get into a first class seat, will my cash upgrade to economy plus get refunded?
Yes, UA explicitly states that the E+ fee will be refunded if upgraded by miles/copy or other supported method.
just a side note, elites are eligible for complimentary premier upgrades (CPU) in some cases and if they paid E+ fee, that will not be refunded on CPU