I read that it's usually cheaper to upgrade to first class after you have reserved an economy seat instead of reserving a first class seat at the beginning. So I reserved a $475 economy seat (the first class seat was $1,050). I then tried to upgrade my seat to first class but was given the upgrade price of 1,002. Which means the total cost of my first class seat would have been $1477. I watched the price for the next several days. The first class ticket fluctuated about $10-$20 but the upgrade price stayed the same. I then texted United and asked for a free upgrade (I figured why not, LOL!). They declined but eventually (after connecting me to 3 different people) agreed to give me a first class ticket for a total of $920. Not sure why I read in several articles that to upgrade after reserving will be cheaper.