Originally Posted by
CaroNolan
Hi,
Newbie here. I want to take my husband and 3 teen boys to Japan from IAD for his 50th birthday next March. I'd love to fly us all Business if we can make it work with points. I have 300K United Points to play with as of now, so trying to figure out the way to do this most economically. Flight schedules aren't available yet for March 2025, but can you all share advice to help me make this happen? How soon can I pay for an upgrade using miles if I book Economy when the seats open? Any other tips you can share with me? I don't have status but have the Chase United CC.
Thanks in advance!
I suggest making a dummy booking for March 2024 in Premium Economy-Cash purchase. Yes, it's not Business but it's a guaranteed seat and you won't be looking at the waitlist aka roulette wheel. If you're not using MUA upgrades, consider flying on ANA.
Then, compare it with the United MileagePlus Upgrade Award options: "1 Buy economy, waitlist for Premium Economy", "2 Buy economy, waitlist for Business/Premium Economy" and "3 Buy Premium Economy, waitlist for Business".
Then, you'll have to decide how much you're willing to spend.