Originally Posted by
bikeeverywhere
OK that's really good to know. I often fly a combination of United/Skywest and upgrade just the United portion so I assumed I could do so with this trip as well since it's all booked through United. I'll remember this in the future. And, you all are correct - the SFO to CHC is United, not Air NZ. I think NZ is a LAX to AUK leg which we've decided not to do.
Thank you for the help.
Since SFO-CHC is on United, you have the possibility to upgrade to PE from a regular economy fare, but not basic economy (cheapest). If you have enough United miles you can request a mileage upgrade either when you book or anytime later. Should cost 30k miles per person (until November when UA eliminates its fixed upgrade chart and it goes dynamic). You will likely be put on a waitlist, but that might be the best way to attempt an upgrade if you have enough United miles. Otherwise, it is possible United might make you an upgrade offer at the end of your booking process if you book directly with United, otherwise you can check your booking anytime to see the current cash upgrade price which up until check-in is probably going to be just the different between your economy fare and the current PE fare (usually a lot). I never did this for PE, but assuming it works like business, once you get to online check-in United may offer a reduced price to upgrade which varies depending on the loads. PE is a relatively small cabin and some destinations fill it up and some don't. Not sure about the CHC route.