This has happened to me a few times now:

1. Check-in online
2. united.com says, "upgrade available" under my listed flight
3. I click, "request upgrade"

It lists my current balance of 500 milers and gives me a choice of instruments via a drop-down menu.

I had enough electronic 500 milers, but I chose "500 milers (paper)" because I have a VISA UG cert I want to burn.

It then prints out a DM sheet for UGDG along with my BP for Y. I get to the airport and I'm 14th on the list for a 320 with 2 seats left in F.

What the heck does "upgrade available" mean? Does it just mean "your fare is upgradeable, but good luck you lowly 2P?" Or did it mean, "you can upgrade now if you use your electronic 500 milers, but if you say paper there will be 13 more people ahead of you 7 hrs from now when you get to the airport."

In any case, I stepped off this flight (DCA-DEN) this evening as a 1P. First time ever.