Originally Posted by snic
You can still use your SWU even if it's not officially ticketed, if you call UA. But you can't do it online until ticketed.
From
E-upgrade Terms and Conditions
Upgrade Request: The upgraded United First NF booking class or United Business NC booking class of service may be requested
after ticket is issued in the purchased United Economy- or United Business-class fare.
Many years ago UA did allow ugpraded request on bookings not yet ticketed.