Originally Posted by
flyingstudent
JackR, NH instantly confirms a Premium Y seat if purchasing the right Economy fare. Upgrade to J cabin can be done with miles.
Drewcwsj, if your company is willing to pay for a fare that gets a Premium Y seat instantly confirmed (based on availability), then go with NH. I think meal service on NH is better. You get Hagen-Doz ice cream as desert both ex-USA and ex-NRT transpacific flights!
If I read the OP question correctly his employer is willing to pay for premium Y on NH and he wants to upgrade with miles.
The upgrade on NH AFAIK from premium Y to C with UA miles can only be done around 1 week before flight