upgrading on Star Alliance
 

I'm apparently incredibly naive about FF programs... probably because I'm not a frequent flyer. I live in Los Angeles and fly to New Zealand about once a year, so I figured I'd join the UA FF program and earn miles with their rewards Visa card, assuming they'd be interchangeable with NZ airpoints or usable on codeshare flights. After 3 years I don't have enough points for a single ticket (the points cost just went up by 50%), but figured I'd use my points for an upgrade instead. Not so much... apparently you can only use UA points towards upgrades on UA operated flights. I should have done my research. Does anyone know if there's anyway around this?

Welcome to FT, robertwinz!

Rumor has it that United will bring back *A upgrades sometime before summer. However, in the past the upgrades could only be applied on the most expensive (B and Y) fares, so if the revamped program is the same way that may or may not actually help you.

I would say forget it. :p No sane person will pay for Y/B fares. Most Y/B fares are purchased with OPM (Other People's Money). :D:p