I want to surprise my wife flying first class to vegas since she never flown in first class.

My question about buying tickets. Which would be better to do purchase first class tickets or better off buying regular seats and purchasing the upgrade. I am looking on United site and it gives the option saying

You may have the opportunity to purchase a upgrade to the premium cabin after booking your reservation

Buy First. Avoid the disappointment of no upgrade being available.

And if you are talking about purchasing the upgrade at the same time you are purchasing the ticket, it's almost more expensive than just buying the first class ticket originally. If you are flying domestically, I would not spend too much on first class in United. I buy it frequently, but only when it is less than 2x a coach ticket. And I'm frequently disappointed.

I'm not familiar as to how buyup pricing or availability changes over time, but you could always buy the economy tickets and see if you get a good buyup offer. If not, then just refund them within 24 hours (and buy first class outright or try repurchasing them later to see if it changes).

while the general consensus is that standard domestic F (regardless of airline) is only marginally worth it, a lot depends on the duration of your trip, whether it's a nonstop or a connection, time of day, and any expectations that your and your wife may have as to comfort/service/etc

Since no one else has said this, let me be the first to welcome you to FlyerTalk!

Where are you originating from?

Thank you!


IAH

Not to be the contrarian, but I am not sure it's worth the money for a three hour flight. How much more is it to buy versus coach? Maybe put that money towards a better dinner or spa service.

What are you looking to get out of flying F to LAS?

Personally, i would not spend the extra money or miles on F for that flight.

The differences in tickets prices from coach and first class is about 700.00 more on the dates we are planning to go. I've been to vegas several times and always hated the security line there. Seems it is always long and slow.

Wife never been in one and she always gets stressed out during flights with the people, cramped seats, long lines etc.

She dosent know that we are going. I was one of the lucky ones to get tickets to the George Strait concert

Do you have Global Entry? Look into that and in turn become illegible for pre-check which will save you line waiting.

Ultimately, if you think paying the extra money to save time waiting in line, go for it. If not, as mentioned ^^, use that money to do something extra in LAS.

I just flew LAS-LAX in F on UA and didn't see a First/ premier security line when i checked in. I'd get TSA pre, it will be a much better security experience than having a F ticket.

Buy a First fare. In case of an issue, you purchased a F fare and the airline has to put you in a F seat.

Just my two cents, coming from someone who doesn't pay for domestic first/business with my own funds unless it's transcontinental lie-flat or absurdly cheap. I recommend investing the $700 in a combination of benefits to alleviate her flying stress.
ClearMe is available at IAH. Sign up the both of you online via the Visa Signature referral to get six months free for the main account holder. After that it's just a bit over $100 annually with the Visa Signature discount. A second family member is $50 annually. If you both have a Visa Signature card, you could both get six months free. Go to the ClearMe agent at security on the day of your flight, give them your fingerprints, and then get whisked to the head of the security line. Unlike Global Entry or TSA Pre, flight-prior interview not required.
Prepare a personal customized amenity kit for her to take her mind off the actual flight while in the air.
Get Global Entry or TSA Pre if you are willing to go for the interviews. Also, TSA Pre and ClearMe benefits stack, so having both gets you to the head of the Precheck line, thus enjoying a pre-2001 first-class security experience.
Get an airport greeter and chauffeur who'll meet you at baggage claim or before.
Buy lounge passes to the best lounge at your departing terminal, if you don't have access already.