Jan 21, 2017, 10:27 am
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
UA will generally offer cash upgrades from any non-Basic Economy fare for UA operated flights, these can be offered:
- At the time of purchase
- Before travel in the itinerary view
- At check-in (computer, smartphone, airport)
- You can inquire with an agent anytime (including at the gate)
The price can vary, as it appears multiple processes are used -- occasionally yielding strangely high offers. Always cross-check on what the fare difference (up fare) might be and consider insteadBuy up to higher fare class w/o change fee? {GG BUYUP}
Awards tickets may be offered similar cash upgrade but generally only at check-in (Aug 2022 update, frequent reports of award ticket cash upgrade offers; at booking, after booking and check-in. Unclear under what conditions.
For Check-in offers, these can vary post initial check-in, so check back closer to departure.
Such upgrades will be eligible for all the benefits of a premium cabin ticket, UA makes no distinction on how a passenger premium cabin ticket was obtained.
Generally, fees for upgrades are non-refundable if you voluntarily cancel. If UA cancels or fails to provide the upgrade, the fees will be refunded. On voluntary changes, the agent may transfer to the changes flight but that is not standard policy.
True up-fares (ADD/COLLECT) are transferable if the appropriate inventory space is available.
Fees paid for upgrades now {2020) earn PQPs
Will the upgrade earn PQDs or bonus PQMs see the wiki of Some Paid Upgrades Count Towards PQD & mileage bonus and some DON"T!
On how pricing is structured, see A Comprehensive Look at Domestic First Class Monetization (FCM) on United
Previous Threads:
UA Upsell Offers to Business/First at Purchase and Day of Departure (TOD) [Archive]
2016 Upsell Offers to Business/First (UFC/PCU) Questions/Discussion (Paid Upgrades)
2015 Upsell Offers to Business/First (UFC/PCU) Questions/Discussion (Paid Upgrades)
2014 Upsell Offers to Business/First (UFC/PCU) Questions/Discussion (Paid Upgrades)
2013 "Upsell Offers to Business/First (UFC/PCU)" Questions/Discussion (Paid Upgrades)
- At the time of purchase
- Before travel in the itinerary view
- At check-in (computer, smartphone, airport)
- You can inquire with an agent anytime (including at the gate)
The price can vary, as it appears multiple processes are used -- occasionally yielding strangely high offers. Always cross-check on what the fare difference (up fare) might be and consider instead
Awards tickets may be offered similar cash upgrade but generally only at check-in (Aug 2022 update, frequent reports of award ticket cash upgrade offers; at booking, after booking and check-in. Unclear under what conditions.
For Check-in offers, these can vary post initial check-in, so check back closer to departure.
Such upgrades will be eligible for all the benefits of a premium cabin ticket, UA makes no distinction on how a passenger premium cabin ticket was obtained.
Generally, fees for upgrades are non-refundable if you voluntarily cancel. If UA cancels or fails to provide the upgrade, the fees will be refunded. On voluntary changes, the agent may transfer to the changes flight but that is not standard policy.
True up-fares (ADD/COLLECT) are transferable if the appropriate inventory space is available.
Fees paid for upgrades now {2020) earn PQPs
On how pricing is structured, see A Comprehensive Look at Domestic First Class Monetization (FCM) on United
Previous Threads:
UA Upsell Offers to Business/First at Purchase and Day of Departure (TOD) [Archive]
2016 Upsell Offers to Business/First (UFC/PCU) Questions/Discussion (Paid Upgrades)
2015 Upsell Offers to Business/First (UFC/PCU) Questions/Discussion (Paid Upgrades)
2014 Upsell Offers to Business/First (UFC/PCU) Questions/Discussion (Paid Upgrades)
2013 "Upsell Offers to Business/First (UFC/PCU)" Questions/Discussion (Paid Upgrades)
UA Upsell Offers to Business/First/PP at Purchase to Day of Departure (TOD)
Feb 3, 2024, 7:27 pm
#631
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 480
You would have to work it out with your employer and align with the existing company travel policy. If you upfare, and the trip ends up not happening, the underlying fare credit is your employer's and the upfare amount is yours, how that gets all sorted out may need input from your company.
Feb 4, 2024, 4:15 pm
#632
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Rochester, MN
Programs: UA Silver, Hilton HHonors Diamond, IHG Plat
Posts: 1,830
Not sure if this is the correct thread move if need be.
We (fam of 4) are currently booked into R class PP on the 781 ORD to HNL flight. Two of us are sitting together, and the other two are scattered in the cabin due to not many available seat choices left. Not a totally bad deal and we'd live it. However what are the general chances some current PP passengers move up to F on that route, freeing some seats to jockey around in? This is not a CPU flight, correct? So we just have to hope some of the PP passengers buy up into F right? Correct me if wrong.....
We (fam of 4) are currently booked into R class PP on the 781 ORD to HNL flight. Two of us are sitting together, and the other two are scattered in the cabin due to not many available seat choices left. Not a totally bad deal and we'd live it. However what are the general chances some current PP passengers move up to F on that route, freeing some seats to jockey around in? This is not a CPU flight, correct? So we just have to hope some of the PP passengers buy up into F right? Correct me if wrong.....
Feb 4, 2024, 4:30 pm
#633
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.995MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,834
Not sure if this is the correct thread move if need be.
We (fam of 4) are currently booked into R class PP on the 781 ORD to HNL flight. Two of us are sitting together, and the other two are scattered in the cabin due to not many available seat choices left. Not a totally bad deal and we'd live it. However what are the general chances some current PP passengers move up to F on that route, freeing some seats to jockey around in? This is not a CPU flight, correct? So we just have to hope some of the PP passengers buy up into F right? Correct me if wrong.....
We (fam of 4) are currently booked into R class PP on the 781 ORD to HNL flight. Two of us are sitting together, and the other two are scattered in the cabin due to not many available seat choices left. Not a totally bad deal and we'd live it. However what are the general chances some current PP passengers move up to F on that route, freeing some seats to jockey around in? This is not a CPU flight, correct? So we just have to hope some of the PP passengers buy up into F right? Correct me if wrong.....
Feb 4, 2024, 4:32 pm
#634
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,391
Not sure if this is the correct thread move if need be.
We (fam of 4) are currently booked into R class PP on the 781 ORD to HNL flight. Two of us are sitting together, and the other two are scattered in the cabin due to not many available seat choices left. Not a totally bad deal and we'd live it. However what are the general chances some current PP passengers move up to F on that route, freeing some seats to jockey around in? This is not a CPU flight, correct? So we just have to hope some of the PP passengers buy up into F right? Correct me if wrong.....
We (fam of 4) are currently booked into R class PP on the 781 ORD to HNL flight. Two of us are sitting together, and the other two are scattered in the cabin due to not many available seat choices left. Not a totally bad deal and we'd live it. However what are the general chances some current PP passengers move up to F on that route, freeing some seats to jockey around in? This is not a CPU flight, correct? So we just have to hope some of the PP passengers buy up into F right? Correct me if wrong.....
Feb 4, 2024, 5:16 pm
#635
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2017
Programs: AS 75K, DL Silver, UA Platinum, Hilton Gold, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Platinum + LT Gold
Posts: 10,496
$399 to buy the last F seat on tomorrow's morning 777 flight IAD-LAX (domestic configuration with the old United Business 2-4-2 seats). Of course this is not a great seat, but I wanted to nap on the flight and the back was down to middle seats only, so I ponied up.
Well, I just found out I am getting a Polaris seat because the inbound flight (UA2221) got cancelled and they are swapping in an international aircraft. So... even better deal.
Well, I just found out I am getting a Polaris seat because the inbound flight (UA2221) got cancelled and they are swapping in an international aircraft. So... even better deal.
Feb 4, 2024, 9:27 pm
#636
Join Date: Aug 2019
Posts: 282
Flying SFO-CDG in mid-April. Booked XN to see the buy-up offer and it's currently 379 for R and 3,499 for J. I feel like the XN offers are normally less than paying for coach tickets and trying to upgrade... am I making that up for no reason or is there some empirical evidence that suggest that to be the case?
379 isn't horrible for PE since it's not an easy flight to sleep on anyhow(2:40pm departure) so I'm considering just going for it.
379 isn't horrible for PE since it's not an easy flight to sleep on anyhow(2:40pm departure) so I'm considering just going for it.
Feb 5, 2024, 6:39 am
#637
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: RDU
Posts: 5,239
Flying SFO-CDG in mid-April. Booked XN to see the buy-up offer and it's currently 379 for R and 3,499 for J. I feel like the XN offers are normally less than paying for coach tickets and trying to upgrade... am I making that up for no reason or is there some empirical evidence that suggest that to be the case?
379 isn't horrible for PE since it's not an easy flight to sleep on anyhow(2:40pm departure) so I'm considering just going for it.
379 isn't horrible for PE since it's not an easy flight to sleep on anyhow(2:40pm departure) so I'm considering just going for it.
Feb 5, 2024, 7:26 am
#638
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,391
Feb 5, 2024, 12:13 pm
#640
Join Date: Aug 2019
Posts: 282
If I pay for that upgrade to R(or J) the cash portion would be non-refundable. As of now though I'm just booking and cancelling to check pricing. Considering booking a cash ticket roundtrip in Y but thinking my best bet of avoiding coach is to just book the saver award and pay for the upgrade. If the J price drops to ~$1k I'll go for it.
Feb 7, 2024, 12:49 pm
#641
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 480
Thanks guys. Was curious if there was a delineation in credit due to two separate credit cards used for transaction but makes sense it's single FFC since one/the same PNR. I don't mind fronting the cash for F but don't want to lose that personal amount either. Thought I would try to get fancy with upfair vs DOD but sounds like safe bet is to wait until closer in and if trip is a go then hope for best with DOD. I appreciate the help!
Feb 7, 2024, 1:20 pm
#642
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,391
Feb 7, 2024, 5:46 pm
#644
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Rochester, MN
Programs: UA Silver, Hilton HHonors Diamond, IHG Plat
Posts: 1,830
Feb 8, 2024, 7:06 am
#645
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,391
Correct, although there are occasional reports of people getting refunds or being allowed to use the buy-up on another flight in the same market. It's not something I would count on, though.