Jan 21, 2017, 10:27 am
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
PCU = Premium Cabin Upgrade
TOD = Time of Departure
DOD = Day of Departure
UFC = Upgrade First Class (older term)
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 will be offered similar cash upgrade after booking and at check-in.
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 (2024) earn PQPs on a 1 PQP per dollar spent basis. PQPs post within hours of purchase.
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)
TOD = Time of Departure
DOD = Day of Departure
UFC = Upgrade First Class (older term)
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 instead
Awards tickets will be offered similar cash upgrade after booking and at check-in.
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 (2024) earn PQPs on a 1 PQP per dollar spent basis. PQPs post within hours of purchase.
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 (PCU) to Day of Departure (DOD/TOD)
Nov 3, 2025 | 8:29 pm
#826
Join Date: Apr 2019
Posts: 1,227
There is another thread about the poor quality of food on Polaris.
I wonder then, why would you do that in a heart beat?
I've flown TATL First Class with BA in 2014, and business class with QR, AF, KL, and DL between 2016 and 2022 a few times (once on each).
BA First and QR business were really nice, and I don't think UA is anywhere close to that?
I wonder then, why would you do that in a heart beat?
I've flown TATL First Class with BA in 2014, and business class with QR, AF, KL, and DL between 2016 and 2022 a few times (once on each).
BA First and QR business were really nice, and I don't think UA is anywhere close to that?
Nov 3, 2025 | 8:33 pm
#827
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 822
There is another thread about the poor quality of food on Polaris.
I wonder then, why would you do that in a heart beat?
I've flown TATL First Class with BA in 2014, and business class with QR, AF, KL, and DL between 2016 and 2022 a few times (once on each).
BA First and QR business were really nice, and I don't think UA is anywhere close to that?
I wonder then, why would you do that in a heart beat?
I've flown TATL First Class with BA in 2014, and business class with QR, AF, KL, and DL between 2016 and 2022 a few times (once on each).
BA First and QR business were really nice, and I don't think UA is anywhere close to that?
Nov 3, 2025 | 9:19 pm
#828
Join Date: Jan 2024
Location: SFO
Programs: United 1K Member
Posts: 1,110
There is another thread about the poor quality of food on Polaris.
I wonder then, why would you do that in a heart beat?
I've flown TATL First Class with BA in 2014, and business class with QR, AF, KL, and DL between 2016 and 2022 a few times (once on each).
BA First and QR business were really nice, and I don't think UA is anywhere close to that?
I wonder then, why would you do that in a heart beat?
I've flown TATL First Class with BA in 2014, and business class with QR, AF, KL, and DL between 2016 and 2022 a few times (once on each).
BA First and QR business were really nice, and I don't think UA is anywhere close to that?
Nov 3, 2025 | 11:12 pm
#829
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: TYO / WAS / NYC
Programs: American Express got a hit man lookin' for me
Posts: 5,251
(1) You avoid having a seatmate to climb over (or climb over you)
(2) You get more personal space and room to stretch out
(3) You get access to better lounges at every airport (the LH lounge at FRA and the Polaris lounge at EWR)
(4) You avoid IAD
(5) The food is not great on UA, but still better in C than in PY
Nov 4, 2025 | 8:45 am
#830
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: USA
Programs: UA Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 1,536
The difference between PE and lie-flat business is substantial. For a daytime flight of just under nine hours duration, $1200 is borderline. I'd probably do it, but someone who's more frugal probably would not. Note that there is some value to upgrading the short-haul segments as well, particularly if you don't have status.
The big risk here is that once you experience a lie-flat, you will likely have great difficulty ever flying long-haul in anything else.
The big risk here is that once you experience a lie-flat, you will likely have great difficulty ever flying long-haul in anything else.
Nov 4, 2025 | 9:31 am
#831
Join Date: Apr 2019
Posts: 1,227
I'm one of the frugal ones. $1200 works out to roughly $140 per hour. I might spend that much on the redeye, not on the west-bound fully daytime flight. The Premium Plus seats recline just enough and have enough elbow room to get comfortable while watching a movie or reading a book. I've got better uses for that kind of money when I'm already going to get the PP class for that daytime flight.
Nov 4, 2025 | 11:48 am
#832
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 12,006
Would need to consider the entire fare, but $1,200 is much higher than I would be willing to spend on a day time one way TATL, especially considering this would be an upgrade from PE, which one would have already paid a premium.
TATL paid business fare can be had for $2K-$3K (roundtrip) which gives me pause for the $1.2k upgrade ask.
I disagree with the notion once you have flown in business cabin, you can't go back to economy/premium economy. United has a good hard product with its business cabin, but it's not I can't go back to economy again good.
Also, its premium economy is perfectly acceptable, even economy cabin, but I am not a picky flyer. I fly everyone - recently started flying Frontier, surpringly good.
TATL paid business fare can be had for $2K-$3K (roundtrip) which gives me pause for the $1.2k upgrade ask.
I disagree with the notion once you have flown in business cabin, you can't go back to economy/premium economy. United has a good hard product with its business cabin, but it's not I can't go back to economy again good.
Also, its premium economy is perfectly acceptable, even economy cabin, but I am not a picky flyer. I fly everyone - recently started flying Frontier, surpringly good.
Nov 4, 2025 | 11:54 am
#833
Join Date: Apr 2019
Posts: 1,227
Would need to consider the entire fare, but $1,200 is much higher than I would be willing to spend on a day time one way TATL, especially considering this would be an upgrade from PE, which one would have already paid a premium.
TATL paid business fare can be had for $2K-$3K (roundtrip) which gives me pause for the $1.2k upgrade ask.
I disagree with the notion once you have flown in business cabin, you can't go back to economy/premium economy. United has a good hard product with its business cabin, but it's not I can't go back to economy again good.
Also, its premium economy is perfectly acceptable, even economy cabin, but I am not a picky flyer. I fly everyone - recently started flying Frontier, surpringly good.
TATL paid business fare can be had for $2K-$3K (roundtrip) which gives me pause for the $1.2k upgrade ask.
I disagree with the notion once you have flown in business cabin, you can't go back to economy/premium economy. United has a good hard product with its business cabin, but it's not I can't go back to economy again good.
Also, its premium economy is perfectly acceptable, even economy cabin, but I am not a picky flyer. I fly everyone - recently started flying Frontier, surpringly good.
RIC-BER (econ); KTW-RIC (premium econ) was $1250. To upgrade return to business, it would be additional $1200.
This route always goes for $4500-$5000 in business, and I will likely never be able to fly it in business, so that's why I am torn.
Nov 5, 2025 | 10:40 pm
#837
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 444
Currently have a ORD -> LHR flight booked about 7 weeks out using miles in PE (ON). I'm seeing an upgrade option to Polaris for $4.1k.
What are the odds that a cheaper upgrade offer becomes available closer to the flight? About a year or so ago I was able to snag a pretty cheap E to PE upgrade on a SA to US flight a few days before departure.
What are the odds that a cheaper upgrade offer becomes available closer to the flight? About a year or so ago I was able to snag a pretty cheap E to PE upgrade on a SA to US flight a few days before departure.
Nov 6, 2025 | 4:55 am
#838
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Chicago
Posts: 5,325
Currently have a ORD -> LHR flight booked about 7 weeks out using miles in PE (ON). I'm seeing an upgrade option to Polaris for $4.1k.
What are the odds that a cheaper upgrade offer becomes available closer to the flight? About a year or so ago I was able to snag a pretty cheap E to PE upgrade on a SA to US flight a few days before departure.
What are the odds that a cheaper upgrade offer becomes available closer to the flight? About a year or so ago I was able to snag a pretty cheap E to PE upgrade on a SA to US flight a few days before departure.
About 7 weeks could either be the pretty quiet time in early-mid December before holiday travel starts, in which case I'd guess you have a very good chance, or it could be the start of holiday travel in which case it's far less likely. Either way, $4.1k is not exactly a deal price, so you're not really giving anything up by not jumping on that.
Nov 6, 2025 | 7:33 am
#839
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: ORD
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Titanium, Avis President's Circle
Posts: 589
Currently have a ORD -> LHR flight booked about 7 weeks out using miles in PE (ON). I'm seeing an upgrade option to Polaris for $4.1k.
What are the odds that a cheaper upgrade offer becomes available closer to the flight? About a year or so ago I was able to snag a pretty cheap E to PE upgrade on a SA to US flight a few days before departure.
What are the odds that a cheaper upgrade offer becomes available closer to the flight? About a year or so ago I was able to snag a pretty cheap E to PE upgrade on a SA to US flight a few days before departure.
We've been 4-4 this year on O --> J upgrades using either PlusPoints or MUA. Realizing this is a different scenario for you, I'd keep a close eye on J upgrade offer as you get closer. As the other poster noted, mid-December may have a good # of empty seats.
Nov 6, 2025 | 9:48 am
#840
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 701
Weird multi-city itinerary from Canada to Cancun/Tulum. Non-hub city, married segment situation coming up with prices similar to Y for Business/First. Could not get the price on UA, so went with Expedia (I know, I know).
One of the segments, ORD - IAH was in Economy, but I still thought it was good value. Upsell was $390 per person, then became $685. Called Expedia to see if there are any other options (free changes + price difference). Nope. Turns out I can change my trip on United's website. One of the options was $8. Eight dollars, for domestic First. The only difference was the time of the flight between Chicago and Houston, overnighting at the latter instead of the former. Well, also the equipment: A321neo to 737-900.
One of the segments, ORD - IAH was in Economy, but I still thought it was good value. Upsell was $390 per person, then became $685. Called Expedia to see if there are any other options (free changes + price difference). Nope. Turns out I can change my trip on United's website. One of the options was $8. Eight dollars, for domestic First. The only difference was the time of the flight between Chicago and Houston, overnighting at the latter instead of the former. Well, also the equipment: A321neo to 737-900.