Feb 12, 2018, 2:25 pm
Last edit by: drewguy
There are no complimentary upgrades on "Polaris" or premium transcon service or Hawaii (to/from ORD/EWR/IAD/IAH) flights for elites. Elites need to support their upgrades with Plus Points or miles+copay. A complete table is here
Some international flights are CPU eligible (mainly North American)
On very rare occasions if a lower cabin is overbooked, some passengers (usually by elite status) will be operational upgraded (op-up'ed)
Consolidated - Chance of Operational Upgrade (Op-Up) on my flight?
did united ever offer complimentary upgrades on international routes?
Some international flights are CPU eligible (mainly North American)
On very rare occasions if a lower cabin is overbooked, some passengers (usually by elite status) will be operational upgraded (op-up'ed)
Consolidated - Chance of Operational Upgrade (Op-Up) on my flight?
did united ever offer complimentary upgrades on international routes?
Complimentary upgrades when UA's PremPlus / Polaris cabin(s) are open? (No)
Jul 3, 2019, 6:53 pm
#91
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Honolulu
Programs: United 1k, Hawaiian Premier
Posts: 93
Jul 3, 2019, 6:55 pm
#92
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Honolulu Harbor
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 15,019
Linked is UA's CPU page (ie where 1Ks might get a complimentary upgrade as soon as 4 days out). Routes not covered require instruments or mileage.
https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly.../upgrades.html
Last edited by IAH-OIL-TRASH; Jul 3, 2019 at 7:45 pm Reason: Unneeded / unwelcoming snarky comments removed
Jan 17, 2020, 8:00 pm
#93
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: US
Programs: United
Posts: 52
Complimentary upgrade from Premium Plus to Polaris on 777-300ER
Have paid tickets on UA 777-300ER in Premium Plus (R).
What do I need to do to get on the complimentary upgrade list to Polaris list?
Thanks,
UE
What do I need to do to get on the complimentary upgrade list to Polaris list?
Thanks,
UE
Jan 17, 2020, 8:08 pm
#94
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 14,884
presuming this is an international route, there is no ‘complimentary upgrade’ list. The way to can on the upgrade list (presuming no PZ inventory) is to use PlusPoints if you have them, or to request an upgrade award (cost varies based on fare class purchased and route, but involves both miles and a copay).
There is the once in a blue moon op-up, where there is an oversold PP or Y cabin, but unless it’s a leisure heavy/business light travel time (ie, Christmas/New Years), the chances are so minuscule its not even worth taking into account. Barely is worth taking into account even in those leisure-heavy times.
Jan 17, 2020, 8:14 pm
#95
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: US
Programs: United
Posts: 52
what route are you flying?
presuming this is an international route, there is no ‘complimentary upgrade’ list. The way to can on the upgrade list (presuming no PZ inventory) is to use PlusPoints if you have them, or to request an upgrade award (cost varies based on fare class purchased and route, but involves both miles and a copay).
There is the once in a blue moon op-up, where there is an oversold PP or Y cabin, but unless it’s a leisure heavy/business light travel time (ie, Christmas/New Years), the chances are so minuscule its not even worth taking into account. Barely is worth taking into account even in those leisure-heavy times.
presuming this is an international route, there is no ‘complimentary upgrade’ list. The way to can on the upgrade list (presuming no PZ inventory) is to use PlusPoints if you have them, or to request an upgrade award (cost varies based on fare class purchased and route, but involves both miles and a copay).
There is the once in a blue moon op-up, where there is an oversold PP or Y cabin, but unless it’s a leisure heavy/business light travel time (ie, Christmas/New Years), the chances are so minuscule its not even worth taking into account. Barely is worth taking into account even in those leisure-heavy times.
What is PZ fare?
UA was offering an upgrade for $1500 each way, or $450+35k miles, which neither did not seem attractive.
Jan 17, 2020, 8:21 pm
#96
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: BOS<>NYC<>BKK
Programs: UA 4.3MM LT-GS; AA1MM; Amtrak SE; MAR LT TITAN; PC Plat; HIL DIA; HYA GLOB
Posts: 4,392
As noted upthread, there are NO complimentary upgrades except for the ultrarare operational upgrade necessitated by an oversold cabin. And then, it's usually that higher status/higher fare passengers go first.
If empty Polaris business seats remain after the waitlist is cleared, non-revenue passengers are accommodated.
Jan 17, 2020, 8:22 pm
#97
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: 66,850
Being in Premium Plus is just goig to make a minor decrease over the price for economy passenger.
What is PZ fare?
Jan 17, 2020, 8:24 pm
#98
Moderator, Omni, Omni/PR, Omni/Games, FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Between DCA and IAD
Programs: UA 1K MM; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 67,129
They're not going to just give away an upgrade to Polaris. It's going to require an instrument: either Plus Points, miles + cash, or straight up cash. There could be a rare occasion where Y is oversold and no one is trying to upgrade to J, but they're likely to give that sort of operational upgrade by status.
Mar 10, 2020, 9:09 am
#99
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: San Francisco & London
Programs: UA1k, Oneworld Sapphire, Hyatt Globalist, IHG DiamondAmb, Hilton Diamond, Marriott LTP,
Posts: 1,785
Plus Points or Complimentary 1k upgrade
I am booking a leisure trip from SFO to LHR in return over next two weeks.
Wide open availability in Polaris, 20 Business seats available for desired outbound flight in 9 days, Pluspoints clear immediately. 28 seats or 25 seats available in Polaris Business for Inbound flight in just over two weeks
I am booking into Economy K class for both flights.
Should I use my plus points (80k each way) and guarantee an upgrade at time of booking or let 1k status provide a complimentary upgrade?
I never use my Pluspoints, also usually always book First class domestic fares, therefore no need to use domestically, what should I do?
Wide open availability in Polaris, 20 Business seats available for desired outbound flight in 9 days, Pluspoints clear immediately. 28 seats or 25 seats available in Polaris Business for Inbound flight in just over two weeks
I am booking into Economy K class for both flights.
Should I use my plus points (80k each way) and guarantee an upgrade at time of booking or let 1k status provide a complimentary upgrade?
I never use my Pluspoints, also usually always book First class domestic fares, therefore no need to use domestically, what should I do?
Mar 10, 2020, 9:12 am
#100
Join Date: Dec 2016
Programs: Mileage Plus 1K \\ ConciergeKey
Posts: 531
I am booking a leisure trip from SFO to LHR in return over next two weeks.
Wide open availability in Polaris, 20 Business seats available for desired outbound flight in 9 days, Pluspoints clear immediately. 28 seats or 25 seats available in Polaris Business for Inbound flight in just over two weeks
I am booking into Economy K class for both flights.
Should I use my plus points (80k each way) and guarantee an upgrade at time of booking or let 1k status provide a complimentary upgrade?
I never use my Pluspoints, also usually always book First class domestic fares, therefore no need to use domestically, what should I do?
Wide open availability in Polaris, 20 Business seats available for desired outbound flight in 9 days, Pluspoints clear immediately. 28 seats or 25 seats available in Polaris Business for Inbound flight in just over two weeks
I am booking into Economy K class for both flights.
Should I use my plus points (80k each way) and guarantee an upgrade at time of booking or let 1k status provide a complimentary upgrade?
I never use my Pluspoints, also usually always book First class domestic fares, therefore no need to use domestically, what should I do?
your 1K status does NOT entitle you to INTL upgrades or Prem Plus. Routes (SF/LA - EWR/BOS). CPU is what you're thinking, but unfortunately they do not work for these trips. You would need to use your 80 points and clear immediately.
Mar 10, 2020, 9:13 am
#101
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,400
The only way you'll get to sit up front is to use PlusPoints, so this seems like an easy choice.
Mar 10, 2020, 9:13 am
#102
Join Date: Jun 2014
Programs: UA MM
Posts: 4,123
I am booking a leisure trip from SFO to LHR in return over next two weeks.
Wide open availability in Polaris, 20 Business seats available for desired outbound flight in 9 days, Pluspoints clear immediately. 28 seats or 25 seats available in Polaris Business for Inbound flight in just over two weeks
I am booking into Economy K class for both flights.
Should I use my plus points (80k each way) and guarantee an upgrade at time of booking or let 1k status provide a complimentary upgrade?
I never use my Pluspoints, also usually always book First class domestic fares, therefore no need to use domestically, what should I do?
Wide open availability in Polaris, 20 Business seats available for desired outbound flight in 9 days, Pluspoints clear immediately. 28 seats or 25 seats available in Polaris Business for Inbound flight in just over two weeks
I am booking into Economy K class for both flights.
Should I use my plus points (80k each way) and guarantee an upgrade at time of booking or let 1k status provide a complimentary upgrade?
I never use my Pluspoints, also usually always book First class domestic fares, therefore no need to use domestically, what should I do?
Mar 10, 2020, 9:13 am
#103
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: ORD / PHX
Programs: UA LT 1K 3MM (former 12 yr GS), Bonvoy Amb/LT Plat
Posts: 1,340
CPUs are not applicable to longhaul flights. You need to use Pluspoints (or buy a biz seat) or you will sit in coach. Opups are rare, and probably non-existent currently.
Mar 10, 2020, 9:15 am
#104
Used to be MBS PremExec
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Saginaw, MI (MBS)
Programs: UA 1K 1.9MM, Marriott Titanium w/Lifetime Plat, Hilton LIfetime ♢, National Exec, Amex Plat
Posts: 5,722
Points Plus or nothing. Do not expect any courtesy upgrades, and I highly doubt there will be any 'op-ups' (operational upgrades in cases of full coach but open PP or Polaris seats). I think this is United's golden age of NOT doling out VDB/IDB vouchers. (Which sucks, family members and I had reaped over $1500 in January alone).