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)
Jun 14, 2023, 9:41 pm
#196
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Jun 14, 2023, 10:52 pm
#198
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...or buy up if UA offers a price that's not obnoxious to you....
Aug 4, 2023, 7:15 pm
#199
Join Date: Jan 2017
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I'm flying ORD-CDG tomorrow, using miles and was able to book Economy Plus seating. However, I chatted with United agents a couple times and they told me that complimentary upgrades are available on business class only and not international flights. If that is true, what happens with all the unsold Polaris seats. The flight status shows 7 available right now.
Aug 4, 2023, 7:19 pm
#200
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I'm flying ORD-CDG tomorrow, using miles and was able to book Economy Plus seating. However, I chatted with United agents a couple times and they told me that complimentary upgrades are available on business class only and not international flights. If that is true, what happens with all the unsold Polaris seats. The flight status shows 7 available right now.
Complementary upgrades are only available for premier members on domestic routes and shorthaul international (except for premium transcon flights), and only if seats see available. Usually those are considered upgrades to (domestic) first class.
Longhaul international flights generally require the use of certificate (PlusPoints) or miles for upgrade.
United also offers (cash) paid upgrade options on all routes, open to everyone.
Last edited by Repooc17; Aug 4, 2023 at 7:29 pm
Feb 10, 2024, 11:39 am
#202
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Los Angeles, CA
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Posts: 1,416
CPU on international routes as Premier Gold?
Im Premier Gold, flying LAX-IAH-EZE (in Premier Plus for first time)
LAX-IAH system indicates CPU Eligible
IAH-EZE system not indicating any eligibility
Aren't i eligible for a one class upgrade as Gold?
If I'm in Economy, wouldn't the system put me on wait list for Premier Plus (or Polaris?)
Why wouldn't I be on list for Polaris?
Finally, there is an offer to upgrade using points and $
If the domestic LAX-IAH clears but i don't get Polaris, do they give any partial credit?
LAX-IAH system indicates CPU Eligible
IAH-EZE system not indicating any eligibility
Aren't i eligible for a one class upgrade as Gold?
If I'm in Economy, wouldn't the system put me on wait list for Premier Plus (or Polaris?)
Why wouldn't I be on list for Polaris?
Finally, there is an offer to upgrade using points and $
If the domestic LAX-IAH clears but i don't get Polaris, do they give any partial credit?
Feb 10, 2024, 11:43 am
#203
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Im Premier Gold, flying LAX-IAH-EZE (in Premier Plus for first time)
LAX-IAH system indicates CPU Eligible
IAH-EZE system not indicating any eligibility
Aren't i eligible for a one class upgrade as Gold?
If I'm in Economy, wouldn't the system put me on wait list for Premier Plus (or Polaris?)
Why wouldn't I be on list for Polaris?
Finally, there is an offer to upgrade using points and $
If the domestic LAX-IAH clears but i don't get Polaris, do they give any partial credit?
LAX-IAH system indicates CPU Eligible
IAH-EZE system not indicating any eligibility
Aren't i eligible for a one class upgrade as Gold?
If I'm in Economy, wouldn't the system put me on wait list for Premier Plus (or Polaris?)
Why wouldn't I be on list for Polaris?
Finally, there is an offer to upgrade using points and $
If the domestic LAX-IAH clears but i don't get Polaris, do they give any partial credit?
In order to be on the (wait)list, you would have to use instrument (PlusPoints or miles) if positive upgrade is 0. You can also buy up with $.
Feb 10, 2024, 11:56 am
#204
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Miami & Leon, MX
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Posts: 552
Yeah long story short... no complimentary upgrades available to any status for that matter on Polaris marketed flights. Only first class and business class marketed flights (except for Hawaii I think) offer CPUs.
As the post above said, your only chances of an upgrade are either paid (can be cheaper during check in), or the use of PlusPoints, which are United's upgrade instruments, but not given to golds.
As the post above said, your only chances of an upgrade are either paid (can be cheaper during check in), or the use of PlusPoints, which are United's upgrade instruments, but not given to golds.
Feb 10, 2024, 11:57 am
#205
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
Im Premier Gold, flying LAX-IAH-EZE (in Premier Plus for first time)
LAX-IAH system indicates CPU Eligible
IAH-EZE system not indicating any eligibility
Aren't i eligible for a one class upgrade as Gold?
If I'm in Economy, wouldn't the system put me on wait list for Premier Plus (or Polaris?)
Why wouldn't I be on list for Polaris?
Finally, there is an offer to upgrade using points and $
If the domestic LAX-IAH clears but i don't get Polaris, do they give any partial credit?
LAX-IAH system indicates CPU Eligible
IAH-EZE system not indicating any eligibility
Aren't i eligible for a one class upgrade as Gold?
If I'm in Economy, wouldn't the system put me on wait list for Premier Plus (or Polaris?)
Why wouldn't I be on list for Polaris?
Finally, there is an offer to upgrade using points and $
If the domestic LAX-IAH clears but i don't get Polaris, do they give any partial credit?
Feb 11, 2024, 3:06 pm
#206
Join Date: Dec 2022
Programs: UA1K
Posts: 464
You'll get a refund for the entire upgrade if the Polaris segment doesn't clear. It doesn't always happen automatically, so sometimes you have to call in to get it refunded
Mar 21, 2024, 10:38 am
#207
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 311
upgrade on EWR-TLV
I am booked in E+ on a UA flight from EWR-TLV. My status is Gold. How might I go about seeking an upgrade to premium economy or business class? Of course, I would be happy to receive such an upgrade for free, though I am assuming that this would only be available -- if at all -- to higher status members. But maybe I could use miles or payment for such an upgrade? I am just not certain how that works. Thanks for any advice.
Mar 21, 2024, 10:42 am
#208
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: BOS<>NYC<>BKK
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Posts: 4,392
I am booked in E+ on a UA flight from EWR-TLV. My status is Gold. How might I go about seeking an upgrade to premium economy or business class? Of course, I would be happy to receive such an upgrade for free, though I am assuming that this would only be available -- if at all -- to higher status members. But maybe I could use miles or payment for such an upgrade? I am just not certain how that works. Thanks for any advice.
Mar 21, 2024, 12:35 pm
#209
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
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Posts: 66,859
Yes, see Using Miles to Upgrade on United
But honestly your chance of an mileage upgrade clearing is very poor on EWR-TLV (for a Gold)
[Consolidated] Chance of upgrade clearing on my flight
Purchasing PremPlus vs Economy will improve your chance for Polaris but you are still likely to remaining in PremPlus which is much better than economy.
Another option is cash upgrades, these will vary in price but if taken confirm immediately and status does not matter
UA Upsell Offers to Business/First/PP at Purchase to Day of Departure (TOD)
But honestly your chance of an mileage upgrade clearing is very poor on EWR-TLV (for a Gold)
[Consolidated] Chance of upgrade clearing on my flight
Purchasing PremPlus vs Economy will improve your chance for Polaris but you are still likely to remaining in PremPlus which is much better than economy.
Another option is cash upgrades, these will vary in price but if taken confirm immediately and status does not matter
UA Upsell Offers to Business/First/PP at Purchase to Day of Departure (TOD)