Complimentary upgrades when UA's PremPlus / Polaris cabin(s) are open? (No)
 

Hi everyone,

I've not flown internationally with United since before the merger with Continental and am trying to understand the new upgrade procedures. I am Gold Status (as a result of the 1MM highflying days) and will be flying from IAD to Tokyo (NRT). Does United still give complimentary upgrades? I understand my chances are slim to none since I am no longer a 1K but just curious whether this is even done anymore.

United has never given complimentary upgrades on intercontinental flights.

There are no complimentary upgrades on TPAC flights. Gold does get you lounge access at both IAD and NRT.

No comp upgrade for intercontinental flights. Your gold status allows you free access to UA/ Star Alliance lounge when flying same-day international flight.

Thanks for the replies all. I did used to get automatic upgrades between HNL and NRT years ago 2007-2010 time frame. Used my Systemwide Upgrades when I had them, but 99% of the time was upgraded...but I was 1k back then. As I recall it, I requested it online and they would take some miles, but no copay (so yes, I suppose that wasn't complimentary, but it usually only cost me 10K miles). Once got upgraded twice, from Economy to Business, then as I walked past the gate agent, she stopped me and handed me a ticket to Intl First (NRT - SFO). They probably needed the space and I wasn't about to complain. :-)

These days I am just happy that I can get access to Economy Plus.

Mileage upgrades on full fare economy Y/B fares then and now can be done with miles only. It is up to 20K or 30K miles now.
But mileage upgrades on discounted fares require more miles and co-pays. And in the past most discount fare were not eligible for mileage upgrades.

But since miles were required, it was not complimentary.

Ah that's right, I used to fly primarily YCA flights. Oh well, those days are in the past, can't see having another job that requires me to fly that much anymore, and I miss it! Oh well, can't complain, I found tickets on UA from Dulles to NRT for 700.00! Economy Plus will just have to do!

Thanks again for the replies, I'm rusty on my FF info..used to be up on all the latest when I was flying alot. Now I'm virtually a Kettle! :D

united complimentary upgrade when International / Polaris First is open?
 

i'm flying SFO->PEK tomorrow. first class is completely open, with no seats booked an no one on the upgrade list. does United ever upgrade anyone from bus to first on their own in a case like this?

No. CPUs are domestic only.

If both economy and business cabins are overbooked, United will move some business pax to First. Operational upgrade happens very often on SFO-PEK route, according to my friend living in the Bay area. Good luck.

It's blocked to 6, so there may be some op-ups to clear space in the business cabin. Op-ups would likely be done by status, GS then 1K.

thanks everyone. I'm GS, so maybe there's a chance :)

Good luck and have fun regardless of whether you end up sitting in FC or business.

I think there is then.

Bear in mind that the OPUP is only to avoid an oversale, so even if J is overbooked, that does not mean an oversale. All it takes is one J misconnect and the need to OPUP someone goes away.

I also question whether if F is truly empty and there are no nonrevs to fill it, whether UA will OPUP someone before it downgrades someone on an award or GPU to Y (presuming space in Y).