Question about paying for an upgrade
Sep 4, 2021, 10:19 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2021
Programs: United
Posts: 3
Question about paying for an upgrade
Hi - My husband and I are going to Mexico in a couple weeks. Yesterday there was a Business class upgrade available for $159 this morning it's $301. I meant to purchase last night and got distracted and forgot. My question is do the pay for upgrade prices change leading up to flight time? I am so disappointed I didn't make the purchase last night 
Thanks for any input!
Thanks for any input!
Sep 4, 2021, 10:22 am
#2
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: GVA (Greater Vancouver Area)
Programs: DREAD Gold; UA 1.035MM; Bonvoy Au-197; PCC Elite+; CCC Elite+; MSC C-12; CWC Au-197; WoH Dis
Posts: 52,223
Sep 4, 2021, 10:39 am
#3
Join Date: Dec 2019
Location: IAH
Programs: MileagePlus-Premier Silver, Marriott Bonvoy-Silver Elite
Posts: 720
I would log in every day to check on that upgrade price. I’ve seen it go up A LOT, then come down a little, then go back down to the cheapest price I saw previously. The upgrade price sometimes is the difference in what you paid, or the current price for economy and what the first class price is now. So the $159 you saw was probably the difference at the time you bought the tickets.
Sep 4, 2021, 10:50 am
#4
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA LT Plat 2MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 67,277
Welcome to FT!, momof3boys
Yes, cash upgrade prices can vary, when sales fall behind UA's expectations, UA may open lower inventory (lower the prices for purchases including cash upgrades) to boost sales. Likewise, if sales get near or above expectations, prices will rise.
So possible prices will fall or may not, all depends on how sales / bookings go versus UA's expectations.
So possible prices will fall or may not, all depends on how sales / bookings go versus UA's expectations.