I'm not confident I understand how to request online an economy class ticket using an SWU2 to upgrade to business.
When I experiment with options I get expected different prices for econ vs business tix using an SWU2 in both instances.
In one instance it appears I'm requesting to buy a business ticket but I *think* I''ve tried to indicate I want to use an SWU as an upgrade to biz.
Does the system interpret that combination (business + upgrade) of preferences as a request to upgrade to first?
Does the system display only upgradable fares whenever any upgrade is requested?
Apart for some other, possible but illogical combinations of preferences, I'm not certain I understand the process of requesting upgrades online.

In order to use an upgrade online

1. goto the united homepage or shop for flights page.
2. Enter your dates of travel and locations, etc...
3. Under more options select under the "I would like to use this upgrade" tab "systemwide region 2"

This will give you fares eligible for upgrade to business class using a SWU. Note this only means eligible and not that there is actually space!

To buy a ticket that is upgradeable from economy class to business, select "economy class (lowest)", then select "upgrade using systemwide region 2".

If you select business and then also the region 2 systemwide upgrade, you are trying to buy a business class ticket that is upgradeable to first class.

If there are fares available, they'll be displayed. You can tell since there will be an "upgradeable fare" notation on the right side of each flight leg, looks like a pencil or a carrot next to it too.

If that notation isn't there, you'll probably see bold lettering toward the top middle telling you that you have selected a valid upgrade but that there are no fares available. Hope this helps, it's really not that hard.

The key is that you can only see flights that are eligible when purchasing using the above methods (which doesn't necessarily mean there are confirmed upgrade seats available).

AFTER purchasing you then can request an upgrade either online or calling the 800#.

Quite true when using THIS method, but the OP would be well advised to do a dummy booking for a Standard award ticket on his "preferred itin", and scroll over the View Flight Details to determine whether or not .bomb believed there were NC space available. If so, I would suggest a quick call to UA to make sure it's not phantom space prior to purchase of the itin.
Then, QUICKLY, apply for the upgrade. That's the best method for getting your NC space with (relatively) little hassle.

Dave

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, Kwanza and Hanukkah to you who have responded.
I haven't seen such (hopefully) good advice 'til now.
Though elsewhere in this forum I have seen comments on the unreliability of seatmap info, and I'm aware that inventory can change hourly--if not more frequently.

Unable to "view flight details" I called MP web support and one agent informed me I would be able to see flight details (though didn't specify what, specifically.) Another agent whom I called becasue of a poor connection informed I would NOT be able to see NC, etc. searching for standrad award tix
This proposed itin was for ORD-HKG out 15 back 22 Jan.2010.
Could also not find how to verify I had set preferences to "expert."
0 for 2

Did you set expert mode in MP profile -- www.united.com/myprofile
..... Edit Travel Preferences, Look a Display Preferences, Availability format
Now go back on start a flight booking and hover the mouse pointer over "flight info"
When doing "Search Flights"/paid bookings you will see the paid fare classes.
When doing "Book with Miles" (Best to use Standard Award) you will see the paid classes and the award/upgrade fare classes.

BTW, 895/896 are NC0 those days

Sorry this is in the wrong section, so move it if possible.

I just upgraded on the SECOND part of my flight from PHX to PHL. I am now in first class for this section of my trip. Do I need to pay the 20.00 baggage fee if I am upgraded for only one section of my trip? I am not upgraded on the first part from SFO to PHX. Please help???? Will I still need to pay the baggage fee AND can I check in using the first class line at SFO? THANKS