The only way you can change the fare code now is to buy up. So your friend will have to call the 1K desk and ask for a fare that a SWU can upgrade you on (W). Then he'll have to pay the change fee and the fare difference, per passenger. Then, he can apply the SWUs.

Or...he could use miles, which is what I'd do. Then you're only paying an extra $500 a seat - and that's only if the upgrade clears.

Only if you ascribe zero value to the miles.

I would call the 1K desk, I have had the change fee waived before if I get the right agent in the right mood. Though yes, you'll have to pay the fare difference.

any idea what the fare diffrence would normally be between K and W based fare? Paid 968 round trip for the flight dates are set for end of March begining of April

Kind of impossible to tell without some of the info UA has available to each CSR. Could be drastic. To change a fare on a domestic ticket recently, the 1K desk quotes me over 1K!:eek:

Try making a booking online (specify Systemwide Region 2 to force a W or higher fare). You can find out the exact fare that way.

:( sad panda :(