Requesting E-Upgrades
 

I bought a ticket on united and was trying to do an e-upgrade; when I went through the process and selected the "system-wide upgrade" the system upgrades me to first class and everything seems fine; question: i haven't done this before but does the system automatically apply this award or will I need to do something else (get a paper version of the award to show at the airport)?

thanks

Welcome to FT ^

Assuming you selected "Electronic UPgrades", it will all happen automatically. If you look at your upgrade history you should see a Systemwide upgrade as "Reserved".

You can call the 1K desk and get a seat allocation, and check everything is ok.

It happens automatically with a paper SWU, too. You just have to surrender the paper instrument at the airport, or tell them there's an error in their systems and you'll be using an electronic one. :)

Will they always require a paper certificate at the airport (or how can i check to see if i need one)? I don't have a paper one, just want to make sure, thanks for the help!

If that's the method you select...yes. You will not be able to check in until you surrender the instrument. BEWARE: If you have a good seat before the upgrade (e.g. exit row) and your upgrade goes through, you must produce an upgrade instrument or you will be in the back of the boat.

Some people will request the upgrade and miscount how many they have or bank on getting one from somebody else.

I've never had a problem requesting an upgrade with paper 500s, paper CR1s, or paper SWUs, and then changing the instrument to electronic at the airport. In fact, I do it every time I request an upgrade.

Assuming the OP selected an Electronic SWU, you will not need anything at the airport. YOu can check on-line to make sure that your Electronic SWU has been reserved.

Cool, and when you convert it to electronic form that just means they'll electronically deduct the award from your account, right? also, does the online system check at the time of reservation if you have the awards on account before it e-upgrades you? i'm assuming cause people get upgrades from others the online system would let you get the e-upgrade without necessairly having the upgrade on file, right?

thanks again

YOu don't need the electronic cert if you select "Paper Systemwide". But, you'll either need a paper systemwide on checkin, or have a Systemwide (or miles) in your account at that time.