Upgrade question--miles changed to e500
 

(Did a search, didn't find an answer)

Hi--Flying DEN to BOS tomorrow. Bought ticket yesterday, tried to u/g with miles. The second segment was waitlisted, so I called ICC this am to cancel the upgrade. They couldn't cancel the first segment b/c there were no seats in Y--is that right? (I'm guessing it is.) I asked to change the u/g instrument from miles to e500's and they said since there's no room in Y, I'd have to do that at the airport--does this sound right? Any other action I can take? Sure don't want to burn 15k on DEN to ORD. Thanks! Jay

To cancel a confirmed upgrade or change the upgrade instrument, you must be able to downgrade to Y first, and then get put back at the end of the queue. If there's no room in Y, you can't do it. Even if you could, chances are someone else would get the seat you vacate.

They need to downgrade you to upgrade you. If there's no fares in your booking class available, they can't do it.

I once was in the same situation when I upgraded LAX-SFO I got lucky and got my miles back thanks to a good gate agent

That's just it, though...luck. Technically, I don't think it's UA policy to do this. Even though you booked yesterday so you're not abusing the system (of confirming upgrades early and then switching to a less valuable instrument).