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Deal Alert: United Offering 50% Off Economy Plus Upgrades

Darren Murph
Darren Murph
Senior Strategist/Writer
Darren holds the Guinness World Record as the planet's most prolific professional blogger, a feat he achieved in 2010. He's a seasoned storyteller, instructor and communicator, working across marketing, editorial and public relations for some of the world's most progressive brands. He's an explorer at heart, having traversed nearly 50 countries and all 50 US states. He's flown over one million miles on Delta alone, and takes pride in facilitating unforgettable excursions using points and miles.
March 15, 2019
•
3 min read
united 787-9 inaugural dreamliner
Deal Alert: United Offering 50% Off Economy Plus Upgrades
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Some would argue that United's Economy Plus is what Economy should be, offering several more inches of legroom (exact amounts differ slightly per aircraft type) and the ability to deplane a bit faster given the forward placement of the seats. If you've been looking for a cheaper way to avoid standard economy seating, United is offering half off of Economy Plus purchases for this weekend only.

To take advantage of the 50% off sale, you'll need to book a flight in United Economy departing between March 18 and March 31, 2019, or already have a flight booked in Economy within that timeframe. You'll then be able to select your flight reservation and choose an Economy Plus seat. It'll price at 50% off of the normal rate, no promo code required.

Stretch out a bit more in United's Economy Plus seating (Photo by Zach Honig / The Points Guy)

Previously purchased Economy Plus upgrades are not eligible for this promotion, and the offer is not valid on Basic Economy tickets. United and United Express flights are included, though you must complete the Economy Plus upgrade purchase at least 24 hours in advance of departure and no later than 11:59pm CDT on March 17, 2019.

If you selected United as your carrier of choice with an American Express card that offers an airline fee credit, the discounted upgrade would be an excellent use of that. As a reminder, the following cards award annual airline fee statement credits (terms apply, enrollment required).

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  • Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express (up to $250)
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The information for the Hilton Aspire Amex card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Unfortunately, this offer does not include Premium Plus, United's version of international premium economy. For United elites who have grown accustomed to complimentary upgrades into Economy Plus, you may see a decline in those upgrades during this promotional period if the general public buys them up before they're offered gratis.

Featured image by United operates a 787-9 Dreamliner with 3-3-3 economy seats on its longest international flights. Photo by Zach Honig.
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.