Why Premium Plus and higher fare classes are the secret to United upgrades
As a United Airlines Premier 1K member, I only received two Complimentary Premier Upgrades to first class in 2022 despite taking 26 CPU-eligible United flights.
With upgrades being so rare, my pursuit of discounted air tickets hasn't aligned well with United's upgrade waitlist. That's because the waitlist prioritizes upgrading travelers in the most expensive coach seats.
Deciphering United's overly complex priority upgrade waitlist can sometimes feel daunting. However, understanding how fare classes function can somewhat simplify United's upgrade process.
Let's delve deeper into how United's fare classes influence your chances of securing an upgrade and explore ways to enhance your likelihood of being upgraded on connecting tickets.
How your fare class affects your upgrade priority
Here's a look at how United manages upgrade waitlist priority:
- United Global Services requests
- PlusPoints upgrades and MileagePlus upgrade awards
- Premier status of the traveler — United places a priority on Premium Plus, meaning it will first handle upgrade requests to business class for customers holding tickets in United Premium Plus (fare classes O, A and R) before processing upgrades for customers with economy tickets
- Fare class
- Chase United MileagePlus Club cardholders and Presidential Plus cardholders
- United Corporate Preferred participants
- United Chase cardmembers with $25,000 in annual spending
- Date and time of request
The upgrade waitlist operates in a manner that prioritizes upgrading Premier members with the same status but in higher fare classes (more expensive tickets) before considering those in lower fare classes (less expensive tickets).
United offers 14 paid economy fare classes, starting from N (basic economy, not upgradable) and progressing to Y (full-fare economy). The ascending order of United's economy fare classes is as follows: N, G, K, L, T, S, W, V, Q, H, U, E, M, B and Y.
Let's consider a scenario with only one remaining first-class seat. One Premier 1K member holds a T fare class ticket, while another holds a B fare class ticket. In this case, the Premier 1K member with the B fare class would be granted the upgrade.
Unfortunately, I routinely find myself as the Premier 1K member in the T fare class, which means I am often the last 1K member to receive an upgrade. This is one of the primary reasons why I haven't had much luck with upgrades on United recently. However, a solution exists for connecting flights in international Premium Plus or Polaris business class.
Related: How to get maximum value from the United MileagePlus program
Domestic flight upgrades on international premium-cabin connections
When you come across a multicabin flight itinerary while searching for flights, it's natural to have a negative initial reaction. However, there are certain United tickets where this can be positive.
Take, for instance, this particular flight from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Zurich Airport (ZRH) with a connection at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport (ORD).
Suppose you opt for basic economy, economy, refundable economy or premium economy. In that case, you will be seated in the coach cabin for the first flight since no premium economy cabin is available from SFO to ORD.
But look closely, and you'll see that choosing a premium economy seat puts you in the B fare as opposed to the T fare in the case of the other economy-class options. By selecting the B fare, you're almost certain to be one of the first complimentary upgrades cleared with your status.
Related: Which credit card should you use for United flights?
Confirming an upgrade before you fly
Now that you know that most United domestic connections to an international Premium Plus flight are typically in the B fare class, here's an even more advantageous tip.
All Premier members, including Premier Silver, Premier Gold, Premier Platinum and Premier 1K, can instantly upgrade most domestic full-fare economy Y-class and B-class fares when the PZ fare class is available. For Premier 1K and Global Service members, this also applies when the PN fare class is available.
What does this entail? Imagine you are a Premier 1K member traveling from Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) to Frankfurt Airport (FRA) via SFO. By enabling United's expert mode, you can observe that one seat is available in the PN fare class from BUR to SFO on the specified date in this example.
By selecting the B fare, which includes the international connection in Premium Plus from SFO to FRA, you can immediately confirm your upgrade to first class from BUR to SFO.
To secure an instant upgrade, book your ticket and navigate to "My trips" once the reservation has been issued. Within your reservation, you will find an option to "upgrade cabin." If the PZ (or PN, if you're a Premier 1K or Global Services member) fare is available and you have booked a Y- or B-fare ticket, you will see the opportunity to confirm your upgrade to first class immediately.
Premier Silver, Gold and Platinum members are eligible for instant upgrades on Y- and B-fare economy tickets. Premier 1K members can receive instant upgrades on Y-, B- and M-fare economy tickets. However, certain routes, such as Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) or SFO, are not eligible for instant upgrades.
I recently employed this strategy to secure an upgrade from Washington, D.C.'s Dulles International Airport (IAD) to SFO on the final leg of a trip returning from Europe. Coincidentally, the IAD-to-SFO flight was operated by a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which had recently been reconfigured with United's comfortable Polaris business-class seats. It made for a pleasant, relaxing six-hour journey home in a lie-flat seat.
Related: United's best kept elite status secret: How to earn PQPs faster with partner flights
Bottom line
When you have a connection to or from a Polaris flight and the first-class cabin is already fully booked on the domestic leg, you will probably be ticketed in a full-fare economy class. Similarly, if you have a connection to or from a Premium Plus seat, you will also likely receive a full-fare economy ticket for your connecting flights.
Premier members can secure instant upgrades to first class on full-fare economy tickets on most routes when the PZ (or PN, if you're a Premier 1K or Global Services member) fare is available. This allows you to bypass the often challenging upgrade waitlist process.
Even if these upgradeable fares aren't available, having a full-fare economy ticket gives you a significant advantage on the upgrade waitlist.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.