Table of Contents
The Introduction
United PlusPoints upgrades give eligible MileagePlus Premier members a way to move into a higher cabin without purchasing a full-price premium ticket. Instead of relying entirely on cash upgrades, members can use PlusPoints to request upgrades on eligible United flights and certain partner airlines.
However, spending points does not always guarantee a confirmed seat. Upgrade costs depend on factors such as the original fare, destination, and cabin, while availability and waitlist priority influence whether your request clears.
Flightpoints helps travelers explore award availability and compare alternative redemption options before committing their rewards. In this guide, we explain how United PlusPoints upgrades work, how to understand the upgrade chart, and how to improve your chances of getting value from your points.
The Key Takeaways
- Eligible Premier Platinum and Premier 1K members can earn PlusPoints through qualifying status.
- Upgrade costs vary by route, purchased fare, and desired cabin.
- A waitlisted upgrade is not guaranteed, even when you have enough PlusPoints.
- Partner airline upgrades have separate eligibility and availability requirements.
- Flightpoints can help you explore award availability and compare alternatives to uncertain upgrades.
What Are United PlusPoints Upgrades?
United PlusPoints are a loyalty benefit that eligible MileagePlus members can use to request upgrades on qualifying flights. The system replaced the older Regional Premier Upgrade and Global Premier Upgrade certificates.
Instead of receiving separate certificates for different types of journeys, members receive a points balance and use it for eligible upgrade requests. The number of points required depends on the itinerary and upgrade conditions.
PlusPoints are generally associated with higher MileagePlus Premier status tiers. Members should check United’s current qualification rules and account details to confirm their allocation and expiry dates.
You can explore other airline loyalty options through Flightpoints’ loyalty programs directory and compare available airline networks using the Star Alliance guide.
How Does the United PlusPoints Upgrade Chart Work?
The United PlusPoints upgrade chart helps members estimate the points required to move from one cabin to another. Costs depend on the route, fare class, and requested cabin, so the applicable price should always be checked before submitting a request.
The following figures are illustrative examples of commonly cited upgrade costs, not a guarantee of current pricing.
| Upgrade type | Example PlusPoints cost |
|---|---|
| Short-haul economy to First or Business | 20 points |
| Long-haul eligible economy to Polaris Business | 40 or 80 points |
| Premium Plus to Polaris Business | 30 points |
| Economy to Premium Plus | 20 points |
Deep-discount economy fares may require more points than higher-priced economy fares. Basic Economy tickets are generally excluded from PlusPoints upgrades, subject to United’s current terms.
For long-haul flights, purchasing Premium Plus can sometimes make an upgrade to Polaris less expensive in points than upgrading from a discounted economy fare. Compare the ticket price and upgrade requirement together before booking.
Flightpoints’ points calculator and CPP calculator can help you assess the broader value of your rewards.
How to Request a United PlusPoints Upgrade
Once you have an eligible ticket and enough points, you can request an upgrade through United’s booking or reservation management process.
- Book an eligible ticket: Check the fare rules before purchasing. Not every ticket qualifies for an upgrade.
- Open your reservation: Find your trip through United’s website or app.
- Check upgrade options: Review the available cabins and the PlusPoints required for your itinerary.
- Submit your request: Choose the eligible upgrade and confirm the points required.
- Monitor the result: Your upgrade may confirm immediately or enter a waitlist if upgrade inventory is unavailable.
- Check before departure: Review your reservation for updates and confirm your final cabin assignment.
Points are subject to United’s applicable processing and redemption rules. Before submitting a request, check the terms governing deductions, waitlists, and cancellation of upgrade requests.
Understanding Upgrade Waitlists and Priority
One of the biggest challenges with United Airlines upgrades is that submitting a PlusPoints request does not guarantee a premium seat. If the required upgrade inventory is unavailable, the request may remain on a waitlist.
United uses multiple factors to prioritize upgrades. These can include elite status, the cabin and fare originally purchased, the type of upgrade request, eligible credit card benefits, and other program-defined criteria.
Members with higher status or qualifying premium-cabin tickets may receive priority over some other requests. However, the exact order depends on United’s current rules and the specific circumstances of the flight.
Some eligible Premier 1K members may also have access to Skip Waitlist on qualifying itineraries. This feature is subject to restrictions, additional PlusPoints requirements, and specific inventory availability.
To explore alternatives when upgrade space is limited, use Flightpoints’ availability calendar to investigate different dates and its routes directory to explore other itineraries.
Can You Use United PlusPoints on Partner Airlines?
United PlusPoints can also be used for eligible upgrades on certain partner airlines, subject to each partner’s rules. Partner availability, eligible fare classes, and permitted cabin transitions differ from United-operated flights.
Lufthansa, ANA, and Copa Airlines have offered PlusPoints upgrade options under specific conditions. However, not every partner flight or ticket qualifies, and partner upgrades may require confirmed upgrade inventory rather than allowing the same waitlist process available on United.
Before purchasing a partner ticket, confirm that the operating airline, fare class, route, and desired upgrade are eligible. Never assume that a flight marketed by United automatically qualifies for a partner upgrade.
You can investigate airline options through Flightpoints’ Oneworld directory and SkyTeam directory, alongside its Star Alliance resources.
Important Things to Know Before Using PlusPoints
Before spending your balance, keep these considerations in mind:
- Check expiration dates: PlusPoints have defined validity periods. Review your MileagePlus account and current program terms.
- Compare fare classes: A slightly more expensive ticket may require fewer points for an upgrade, potentially making it a better overall deal.
- Plan for uncertainty: Waitlisted upgrades can remain unconfirmed, so choose a ticket you are comfortable flying in its original cabin.
- Review partner rules: Partner upgrades have separate fare-class and availability requirements.
- Compare direct awards: A confirmed award ticket may be preferable when a premium seat is essential.
- Verify current policies: Upgrade pricing, eligibility, and any options for expiring points can change.
How Flightpoints Helps You Find Better Alternatives
Sometimes, using PlusPoints is not the best way to secure a premium-cabin seat. If an upgrade remains waitlisted, a confirmed award ticket through United or an eligible partner program may be a more suitable option.
Flightpoints helps travelers explore award availability across supported loyalty programs, compare redemption possibilities, and investigate alternative dates. This can help you weigh the uncertainty of an upgrade request against the mileage cost of booking a premium cabin directly.
Try the points-or-cash calculator to evaluate whether using rewards makes sense for your trip. You can also use the Where Can I Go tool to explore destinations based on your travel possibilities.
For future trips, the Flightpoints browser extension provides another way to explore award-related information while planning. Coverage and features depend on supported programs, and final availability must be verified with the airline before booking.
The Bottom Line
United PlusPoints upgrades can help eligible MileagePlus members access premium cabins without paying the full cash price of an upgraded ticket. Their value depends on the original fare, the points required, and whether the upgrade actually clears.
Understanding the United PlusPoints upgrade chart, comparing fare classes, and checking alternative award options can help you make better decisions. Flightpoints gives you another way to explore award availability before deciding whether to wait for an upgrade or book a premium seat directly.
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Get Flightpoints ProFAQs
Q. Who can earn United PlusPoints?
A: Eligible MileagePlus Premier members, including qualifying Premier Platinum and Premier 1K members, can earn PlusPoints under United’s published status rules.
Q. How many PlusPoints does a United upgrade cost?
A: The cost depends on the route, original fare class, and target cabin. Check United’s current upgrade pricing for the exact itinerary before requesting an upgrade.
Q. Are United PlusPoints upgrades guaranteed?
A: No. An upgrade may confirm immediately or remain waitlisted until eligible inventory becomes available. Having enough points does not guarantee confirmation.
Q. Can I use United PlusPoints on partner airlines?
A: Certain partner upgrades may be eligible, but restrictions apply to operating airlines, fare classes, cabins, and available inventory. Confirm eligibility before booking.
Q. What should I do if my PlusPoints upgrade does not clear?
A: You can continue monitoring the request, review alternative flights, or compare the cost of booking a premium-cabin award directly. Flightpoints can help you explore award options across supported programs.
