Upgrades
How to get upgraded on United Airlines
United Airlines offers 4 upgrade paths into a premium seat: Complimentary (elite status), PlusPoints (Platinum and 1K), Miles upgrade, Cash upgrade (bid). For most travelers, achieving elite status is the most reliable route — or use the bid upgrade option on any fare class.
Upgrade options on United Airlines
- 1Complimentary (elite status)
- 2PlusPoints (Platinum and 1K)
- 3Miles upgrade
- 4Cash upgrade (bid)
Elite status upgrades
Silver/Gold: upgrade with GPU (Global Upgrade Award) certificates only. Platinum: complimentary upgrades on select routes and receives 40 PlusPoints annually. 1K: complimentary upgrades on all domestic routes at T-100 hours, plus additional PlusPoints. As of February 1, 2026, all Premier members can use PlusPoints on award tickets.
Upgrading with miles or points
Miles + copay: not widely available for direct upgrades. Complimentary upgrades for 1K are more practical. MileagePlus miles can be used for Award Seat upgrades at booking on some routes. PlusPoints (earned by Platinum and 1K) are the more effective upgrade currency.
Cash & bid upgrades
PlusPoints (earned by Platinum/1K elites): 40 PlusPoints for a domestic first class upgrade, 80 for transcon, higher for international. Request at booking or in the app. Note: PlusPoints will shift to dynamic pricing starting February 2027 — use them now before costs increase.
Who gets upgraded first
1K > Platinum > Gold > Silver. Within each tier, sorted by total miles flown. PlusPoint requests take priority over standard complimentary requests.
Best tip to maximize upgrade chances
For Platinum/Gold members without PlusPoints: focus on shorter routes where first class is 2–4 seats — smaller cabins mean better odds proportionally.
How do I get upgraded to first class on United Airlines?
United Airlines offers several upgrade paths: Complimentary (elite status), PlusPoints (Platinum and 1K), Miles upgrade, Cash upgrade (bid). The most reliable approach for most travelers is to achieve elite status and monitor upgrade availability at the complimentary upgrade window. For Platinum/Gold members without PlusPoints: focus on shorter routes where first class is 2–4 seats — smaller cabins mean better odds proportionally.
What elite status do I need for free upgrades on United Airlines?
Silver/Gold: upgrade with GPU (Global Upgrade Award) certificates only. Platinum: complimentary upgrades on select routes and receives 40 PlusPoints annually. 1K: complimentary upgrades on all domestic routes at T-100 hours, plus additional PlusPoints. As of February 1, 2026, all Premier members can use PlusPoints on award tickets.
Can I upgrade with miles on United Airlines?
Miles + copay: not widely available for direct upgrades. Complimentary upgrades for 1K are more practical. MileagePlus miles can be used for Award Seat upgrades at booking on some routes. PlusPoints (earned by Platinum and 1K) are the more effective upgrade currency.
How does the upgrade bid work on United Airlines?
PlusPoints (earned by Platinum/1K elites): 40 PlusPoints for a domestic first class upgrade, 80 for transcon, higher for international. Request at booking or in the app. Note: PlusPoints will shift to dynamic pricing starting February 2027 — use them now before costs increase.
More United Airlines guides
Upgrade policy data verified . Elite upgrade windows, miles requirements, and bid pricing are subject to change — confirm current terms at United Airlines's official website before flying.