How do I get a complimentary economy plus United?

MileagePlus® Premier® members can book available Economy Plus seats for free. If you're not a member, join MileagePlus today and start earning your way to flight benefits. Free access to Economy Plus at check-in for yourself and one companion.



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Economy Plus and upgrades: Travelers with Basic Economy fares are only eligible to purchase Economy Plus seating at check-in and are not eligible to purchase premium cabin upgrades, use their Economy Plus subscription benefits or purchase United Travel Options packages.

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Economy Plus is an excellent option for travelers looking for a higher level of comfort but do not want all of the features of a full business-class seat. The economy plus cabin debuted on United in 1999 and is now offered on all mainline aircraft and almost all United Express regional jets.

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On flights that have premium economy seats, flyers who have booked a Premium Plus seat have first priority for upgrades over everyone else. Only once those upgrade requests have cleared will United begin to process upgrades from those in economy.

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United restricts full-sized carry-ons for its basic economy tickets. Basic economy tickets are ineligible for refunds and don't include seat selection. Economy Plus features standard economy seats with extra legroom. Standard economy includes seat selection and a free carry-on.

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So, can you simply ask for one and get it for free? No, not really — not even if it's your honeymoon. But in some cases, you may be able to ask to pay for an upgrade, which you can do from booking till boarding.

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On almost every flight, the passengers who get upgrades are either the ones who pay for them (whether in dollars or miles) in advance or frequent fliers with elite status who receive complimentary upgrades as part of their perks. There are very few exceptions, so don't expect to score a free upgrade by just asking.

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The cheapest way to get a business or first-class ticket is to buy an economy ticket then buy an upgrade.

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Even passengers who have entry level elite status, Premier Silver, are entitled to United Complimentary Premier Upgrades (CPUs). CPUs are available on most domestic flights and can move you from economy class to first class for free.

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How to get a flight upgrade: 9 tricks for bumping up to business
  1. Travel at quiet times. ...
  2. Invest a little to get a lot. ...
  3. Be loyal to your airline. ...
  4. Be early for your flight. ...
  5. Check in later (but not too late) ...
  6. Check your emails. ...
  7. Be nice. ...
  8. Dress to impress.


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If you've already booked a ticket and would like to select a seat or change your existing seat, you can do so from the “Manage My Trips” tab under the “My Trips” option. Then, you'll select “Manage Trip” from your available trips. Here you'll find your trip information, including the option to change your seat.

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Make a Skip Waitlist request during booking by selecting “Available only and Skip Waitlist” during the pick your view step when making a PlusPoints upgrade.

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How To Upgrade To Business Class For Free
  1. Get With the Program. If you are a regular traveller and you fly a lot, it's worth sticking to one airline and joining their frequent flyer program. ...
  2. Get A Branded Credit Card. ...
  3. Know Your Aircraft. ...
  4. Arrive Early. ...
  5. Volunteer To Sit This One Out. ...
  6. Ask For It. ...
  7. Fly Midweek or Redeye. ...
  8. Go Solo.


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  1. Highest full fare: Y.
  2. Full fare: B.
  3. High fare: M, E, H, U.
  4. Discounted fare: Q, V, W.
  5. Deep-discounted fare: L, K, S, T.
  6. Lowest discounted fare: G.
  7. Basic economy: N (on domestic flights).


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