How do I get a complimentary Premier upgrade on United?

Earn elite status 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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These tricks and ground rules are worth keeping in mind as you try to land that elusive free upgrade.
  1. Be a seriously loyal customer. ...
  2. Get an airline credit card. ...
  3. Dress neatly. ...
  4. Check in online at the earliest possible time. ...
  5. Be on time, and have good timing. ...
  6. Ask politely and directly. ...
  7. Be reasonable.


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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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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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You can still buy Premier Access even if you aren't a MileagePlus member or aren't flying in a Premium cabin. Get it for one flight or your whole trip using our website, app, or at an airport kiosk. Prices start at $24. Keep in mind that when you buy Premier Access it doesn't include priority bag services.

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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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Yes, those flying in Premium Plus receive discounted access to United Club lounges. United doesn't disclose the cost of lounge access for Premium Plus passengers, but the price of entry should be lower than the $59 United Club day pass.

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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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If the flight is oversold, consider telling the agent that you are willing to give up your seat if they need someone to upgrade. Make it clear that you would be happy to volunteer and ask whether you can be upgraded for a future flight.

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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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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.


MORE DETAILS

These tricks and ground rules are worth keeping in mind as you try to land that elusive free upgrade.
  1. Be a seriously loyal customer. ...
  2. Get an airline credit card. ...
  3. Dress neatly. ...
  4. Check in online at the earliest possible time. ...
  5. Be on time, and have good timing. ...
  6. Ask politely and directly. ...
  7. Be reasonable.


MORE DETAILS

When you are assessing the value of United Premier Access, it really depends on which perks you'll utilize and how much you have to spend in order to get it. Similarly, you won't find a lot of value in Premier Access if you already have expedited security privileges such as TSA Precheck, Clear or Global Entry.

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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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It depends on a variety of factors, including the airline, the route, the time of year, and the availability of seats. In some cases, upgrading at the airport can be a cost-effective way to experience Business Class perks without paying full price. In other cases, it may end up being more expensive.

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A Premier Access purchase includes priority check-in, security lane access (where available) and boarding, but it does not include priority baggage handling. Complimentary Economy Plus and preferred seating access is determined by the highest Premier status of the travelers on the reservation.

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Earning Premier status is based on flying and spending during the previous calendar year. Once you qualify for a Premier status, it is valid from the date you qualified through the end of the following program year. So, it could last more than 12 months.

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