How to upgrade from basic economy to economy plus United?

If you have a Basic Economy ticket, you can purchase Economy Plus seating at check-in only through united.com, the mobile app or on a touchless screen at the airport. Purchases made online or through the mobile app can be paid for using miles or money.



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These upgrades can be used on paid, published United Economy® fares to move to a United® Premium Plus? seat or to upgrade to the next higher cabin. Tickets containing Basic Economy fares or fares labeled “first bag charge, no changes” are not eligible for PlusPoints upgrades.

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At check-in. All Premier members are eligible for complimentary Economy Plus seating. Premier Gold, Platinum and 1K members have complimentary access to Economy Plus seating at booking, and Premier Silver members have complimentary access at check-in, when available.

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If luxury and extra legroom is really important to you, book it in advance. However, if you're perfectly willing to fly economy class, and willing to roll the dice, a last-minute upgrade can be the cheapest option. You may even get lucky and score a free upgrade.

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And that's why they're, predictably, so hard to come by. 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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Keep in mind that upgrading to Economy Plus will only net you more legroom, guaranteed in-seat power access and a seat closer to the front of the plane; it will not get you an additional baggage allowance.

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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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Though these passengers fly in the same cabin, the main difference between Premium Plus and Economy Plus on United is more legroom and upgraded amenities (including free food and alcohol) on United and United Express flights.

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The first rule of upgrades is knowing when to ask. Kat Kamalani, former flight attendant and creator of viral TikTok travel videos, told T+L that passengers should start trying to score an upgrade while at the gate. Talk to a gate agent and let them know that you're interested in moving up.

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At the gate MileagePlus members with Premier status can purchase a seat in Economy Plus, take advantage of premium cabin seating offers*, or request a MileagePlus Upgrade Award or PlusPoints upgrade by speaking with a United representative.

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Therefore, before a flight starts boarding, you can check with a gate agent to see if this scenario is playing out on your flight. And if so, tell them that you're interested in paying for an upgrade. For a final try, if that also fails, you can ask the lead flight attendant or flight attendant at the boarding door.

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Whether moving from economy class to first class, business class to first class or economy class to business class, an upgrade can certainly be a nice perk to ease a long plane ride.

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Upgrade Your Air Travel: 10 Tips to Score a First-Class Seat
  1. Join airline loyalty programs.
  2. Volunteer to be bumped.
  3. Use offers from your credit cards.
  4. Book flights during off-peak times.
  5. Check for available upgrades online.
  6. Consider late flight offers.
  7. Arrive early for check-in.
  8. Bid for an upgrade.


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Earn airline elite status
The most reliable way of getting upgraded for free is to have elite status on the airline you're flying. Most airlines reward their most frequent flyers with complimentary upgrades on domestic routes.

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