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Upgrades

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Upgrades

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FAQs

Treat yourself to an upgrade and enjoy the benefits:

Free standard checked bag allowance
Comfortable, spacious seats
Priority boarding and security line access
Complimentary alcoholic beverages

Paid upgrades are one of the best ways to ensure that you receive available upgrade space. By purchasing an upgrade, you may have the option to be instantly confirmed in a United Global First^SM, United First®, United BusinessFirst® or United Business® seat. These upgrades, if available, can be selected any time from ticket purchase to check-in through the Manage Reservations page on united.com, or within 24 hours of departure through check-in online, on a mobile device or at an airport kiosk. The price of an upgrade is personalized, and based on factors such as Premier® status, seat availability, flight origin and destination, date of travel, and date of ticket purchase.

In addition to paid upgrades, there are a variety of other ways to upgrade to a premium cabin.

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Valid for travel on flights operated by United and United Express® only. Star Alliance^TM and codeshare flights are not eligible.
Prices may vary. Paid upgrades do not affect a Premier member's likelihood of receiving a complimentary upgrade, but instead provide an alternative option for customers to confirm an upgrade immediately, if one is available. Upgrades are generally nonrefundable, but if a flight for which an upgrade has been purchased is affected by a cancellation, a change to a different flight or an oversale situation where you cannot be accommodated in a premium cabin on a later flight, United will refund the purchase price of the unused upgrade. For ticket changes or exchanges, the full value of the upgrade may be refundable.
Upgrade purchase reserves a seat within a United Global First^SM, United First®, United BusinessFirst® or United Business® cabin. Specific seat assignments are not guaranteed.
Upgrade purchase is processed based on seat availability at time of purchase.
This offer is subject to change without notice.

Will upgrades be available on all flights?

The offer to purchase an upgrade to a premium cabin will only be presented if upgrade seats are available. Paid upgrades may not be available on all flights.

Does the ability to upgrade mean that I no longer need to purchase premium cabin fares when booking my travel?

No. Since upgrade availability is based on the number of seats available in the premium cabin and the demand for premium cabin seating, upgrades may not be offered for all flights. The best way to confirm your United Global First^SM, United First®, United BusinessFirst® or United Business® seat is to purchase a premium cabin fare when you book your travel.

Will I earn additional miles for upgrading to a premium cabin?

No. Paid upgrades are considered a special offer. Mileage accrual will be based on the original purchased fare.

Are paid upgrades refundable?

Paid upgrades are nonrefundable, except in the event of an involuntary change such as a flight cancellation, a change to a different flight, or when a purchased upgrade has been affected by an oversale and the customer cannot be accommodated in a premium cabin.

How do I request a refund?

If you would like to submit a request, please fill out our online refund form.

Can I request an upgrade for a travel companion?

No. Upgrade offers are applicable only for the customer listed on the ticket. However, your companion may have the opportunity to purchase an upgrade as well. Companions can check for the upgrade purchase offer by signing in to Manage Reservations and selecting the appropriate itinerary.

Why can't I find an upgrade offer for my flight?

Upgrades may not be available for every flight. There are several factors that can affect the availability of an upgrade, including the number of seats available in the premium cabin and the demand for premium cabin seating.