Upgrades

Experience our premium cabins
Enjoy the most comfort and service when you fly in our premium cabins. Privileges in business and first class include more comfortable seats, plenty of legroom and priority boarding. On many international flights, you’ll even enjoy a 180-degree lie-flat seat so you’ll arrive relaxed and refreshed.
"Upgrade" means you can move up to the next cabin and experience greater comfort and more amenities.


Note: 2011 elite status and benefits, including the program details below, will be extended until our system conversion date in 2012. The benefits and features of the 2012 MileagePlus program take effect at that time.
Learn more about the 2012 program.


Ways to enjoy our best seats
Want to relax in a premium seat? Here’s how.
• Buy a ticket in business or first class.
• Use award miles to upgrade. All members can use award miles to request an upgrade to any United® or United Express® destination. A co-pay is required in some instances.
• Reach elite status and get complimentary upgrades. Elite members get the best seats, including Unlimited Domestic Upgrades to top destinations like Hawaii.
• In addition, all members can buy a better seat with Premium Seating.

Upgrades by status level
All members
MileagePlus Upgrade Award Request an upgrade | Get Details
Star Alliance® Upgrade Award Call United Reservations | Get Details
Premier®, Premier Executive® members
Get all the upgrades above, plus:
Regional Upgrades Request an upgrade | Get Details
Unlimited Domestic Upgrade We request for you | Get Details
1K® members
Get all the upgrades above, plus:
Systemwide Upgrades Request an upgrade | Get Details
500-Mile Upgrades were discontinued as of Mar. 19, 2010 for elite members and replaced with Unlimited Domestic Upgrades. Premier Associate® and general members can still use their existing upgrades until they expire.