Information below applies to upgrades until Unlimited Domestic Upgrades are in place in the second quarter of 2010. With Unlimited Domestic Upgrades, your upgrade experience will be even easier as you will have an unlimited balance of upgrades that will be automatically requested at purchase. Learn more about

.

The chart below illustrates each of the most popular upgrade types for travel on United-marketed and operated flights:

500-mile upgrades, Regional upgrade, Systemwide upgrade and United mileage upgrade awards.
Select any one of these upgrade types to learn more. Please note that some types of upgrades are specific to elite members only.

Plus, learn about Sales/Corporate Upgrades.

Upgrade type

500-mile
upgrade

Regional
upgrade

Systemwide upgrade

United mileage upgrade awards using redeemable miles

How to earn

Elite members earn four 500-mile upgrades per 10,000 qualifying flown miles on United or United Express

1K members earn two Regional Upgrades per quarter per 10,000 qualifying flown miles, up to a maximum of eight per year.

1K members receive six Systemwide Upgrades per elite qualifying year as part of 1K benefits package.

Earn miles from travel and everyday activities and use them for an upgrade. Learn more about earning miles at  united.com/earnmiles.

Valid travel regions

Within Region 1 (United States, Canada, Caribbean, Mexico and Central America)

Within Region 1 (United States, Canada, Caribbean, Mexico and Central America), 
Within Region 2 (all other United destinations) or between Region 1 and Region 2

See details

Certificates/
miles required

One 500-mile certificate per 500 miles flown

One certificate required per direction, including connections less than 4 hours in duration

One certificate required per direction, including connections less than 12 hours in duration

Varies by destination. See details

Valid booking classes

• United Business (C,D,J)
• United Economy (Y,B,M,E,H,U,Q,V,W,S,T,K,L)

Within Region 1:
• United Business (C,D,J)
• United Economy (Y,B,M,E,H,U,
Q,V,W,S,T,K,L)

Within Region 2 or between Region 1 and Region 2:
• United Business (C,D,J)
• United Economy
(Y,B,M,E,H,U,Q,V,W)

Sales Upgrades:
• United Business (C,D,J)
• United Economy
 (Y,B)

Within Region 1:
• United Business (C,D,J)
• United Economy (Y,B,M,E,H,U,
Q,V,W,S,T,K,L)

Within Region 2 or between Region 1 and Region 2:
• United Business (C,D,J)
• United Economy
(Y,B,M,H)