Star Alliance Upgrade Awards

With Star AllianceTM you can travel to more than 160 countries and earn awards on partner flights. Use award miles for upgrades such as lounge access and inflight amenities.

Request upgrade award

Upgrade awards are valid for one nonstop flight. The mileage amount required for your Star Alliance Upgrade Award is based on your origin and destination, as well as your cabin of service. Upgrades are not guaranteed and depend on airline availability. Request a Star Alliance Upgrade award.

Upgrade service classes:

Economy to Business (on airlines with only two cabin classes)
Economy to First (on airlines with only two cabin classes)
Business to First (on airlines with only three cabin classes)

Not eligible on:

ANA – Domestic flights in Japan and flights operated by Air Japan
Singapore Airlines – all A350, A380 and 777-300ER aircraft flights and D class

* Upgradeable booking classes include Business classes C and D and Economy classes Y and B, as well as the additional fare classes listed on the carriers below.

Partner airline
Partner airlineUpgradeable fare classes
Air Canada

Upgradeable fare classes

O class
Air China

Upgradeable fare classes

J and G class
Air New Zealand

Upgradeable fare classes

E, U and O class
ANA

Upgradeable fare classes

J, Z, E, G, M and U class
Austrian

Upgradeable fare classes

G, E, M and U class
Copa Airlines

Upgradeable fare classes

M, H, Q, K, V, U, S, O, W, E, L, T and A class
Brussels Airlines

Upgradeable fare classes

G and E class
Ethiopian Airlines

Upgradeable fare classes

G and S class
EVA Airways

Upgradeable fare classes

K class
Lufthansa

Upgradeable fare classes

J, E, G, M and U class
Shenzhen Airlines

Upgradeable fare classes

M and H class
Singapore Airlines

Upgradeable fare classes

S, Z, J and U class
South African Airways

Upgradeable fare classes

M class (domestic only)
Swiss International Airlines

Upgradeable fare classes

J, M and U class

Participating airlines

Star Alliance Upgrade Awards are valid on the following airlines:

Keep in mind

If you join the waitlist for an ANA upgrade, we’ll automatically deduct the miles you need from your account. If you don’t get the upgrade, we’ll give the miles back after your trip.

If you want to make a change in your ANA reservation with a waitlisted upgrade that’s not directly through United, you’ll need to cancel the upgrade with United before making a new request.

Keep in mind

If you join the waitlist for an ANA upgrade, we’ll automatically deduct the miles you need from your account. If you don’t get the upgrade, we’ll give the miles back after your trip.

If you want to make a change in your ANA reservation with a waitlisted upgrade that’s not directly through United, you’ll need to cancel the upgrade with United before making a new request.

Traveler pro tips

We have a few tips to help you use your upgrade award:

  • Award flights need to be booked at least 24 hours prior to departure.
  • You can book an award flight up to 331 days before departure on most carriers.
  • You may redeem miles for up to four people who are traveling on the same itinerary.
  • You do not need to be traveling with the passengers or share the same last name to request upgrade awards.
  • Contact the airline you are traveling with to check if lap infants are permitted to travel in premium cabin.

Traveler pro tips

We have a few tips to help you use your upgrade award:

  • Award flights need to be booked at least 24 hours prior to departure.
  • You can book an award flight up to 331 days before departure on most carriers.
  • You may redeem miles for up to four people who are traveling on the same itinerary.
  • You do not need to be traveling with the passengers or share the same last name to request upgrade awards.
  • Contact the airline you are traveling with to check if lap infants are permitted to travel in premium cabin.

Star Alliance Upgrade Awards FAQ