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:
Not eligible on:
* 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 airline | Upgradeable 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.