How to Upgrade a United Airlines Flight? Upgrade Cost & Options

Looking to enjoy an enhanced onboard experience on a United flight? You can easily do this by upgrading your seat to a higher cabin. Upgrading a seat on United Airlines can turn your flight journey into a more comfortable, convenient, and luxurious experience. Whether you are seeking United Airlines extra legroom seats or priority treatment, you are just a step away from access. However, knowing the method isn't enough, as United has specific rules and eligibility requirements that you must know. This page covers everything, including rules, fees, methods, and more, to help you upgrade your seat efficiently and effortlessly.

United Airlines Seat Upgrade Rules & Regulations and Eligibility

Before learning about upgrade methods and options, travelers should understand the relevant rules and regulations to know whether they are eligible for a seat upgrade. Knowing United Airlines seat upgrade policy also helps you make a ticket purchase decision to get the most flexibility and a comfortable trip. Some of the key highlights of United Airlines upgrade policy are stated below briefly:  

• Travelers who have purchased a flight ticket on United Airlines or United Express can choose to upgrade on most flight routes. 
• Whether a passenger is eligible to get upgraded or how to choose to upgrade a seat on United Airlines entirely depends on their Premier status level. 
• United Airlines frequent flyer members can upgrade at any point in time until boarding closes. 
• Seat upgrades are subject to availability of seats in the desired cabin and can be done on board.
• To upgrade a seat on United Airlines, a service fee will be incurred as upgrade charges, which need to be paid along with a mandatory fare difference. 
• In case a passenger seeks a seat upgrade, but there is no seat available, then checking closer to the departure date or asking a United Airlines representative at the gate may work.
• Seat upgrades can only be accepted by United Airlines if requested via their authorized platforms, including the official website, mobile app, United customer service center, airport kiosk, and speaking to a United representative at the check-in gate.
• MileagePlus members of United Airlines can only request a seat upgrade through united.com if requesting a Star Alliance Upgrade Award. 
• Refer to the official upgrade page of United Airlines at https://www.united.com/en/us/fly/travel/trip-planning/seat-options-and-upgrades.html.

United Airlines Seat Upgrade Eligibility

• Economy Plus ticket holders are eligible for both paid and complimentary/mileage upgrades.
• Basic Economy ticket holders can only upgrade to Economy Plus at check-in. They cannot buy standard cabin upgrades or use elite status perks.
• MileagePlus Premier status members seeking an upgrade and who purchased an Award ticket are also eligible for Complimentary Premier Upgrades on eligible routes. 

Types of Seat Upgrades on United Airlines

• Paid Cabin Upgrade: You can instantly upgrade to your desired Economy Plus, Premium Plus, United First, or United Polaris cabin by paying the upgrade cost in miles or cash.  
• MileagePlus Upgrade Awards: You are allowed to use your accumulated MileagePlus miles to request a seat upgrade. 
• Complimentary Premier Upgrades: You can request a seat upgrade on United Airlines if you are an eligible MileagePlus Premier status holder, applicable on select routes.
• PlusPoints Upgrades: You can use collected PlusPoints to get upgraded to First, Premium Plus, or Polaris if you have Premier Platinum and 1K status. 
• Last-Minute Upgrade: Depending on availability, United Airlines sometimes offers last-minute upgrades on select routes at the check-in gate or airport kiosks.  

Quick Overview of United Airlines Seat Upgrade Options

How to Request Seat Upgrade on United Airlines Step by Step

Via Online:

• Go to united.com or open its mobile app.
• Navigate to the My Trips options from the header.
• Use your booking credentials to retrieve your flight summary.
• Choose the cabin upgrade option and select your desired cabin and seat from the interactive map.
• Confirm your choices and proceed to the checkout screen.
• Review the upgrade cost and use your preferred payment option to complete the process.
• You'll receive confirmation and an updated itinerary by email. 

Via Phone: You can also call United Airlines customer service and speak with a representative about a seat upgrade. Find the United Airlines helpline number on their official channels, call, and provide your booking credentials once connected. Ask whether a paid or mileage upgrade is available, and they will guide you through the process. 

At the Airport: Generally, there are two primary ways to upgrade your seat on United Airlines at the airport: via a self-service kiosk and at the gate. You can follow the kiosk instructions during check-in to select your seat, or speak directly with the United Airlines upgrade agent for a last-minute upgrade before boarding. 

How much does it cost to upgrade on United Airlines?

If you upgrade your United Airlines flight seat to a higher cabin, you may incur an upgrade fee depending on your booking conditions, seat preferences, and upgrade method. The total cost of the upgrade combines the service fee, mandatory fare difference (if any), and applicable taxes. Because United Airlines lets passengers upgrade far in advance, the value can also vary by demand across the route. Here is a quick breakdown of average United Airlines upgrade costs that may apply. 

Note: See the full list of United Airlines seat upgrade fees at https://www.united.com/en/us/fly/products/upgrades-and-optional-service-charges.html.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, getting a seat upgrade can enhance your air travel experience and allow you to enjoy premium cabin perks. Knowing the United Airlines upgrade policy helps you find out whether you are eligible, and learning the right methods can smoothly get you upgraded to your desired cabin and best seat onboard. Remember that upgrades are subject to seat availability and highly depend on a first-come, first-served basis, where MileagePlus Premium status plays an essential role. If you have more questions, visit the United Airlines official website to learn more. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I get a free seat upgrade on United Airlines?

Ans: Yes, you can get a free seat upgrade on United Airlines if you hold MileagePlus Premier status; however, complimentary seat upgrades are subject to availability and eligibility. 

Q2. What does a United Airlines seat upgrade cost?

Ans: A seat upgrade on United Airlines can cost you around USD 29 and goes up to USD 3,000 or more depending on fare type, route, timing, booking conditions, and Premier status. 

Q3. How can I get a complimentary seat upgrade on United Airlines?

Ans: You can get a complimentary seat upgrade on United Airlines by enrolling in the MileagePlus program and earning Premier status (Silver, Gold, Platinum, or 1K).

Q4. Who is not eligible for a seat upgrade on United Airlines?

Ans: Any passenger holding a Basic Economy ticket is generally not eligible for a standard cabin upgrade on United Airlines using miles, cash, or complimentary elite perks. 

Q5. Can I use my MileagePlus points to upgrade my seat if I booked a United Airlines flight?

Ans: Yes, if you are a MileagePlus member and have accumulated enough award points, you can redeem them to request an upgrade to a higher cabin on United Airlines through the My Trip portal at united.com or its mobile app.