Upgrading to First Class on United Airlines can make your travel more comfortable and enjoyable. With extra legroom, premium dining, priority boarding, lounge access (on select flights), and spacious seating—United First Class offers a more relaxed and luxurious journey. But many travelers are unsure how to get an upgrade, how much it costs, or how to use MileagePlus points to unlock premium seats.
This guide will show you every upgrade option, step-by-step, so you can choose the cheapest and smartest way to move from Economy to First Class on United Airlines.
Why Upgrade to First Class on United Airlines?
Before we begin, here’s what you get with a United First Class upgrade:
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Larger Seat & Extra Space | Reclining seats with more legroom and wider space |
| Premium Dining | Complimentary meals & beverages |
| Priority Services | Priority check-in & boarding |
| Two Free Checked Bags | On most domestic flights |
| Lounge Access | On some long-haul flights & if flying Polaris Business |
| Better Travel Comfort | More privacy & better service |
Ways to Upgrade to First Class on United Airlines?
United Airlines offers multiple upgrade options depending on your ticket type and MileagePlus membership.
| Upgrade Method | Who Can Use | Cost/Points |
|---|---|---|
| MileagePlus Miles Upgrade | Any member | Miles + Possible cash co-pay |
| PlusPoints Upgrade (Premier Platinum & 1K) | Elite Status Members | Uses PlusPoints |
| Complimentary Premier Upgrades | Silver, Gold, Platinum, 1K | Free, subject to availability |
| Paid Cash Upgrade | All travelers | Pay upgrade price online or at airport |
| Upgrade at Check-In or Gate | Any traveler | Last-minute lower-cost upgrades |
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Upgrade to First Class on United Airlines
Step 1: Go to Your Booking
-
Visit United.com
-
Click My Trips
-
Enter your Confirmation Number & Last Name
Step 2: Check Upgrade Eligibility
Once your reservation appears:
-
Look for “Upgrade” or “Fare Options”
-
You’ll see available upgrade offers and pricing.
Step 3: Choose Your Upgrade Type
United will show:
-
Mileage Upgrade
-
Cash Upgrade
-
PlusPoints Upgrade (if eligible)
Select the option that fits your budget.
Step 4: Confirm & Pay
-
If using Miles → Miles deducted + small cash fee (if required)
-
If using Cash → Pay with card
-
If using PlusPoints → Points deducted automatically
You will get email confirmation once your upgrade is approved.
Upgrade Using MileagePlus Miles (Best Method for Frequent Flyers)
If you collect United MileagePlus miles, you can use them for seat upgrades.
Example Upgrade Cost (Estimated):
-
Domestic Flights: 7,500 – 25,000 miles + possible $75 co-pay
-
International Flights: 20,000 – 40,000 miles + variable cash amount
How to Do It:
-
Log in to United MileagePlus
-
Go to My Trips
-
Select Upgrade Cabin
-
Choose “Use Miles”
-
Confirm upgrade
Complimentary Upgrades (For Premier Status Members)
If you hold United Premier Silver, Gold, Platinum, or 1K, you can get free upgrades based on availability.
| Status Level | Upgrade Time Window |
|---|---|
| Premier 1K | 96 hours before flight |
| Premier Platinum | 72 hours before flight |
| Premier Gold | 48 hours before flight |
| Premier Silver | 24 hours before flight |
Higher status = higher upgrade priority.
Last-Minute Paid Upgrades at the Airport
If seats are still available just before takeoff, United often offers discounted upgrade prices during:
-
Online Check-in
-
Self-Kiosk Check-in
-
At the Gate
This is one of the cheapest ways to upgrade to First Class, especially on short flights.
Pro Tips to Increase Your Upgrade Chances
| Tip | Why It Helps |
|---|---|
| Book flights during off-peak hours | Fewer passengers → More upgrade seats |
| Choose less busy travel days (Tue, Wed, Sat) | Higher upgrade availability |
| Check seat availability 2–3 days before travel | More chances for automatic upgrades |
| Earn/Buy Premier Status | Increases upgrade priority |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I upgrade after booking?
Yes, you can upgrade anytime from booking to departure.
Q2: Will I get lounge access with First Class?
Lounge access applies mostly to United Polaris (business class international).
Q3: Is upgrading cheaper at the airport?
Often yes, especially near departure time.
Q4: How do I know if my upgrade cleared?
You will receive an email or see seat change in your United App.
Final Words
Upgrading to United Airlines First Class is a great way to travel comfortably. Whether you use Miles, PlusPoints, cash, or wait for last-minute offers, you can find an upgrade option that fits your travel style and budget.
;}.cls-2{fill:%230868f7;}.cls-3{fill:url(%23未命名的渐变_44);}.cls-4{fill:%23fff;}%3c/style%3e%3clinearGradient%20id='未命名的渐变_8'%20x1='33.73'%20y1='100.61'%20x2='-0.03'%20y2='-1.06'%20gradientUnits='userSpaceOnUse'%3e%3cstop%20offset='0'%20stop-color='%237ae9fb'/%3e%3cstop%20offset='0.67'%20stop-color='%232b90f8'/%3e%3cstop%20offset='1'%20stop-color='%230868f7'/%3e%3c/linearGradient%3e%3clinearGradient%20id='未命名的渐变_44'%20x1='27.86'%20y1='18.67'%20x2='68.36'%20y2='22.22'%20gradientUnits='userSpaceOnUse'%3e%3cstop%20offset='0'%20stop-color='%235ac7f2'/%3e%3cstop%20offset='1'%20stop-color='%230868f7'/%3e%3c/linearGradient%3e%3c/defs%3e%3cpath%20class='cls-1'%20d='M29,28.74V81.91l-9.51-3.68v0L8.52,74A7.17,7.17,0,0,1,4,67.32V24.54A3.76,3.76,0,0,1,9.08,21Z'/%3e%3cpath%20class='cls-2'%20d='M68.09,78.07a13.15,13.15,0,0,1-17.9,12.06L29,81.91h0V28.74L50.19,37A13.17,13.17,0,0,0,68.08,25.3h0Z'/%3e%3cpath%20class='cls-3'%20d='M68.08,25.3a13.19,13.19,0,0,1-6.73,10.87A13.09,13.09,0,0,1,50.19,37L29,28.74V6A3.76,3.76,0,0,1,34.1,2.52l25.59,9.91A13.22,13.22,0,0,1,68.08,25.3Z'/%3e%3cpath%20class='cls-4'%20d='M129.06,81.76a4.33,4.33,0,0,1-3.19-1.31,4.4,4.4,0,0,1-1.31-3.24V56.86H97.65V77.21a4.36,4.36,0,0,1-1.35,3.2A4.68,4.68,0,0,1,93,81.76a4.32,4.32,0,0,1-3.19-1.31,4.37,4.37,0,0,1-1.32-3.24V27.27A4.58,4.58,0,0,1,89.83,24a4.59,4.59,0,0,1,7.82,3.27V48.15h26.91V27.27A4.58,4.58,0,0,1,125.91,24a4.59,4.59,0,0,1,7.82,3.27V77.21a4.37,4.37,0,0,1-1.36,3.2A4.65,4.65,0,0,1,129.06,81.76Z'/%3e%3cpath%20class='cls-4'%20d='M163.77,81.66c-6.57,0-11.76-1.92-15.44-5.7s-5.54-9.07-5.54-15.74a26.76,26.76,0,0,1,2.09-10.43,17.72,17.72,0,0,1,6.67-8.06,19.15,19.15,0,0,1,10.68-2.95,19,19,0,0,1,10.46,2.8,18.7,18.7,0,0,1,6.55,7.36,22.53,22.53,0,0,1,2.36,10.28A4.51,4.51,0,0,1,177,63.77H152.23a10.8,10.8,0,0,0,3.49,6.65c2,1.68,4.88,2.52,8.66,2.52a22.25,22.25,0,0,0,7.54-1.21c.74-.3,1.55-.67,2.37-1.07a3.75,3.75,0,0,1,1.84-.4,4.09,4.09,0,0,1,3,1.15,4,4,0,0,1,1.12,3,4.38,4.38,0,0,1-2.58,3.82,32.34,32.34,0,0,1-6.36,2.61A28.67,28.67,0,0,1,163.77,81.66ZM172.4,55.9a9.72,9.72,0,0,0-1.63-4.56A9.9,9.9,0,0,0,167,48a10.38,10.38,0,0,0-4.64-1.14,12,12,0,0,0-4.77,1.06,9.54,9.54,0,0,0-4.89,5.66,11.78,11.78,0,0,0-.51,2.3Z'/%3e%3cpath%20class='cls-4'%20d='M193,81.64a4.49,4.49,0,0,1-4.51-4.55V27.28A4.58,4.58,0,0,1,189.84,24a4.48,4.48,0,0,1,3.28-1.36A4.36,4.36,0,0,1,196.35,24a4.46,4.46,0,0,1,1.31,3.31V77.09a4.34,4.34,0,0,1-1.35,3.2A4.67,4.67,0,0,1,193,81.64Z'/%3e%3cpath%20class='cls-4'%20d='M263.79,81.71a5.7,5.7,0,0,1-4.2-1.74,5.76,5.76,0,0,1-1.73-4.19V27.37a4.58,4.58,0,0,1,1.35-3.27A4.59,4.59,0,0,1,267,27.37V72.53h24a4.58,4.58,0,0,1,3.27,7.82A4.66,4.66,0,0,1,291,81.71Z'/%3e%3cpath%20class='cls-4'%20d='M424.48,81.74a4.71,4.71,0,0,1-2.71-.88,5.43,5.43,0,0,1-1-1l-.07-.09-12.41-17-5.41,5v9.44a4.31,4.31,0,0,1-1.36,3.19,4.66,4.66,0,0,1-3.3,1.36A4.29,4.29,0,0,1,395,80.42a4.36,4.36,0,0,1-1.32-3.23V27.37A4.58,4.58,0,0,1,395,24.1a4.52,4.52,0,0,1,6.58.12,4.54,4.54,0,0,1,1.24,3.15V56.31l17.72-16.38.05,0a4.8,4.8,0,0,1,2.94-1.11,4.4,4.4,0,0,1,3.27,1.2,4.57,4.57,0,0,1,1.2,3.27,4.44,4.44,0,0,1-.77,2.33,7.45,7.45,0,0,1-1.43,1.65l-11,9.64,13.34,17.68a5,5,0,0,1,1,2.71,4.12,4.12,0,0,1-1.36,3.24A4.64,4.64,0,0,1,424.48,81.74Z'/%3e%3cpath%20class='cls-4'%20d='M317.93,81.76a21.5,21.5,0,1,1,21.17-21.5A21.37,21.37,0,0,1,317.93,81.76Zm0-34.1a12.61,12.61,0,1,0,12.42,12.6A12.52,12.52,0,0,0,317.93,47.66Z'/%3e%3cpath%20class='cls-4'%20d='M212.18,101.22a4.12,4.12,0,0,1-3.05-1.26,4.17,4.17,0,0,1-1.26-3.1V43.34a4.37,4.37,0,0,1,1.3-3.14,4.26,4.26,0,0,1,3.13-1.3,4.19,4.19,0,0,1,3.1,1.26,4.32,4.32,0,0,1,1.26,3.16,20.77,20.77,0,0,1,13-4.54,21.51,21.51,0,0,1,0,43,20.51,20.51,0,0,1-13-4.57V96.86a4.15,4.15,0,0,1-1.3,3.06A4.5,4.5,0,0,1,212.18,101.22Zm17.43-53.63c-6.23,0-12.93,4.11-12.93,12.72a12.73,12.73,0,0,0,25.46,0A12.71,12.71,0,0,0,229.61,47.59Z'/%3e%3cpath%20class='cls-4'%20d='M365.76,81.76a21.5,21.5,0,1,1,21.18-21.5A21.37,21.37,0,0,1,365.76,81.76Zm0-34.1a12.61,12.61,0,1,0,12.42,12.6A12.52,12.52,0,0,0,365.76,47.66Z'/%3e%3c/svg%3e)