United Airlines MileagePlus program is one of the most popular frequent flyer programs in the world. The program offers several benefits to its members, including the ability to earn and redeem miles for flights, upgrades, and other travel-related purchases. One of the most coveted benefits of the MileagePlus program is the ability to earn and redeem upgrades. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at MileagePlus upgrade awards United.
What Are MileagePlus Upgrade Awards?
MileagePlus upgrade awards are a benefit offered to MileagePlus members that allows them to upgrade from their purchased ticket to a higher class of service on United Airlines flights. The upgrade can be awarded based on availability, and the number of miles required to upgrade varies based on the ticket class and the route of the flight.
To be eligible for MileagePlus upgrade awards, members must have a valid United Airlines ticket and have enough miles in their account to cover the upgrade.
How to Earn MileagePlus Upgrade Awards
The easiest way to earn MileagePlus upgrade awards is to fly frequently on United Airlines and earn miles through the MileagePlus program. Members can also earn miles through credit card spending, hotel stays, car rentals, and other partner transactions.
Once a member has earned enough miles to be eligible for an upgrade, they can use the MileagePlus website or mobile app to search for available upgrade awards on their flight. Members can also call United Airlines reservations to check for available upgrades.
If an upgrade is available, members can use their miles to purchase the upgrade and enjoy the benefits of a higher class of service on their flight.
Types of MileagePlus Upgrade Awards
There are several types of MileagePlus upgrade awards that members can use to upgrade their flight:
Instant upgrades: Instant upgrades are available for purchase at the time of booking or check-in, subject to availability. Instant upgrades are offered on select routes and classes of service and require a set number of miles to purchase.
Complimentary upgrades: MileagePlus Premier members are eligible for complimentary upgrades on select routes and classes of service, subject to availability. Members are prioritized for upgrades based on their Premier status and fare class.
MileagePlus upgrade awards: MileagePlus members can use their miles to purchase upgrade awards on select routes and classes of service, subject to availability. The number of miles required to purchase an upgrade varies based on the ticket class and the route of the flight.
The Benefits of MileagePlus Upgrade Awards
MileagePlus upgrade awards offer several benefits to members:
Access to higher class of service: Members can enjoy the benefits of a higher class of service, including more legroom, better food and beverage options, and other amenities.
Priority boarding: Members who have been upgraded to a higher class of service are eligible for priority boarding, allowing them to board the plane before other passengers.
Increased baggage allowance: Members who have been upgraded to a higher class of service are eligible for an increased baggage allowance, allowing them to bring more luggage on their flight.
How to Redeem MileagePlus Upgrade Awards
To redeem MileagePlus upgrade awards, members can use the MileagePlus website or mobile app to search for available upgrade awards on their flight. Members can also call United Airlines reservations to check for available upgrades.
If an upgrade is available, members can use their miles to purchase the upgrade. The number of miles required to purchase the upgrade varies based on the ticket class and the route of the flight.
Conclusion
MileagePlus upgrade awards are an excellent benefit of the MileagePlus program, offering members the ability to upgrade to a higher class of service on United Airlines flights. By earning miles through flying and other partner transactions, members can take advantage of this benefit and enjoy the perks of a higher class of service on their next United Airlines flight.