Types of upgrades
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Request upgrade
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United offers several types of upgrade products which allow you to upgrade from a paid United Economy or United Business ticket to a higher class of service. Learn more about the benefits and privileges of flying in United First or United Business.
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Learn all about United’s new international first and business class cabins, featuring true 180-degree lie-flat bed seats, now progressively being installed on our international fleet.

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The chart below illustrates each of the most popular upgrade types for travel on United-marketed and operated flights:
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500-mile upgradesRegional upgradeSystemwide upgrade and United mileage upgrade awards.
Select any one of these upgrade types to learn more. Please note that some types of upgrades are specific to elite members only.

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Upgrade type

500-mile
upgrade

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Regional
upgrade

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Systemwide upgrade
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United mileage upgrade awards using redeemable miles

How to earn

Elite members earn four 500-mile upgrades per 10,000 qualifying flown miles on United or United Express
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1K members earn two Regional Upgrades per quarter per 10,000 qualifying flown miles, up to a maximum of eight per year.
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1K members receive six Systemwide Upgrades per elite qualifying year as part of 1K benefits package.
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Earn miles from travel and everyday activities and use them for an upgrade. Learn more about earning miles at  united.com/earnmiles.
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Valid travel regions

Within Region 1 (United States, Canada, Caribbean, Mexico and Central America)
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Within Region 1 (United States, Canada, Caribbean, Mexico and Central America), 
Within Region 2 (all other United destinations) or between Region 1 and Region 2
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See details
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Certificates/
miles required
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One 500-mile certificate per 500 miles flown
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One certificate required per direction, including connections less than 4 hours in duration
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One certificate required per direction, including connections less than 12 hours in duration
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Varies by destination. See details
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Valid booking classes

• United Business (C,D)
• United Economy (Y,B,M,E,H,U,Q,V,W,S,T,K,L)

Within Region 1:
• United Business (C,D)
• United Economy (Y,B,M,E,H,U,
Q,V,W,S,T,K,L)
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Within Region 2 or between Region 1 and Region 2:
• United Business (C,D)
• United Economy
null(Y,B,M,E,H,U,Q,V,W)
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Within Region 1:
• United Business (C,D)
• United Economy (Y,B,M,E,H,U,
Q,V,W,S,T,K,L)
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Within Region 2 or between Region 1 and Region 2:
• United Business (C,D)
• United Economy
null(Y,B,M,H)
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Complimentary upgrades for select Y/B fares
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In addition, a request for a complimentary upgrade will automatically be placed for elite members who purchase select fares booked in Y or B class, subject to upgrade availability. Complimentary upgrades do not require the use of upgrades from a member's upgrade bank. 
Learn more

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Upgrading on Star Alliance carriers
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With Star Alliance Upgrade Awards, you can redeem your miles for a one segment, one cabin upgrade from eligible fares on participating Star Alliance carriers.
Learn all about this benefit.
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Systemwide Upgrades may also be used for a one segment, one cabin upgrade on Lufthansa. For more information, see Systemwide upgrades.
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