March 18, 2025|United

by Eric Lipkind 

United offers upgrades using cash and/or miles after making a reservation.  Many times, if you want to upgrade using Mileage Plus miles, you will be waitlisted for the upgrade as the award fare class may not be available.   However, now there is a new way to upgrade, and be guaranteed a seat.

After making a reservation, pull up the reservation. If you would like a first class seat, click on the seat you want on the seat map. A cash price will display.  Additionally, a price using miles will now display.    Based on how it is pricing, United is letting you but the upgrade at a rate of one cent per mile.   For example, if the cash price of the upgrade is $300, the mileage price would be 30,000 miles. 

Keep in mind, the award price for upgrading using miles may be less than this pay with points option, but there is a good chance the upgrade will be waitlisted for an award upgrade if you choose that route. 

In general, United miles are worth more than once cent, but if you want to guarantee your upgrade, it may be worth the price paying with miles. 

I’m happy to help book a trip using your miles or points, or help you accumulate miles and points.  I am also a Virgin Voyages First Mate, so if you are looking to book a Virgin Voyages cruise, I’d love to help as well.  Feel free to reach out to me.