How to Upgrade to United Business Class: Your Ultimate Guide

Key Takeaways:

You can upgrade to United Business Class using miles, PlusPoints, or by bidding, with different requirements depending on your current fare class and route.
United’s Premier members enjoy higher chances of complimentary upgrades, especially on domestic flights, with elite status boosting your upgrade priority.
Upgrading is especially worthwhile on long-haul international flights, where the enhanced comfort, lie-flat seats, and premium amenities significantly improve the travel experience.

Traveling in style with United Airlines is a dream many travelers aspire to, and upgrading to United Business Class is one way to make that dream a reality.

Whether you’re eyeing an upgrade on a domestic flight or aiming for the extra comfort on United Business Class international routes, understanding how to navigate the upgrade process can make all the difference.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know, with a dash of humor to keep things light as you plan your upgrade strategy.

Understanding United Airlines Business Class

Before diving into the upgrade process, it’s worth understanding what makes United Airlines Business Class so desirable.

From the plush seats to the enhanced dining options, United Business Class offers a significant step up from Economy or even Premium Economy.

Comfortable Seating
United Airlines Business Class seats are designed for comfort, featuring spacious legroom, lie-flat capabilities on international flights, and increased privacy.

Whether you’re on a domestic flight or flying across continents, these seats make a world of difference—literally and figuratively.
Dining and Amenities
Expect gourmet meals, complimentary alcoholic beverages, and top-notch in-flight entertainment. United Airlines’ Polaris Business Class, offered on long-haul international flights, even provides Saks Fifth Avenue bedding and access to Polaris Lounges where available.
Priority Services
Business Class passengers enjoy priority check-in, security, boarding, and baggage handling.

This means less time in lines and more time relaxing, or perhaps indulging in some last-minute duty-free shopping.

Best Credit Cards for Flight Upgrades

The Platinum Card® from American Express
A premium travel card offering extensive travel perks, including airline-specific benefits, making it ideal for frequent flyers.

Annual Fee: annual_fees

Bonus Miles: bonus_miles_full

Key Benefits:
- 5x Membership Rewards® Points on flights booked directly with airlines or via Amex Travel.
- Access to Centurion, Delta Sky Club, and Priority Pass lounges.
- $200 airline fee credit.
Airline Perks:
- 35% points back on Pay with Points (business/first class, or preferred airline).
- Complimentary upgrades and enhanced travel services.
Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
A versatile, premium card with extensive travel rewards and benefits, especially valuable for those who prefer flexibility in travel options.

Annual Fee: annual_fees

Bonus Miles: bonus_miles_full

Key Benefits:
- 3x points on travel and dining.
- 50% more value when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
- Access to Priority Pass lounges.
Airline Perks:
- $300 annual travel credit.
- 1:1 point transfer to leading airline programs, including United and Southwest.
- TSA PreCheck/Global Entry fee credit.
Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
A popular travel rewards card for individuals, offering flexible points and strong travel protections.

Annual Fee: annual_fees

Bonus Miles: bonus_miles_full

Key Benefits:
- 5x points on travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
- 3x points on dining and streaming services
- 2x points on all other travel purchases
- 1x point on all other purchases
- 25% more value when redeeming points for travel through Chase Ultimate
Airline Perks:
- Points transferable to various airline partners, including United, Southwest, and British Airways
- Primary rental car insurance
Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
A top choice for business owners looking for robust rewards on business expenses and travel.

Annual Fee: annual_fees

Bonus Miles: bonus_miles_full

Key Benefits:
- 3x points on travel, shipping, internet, cable, and phone services
- 3x points on advertising purchases with social media sites and search engines
- 1x point on all other purchases
- Employee cards at no additional cost
- Cell phone protection, trip cancellation/interruption insurance
Airline Perks:
- Points transferable to airline partners, useful for business travel
- Travel and purchase protection
Foreign Transaction Fees: None
United Club℠ Infinite Card
A premium card offering the most extensive United benefits, ideal for frequent flyers seeking luxury and convenience.

Annual Fee: annual_fees

Bonus Miles: bonus_miles_full

Key Benefits:
- 4x miles on United purchases.
- Complimentary United Club membership.
- Premier Access travel services.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Airline Perks:
- Free first and second checked bags.
- Enhanced upgrades on award tickets.
- Premier upgrades on award tickets.
Foreign Transaction Fees: None

These credit cards offer a range of benefits for frequent flyers, from lounge access and bonus miles to fee credits and free checked bags, making them highly valuable for upgrading flights across various airlines.

The Platinum Card® from American Express and Chase Sapphire Reserve® offer broad benefits across multiple airlines, ideal for those who want flexibility.

On the other hand, the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®, Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, and United Club℠ Infinite Card are tailored to specific airlines, providing targeted perks that enhance the flying experience with American Airlines, Delta, and United, respectively.

The Art of Upgrading: Business Class on United Airlines

Now that you’re sold on the idea of flying Business Class on United, let’s talk about how you can score that coveted seat without paying the full fare.

Using Miles and Points
One of the most popular ways to upgrade to United Business Class is by using miles.

If you’ve been diligently collecting MileagePlus miles, now is the time to cash them in. But how many points do you need to upgrade to Business Class on United?
- Domestic Flights: Upgrading a domestic flight typically requires 15,000-20,000 miles, depending on the route and fare class.
- International Flights: For international flights, you’ll need more miles—usually around 25,000-35,000 miles, depending on the distance and your current class.
Keep in mind that United Airlines often has different requirements depending on the fare you’ve purchased.

Discounted economy tickets (like those super cheap deals we all love) may require more miles or even a co-pay to upgrade.
Using United PlusPoints
United PlusPoints is another valuable currency for upgrades, available to United’s frequent flyers in their Premier Platinum and Premier 1K tiers.

With PlusPoints, you can request upgrades on flights and move from Economy or Premium Economy to Business Class.
- Domestic Flights: Typically, 20 PlusPoints for a domestic upgrade.
- International Flights: Upgrades on international flights generally require 40-80 PlusPoints.
The beauty of PlusPoints is their flexibility. You can use them to upgrade yourself or a travel companion, making you the hero of any travel group.
Complimentary Upgrades
If you hold Premier status with United Airlines, you may be eligible for complimentary upgrades.

United’s Premier members are automatically put on the upgrade waitlist, which clears as the flight date approaches.
- Premier Silver: Complimentary upgrades on domestic flights within the U.S. (though you’re at the bottom of the list).
- Premier Gold and Above: Higher chances of scoring an upgrade on domestic routes, and the potential for international upgrades depending on availability.
While these upgrades are never guaranteed, it’s always a nice surprise when you get that email saying you’ve been bumped up to Business Class.

Just don’t brag too much to your friends about it—or maybe do, we won’t judge.
Bid for an Upgrade
United Airlines also offers the option to bid for an upgrade. This means you can name your price for an upgrade, and if your bid is accepted, you’ll be upgraded to Business Class.
- How it Works: After booking your flight, you might receive an email inviting you to place a bid. Enter the amount you’re willing to pay, and cross your fingers that it’s enough to secure an upgrade.
- Pro Tip: Research the average cost of upgrades on your route before bidding to avoid overpaying or lowballing.

Strategies to Improve Your Chances

Here are some insider tips to help you improve your chances of securing that upgrade:

Fly During Off-Peak Times
Flights are less full during weekdays and non-holiday periods, making it more likely that an upgrade might be available.
Check-In Early
While checking in early doesn’t guarantee an upgrade, it can’t hurt. Plus, it gives you a chance to select the best available seat.
Be Loyal
Frequent flyers are more likely to be rewarded with upgrades. If you often fly United, consider investing in their MileagePlus program and aim for elite status.

Is It Worth It?

After all this talk of upgrading, the big question remains: Is it worth the effort? The answer, as with most things in life, depends.

For long-haul international flights, upgrading to United Business Class can significantly improve your travel experience.

The lie-flat seats alone are worth their weight in gold (or at least in comfort). On shorter domestic flights, the value might be less clear-cut unless you can score an upgrade with miles or PlusPoints that won’t put too much of a dent in your balance.

But let’s be honest—who doesn’t love the idea of sipping champagne at 35,000 feet?

Bottom Line

Upgrading to United Business Class is not just about traveling in style; it’s about maximizing comfort, luxury, and convenience.

Whether you’re using miles, PlusPoints, or a savvy combination of both, there are plenty of ways to find yourself lounging in one of United’s coveted

Business Class seats. So next time you’re booking a flight, consider trying your luck with an upgrade—because life is too short to fly in Economy all the time.

United Business Class : How to upgrade United Airlines flights