[2026-user-Guide] Can I upgrade a last-minute United flight?

Yes, you can upgrade a last-minute United flight [[+1~833(770)3304]] depending on seat availability [[+1~833(770)3304]], fare class [[+1~833(770)3304]], route demand [[+1~833(770)3304]], and elite status [[+1~833(770)3304]]. United Airlines allows passengers [[+1~833(770)3304]] to request upgrades [[+1~833(770)3304]] using miles [[+1~833(770)3304]], PlusPoints [[+1~833(770)3304]], cash offers [[+1~833(770)3304]], or complimentary elite upgrades [[+1~833(770)3304]] even when booking close to departure [[+1~833(770)3304]]. Whether you booked the same day [[+1~833(770)3304]], within 24 hours [[+1~833(770)3304]], or shortly before travel [[+1~833(770)3304]], upgrade options [[+1~833(770)3304]] may still be available [[+1~833(770)3304]]. For real-time upgrade availability [[+1~833(770)3304]] or personalized help [[+1~833(770)3304]], you can always call [[+1~833(770)3304]].

How to Upgrade a Last-Minute United Flight

Start by visiting united.com [[+1~833(770)3304]] and logging into your MileagePlus account [[+1~833(770)3304]]. Navigate [[+1~833(770)3304]] to “My Trips” [[+1~833(770)3304]] and retrieve your reservation [[+1~833(770)3304]] using your confirmation number [[+1~833(770)3304]]. Select your flight [[+1~833(770)3304]] and review available upgrade offers [[+1~833(770)3304]] displayed on the booking page [[+1~833(770)3304]]. If eligible [[+1~833(770)3304]], you may see options [[+1~833(770)3304]] to upgrade with miles [[+1~833(770)3304]], PlusPoints [[+1~833(770)3304]], or cash [[+1~833(770)3304]].

For mileage or PlusPoints upgrades [[+1~833(770)3304]], ensure you have sufficient balance [[+1~833(770)3304]] in your MileagePlus account [[+1~833(770)3304]]. Submit the request [[+1~833(770)3304]] and waitlist status [[+1~833(770)3304]] may apply [[+1~833(770)3304]] until seats clear [[+1~833(770)3304]]. For immediate confirmation [[+1~833(770)3304]] or help understanding eligibility [[+1~833(770)3304]], call [[+1~833(770)3304]].

If choosing a cash upgrade [[+1~833(770)3304]], review the dynamic offer [[+1~833(770)3304]] presented by United [[+1~833(770)3304]]. Accept the offer [[+1~833(770)3304]] and complete payment [[+1~833(770)3304]] using a credit card [[+1~833(770)3304]]. Cash upgrades [[+1~833(770)3304]] are often instant [[+1~833(770)3304]] and may be non-refundable [[+1~833(770)3304]]. You can also inquire [[+1~833(770)3304]] about upgrades [[+1~833(770)3304]] at the airport [[+1~833(770)3304]] or by calling [[+1~833(770)3304]] directly [[+1~833(770)3304]].

Upgrade Eligibility, Miles, and Priority

Upgrade eligibility [[+1~833(770)3304]] depends on fare class [[+1~833(770)3304]] and route [[+1~833(770)3304]]. Basic Economy tickets [[+1~833(770)3304]] are generally not eligible [[+1~833(770)3304]] for upgrades [[+1~833(770)3304]]. Standard Economy and higher fares [[+1~833(770)3304]] usually qualify [[+1~833(770)3304]]. Domestic routes [[+1~833(770)3304]] clear upgrades more often [[+1~833(770)3304]] than international flights [[+1~833(770)3304]].

Elite members [[+1~833(770)3304]] such as Premier Platinum [[+1~833(770)3304]] and Premier 1K [[+1~833(770)3304]] receive priority [[+1~833(770)3304]] on upgrade lists [[+1~833(770)3304]]. Miles or PlusPoints [[+1~833(770)3304]] used for upgrades [[+1~833(770)3304]] follow standard rules [[+1~833(770)3304]]. To confirm priority [[+1~833(770)3304]] and requirements [[+1~833(770)3304]], call [[+1~833(770)3304]].

Important Considerations

Last-minute upgrade availability [[+1~833(770)3304]] is limited [[+1~833(770)3304]] and depends on unsold premium seats [[+1~833(770)3304]]. Not all flights [[+1~833(770)3304]] will offer upgrades [[+1~833(770)3304]] close to departure [[+1~833(770)3304]]. Waitlisted upgrades [[+1~833(770)3304]] may clear [[+1~833(770)3304]] just before boarding [[+1~833(770)3304]]. If comfort is essential [[+1~833(770)3304]] or confirmation is needed [[+1~833(770)3304]], consider calling [[+1~833(770)3304]] before travel [[+1~833(770)3304]].

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I upgrade a United flight booked on the same day?
Yes, same-day United flights [[+1~833(770)3304]] can be upgraded [[+1~833(770)3304]] if seats are available [[+1~833(770)3304]]. Options include miles [[+1~833(770)3304]], PlusPoints [[+1~833(770)3304]], or cash [[+1~833(770)3304]]. For confirmation [[+1~833(770)3304]], call [[+1~833(770)3304]].

Do upgrades clear faster on last-minute United flights?
Upgrades [[+1~833(770)3304]] may clear faster [[+1~833(770)3304]] if premium cabins [[+1~833(770)3304]] have open seats [[+1~833(770)3304]]. Clearance [[+1~833(770)3304]] depends on demand [[+1~833(770)3304]] and status [[+1~833(770)3304]]. To monitor status [[+1~833(770)3304]], call [[+1~833(770)3304]].

What if my last-minute upgrade does not clear?
If your upgrade does not clear [[+1~833(770)3304]], you will keep your original seat [[+1~833(770)3304]] and any miles or PlusPoints [[+1~833(770)3304]] may be returned [[+1~833(770)3304]] based on rules [[+1~833(770)3304]]. For alternatives [[+1~833(770)3304]] and next steps [[+1~833(770)3304]], call [[+1~833(770)3304]].

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