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Can I use PlusPoints to upgrade an award ticket booked with miles?

Updated

6 min read

What changed

Historically, using PlusPoints to upgrade an award ticket, meaning a ticket you booked by redeeming MileagePlus miles rather than paying cash, was tightly limited and mostly reserved for United's very top elite tier, Global Services. Starting February 1, 2026, United opened this up to all Premier members with a PlusPoints balance, so Premier Platinum and Premier 1K members can now upgrade award tickets the same way they upgrade revenue tickets.

How it works in practice

The process mirrors upgrading a paid ticket: go to Manage Trip on the award reservation, select Upgrade Cabin, and choose PlusPoints. If space is open, it confirms right away. If not, it goes on the same waitlist as everyone else, evaluated by the same elite tier and fare class rules.

What still matters: your award fare class

Just like paid tickets, not every award booking class is eligible. Award tickets booked at the lowest, most restricted redemption levels may not qualify for a PlusPoints upgrade the same way a deeply discounted paid economy fare might not qualify for the cheaper upgrade tier. Check your ticket's fare class before assuming it's eligible.

Tip:If you're planning a big trip on miles and want the option to upgrade later with PlusPoints, ask at booking or check your fare class to confirm it's one that allows an upgrade request.

Cost differences on award tickets

The PlusPoints cost to upgrade an award ticket generally follows the same published chart as paid tickets, based on cabin and route length. There isn't a separate, higher PlusPoints price just because the underlying ticket was booked with miles, though your award fare class does determine eligibility the same way a paid fare class does.

Common questions

Did Global Services members always have this option?expand_more

Yes, this ability existed for Global Services members before the February 2026 change. What changed is that it's now open to Premier Platinum and Premier 1K members too.

Do I need extra miles on top of PlusPoints to upgrade an award ticket?expand_more

No, PlusPoints cover the upgrade cost on their own, the same way they would on a paid ticket. You don't need to redeem additional miles for the upgrade itself.

Can Premier Gold or Silver members upgrade an award ticket with PlusPoints?expand_more

No, since Gold and Silver members don't earn PlusPoints at all. Only Premier Platinum and 1K members have a balance to use.

Does this apply to award tickets on partner airlines too?expand_more

Partner-operated award tickets follow the more limited partner upgrade rules generally, not necessarily the same open eligibility as United-operated award tickets. Check the partner upgrade tool for your specific flight.

Keep reading

How do United PlusPoints upgrades work?

PlusPoints are United's upgrade currency for Premier Platinum and Premier 1K members. Here is how you earn them, apply them, and what to watch for.

Which fare classes clear most easily with a PlusPoints upgrade?

How United's fare class, the single letter code on your ticket, affects whether and how cheaply a PlusPoints upgrade can clear.

Can I use PlusPoints to upgrade a United partner airline flight?

How PlusPoints upgrades work on partner-operated flights like ANA, Lufthansa, and Copa, and what to check before requesting one.

What's the difference between a PlusPoints upgrade and using miles or a cash upgrade offer?

PlusPoints, MileagePlus miles upgrade awards, and cash upgrade offers all move you to a better cabin on United, but they work differently.