flight_classUnited Upgrades
Which fare classes clear most easily with a PlusPoints upgrade?
Updated
6 min readWhat a fare class actually is
Every ticket you buy is filed under a single letter fare class, or booking code, even within the same cabin. Two passengers can sit next to each other in economy on the same flight, both having paid for economy, but be on different fare classes because one bought a more flexible or expensive ticket than the other.
You can usually find your fare class on your e-ticket receipt, in your reservation details, or by asking a United agent. It's not the same as your cabin, which is the physical section of the plane you're sitting in.
Why fare class matters for PlusPoints
Fare class does two things for a PlusPoints upgrade. First, it determines eligibility: basic economy is always excluded, and some deeply discounted fares may cost more PlusPoints to upgrade or may not qualify at all. Second, it affects waitlist priority: passengers on higher, less-discounted fare classes generally clear ahead of passengers on cheaper discount fares within the same elite tier.
Typical eligible fare classes
For long-haul upgrades into Polaris business class, United's chart generally separates standard fare classes from discounted ones, with the discounted group costing more PlusPoints to upgrade.
Typical fare class groupings for Polaris upgrades
| Group | Typical fare classes | Relative PlusPoints cost |
|---|---|---|
| Standard economy fares | Y, B, M, E, U, H, Q, V, W | Lower, around 40 PlusPoints |
| Discounted economy fares | S, T, L, K, G | Higher, around 80 PlusPoints |
| Basic economy | Not eligible | Cannot be upgraded |
How to find your fare class
- check_circleCheck your e-ticket receipt email from United, which usually lists the fare class next to each flight segment.
- check_circleLook at your reservation details under My Trips, which often shows the booking code.
- check_circleAsk a United agent by phone or at the airport to confirm the fare class on your ticket.
Common questions
Is Premium Plus its own fare class?expand_more
Premium Plus is a cabin, similar to economy or business. Within that cabin there are still different fare classes, some of which upgrade to Polaris for fewer PlusPoints than others depending on how the ticket was purchased.
Can I change my fare class after booking to improve upgrade odds?expand_more
Not directly. Your fare class is set when you buy the ticket. Some fare differences can be addressed by paying a change fee or fare difference, but that's a separate transaction from the upgrade itself.
Does a higher fare class guarantee my PlusPoints upgrade clears?expand_more
No, it improves your position on the waitlist relative to cheaper fares in the same elite tier, but clearing still depends on seats actually opening up in the higher cabin.
Why does basic economy never qualify?expand_more
Basic economy is a restricted fare product by design, and United excludes it from upgrades, changes, and several other flexibility features that standard economy fares get.
Keep reading
My PlusPoints upgrade is waitlisted. What determines whether it clears?
What actually moves a waitlisted PlusPoints upgrade to confirmed on United, including elite tier, fare class, and request timing.
How many PlusPoints does it take to upgrade to Premium Plus, Polaris, or first?
A breakdown of what United's current PlusPoints chart charges by cabin and route length, and where the best value tends to be.
How do I apply PlusPoints to an existing United booking?
Step by step where to click in your United account to request a PlusPoints upgrade on a booking you already made, and what confirmation to expect.
Can I use PlusPoints to upgrade an award ticket booked with miles?
As of February 2026, all United Premier members can apply PlusPoints to upgrade an award ticket, not just Global Services. Here's how it works.