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flight_classUnited Upgrades

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

Updated

6 min read

Not every partner qualifies

PlusPoints upgrades on partner-operated flights are more limited than on United-operated metal. Only a subset of partner airlines participate, and each one sets its own eligible fare classes and cabins. Before assuming your partner flight qualifies, check the specific partner's page in United's upgrade tools or call to confirm.

What to check before requesting one

  • check_circleConfirm the operating carrier actually participates in PlusPoints partner upgrades.
  • check_circleCheck that your fare class is one of the partner's eligible booking codes for an upgrade, since these can differ from United's own chart.
  • check_circleConfirm the upgrade only moves you one cabin, not multiple, on most partner flights.
  • check_circleCheck whether the request needs to go through united.com or requires a phone call to reservations.
  • check_circleAsk what happens if the upgrade doesn't clear, since points may be held rather than deducted upfront depending on the partner.

How the points are handled differently

On a United-operated flight, PlusPoints only leave your account once the upgrade actually clears. On partner-operated flights, the process can work differently: points are sometimes deducted at the time you submit the request, then refunded back to your account within roughly 24 to 48 hours if the upgrade doesn't ultimately clear. Don't assume your balance is untouched just because you haven't gotten a confirmation yet.

Watch out:If you're planning to use those same PlusPoints for a different upgrade soon after, wait for confirmation that a failed partner request has actually been refunded before you count on the balance being available.

Cost and cabin limits

Partner upgrades tend to be priced as a flat cost per segment for moving up exactly one cabin, for example economy to premium economy or premium economy to business, rather than the multi-tier chart United uses on its own flights. You generally cannot jump two cabins in a single partner request the way you sometimes can on a United-operated route.

Where to check current details

Because partner participation and pricing can change and isn't as clearly published as United's own chart, use United's dedicated partner upgrade tool to see live eligibility for your specific flight before you request anything.

Common questions

Can I upgrade any Star Alliance flight with PlusPoints?expand_more

No. Only specific partners that participate in PlusPoints upgrades are eligible, and it's not the full Star Alliance roster. Check the partner upgrade tool for your specific flight.

Will a partner upgrade request show up instantly like a United one?expand_more

Not always. Partner requests can take longer to process since they may need to be confirmed with the operating carrier rather than instantly through United's own inventory.

Do PlusPoints work on codeshare flights operated by United?expand_more

If United is the operating carrier, even under a partner flight number, it generally behaves like a United-operated upgrade. What matters is who operates the aircraft, not whose code is on the ticket.

What happens to my PlusPoints if a partner upgrade doesn't clear?expand_more

They are typically refunded to your account within roughly one to two days if the request was deducted upfront and the upgrade doesn't confirm.