Why are no upgrades with miles available on United?

I plan to buy 2 economy tickets from Newark to Edinburgh on United and then use miles to upgrade them to BUS. But every single date I check has "no award upgrades available". I am more than six months out. What gives? How can every single day be unavailable for upgrade unless maybe they don't release the allocated seats until a certain date???

Best Answer

Most airlines limit the number of seats on each flight for upgrades.

Sometimes there's a fixed number from the outset, but otherwise they may release them in bits - a few at a time.

If it turns out tickets for a date are really popular, it's better for them to sell pricey tickets, and offer upgrades on the quieter days.

So some more may come up if you check regularly, but you may also have picked a really busy week - an event on (Edinburgh Fringe Festival? The Tattoo?) that the seats are booked for already, or are more limited than normal.

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Why is my United flight not eligible for upgrade?

Upgrades are not available on flights that have already been upgraded, or on tickets containing Basic Economy fares, Economy (first bag charge/no changes allowed) fares, certain fares such as industry discount, and tickets purchased on websites where you don't know the exact flight itinerary or airline until after you' ...

Can miles be use to upgrade on United?

Any MileagePlus member can use miles to upgrade on United\xae or Star Alliance\u2122 flights. Premier\xae members enjoy enhanced upgrade availability and extra upgrade benefits.

How many miles do you need to upgrade on United?

Calculating the Necessary Miles For example, upgrading a one-way domestic flight within the Continental U.S. will cost 7,500 miles for a Y fare or 20,000 miles for a S, T, K, L, G, or N fare. There are other levels in between. These upgrades also require a co-pay that ranges from $0 to $250.

How do I get a free upgrade to economy Plus on United?

4 Ways to Get United Economy Plus Seating Without Paying

#1. Don't Assign Yourself a Seat.

#2. Have a Friend with Status on the Same Flight.

#3. Be Star Alliance Gold.

#4. Link Top-Tier Hotel Status to RewardsPlus.

Don't Buy Extra United Airlines Miles. Here's Why

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