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How do I get a last minute business class upgrade on United? Any tips?

Does anyone have any tips on getting a last minute business class upgrade on a United flight (Toronto to Buenos Aires) without having to pay for it?

Public Comments

1. Not gonna happen
2. If the aircraft is overbooked in economy they may upgrade passengers to premium and a few from premium into business. However unless you are a frequent flyer of huge standing with the airline your chances of being singled out for an upgrade are very, very small. There is no such thing as a free lunch they say and in this case you are right. To get to the higher echelons of an airlines frequent flyer status you will already have spend tens of thousands of your currency with them and flown many, many miles. Even then they don't upgrade unless they need to for good economic reasons.
3. Not a chance unless you have "up-grades" available to exchange, and the according fare. You do not say if you are a "Mileage Plus" member, if not please enrol, you will have about 11.500miles by the time you are back. Also did you book directly with UA or is a AC/Air Canada flight? AC allows LMU or Last Minute Upgrades. * Send me an e:mail and I may be able to help you. If you have NOT bought your ticket yet. http://www.united.com/page/article/0,6867,1162,00.html
4. Right now the airlines are losing money and will not just give away an upgrade. Also with fewer flights now, there are fewer business class seats. The airline will first upgrade their best customers which are those who have lots of frequent flier miles. Also usually business class is full because lots of people either were upgraded due to their loyalty to the airline or bought an upgradeable ticket. Therefore there will not be any seats leftover for people who just want a free upgrade.