United Airlines Plus Points are Useless and Here is Why

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Understanding Your Upgrade Options: United PlusPoints vs. Miles vs. Miles & Cash vs. Cash

When flying with United Airlines, there are several ways to secure a more comfortable seat in premium cabins (aside from just purchasing Business Class): United PlusPoints, miles, miles & cash, or straight cash upgrades (after purchase, or during check-in). Understanding how these options work, and how they prioritize your upgrade on a waitlist, can make a big difference in your travel experience.

United PlusPoints: The Premier Upgrade Option

What Are PlusPoints?

United PlusPoints are upgrade credits awarded to Premier Platinum, 1K, and Global Services members in United's MileagePlus program. PlusPoints offer the most flexibility for upgrading, as they can be used for both domestic and international flights, and on any fare class, including award tickets.

Priority on the Waitlist

When it comes to waitlist priority, United says PlusPoints hold a significant edge. The upgrade priority is generally based on your Premier status and the time of your request. For example:

1. Global Services members get top priority.

2. Premier 1K members follow, with upgrades often clearing well in advance of departure.

3. Premier Platinum members are next, though their upgrades may clear closer to the flight date, especially on busy routes.

United Says: PlusPoints upgrades are usually prioritized over other types of upgrades like miles and cash.

The Reality: PlusPoints don't work well at all. It is the last option I use, but rarely after not getting upgraded on lots of flights, even with 1K status. Don't bother with them, or you'll be disappointed.

Miles Upgrades: A Valuable, But Competitive Option

How Miles Upgrades Work

Using your MileagePlus miles for an upgrade is another option. Typically, United requires a certain number of miles plus a cash co-pay, depending on your current fare class and the route. This option is available to all MileagePlus members, regardless of status.

Priority on the Waitlist

When upgrading with miles, your priority is primarily determined by your fare class and Premier status. However, miles upgrades are generally lower in priority compared to PlusPoints. On competitive routes, this can make it challenging to secure an upgrade, especially if you’re not a Premier member.

The Reality: Miles are right down near PlusPoints. Any upgrade with cash or versus a 1K will bump you way down the list.

Miles & Cash Upgrades: The Middle Ground

What Are Miles & Cash Upgrades?

Miles & Cash upgrades are similar to miles upgrades but offer a more flexible way to pay, allowing you to use fewer miles in exchange for a higher cash co-pay. This option is appealing if you're short on miles but still want to upgrade.

Priority on the Waitlist

Miles & Cash upgrades are usually treated similarly to straight miles upgrades in terms of priority. They are generally lower than PlusPoints but could be ahead of other mileage upgrades if the cash portion is substantial.

Cash Upgrades: Simple, But Costly

How Cash Upgrades Work

Paying outright for an upgrade with cash is always an option, either at the time of booking, after booking with a reservation, at online check-in, at the gate (rare) closer to departure. These upgrades can sometimes be offered at a discount during check-in or via United's email offers.

Priority on the Waitlist

Cash upgrades are typically prioritized based on the timing of the purchase and the amount paid. If you buy a cash upgrade well in advance, you might secure a seat immediately. However, last-minute cash upgrades offered at the gate may be given lower priority than those purchased earlier or through other methods like PlusPoints.

Which Option is Best?

• Frequent Travelers (Premier Status Holders): PlusPoints are your worst bet, especially if you’re a Premier 1K or Global Services member. They offer the highest priority on the waitlist and the most flexibility.

• MileagePlus Members Without Status: Miles or Miles & Cash upgrades can be useful, but be prepared for lower priority, especially on popular routes. If you’re eager to secure an upgrade, consider a cash upgrade, but understand it can be costly.

• Cost-Conscious Travelers: If you’re price-sensitive, a miles or miles & cash upgrade could be the way to go, provided you’re okay with the possibility of staying on the waitlist. Keep an eye out for discounted cash upgrade offers as your flight approaches.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the nuances of upgrade priority can help you make the most informed decision. For high-priority upgrades, PlusPoints are the clear winner, particularly for those with Premier status. However, if you’re looking to save money, a miles or miles & cash upgrade might offer the best value. Straight cash upgrades, while potentially more expensive, can sometimes secure you a spot that other methods won’t. The key is to know your options and your priorities before you book.

My Background

Since the pandemic (2020) I've been flying to Europe at least six times a year, and I experiment with upgrading versus finding the best Business Class fare.

I notice the trends, the changes in United policy (by experiencing it) and the algorithm.

Trends

1. For Business Class, using points has gone up significantly over the past two years. What was normallying a 150,000 one-way-to-Europe Business Class fare (using miles), is now 250,000. Of course, deals are offered if you are willing to fly through Newark or other gateway hubs to and from Europe, but also expect to wait 5-10 hours for a layover.

2. PlusPoints are useless, even with 1K. Any miles/cash or cash upgrade (or purchase) will bump you far down the list.

3. Start looking at fares at least two months in advance. If there is space available up front (at least 30 percent or more available), the United Price Algorithm will drop the cash purchase price up-front significantly, until those seats are taken.

4. Miles and Cash. To and from Europe expect 20,000 miles, and $500 cash each way, which is deducted immediately. If you change plans, don't expect a refund immediately, but you will have to call in and speak with an agent to get your refund.

5. Expect to get bumped down the waiting list. Expect to get bumped down the waiting list if somebody pays for a cash upgrade, or if a 1K does the miles-cash. I've seen this on multiple flights. You can check the available seats by either looking at flight reservations for the same day/flight, or by checking flight status on the United App.

6. United Employees Free Standby Flights. Expect Wednesday and Thursday to have lots of empty seats taken by standby fliers (typically United agents and some younger pilots) who want to makes out this benefit.