United Airlines Free Upgrade?

[paul_sheps]

Do you think I would stand a better chance checking in at the airport or on line check in? I know its a long shot!
Thanks

 

[Kath2003]

Do you think I would stand a better chance checking in at the airport or on line check in? I know its a long shot!
Thanks

I don't think either makes the difference. They will try to sell you an upgrade when you check in, either online or at the airport. If they really can't sell the upgrades, they may give people a free upgrade. The priorities will be people with membership cards, then single travellers who have paid for the highest price ticket in their class, then couples who have paid for the highest price ticket in their class etc. Do you fall into any of those categories?

 

[paul_sheps]

I don't think either makes the difference. They will try to sell you an upgrade when you check in, either online or at the airport. If they really can't sell the upgrades, they may give people a free upgrade. The priorities will be people with membership cards, then single travellers who have paid for the highest price ticket in their class, then couples who have paid for the highest price ticket in their class etc. Do you fall into any of those categories?

no couple with a 15yr old son and the cheapest ticket poss

 

[Kath2003]

no couple with a 15yr old son and the cheapest ticket poss

Then I'd probably accept my fate and count anything else as a bonus.

There's a reasonable article about upgrades here.

 

[chmurf]

no couple with a 15yr old son and the cheapest ticket poss

cheapest ticket (unless you're in N fare which is not upgradable) will get you at the very bottom of the list.
Pax with elite status will be offered free upgrades first

the odds of getting a free upgrade for a party of 3 is almost 0 even if you made it to the top of the list (or they would upgrade one of you and leave the 2 others in cattle class)

I don't think you can request an upgrade at OLCI (I could be wrong), but even when checking in at the airport, you'd really need to be extremely lucky to manage to get a free upgrade (if you do, get yourself a lottery ticket straight away )