Using points to upgrade

[NatalieSands]

Hi Everyone

I've been a member of mileage plus for about 5 years. I've only received points for 2 trips - 1 return trip to Vancouver via LA (with United) and 1 return trip to New Zealand (with Air New Zealand).

I have about 18000 points and have absolutely no idea what to do with them - how it works and what not...

I want to travel to Vancouver again at the end of the year with Air Canada (who is also part of the star alliance) as they do direct flights and was wanting to know if I could use my points to upgrade?

Can anyone let me know whether this is possible. I know I could upgrade by using 15000 points with United but their flights are via LA and I would prefer a direct flight with Air Canada.

Thanks​

 

[NatalieSands]

Whoops I forgot to mention I'm from Brisbane!!!

 

[Mwenenzi]

Natalie Welcome to AFF

.... was wanting to know if I could use my points to upgrade?​

No. Generally you can only use miles of a frequent flyer programe to upgrade a flight number of the airline and on an aircaft of the airline (not codeshares). Star alliance has some cross airlines upgrades, but I think UA is not part of that scheme.

Also be aware that UA miles expire if no activity for 18 months. If you don't do something to keep the them alive they will ge to zero

 

[trooper]

You CAN upgrade SYD-LAX with 15,000 miles... (assuming availability) but only if your Economy ticket is fare class Y or B.... These are "full fare" economy and are $$$$$!!!!!

30,000 miles can be used to upgrade from fare classes M & H which are less exxy... but still nowhere near the cheap fares...

I arranged a mileage upgrade for a buddy using his MP account.. on an H fare... So it was 30,000 miles each way.. on top of a fare of AUD$3600....

It can be done.. but it ain't cheap....

Long shot here (REAL long shot!) .. but all I can think of.. If you know someone who has high enough status with Air Canada's FF program.. AND they are going to be on the same flight, AND they are prepared to use one of their SSWU's (upgrade certificates) for YOU.. (and one for themselves of course) THEN you have a shot at an upgrade on AC!! Tough call I know.....

 

[Mwenenzi]

...I want to travel to Vancouver again at the end of the year with Air Canada (who is also part of the star alliance) as they do direct flights and was wanting to know if I could use my points to upgrade?

My reply above was in relation to direct flight on Air Canada. Can UA miles be used on Air Canada upgrades?

You CAN upgrade SYD-LAX with 15,000 miles... (assuming availability) but only if your Economy ticket is fare class Y or B.... These are "full fare" economy and are $$$$$!!!!!

Is this on UA or AC flight ?

 

[JohnK]

My reply above was in relation to direct flight on Air Canada. Can UA miles be used on Air Canada upgrades?

I don't think it is possible.

Is this on UA or AC flight ?

SYD-LAX would suggest a UA flight.

 

[trooper]

Sorry.. should have made that clear.... UA metal SYD-LAX... as UA miles can't be used to upgrade on anything else.... AFAIK....Transpacific at least...

I am sorry to say it looks like a non-starter.....

 

[clifford]

Also, guys, don't forget that as from 1 July, UA will be introducing a co-payment requirement for upgrades using miles. So it could cost miles plus $500+ in the future.