Can I Use Plus Points On Award Travel? Absolutely! United Airlines PlusPoints offer a fantastic way to elevate your travel experience. This guide, brought to you by TRAVELS.EDU.VN, will explore how to use these valuable points for flight upgrades. Discover the potential to fly in premium comfort while saving on travel expenses. Maximize your travel perks and experience the difference with enhanced flight options.
1. Understanding United PlusPoints
United PlusPoints are upgrade instruments awarded to Premier Platinum and Premier 1K members within the United MileagePlus program. These points enable eligible members to upgrade their seats on both domestic and international flights. The number of PlusPoints awarded depends on your elite status tier, with Premier Platinum members receiving 40 PlusPoints and Premier 1K members earning a total of 320 PlusPoints.
| Elite Status | Requirements | PlusPoints Awarded |
|---|---|---|
| Premier Platinum | 36 PQFs & 12,000 PQPs OR 15,000 PQPs | 40 |
| Premier 1K | 54 PQFs & 18,000 PQPs OR 24,000 PQPs | 320 |
United PlusPoints are valid from the date they are earned through the end of the following calendar year, expiring on January 31st of the subsequent year. It’s important to plan your upgrades accordingly to maximize their value.
2. Determining the Cost of Upgrading with PlusPoints
The number of PlusPoints required for an upgrade varies based on several factors, including your original fare class, destination, and the cabin you wish to upgrade to. Here is a general breakdown:
- 10 PlusPoints: Premium Economy to Short-Haul Business Class
- 20 PlusPoints: Economy to Premium Plus (short-haul and long-haul), or Economy to Domestic First on short-haul flights
- 30 PlusPoints: Premium Plus to Long-Haul International Business Class
- 40 PlusPoints: Economy to Long-Haul International Business Class
- 80 PlusPoints: Discounted Economy to Long-Haul International Business Class
Premier 1K members have the unique option to confirm upgrades instantly on select flights, bypassing the waitlist for a higher point cost, usually double the standard rate. Keep in mind that those booked in Premium Plus cabins are prioritized over economy class passengers when upgrades are processed.
2.1. Identifying Economy Fare Classes for PlusPoints Usage
To ensure you understand the PlusPoints needed for your long-haul international upgrades, it’s important to identify which economy-class tickets require 40 PlusPoints versus 80 PlusPoints. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
- 40 PlusPoints (Economy): Y, B, M, E, U, H, Q, V, and W
- 80 PlusPoints (Discounted Economy): S, T, L, K, and G
This understanding will enable you to strategically book your tickets and plan your upgrades more effectively.
United Polaris Business Class Cabin
3. Upgrading Partner Flights Using PlusPoints
United PlusPoints can also be used to upgrade flights operated by partner airlines such as Copa Airlines, ANA, and Lufthansa. The cost is standardized at 40 PlusPoints per flight segment, offering a consistent value across different carriers.
4. Step-by-Step Guide to Using United PlusPoints
There are two primary methods for redeeming your United PlusPoints: during the initial booking process and after your flight has already been booked. Both options provide flexibility and potential for enhanced travel experiences.
4.1. Redeeming PlusPoints When Booking Flights
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Visit United’s Website: Go to United.com.
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Access Advanced Search: Instead of the standard search bar, click on the “Advanced Search” option at the bottom left of the screen.
United Advanced Search -
Login to Your Account: Make sure you’re logged into your MileagePlus account; otherwise, the PlusPoints option won’t appear.
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Select Upgrade Type: In the Advanced Search options, scroll down to “Upgrade Type” and select the option to search for flights eligible for PlusPoints upgrades.
Advanced Search PlusPoints Upgrades -
Enter Flight Details: Enter your flight details (departure, arrival, dates) and click “Find Flights”.
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Choose Your Flight and Upgrade: United will show available flights. Select your preferred flight and the upgrade option you desire, such as Premium Plus or United Polaris business class.
United PlusPoints Upgrade Results
As you complete the booking, your PlusPoints will be deducted, and your upgrade will be immediately confirmed, allowing you to enjoy a more luxurious travel experience.
4.2. Redeeming PlusPoints After Booking Flights
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Log into Your Account: Log into your United MileagePlus account.
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Navigate to Your Trips: Go to your reservations and select the trip you wish to upgrade.
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Manage Trip: Click on “Manage Trip” to view the details of your booking.
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Upgrade Cabin: Look for the “Upgrade Cabin” option at the top of the page and click it.
United Upgrade Cabin -
Choose PlusPoints: You will see various upgrade options, including cash, Mileage Upgrade Awards (MUAs), and PlusPoints. Select PlusPoints.
If upgrades are currently available, your upgrade will be confirmed immediately. If not, you’ll be placed on a waitlist.
5. Strategies for Finding United PlusPoint Upgrade Availability
Successfully using United PlusPoints requires a strategic approach to finding available upgrades, especially for the coveted Polaris business class.
5.1. Enabling Expert Mode on United’s Website
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Access Your Account Settings: Log into your United account and click on your name to access your account details.
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Navigate to Preferences: On the left-hand side, find the “Settings” section and expand it. Click on “Special Preferences and Accommodations”.
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Enable Expert Mode: Scroll down to the “Expert Mode” box and check it. Save your preferences to activate this feature.
United Expert Mode
Expert Mode allows you to view the number of seats available in different fare classes directly during your search, eliminating the need for advanced searches.
5.2. Understanding Fare Classes for Upgrades
When searching for upgrades, pay attention to the available fare classes in the search results:
- PZ: Upgrades to United Polaris Business Class
- RN: Upgrades to Premium Plus
The number following the fare class (e.g., PZ1) indicates how many seats are available for that upgrade. Note that the system displays a maximum of “9,” even if more seats are available.
5.3. Utilizing Seats.aero for Upgrade Availability
For a more comprehensive search, Seats.aero can be an invaluable tool. Although a pro account is required to access the PlusPoints finder, the $9.99 monthly subscription can be well worth it.
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Access the PlusPoints Finder: After logging in, select the “Tools” dropdown at the top of the page and choose “United PlusPoints finder.”
Seats.aero United PlusPoints Finder -
View Available Upgrades: This tool displays flights with available upgrade space, allowing you to sort by date, route, seats available, and the last time the space was verified.
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Set Alerts: You can also set up alerts to be notified when upgrade space becomes available on specific routes or dates.
Seats.aero PlusPoints Alert Options -
Cross-Reference on United: Use the links provided by Seats.aero to check availability directly on United’s website, ensuring you are logged in with Expert Mode enabled.
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Our extensive network and industry insights provide you with exclusive access to the best upgrade opportunities. By leveraging our expertise, you can significantly increase your chances of securing upgrades to premium cabins. We continuously monitor flight availability and fare classes, offering real-time updates to make the most of your PlusPoints.
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9. Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Even with the best planning, certain pitfalls can hinder your PlusPoints upgrade experience. Here are some common issues and how to avoid them:
| Pitfall | Solution |
|---|---|
| Low Upgrade Availability | Book in advance, travel during off-peak seasons, and be flexible with your dates. |
| Incorrect Fare Class | Ensure you book eligible fare classes for upgrades; check fare rules before purchasing. |
| Expiring PlusPoints | Track expiration dates and plan upgrades accordingly; consider partner flights if United options are limited. |
| Waiting List Uncertainty | Consider confirming upgrades with higher point costs; monitor availability closely using Seats.aero. |
10. United PlusPoints FAQs
1. Can I use PlusPoints on any United flight?
Yes, PlusPoints can be used on most United flights, but availability depends on fare class and demand.
2. How do I check PlusPoints upgrade availability?
Use United’s Expert Mode or Seats.aero to monitor available upgrade space.
3. What happens if my PlusPoints upgrade doesn’t clear?
If your upgrade doesn’t clear, your PlusPoints are typically refunded to your account.
4. Can I use PlusPoints for someone else?
Yes, you can use PlusPoints for travel companions, even if they are not elite members.
5. How far in advance can I request a PlusPoints upgrade?
You can request an upgrade as soon as you book your flight, but confirmation depends on availability.
6. Are PlusPoints refundable if I cancel my flight?
Yes, PlusPoints are generally refunded if you cancel your flight, provided the upgrade hasn’t cleared.
7. Do PlusPoints expire?
Yes, PlusPoints expire on January 31st of the year following the year they were earned.
8. Can I combine PlusPoints with cash to upgrade?
No, PlusPoints are used independently and cannot be combined with cash for upgrades.
9. How are upgrades prioritized with PlusPoints?
Upgrades are prioritized based on Premier status, fare class, and the time of request.
10. What is the difference between PlusPoints and Mileage Upgrade Awards (MUAs)?
PlusPoints are for Premier Platinum and 1K members, while MUAs are available to all MileagePlus members and use miles instead of points.
11. Conclusion: Elevate Your Travel Experience with PlusPoints
United PlusPoints provide a valuable opportunity to enhance your travel experience, turning economy flights into luxurious journeys. By understanding how to effectively use these points and partnering with experts like TRAVELS.EDU.VN, you can maximize your travel rewards and create unforgettable memories. Don’t miss out on the chance to elevate your next trip—start planning today and experience the difference that PlusPoints can make! With travels.edu.vn, your dream vacation is just a phone call away. Our commitment to excellence, personalized service, and local expertise ensure an unparalleled travel experience.
