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*Free upgrades like those that are given in domestic flights.
No CPU's on most internationals.
Some exceptions, e.g. some intra-Asia, some Carribean and Central America.
I flew united from NYC to Berlin. Was upgraded to economy plus (I'm silver). Can't do that on partners.
:( Are Global Premier Upgrades the only way to get upgraded?
And it seems you can only earn GPU's if you reach 1K status.
GPU's or miles, occasionally you'll get an op-up (ie they overbooked economy and put you in first to make room by status). @D1, at silver you can book economy plus 24 hours out, at gold, when booking. I think OP meant first and business.
My mom was gold and got the 4 of us upgraded to first on a flight from NYC to Punta Cana... don't know about first in transatlantic flights
Caribbean you can still get CPUs.
BCG, yup I was referring to Business or First. Is Econ Plus any better than Econ on international flights?
Some Star Alliance Partners like Air New Zealand will let you book economy plus when purchasing the flight. If you ask the check in agent when you get to the airport, other's like Air Canada will sometimes give you economy plus if there is space. Can't get upgraded to first even if there is space on United or their partners.
Econ plus is significantly better on international flights. You'll really be feeling that extra room (3-4 inches more leg room)
Agreed, Econ plus is much better. Goes for $100+ extra on long hauls.
Firm policy permits business class to be expensed for flights longer than 7 or 8 hours total air time irrespective of level.
The answer is no. You have to have a global premier upgrade to get upgraded internationally. Or book with points and get a higher class service.
Or just book business...that's what I try to do making use of great fares whenever I can (just booked EU to US with Lufthansa/United for $1300 in business)
You have to purchase a Y B or M class to use united miles to upgrade on a star alliance partner or use most fare classes in the carriers own program and use miles from the carrier