Frequently Asked Questions

Are there differences between the complimentary upgrade programs offered by Continental and United?

Yes. Each program has its own upgrade product with features that are unique and distinct to their program.

When will complimentary Elite upgrades on United be available for OnePass Elite members?

OnePass Elite members will have access to complimentary Elite upgrades using United’s Unlimited Domestic Upgrade program. These benefits will start to roll out mid-2010.

What is United’s Unlimited Domestic Upgrade program?

When traveling on eligible United flights on any published fare, OnePass Elite members will be eligible for a complimentary, one class of service upgrade, just like United’s Mileage Plus Elite members. For more information about eligible flights, cabins of service and upgrades for travel companions, learn more about United’s Unlimited Upgrade program.

When will an Unlimited Domestic Upgrade on United clear?

Subject to availability, upgrades for OnePass Elite members traveling on United will begin to clear as early as 72 hours from departure, depending on your OnePass Elite status. Go to united.com for more information.

When will a Continental Elite Upgrade be confirmed?

Subject to availability, upgrades for OnePass Elite and Mileage Plus elite members traveling on Continental will begin to clear as early as 120 hours from departure, depending on your OnePass Elite or Mileage Plus status. Specifically, Continental Platinum Elite, United Global Services and United 1K will begin to clear up to 120 hours prior to departure. Continental Gold Elite and United Premier Executive will begin to clear up to 72 hours prior to departure. Continental Silver Elite and United Premier and will begin to clear up to 24 hours prior to departure.

Are there other ways for OnePass members to upgrade on United?

Yes. When traveling on United, OnePass members may redeem miles for a Star Alliance Upgrade Award. These rewards are subject to capacity controls and may only apply to select fares. Learn more about Star Alliance Upgrade Awards.

What if I don’t want to be upgraded on United?

You may cancel your upgrade request with United if it has not cleared. If your upgrade has already been confirmed, you may request to be placed back into your original cabin, subject to availability. Please speak with a United Reservations agent or airport agent for assistance in either case.

What happens to my upgrade if my flight is canceled or changed?

United and Continental will make every effort to ensure your upgrade request or confirmed upgrade seat transfers to your new flight, subject to availability. Please speak with the operating carrier for assistance with your flight.

How will Unlimited Domestic Upgrades on United be prioritized?

When upgrade space becomes available, requests will be prioritized by OnePass or United Mileage Plus elite status, original booking class purchased and by the time of request. Go to united.com for more information.

How will Elite upgrades be prioritized on Continental?

For travel on Continental, the upgrade order will be:

• Continental Platinum Elite
• United Global Services and United 1K
• Continental Gold Elite
• United Premier Executive
• Continental Silver Elite
• United Premier

When will Economy Plus seating on United be available for OnePass Elite members?

OnePass Elite members will have acces to United's Economy Plus seating when the benefit starts to roll out mid-2010.

What premium seating benefits will OnePass Elite members have on United?

All OnePass Elite members will be permitted to assign seats in United’s Economy Plus® section. Economy Plus is the forward section of United’s Economy Class cabin and includes additional legroom. Learn more about Economy Plus.

Which United flights will offer OnePass Elite members the ability to assign Economy Plus seating?

Economy Plus seating is available on all United flights and select United Express flights.

When can OnePass Elite members request United’s Economy Plus seating?

OnePass Elite members will be permitted to assign seats in United’s Economy Plus section anytime before departure. Seat assignments may be requested anytime from booking through check-in and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Seat maps may not be available in all booking channels.

What fares are valid for Economy Plus seating on United?

Any published fare class on United is eligible for Economy Plus seating for OnePass Elite members.

Can OnePass Elite members request Economy Plus seating for a travel companion?

OnePass Elite members will be able to designate one companion to receive Economy Plus seating on the same flight that the Elite member is traveling on. The companion must be on the same reservation as the Elite member.