I called 877-297-0699 before my last United flight to check my PlusPoints balance, and honestly, I didn’t realize just how much these points could improve my travel experience. If you’re a MileagePlus elite member, United PlusPoints are essentially your upgrade currency — letting you move into Economy Plus, First Class, or even Business Class, depending on your flight. Over the years, I’ve learned the ins and outs of PlusPoints, and I want to share what works best.
United PlusPoints are upgrade credits awarded to Premier Platinum, Premier 1K, and Global Services members. Unlike award miles, which are used for free flights, PlusPoints are specifically for upgrades. I remember a cross-country flight where I applied just a couple of PlusPoints and instantly secured an Economy Plus seat — those extra inches of legroom made a huge difference on a five-hour journey.
Visual idea: Side-by-side diagram comparing standard Economy vs Economy Plus vs First Class upgrades.
Not everyone earns PlusPoints. You need to be at least a Premier Platinum member. The amount of PlusPoints you receive depends on your status level and the type of flights you take. For example, as a Platinum member, I earned 10 PlusPoints on a long-haul domestic flight, which I quickly used to upgrade my next trip. Premier 1K and Global Services members earn even more, giving them more flexibility and higher upgrade priority.
Visual idea: Table showing MileagePlus elite tiers vs PlusPoints awarded per year.
Redeeming PlusPoints is straightforward. You can apply them during booking, through the United app, or on the website. I always check my flight in the app and apply PlusPoints early to maximize my chances. Depending on availability, upgrades may clear immediately or closer to departure.
United clears upgrades based on a hierarchy: Global Services → Premier 1K → Platinum → Gold → Silver → non-elite. Even if you have PlusPoints, your upgrade might wait if higher-priority passengers are ahead. On a recent flight, I saw my PlusPoints upgrade clear just 24 hours before departure — timing is everything.
Visual idea: Timeline showing upgrade clearance from booking to departure.
Book higher fare classes when possible.
Apply PlusPoints early, especially for long-haul flights.
Stack PlusPoints with elite status for higher priority.
Monitor the United app regularly for upgrade status.
Call 877-297-0699 if you’re unsure about your upgrade clearing — it can help clarify your options.
Visual idea: Checklist: “Top 5 Tips to Get the Most from Your PlusPoints.”
Trying to upgrade Basic Economy tickets (not eligible).
Waiting until the last minute to apply PlusPoints.
Ignoring notifications in the app.
I once tried using PlusPoints on a Basic Economy ticket — lesson learned the hard way.
United PlusPoints are a powerful way to enhance your travel experience, but knowing how to use them is key. Check your balance, apply strategically, and monitor upgrades for the best results.