The System for United Systemwide Upgrades Having reached United 1K status again this year, I had six systemwide upgrades deposited in my account. Two questions: • Does it always make sense to use systemwides, which require purchase of a coach ticket, instead of miles for upgrades? I have two million United miles and a lot of Starwood points and would like to use them, but it seems like a waste not to use the systemwides. • Is there a way to use systemwides to get into First Class? My understanding is that they’re only valid for coach to Business.
Jan Greben, Santa Barbara, CA
Here’s the rule: Use systemwide upgrades to go from economy to Business, and use miles to go from United’s highly discounted Business Class fare (Z) to First Class. Here’s why: Systemwide upgrades are valid with most economy fares (Y, M, E, H, U, Q, V, W, S, T, K, L); moreover, with systemwide upgrades you escape the surcharge, which can be as high has $1,000 round-trip. Also, keep in mind that the systemwide upgrade can be used with Lufthansa from the U.S. to Germany. Use miles going from Business to First Class because the upgrade is valid with discounted Business Class fares. — MB
Booking Partner Awards Have you done an article on how to find award seats online for Star Alliance carriers?
Arjen Weiss Haymarket, VA
FCF has not done an article on this subject recently. But here’s a quick rundown of what you need to know:
Neither US Airways nor United allow partner award redemption via their websites. You must call the mileage department.
Continental does offer partner-award availability for Star Alliance carriers on its website. (I just used it to confirm a United nonstop from San Francisco to Frankfurt).
As for other alliances, Delta (SkyTeam) shows some partner-award availability (Air France, Alaska, Hawaiian and KLM). American (oneworld) does not allow partner awards to be booked online. — MB