UA Upgrades

[NotSoSlimBoyNotinYVR]

Just booked a flight from CUN-ORD-YYZ for end of July on UA. Loving the seats allocated way in the back Been a long time since I flew UA but wondering if anyone can help with possible UGs. I know I used to be able trade or otherwise acquire 500 milers or something and it was pretty easy to UG. Is this still the case and can anyone help? (Not looking for a freebie ). All info appreciated.

Cheers

[CANADI>N]

Since UA introduced its Unlimited Domestic Upgrades for elites, a non-elite using purchased 500s has not a snowball's chance in hell of getting upgraded. Even as a 1K it can get tight out of hubs with huge numbers of GS and 1K elites. The other day I was number 2 on the list with two open seats on a 24-seat 757 ex-ORD. Even PremEx mid-tier elites are having trouble upgrading on key routes. You'd have to be on a flight with fewer than a dozen elites of all tiers...highly unlikely. A 1K could sell or gift you one of their scarce CR1 regional upgrades which can be confirmed in advance and are transferrable, but these are now the only means of upgrading the transcon PS service, so not all that available. Best you might do is getting up to E+ at check-in.

[NotSoSlimBoyNotinYVR]

Thanks. I figured it wasn't as easy as it used to be

I decided just to pay for E+, given it was that or row 32 seemed like a good idea...

Flew down here on CO, it was ok but made me appreciate AC in all kinds of ways.

[NotSoSlimBoyNotinYVR]

Glad to say we had no problem with scoring complimentary upgrades from CUN to ORD. Flight wasn't even oversold, but seems my wife was able to charm the GA. Mind you, after the hell of immigration in ORD we needed something good in the day. Last time I connect through the US to anywhere if I can avoid it. Grim...