Help with UA upgrade

[gkeddie]

Hi all, I have booked a routing DUB-IAD-LAS/LAS-FRA-DUB for September.

Outbound is on UA metal in PE for transatlantic leg(R class) and Econ for IAD to LAS(B class). Inbound is on Eurowings/LH with transatlantic leg in PE which will be on a wetleased Finnair A350, so therefore a J seat and PE service. Given this bonus, I thought the cost (£650) was a pretty good deal.

Question is what options do I have to upgrade the UA outbound legs to Polaris and First? UA site has it as 20k UA miles and $425 for both legs on a waitlist basis.

I have no status or miles with UA so considering using my Marriott points to cover. Does anyone know if this is the only option and what my chances will be for the upgrade to clear?

I have no Star Alliance status. It looks like I still have Shangri La Jade status for match to silver but not letting me log in for some reason.

Any help appreciated!

[Blair Waldorf Salad]

DUB-IAD is a 757 right with 2-2 layout? It’s not a big cabin and without status I’d say you’re stuffed. Sadly.

[gkeddie]

The DUB-IAD leg is on a 772 so decent J cabin. The IAD to LAS is on a 739 with minimal domestic first, not holding hopes out for that one.

I think I’ll go for it, if it doesn’t clear at least I’ll have a few miles in UA instead of all in Avios even if Marriott transfer isn’t the best.