United Polaris Upgrade Guide: Cheapest Ways to Fly Lie-Flat with Points or Cash
United Polaris is United Airlines’ top-tier international business class, offering a lie-flat seat, Saks Fifth Avenue bedding, and elevated in-flight service. The best part? You don’t have to pay full price to experience it. In this post, I’ll walk you through the cheapest ways to fly Polaris using points—or even cash—and share how I upgraded a 14-hour flight from San Francisco to Brisbane for just $899 with no points, tricks, or elite status.
What Is Polaris Business Class?
Polaris is United’s flagship long-haul business class designed for international routes. It features lie-flat seats in a 1-2-1 configuration with direct aisle access, elevated multi-course meals, Saks Fifth Avenue bedding, amenity kits, and Polaris Lounge access for international departures. You'll find Polaris seats on all United 777-300ERs, 787-10s, and most 787-8/9s and refurbished 767-300/400s.
Booking United Polaris Seats with Points
You can book Polaris outright using United miles—especially if saver award space is available. These typically cost 75,000–85,000 miles one-way and are released up to 330 days in advance.
Don’t have United miles? Tools like Seats.aero let you search across partner programs for the same flight. That same Polaris seat might be available through Air Canada Aeroplan or another transfer partner. These saver seats are limited, so checking frequently gives you the best shot at snagging a deal.
Ways to Upgrade to Polaris
If you have already booked economy seating, United offers several upgrade paths depending on your fare class, elite status, and what type of miles or certificates you have:
1. Day-Of Departure Cash Upgrades
One of the easiest ways to get into Polaris is by asking for a cash upgrade at the check-in counter. Prices vary based on demand and availability, but they can be surprisingly reasonable. I upgraded my flight from San Francisco to Brisbane for just $899—no points required. Before heading to the airport, check the flight's upgrade list online to see how many business class seats are still open.
2. Using Miles + Co-Pay
You don’t need elite status to upgrade with miles and a co-pay. Most international flights can be upgraded for 20,000–30,000 miles plus $250–$550. I used this method to upgrade my return from Sydney to LAX—30,000 miles + $500. For the best rates, avoid Basic Economy and try to book W class or higher. You can usually check upgrade space a few days in advance using United’s site or app.
3. Using PlusPoints (for Premier Platinum and 1K Members)
PlusPoints are upgrade credits earned through United’s two highest elite status categories—40 per year for Premier Platinum, 280 for 1K. Polaris upgrades from economy typically cost 40 PlusPoints one-way. You can request an upgrade at booking or later, and you’ll be placed on a waitlist based on your status and fare class. Waitlist clearance usually begins a few days before departure.
4. Upgrade with Travel Certificates (CPU)
CPUs are another perk for 1K members and work similarly to PlusPoints but are issued as separate certificates. They can be used on eligible long-haul routes to Polaris, but you’ll also be placed on the upgrade waitlist, which clears based on availability, fare class, and status.
Where to Find Polaris Business Class
Polaris is available on:
All 777-300ER and 787-10 aircraft
Most 787-8 and 787-9 Dreamliners
Refurbished 767-300/400s with 1-2-1 Polaris layout
Top international Polaris routes include:
Newark to London, Frankfurt, Zurich
San Francisco to Tokyo, Singapore, Delhi
Los Angeles/San Francisco to Sydney or Melbourne
Houston to São Paulo or Buenos Aires
Newark to Cape Town
✅ Pro Tip: Always double-check the seat map or booking details to confirm the aircraft has Polaris seats—and avoid Basic Economy, which isn’t upgrade-eligible.
Final Thoughts
Polaris is one of the best ways to fly long-haul—and with the right strategy, you can avoid paying thousands for it. I’ve upgraded to Polaris using both miles and a co-pay, and even scored a last-minute cash upgrade for under $900. Whether you’re flying with status or not, knowing where Polaris flies and how to find upgrade space puts lie-flat luxury within reach.