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when do plus points upgrades clear ?

**When Do Plus Points Upgrades Clear On United Airlines?**

Navigating the intricacies of loyalty points within the aviation industry can be quite challenging, especially when it comes to upgrading your flight experience using PlusPoints on United Airlines. PlusPoints, a creation introduced by United in late 2019, serve as a special currency used by elite members of the MileagePlus program to upgrade their flights to a higher class. But one question that frequently arises is, “When do PlusPoints upgrades clear?” This blog post aims to clarify this process and provide helpful insights for those embroiled in the PlusPoints upgrade adventure.

### PlusPoints Expiration

One of the most common inquiries concerns the validity period of PlusPoints. These points are earned for flights taken in 2023, contributing to elite status for the following year. PlusPoints remain active until approximately a year after their accrual, meaning they’d expire on January 31, 2025, for those earning them in 2023. This deadline is a pivotal reminder for members to plan their upgrades accordingly, ensuring not a point goes to waste.

### The Clearance Process

The clearance of an upgrade request means your desired higher cabin upgrade (whether it be to Business Class or First) has been confirmed. This can be a point of confusion as many members will not see a definitive clearance of their upgrade request until close to the departure date of their flight. A general guideline indicates that upgrades are often confirmed a few days before the flight, primarily because:
– **Elites and the Accumulative System:** The system waits for the final clearance of standard award upgrades, which are usually resolved closer to the date, to ensure PlusPoints don’t consume the available premium seats.
– **Flexibility and Last-Minute Changes:** The airline retains some flexibility in managing their premium cabin offerings. This includes offering those seats to passengers who are willing to pay a premium on the day of the flight.

### When Upgrades Clear

– For **Platinum** Members: Typically have upgrades confirmed at around the same time (close to departure).
– For **Silver** and **Gold** Members: Might see upgrades clear closer to the departure date, sometimes being confirmed as late as right before boarding.

### Key Points to Remember

– **Do not panic if your upgrade hasn’t yet been confirmed**: Multiple factors must align before your upgrade clears.
– **Watch Your Email and Mobile App:** United may provide real-time updates and notifications as your upgrade is in the process of clearing.
– **Gate Upgrades and Real-Time Adjustments:** Even if your upgrade hasn’t been formally confirmed, there are often gate upgrade opportunities based on the day’s booking conditions.

Understanding the expiration of PlusPoints and when you can realistically expect upgrades to clear is crucial for maximizing your travel experience on United Airlines. It’s always a good idea to revisit the program policies occasionally, as adjustments can occur, especially with regard to the clearance timeline and upgrade availability management. The evolving landscape of PlusPoints underscores the importance of staying informed to make the most out of your travel rewards.