Has anyone flown United recently from L.A. to
London (non-stop)? I have enough miles to upgrade for this long red-eye, but need to know
if it's worth it. Will fly coach back (long flight but
all during the day). Also, has United instituted
the rule that Delta and others have that only a more expensive ticket is upgradeable? If so, what
would that fare be approximately for summer travel (late June)? My other option is to not upgrade and fly the Continental "code share" operated by Virgin Atlantic (also non-stop). Several recent posters have not liked the Virgin service, but I did it several years ago in coach and it was pretty good. Any more recent experiences on this particular route? Thanks!

Boonie, the last time I used miles to purchase a transatlantic upgrade on United (two years ago), I had to purchase upgradeable tickets. Unlike domestic tickes, the lower economy fares were not eligible for upgrades. Our tickets were from ORD-ZRH and returning from MXP-ORD. I think we paid about $1500 each for summer travel; London might be a little cheaper. Since this isn't considered full-fare economy, it requires 30,000 miles each way (if I recall correctly; they don't have a complete member guide on the internet right now). And there are a limited number of upgrades available on some flights. Best to call United and ask about availability and cost.

I haven't flown this exact route, but it looks like they use 777s, which have 2-3-2 seating in BC. I've flown United BC on a 777 a number of times, and have no complaints. If I had the miles and $s, I'd probably try to upgrade for a long, overnight flight.

According to the rules on the webpage below, your ticket would need to be booking class C, D, Y, B, M or H.
http://www.united.com/page/article/0,1360,1150,00.html

The Y and B fares are full fare economy and it would cost 15,000 miles for the one-way upgrade. For the other classes, the one-way upgrade would be 30,000 miles.

The UA nonstop from LAX to LHR is flight 934 and UA 935 is the nonstop return. Both are Boeing 777s.
http://www.united.com/page/article/0,,3003,00.html

With all the cost in amenities recently on airlies in the US, I much rather fly an international carrier for this kind of trip. Check Virgin Atlantic if they have Premium Coach, many times better than what you get in business on a US carrier.

If you have the miles and the dollars, I would - and have - upgraded to business class eastbound but flown coach westbound since the latter is a daytime flight and I can walk around frequently. The 777 business class on United is very comfortable and we have never had bad service.

I recently purchased my upgradeable ticket on UAL from ORD to FRA for $1100+ for spring break travel. Regular fare at that time was $800+. I always use my miles for upgrades on long overseas flights, both directions. Yes, it's 30,000 mi. each way on UAL. The flights are on 777's both ways. I am nearly 6' tall and really enjoy the ROOM and ability to recline and not be in someone else's knees!

The upgradable fare is more than the "lowest" fare you can get on united.com. I just bought tickets to Asia using M fare for upgrade, cost is approx. $250 more. But it's worth it! If you are Premier member and decide not to upgrade, make sure that you get the Premier+ zone, you get a few inches more leg room.