United has quietly updated their upgrade policy on certain flights to/from Hawaii. Specifically, United’s nonstop flights between the Chicago (ORD) and Denver (DEN) to Hawaii, will no longer be eligible for complimentary Premier upgrades starting March 1st, 2017.

Here’s the official verbiage from MileagePlus:

As of December 8, 2016: All Chicago (ORD) and Denver (DEN) Hawaii flights departing on or after March 1st, 2017 will no longer be eligible for Complimentary Premier Upgrades or Instant upgrades. West coast routes between Hawaii and Los Angeles (LAX) or San Francisco (SFO) will continue to eligible for both Complimentary Premier Upgrades and Instant Upgrades.

Bottom Line

With this change, United will only allow for complimentary Premier upgrades on their flights from Los Angeles and San Francisco to Hawaii. If you look at Delta, an airline that United loves to follow and copy so closely, they follow a similar rule as only their West Coast flights to Hawaii are eligible for complimentary Medallion upgrades.

I can’t say that I’m surprised to see this change, however it is disappointing especially with their Denver flights, since Delta does offer complimentary upgrades from Salt Lake City to Hawaii.

Feel free to share your thoughts below about this latest blow to the MileagePlus program!

Hat Tip: View from the Wing