My wife and I will be flying to China and would like to get some advice on upgrading our qualifying economy tickets to business class using system wide upgrades. I have gone to flyertalk, but won't have access to coupon page for 90days and it will be too late. I have seen some auctions on eBay, but want to know if there is another source. The way eBay auctions are phrased I will be buying advice and receiving upgrades for free, which I am completely ok with. Don't know if this is a violation of United FF policy, if it is, I was not aware. Does anyone have any experience with upgrading economy to business class? I did it 10 years ago with NWA, but know that times have changed. I am mileage plus member with United, but only have 35k miles at this time. My flight will be around end of August to Guangzhou,from LAX. Returning from Guangzhou mid september. In my research I have found that upgrades may be available at the gate the date of departure, but I don't want to take that chance on this long of a flight. I see upgrades at the gate typically costing $550 and up. Additionally, we will be going as a party of 2, but returning as a party of 3, adopting our girl under 2, that will be lap ticket.
thanks
john

United Upgrade FAQ

SoCalJohn said:In my research I have found that upgrades may be available at the gate the date of departure, but I don't want to take that chance on this long of a flightThen purchase a Business or First class ticket.

Yup - against the rules to sell things like this. You run the risk of the airline finding out and canceling your ticket/upgrade. Even the coupon connection at FT is probably against the rules, but there at least there is a rule of "no sales". Even if someone offered a SWU, they are going to want something of similar value (lots of points, upgrades on other carriers, etc.) in return. The 90 day / 90 post rule is to make sure there is some level of trust with long time posters and prevent people from showing up looking for one time freebies.

There is no guaranteed cheap way to get into biz. Either pay for it or plan on flying in coach. If you are adopting you may want to see if the airline has special adoption fares - I believe many do.