We all want to sit in first class, don’t we? Or even better — business class on a long-haul international flight. If you’re flying with United Airlines and hoping to score yourself an upgrade, you may wonder how you can increase your chances for a complimentary upgrade (or pay for a better seat).

Here’s how the United upgrade clearing order works, along with some tips on what you can do to snag one of those coveted seats.

How to be upgrade eligible on United

Not everyone who books a United flight can be upgraded. There are certain fare classes that aren’t eligible — such as basic economy — and certain limitations, like upgrades for award tickets.

That being said, there are ways to upgrade nearly every flight except for seats in basic economy. How and when you’re upgraded will depend on a variety of factors.

United upgrade priority order

If you’re able to get on the waitlist for an upgrade, United processes its requests in a distinct order:

United Global Services requests. Members with this invite-only, elite status tier get all their upgrades cleared first.

PlusPoints and mileage upgrade awards. Passengers who redeem these for upgrades are next in line.

Elite status holders. The higher your status, the better your chances.

Fare class. More expensive fare classes clear first.

Chase United MileagePlus Club cardholders and Presidential Plus cardholders. High-end credit cardholders beat out cheaper cards.

United Corporate Preferred members. For those whose company enrolls them in this program.

United Chase Cardmembers with $25,000 in annual spending. Spending more gets you a better chance at getting upgraded.

When you request. The earlier you request, the better.

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When does the United upgrade waitlist clear?

Unfortunately for eager travelers, your upgrade won't usually clear at booking. Instead, you'll be placed on a waitlist.

That said, the airline will sometimes confirm an upgrade ahead of checking in for the flight. If you are at the point of check in and haven't received news of an upgrade, you'll be added to the list (and subject to the order of clearance) outlined above.