The Easiest Route To Clear United PlusPoints On (LAX-HKG)

Intro

For those unaware, I have previously talked about the best ways to use PlusPoints, which you can find here. However, for those looking for something cut and dry, I figured I would tell you my little secret on how to get to Asia at a reasonable cost on PlusPoints.

My Little Trick

Every time I fly to Asia, I always fly from Los Angeles to Hong Kong, and then figure out a positioning flight from there, no matter where I am going (even Afghanistan lol). The reason behind this is that United releases an unbelievable amount of PZ space on this route for some reason, and offers twice daily flights from LAX-HKG.

This was taken earlier this year...

To put this into perspective, I have flown the LAX-HKG route and vice versa a whopping 4 times this year already, and just cleared my upgrade today for the 5th in August. From what I can tell, here is how far in advance United 'seems' to open up space:

• From the schedule opening, United will open up at least PN2 and IN2, meaning those with GS can upgrade, and those with miles can book two tickets...

• Then, just under 2 months out, United will begin doing PZ sweeps like they did this morning for me...

• Sometimes it will dry out for a short period, especially if a lot of people clear

• And then a few weeks before the flight, it will open up again

Now, I have never once heard a report about someone not being able to clear an upgrade to Hong Kong from LAX. However, I have heard reports of it being a little trickier to Hong Kong, but midweek flights will usually open up PZ9 within 1-3 weeks of departure.

The reason why I haven't reviewed Premium Plus yet is that my Upgrade always clears to Polaris 🥴

A Few Other Routes

I also understand that not everyone is mentally unstable like myself and flies to London through Hong Kong, so here is a list of a few other long-haul routes that I find it easy to clear.

• Newark-London (especially midweek)

• Washington-Dakar

• Taipei-San Francisco

• Sydney-LAX/SFO (June/July are the easiest months)

• Milan (outside of summer)

• SFO-Narita (77W)

Obviously, these are seasonally dependent, and during the summer it is very challenging to upgrade anywhere, except for LAX-HKG 😉.

Final Thoughts

If you are looking for a good way to use United PlusPoints, look no further than a 15-hour run in the swanky United Polaris from Los Angeles to Hong Kong. It's gotten to the point where I would almost be shocked if someone didn't clear, as I see standbys getting onboard Polaris every time I fly this route. Enjoy!