Forgive the basic question but I'm fixin to qualify for silver for the first time on United. Not that I'm planning on having much luck getting upgrades as silver are there any tips or tricks that might help? What is the process of requesting an upgrade or is it all automatic?

Fly to small airports / non-hubs at off-peak times (mid week or middle of the day)

You'll likely be 40+ on most upgrades lists. I am Gold for 3+ years and still in the 20+ for most flights. I usually get upgraded two or three times year.

You'll automatically be add to the upgrade list on the day of departure (as Silver, others get added earlier)

Random Ag said:

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Fly to small airports / non-hubs at off-peak times (mid week or middle of the day)

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This is always true. My wife and I are gold and never get upgraded on a flight like IAH->ORD ir IAH->LAS. But when we visit her parents in OKC, I honestly can't recall the last time we weren't upgraded.

But to answer your question, you will automatically be added to the upgrade standby list. Try to check into your flight as quickly as possible if you want to have a shot at upgrading. Each strata of upgradeable passenger is sorted by who checked in first.

well that's good, I'll be flying primarily from OMA to IAH, ORD or DIA. Too bad most of the OMA-IAH flights are in a damn ERJ 145 without a 1st class cabin. And being 6'7" after a 2.5 hr flight on one of those damn things is as enjoyable as taking a cheese grater to the face.

If you can swing it or work is paying, buying full fare tickets (Y fares) will get you an automatic upgrade. But yeah, otherwise good luck. I fly to Midland a lot and half of plane is silver or better.