Tight seats, crowded overhead compartments, pretzel bags (if there are any left) – all of this is part of the experience when it comes to flying these days. But while this may be true in economy class, the story is very different if you’re lucky enough to fly first class.
Booking a seat in first class or business class offers travelers more space to relax, personalized service, complimentary meals and cocktails on board, and a host of other perks that can make you forget what it’s like to fly in the back of the plane.
Many travelers find that expensive first-class tickets are out of reach, but you might be surprised to learn that there are ways to get that seat upgrade for less than you think.
Make the Most of Your Miles
You’ve probably signed up for one or more airline frequent flyer programs, so be sure to add your frequent flyer number to your itinerary whenever you travel. You’ll earn points based on the money spent on airfare or the number of miles flown (except for some basic economy fares) and can later redeem those points for free flights. Essentially, you’re getting cash back every time you fly. Additionally, if you have a co-branded airline credit card or a travel rewards credit card, you can easily boost your stash by earning miles on everyday spending.
In addition to redeeming miles for a new booking, most airlines allow you to upgrade an existing ticket to a higher cabin using frequent flyer points, cash, or a combination of both.
Achieve Elite Status – or Travel with Someone Who Has It
While there likely isn’t a “free” upgrade anymore, the closest you can get is by achieving elite status with an airline. Fly (and spend) a certain amount each year, and you’ll be rewarded for your loyalty with perks like priority service, free baggage, and fee waivers. Perhaps the most coveted perk of all is the free seat upgrade.
If any first-class seat on a flight goes unsold at departure time, airlines – including Alaska, American, Delta, and United – will offer their elite members upgrades based on available space, prioritized by their elite status level. These free upgrades are typically available on flights within North America, to the Caribbean, and to some destinations in northern South America. These types of free upgrades are generally not offered on long-haul international flights.
Don’t have elite status? Many programs will allow the elite member to also upgrade companions traveling with them for free – even if they have no status with the airline. Or, if a friend or family member with elite status can’t use all their upgrade certificates, they can upgrade you.
Keep an Eye Out for Discounted Upgrades When Close to Check-In
Of course, for airlines, it’s better to sell a first-class seat than to give it away for free. If any premium seat goes unsold close to the departure date, airlines often try to incentivize last-minute upgrades to fill the cabin.
It doesn’t hurt to ask the agent at the check-in counter or gate about any upgrade possibilities. While there’s a small chance of getting a free upgrade just based on appearance, the premium seat may be offered to you at a more attractive price. This is particularly true if the flight is overbooked and you volunteer to take a later flight; you may be able to negotiate an upgrade to a higher cabin as part of your compensation for being flexible.
Source: Daily Passport