How to Upgrade Airline Tickets

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How to get an upgrade is a surprisingly well-kept secret among frequent travelers, and a seat upgrade on a flight is especially welcome if you are returning exhausted and sore from a demanding outdoor adventure trip. Of course, you can simply just pay for the upgrade using the airline's frequent flier program, and this is the only way to guarantee getting an upgrade. However, it is possible to get upgrades at substantial discounts below the stated rates, or even for free. All you really need to do is show up at the airport, be nice and see what's possible.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Using Frequent Flier Miles

Step 1

Check to see if you bought a discount ticket. Most airlines charge co-payments and require a greater expenditure of miles for upgrading discounted tickets, and therefore it might not prove much of a bargain to get an upgrade in this way. For example, in 2009 American Airlines required 15,000 miles plus $150 for an upgrade from Economy to Business class on discount tickets for flights in North America. The same flight on a regular ticket only required 7,500 miles.

Step 2

Find out what upgrade options are available. Flights are usually organized in Economy, Business and First Classes, but there are a variety of combinations. Some airlines are now offering what they call Economy Plus, which is a normal Economy seat with extra legroom. Others might be missing either First or Business class.

Step 3

Check with your airline's policies regarding how to spend frequent flier miles. Some permit you to do this online, but most require you to call them and handle it directly through a customer service agent. Either log in to the website or call the company and make the change.

Airport Upgrades

Step 1

Arrive at the airport early, and appear well-groomed and dressed nicely. If the recommendation is to appear 60 minutes prior to departure, get there 90 minutes beforehand and wearing at least business casual-wear.

Step 2

Be polite, and inquire if there are upgrades available with the agent at the check-in desk. You will probably only be eligible if you have a regular ticket, rather than a discount ticket, but cheap or free upgrades are sometimes available if you ask for them.

Step 3

Stay near your boarding gate, so you can inquire again if the airline asks for people to step aside for a later flight due to overbooking. You may be able to get an upgrade for that very flight, and if not you can probably get a free upgrade for a later flight.

Article Written By Edwin Thomas

Edwin Thomas has been writing since 1997. His work has appeared in various online publications, including The Black Table, Proboxing-Fans and others. A travel blogger, editor and writer, Thomas has traveled from Argentina to Vietnam in pursuit of stories. He holds a Master of Arts in international affairs from American University.

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