How to Upgrade to First Class for Free

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Whether you plan to go hiking in the Grand Canyon, snorkeling in the Bahamas or spending a relaxing day on South Beach, getting a free upgrade to first class on your flight is a perfect way to kick off your adventure trip. Upgrading to first class for free is easy. Taking advantage of your frequent-flyer miles and hotel-loyalty programs or communicating with the airline ticket agent could get you that much closer to enjoying free cocktails and other amenities offered to first-class passengers.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Step 1

Check your frequent-flyer status. According to "Smarter Travel," frequent-flyer members who have 25,000 miles or more typically qualify as elite members. The higher your elite status, the higher your chances of receiving an upgrade. Inform the ticket agent at the time of booking that you are an elite frequent-flyer member to determine if you are eligible for a first-class upgrade. Alternatively, request an upgrade from the ticket agent at the gate. If seats are available, the ticket agent may grant your upgrade request.

Step 2

Redeem your frequent-flyer miles for an upgrade. Check with your frequent-flyer program to determine how many miles are needed to obtain a first-class upgrade. Typically, airlines require a minimum of 10,000 miles to get a free upgrade.

Step 3

Ask for a first-class upgrade. If you have been inconvenienced by the airline, such as being bumped from one flight to another, make the ticket agent aware in a polite manner. Request politely that you are willing to accept an upgrade to first class as compensation for your inconvenience.

Step 4

Check airline policies. For example, airlines such as America West, Continental, Northwest and US Air offer first-class seats to passengers who pay full fare when first-class seats are available. Ask your ticket agent about the airlines' first-class upgrade policies when booking your flight and paying full ticket price.

Step 5

Take advantage of hotel-loyalty programs. "Hotels affiliated with airline programs typically offer 500 to 1,000 miles per stay," according to "CNN Money." Hilton and Westin hotels, for example, give participating hotel guests airline miles that can be combined with other frequent-flyer programs. Use these miles toward a free first-class upgrade.

Tips & Warnings

Make sure to keep track of your frequent-flyer mile program expiration dates to ensure you can use your accumulated miles when you need them.

Article Written By Dee Ferguson

Dee Ferguson has been writing professionally since 1989. Her specialties include arts, business, finance, music publicity and travel. Ferguson's work has been featured on Artistopia.com and various other websites. She has previously worked as a marketing assistant for two major nonprofit organizations. Ferguson holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from the University of Maryland.

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