How to Get Cheap Upgrades to Business Class

Business class travel is infinitely more comfortable than coach, and priced accordingly. It is still possible to get relatively cheap upgrades if you understand how the game is played, particularly when flying internationally. Although every airline is different, there are enough similarities in the industry for these tips to work with almost any carrier.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Business attire

1. Be loyal. Every major airline has a frequent flyer program, and if you stick to one carrier your frequent flyer miles will add up faster, enabling you to upgrade for a reduced fee. Rack up enough miles and you will be able to cash them in for a free upgrade to business class.

2. Say yes when asked to change seats. Overbooked flights have been an unfortunate aspect of air travel for decades, but it can work to your advantage. Flight attendants rarely mention where they intend to put you when they ask if you’d mind changing seats until after you agree to do so, and for good reason: often the plane is so full that the only empty seats are in business or first class. Imagine the chaos if they announced their intentions to upgrade your flight within earshot of the other passengers.

3. Offer to purchase an upgrade from the ticket agent at the airport. If there are still seats available in business class most airlines would rather sell them for less than the advertised price than not sell them at all. This is especially true for international travel, and when flying overseas you can get the most bang for your buck. A one-way upgrade to business class is usually between fifty and seventy-five percent cheaper than what you would normally pay for the additional leg-room and overall comfort.

Tips & Warnings

• Dress appropriately. Most people flying in business class are actually flying on business, and are wearing suitable attire. Your ability to look like you fit in with your potential seatmates will go a long way towards getting you a cheap (and in rare cases free) upgrade to business class.

Resources

• How to Complain to an Airline

[ramblin62]

on 11/6/2009 Nice tips for getting deals on upgrades to business class. Will try to remember this on my next flight. tx.