Better-than-expected marks highlight annual report card.

You know the old saying: “The more things change, the more they stay the same.” Apparently, it applies to the loyalty programs of US legacy carriers when it comes to upgrades to Europe, and no one is more surprised than us. Given all the ferment in loyalty programs this past summer, we had the impression that these offerings would have deteriorated. This led us to compile the table at right, a comparison of the 2007 and 2008 mileage requirements to upgrade an economy class ticket to Europe.

Four carriers got a slightly lower grades, and two stayed the same. Here’s how things have changed in a year.

The grades explained:

United: B+

Upgradeable fares remain low. No mileage increase (still 30,000 miles one-way). Allows upgrades with no surcharge on H and M fares.

US Airways: D+

Still 30,000 miles one-way. Allows upgrade with any round-trip fare $1,400 or higher, including taxes, surcharges, and fees.

Northwest: B-

B fares increased this year, hence the slight drop in grade. Otherwise much the same: Allows upgrade with no surcharge on B fares, and charges 30,000 miles one-way. Nice kicker: Partner upgrade option with no surcharge on KLM’S B fares and Continental’s Y and H fares. (Continental charges $100 each way when upgrading an H fare.)

American Airlines: C+

Increased surcharges to $350 one-way. But still allows upgrades on nearly all published fares. 25,000-mile one-way requirement unchanged.

Continental Airlines: C-

Increased surcharges, which range from $100-$500 one-way depending on fare, plus 20,000 miles one-way (same as before). OnePass miles can also be used for upgrading on Northwest and KLM.

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[aside headline="Line Yourself Up for the Ultimate Last-Minute Business Class Upgrade" alignment="alignright" width="half" headline_size="default"]

Several years ago, US Airways removed First Class from its A330 aircraft, which now fly Philadelphia or Charlotte to several European cities. The carrier left in one row of seats that recline 180 degrees as a perk for Platinum and Chairman’s Preferred members, who can call the Preferred Help Desk to buy the upgrade with an advance seating assignment. The cost is $300 each way, and you can buy an upgrade for a guest, too.

Now any Business Class passenger on these A330 flights (including those who have purchased a gate upgrade from coach) has a shot at this phenomenal upgrade. Get to the airport early for check-in on the day of departure and you might luck into a sleeper seat for $300. Grabbing this upgrade is like drawing a straight flush: A seat this good on a transatlantic flight can cost $11,000 (or up to $18,000 in First Class).

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Tip excerpted from First Class Flyer’s Special Report #1

Fly Deluxe for Fewer Bucks to Europe:

80 Ways to Get the Best Fares, Upgrades & Awards

Available now at:

www.flydeluxeforfewerbuckstoeurope.com

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Delta: D-

Unchanged, but still a case of unrequited loyalty. Upgradeable fares are very high—B and M only, plus 25,000 miles one-way. More than 50 days out, it’s better to look for a discounted Business Class fare. If you didn’t jump ship when the new three-tier award program came out last month, this should make you go overboard.

Conclusion

None of the six major US airline programs has increased the number of miles needed for an upgrade, they’ve just bumped up the fares and surcharges. Prepare yourself for possible changes to the numbers of miles needed for upgrading. As we know, now more than ever, the airlines looking for ways to devalue your hard-earned miles.