Even with economic pressures on the airlines and passengers resulting in unprecedented availability of premium seats, it’s possible to come up empty. That’s why we’re reminding you of your last chance to enhance: The airport upgrade.
Because of late confirmation (and the possibility that no premium seats are available), airport upgrades are not for travelers who “require” a Business or First Class seat whenever they fly.
Four Ways to Increase Your Odds
• Buy two tickets for a single domestic trip on two different airlines: one in First Class, the second in economy. On flight day, request an airport upgrade from the coach ticket. If it gets confirmed, save the First Class ticket for next time, or, if possible, request a refund (change fees might apply).• Buy two economy tickets on two different airlines and double the chances of an upgrade. Save the unused economy ticket for your next trip and pay the change fee and fare difference (which is still cheaper than buying Business or First Class).
• If you decide you will only play the game with one ticket (one airline), then keep the same-day flight change fee in mind. Check what flight would have the airport upgrade available and change your flight on the departure day.
• Get to the airport early! Domestic departures require a two- hour check-in, so get to the airport an hour or two sooner to apply for your upgrade, then buy a one-day pass to the lounge.
Airport upgrades work best on routes where airlines offer many flights: Los Angeles to New York, for example. Also, look for carriers that offer upgrades 24 hours in advance on their websites.
Unique airport upgrade rules for each carrier are shown in the following list. Common to all are: Upgrades are one-way, with cost based on miles flown; loyalty program miles are earned based on the fare paid; for domestic travel, seats become available after elites have been upgraded.
• Alaska Airlines: For domestic travel only, upgrades are offered within 24 hours through web check-in, or on departure day at the gate or kiosk. Details: http://www.alaskaair.com/as/mileageplan/First-Class-Upgrades.asp
• American: Airport upgrades are available for domestic travel only, and are offered at self-service check-in machines.
• Continental: First Class upgrades can be purchased at an airport kiosk only—not at the gate or with an agent. Fee: $50 to $250. Valid for North and South America (except Argentina and Brazil). Hawaii not available. Details: http://www.continental.com/web/en-US/content/news/travelnotices.aspx
• Delta: Offers same-day standby upgrades from $50 to $250. Hawaii is available. Details: http://www.delta.com/traveling_checkin/ticket_changes_refunds/sameday_travel_changes/index.jsp#2
• Northwest: E-First Upgrade available on select domestic and international flights (Asia and Europe), including KLM’s. It is offered at self-service check-in kiosks and online at nwa.com check-in. Details: http://www.nwa.com/services/electrav/efirst.shtml
• United: No information on UA’s website; you have to ask. Offered for domestic and international travel. Sample one-way upgrades are: Chicago to San Francisco, $308; Denver to Atlanta, $231; Los Angles to Honolulu, $462; Washington, DC to London, $616.
• US Airways: GoUpgrade valid for domestic and international travel. Confirmation given 24 hours prior to departure. Price range is $50-$500. Details: http://www.usairways.com/awa/content/traveltools/intheair/envoyfirst/goupgrades.aspx