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Special to First Class Flyer by Roger Collis

‘Hi, I’m looking for a room for next Thursday?’ ‘I have a deluxe king for $400.’ ‘Is there a corporate rate?’ ‘Yes, $270.’ ‘And other rooms?’ ‘Executive twins are $230, regular twins are $180.’ ‘What does that include?’ ‘Service and tax. English breakfast is extra.’ ‘That’s more than I’m ready to pay. What about weekend deals or promotions?’ ‘I can give you 50 percent off a regular twin for Friday, Saturday or Sunday night.’ ‘What does that make the room rate?’ ‘That’s $90.’ ‘Can you give me that rate if I stay Thursday and Friday?’ ‘Yes, I’d be pleased to do that.’ ‘Any chance of an upgrade?’ ‘I can probably give you an executive twin for the same.’ ‘If you can do it with breakfast as well I’ll take it.’ ‘Fine. Your name please?’

Half an ounce of chutzpah can go a long way.

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Last year the carrier jacked up applicable fares for “full-fare” upgrades, eliminating one of the most lucrative options business travelers had. Now, it has eliminated the 20,000-mile upgrade award altogether! Moreover, it has added further restrictions to 60,000-mile upgrades, in some cases bringing the program into line with other carriers, in others making the program very chintzy indeed. Here’s a summary.

Domestic Upgrades Increased miles required to upgrade, from 20,000 to 30,000 round-trip, the same as United and most other carriers. Hawaii, Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America increase from 30,000 to 35,000 round-trip. Outside the Star alliance, American and Northwest are your best bet for domestic flights.

Transatlantic Upgrades The airline discontinued its 20,000-mile upgrade, valid with full fares, a significant loss. Now your upgrade options are one: 60,000 miles, but only available on tickets with a gross value of $1,200 round-trip, or more and $600 one-way. (The gross value of a ticket is the base fare plus taxes, facility surcharges and fees levied by US Airways.)

The Bright Side Fewer people will be upgrading, 15 to 20% I surmise. So, if you’re willing—if not happy to play by these rules, which still can net huge savings over the lowest published fares—you’ll have less competition for seats.