Monday
Mar222010
Don’t get stuck on stupid - purchase an upgrade!
There are tons of websites that claim to know the “secret” to flying first class for free and being treated like a rock star. I like to take a more down to earth approach. We all know coach, at least domestically, is only going to get more uncomfortable. What airlines call “premium coach” is usually laughable. So here are my tips, for three major airlines, on how to fly first/business class for a very small upgrade fee.
I truly believe that most people, when boarding a plane, walk through the forward cabin (first class) thinking that everyone seated there must be rich and paid high dollar for their ticket. This is untrue for many reasons, but I want to focus on getting you in this forward cabin by purchasing cheap upgrades. This blog post is for those that are interested and will spend a few extra dollars for comfort, not for the Travelocity/Orbitz travelers that are tight fisted and want to fly coach. I will focus on US Airways, AirTran, and Spirit Airlines.
US Airways:
US Airways is one of the few (if not the only) major domestic airlines that offers first class upgrades, from any coach fare, at check-in. Check-in online exactly 24 hours ahead of time (like you should anyway) and if there is room available, you will be offered a first class upgrade for around $100.00 per flight leg. From my experience, First Class tickets on US Airways sell for around $800.00, and coach tickets around $300.00. So, in some cases, for $100.00 dollars more you can fly first class for half the price.
AirTran & Spirit Airlines:
AirTran and Spirit Airlines are considered discount airlines, but they offer an excellent business class that has most of the same amenities as the major airlines. Just as with US Airways, check-in online 24 hours ahead of time and if there is availability (which there almost always is) you will be offered an upgrade to business class for as little as $49.00 per flight leg. My boss (who just so happens to be my father) has to fly AirTran once a month for a client. For every flight I book him the cheapest coach ticket and get an upgrade at check-in. In two years I have only not been able to get an upgrade once.
Do you have any reasonable and practical tip for upgrading to first class? Let me know in the comments. I will see you in the forward cabin!
I truly believe that most people, when boarding a plane, walk through the forward cabin (first class) thinking that everyone seated there must be rich and paid high dollar for their ticket. This is untrue for many reasons, but I want to focus on getting you in this forward cabin by purchasing cheap upgrades. This blog post is for those that are interested and will spend a few extra dollars for comfort, not for the Travelocity/Orbitz travelers that are tight fisted and want to fly coach. I will focus on US Airways, AirTran, and Spirit Airlines.
US Airways:
US Airways is one of the few (if not the only) major domestic airlines that offers first class upgrades, from any coach fare, at check-in. Check-in online exactly 24 hours ahead of time (like you should anyway) and if there is room available, you will be offered a first class upgrade for around $100.00 per flight leg. From my experience, First Class tickets on US Airways sell for around $800.00, and coach tickets around $300.00. So, in some cases, for $100.00 dollars more you can fly first class for half the price.
AirTran & Spirit Airlines:
AirTran and Spirit Airlines are considered discount airlines, but they offer an excellent business class that has most of the same amenities as the major airlines. Just as with US Airways, check-in online 24 hours ahead of time and if there is availability (which there almost always is) you will be offered an upgrade to business class for as little as $49.00 per flight leg. My boss (who just so happens to be my father) has to fly AirTran once a month for a client. For every flight I book him the cheapest coach ticket and get an upgrade at check-in. In two years I have only not been able to get an upgrade once.
Do you have any reasonable and practical tip for upgrading to first class? Let me know in the comments. I will see you in the forward cabin!
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Yes, I agree. Just purchase an upgrade. that would be so much better.
I agree. It is of great necessity for you to purchase an upgrade.