Upgrade To Business Class or First Class

There are two types of upgrades: purchased upgrades (cash/miles) and operational upgrades (result of problems with flights).

Two ways to "buy" an upgrade are to either purchase with cash or with frequent flyer miles. Your best option is to buy your business or first class ticket from a consolidator where you'll pay much less than buying directly from the airline and you'll have a confirmed reservation — get a quote from a consolidator.

Some experts say the best way to use your frequent flyer miles these days is to upgrade to first or business class rather than to use them on economy tickets. Airlines differ on how many miles they require to upgrade and domestic is different than international.

Business Class Food

For some domestic flights a coach class ticket with first class seating privilege may be available, ask your agent how much will cost. This will be cheaper than a first class ticket. Be careful since it will probably be non-refundable.

Airlines sometimes have what are called "operational upgrades." These happen because of an overbooked flight or change of planes. These are usually used for the best economy customers when there are no more seats in economy.

By using one airline for all your travels you can increase your chances of becoming an elite-status frequent flyer best customer. These upgrades are often done electronically. Find out how you can attain VIP status by asking your agent. Once you attain VIP status upgrades will be easier to make.

Most airlines have three frequent flyer tiers, silver, gold and platinum and the requirements will be different for domestic and international travel. Silver requires a base of 25,000 miles, with one airline, during a calendar year. Gold requires 50,000 and those with Platinum status have flown 100,000 miles.

Depending on your status, you'll know typically 24 to 100 hours in advance if your flight has the upgrade space confirmed. You should make your upgrade request at the time of booking, not at the gate, where you are competing with other passengers. International upgrades can cost from 20,000 to 40,000 extra miles, depending on the base fare.

It never hurts to ask the check in agent if a free or paid upgrade is available. Ask them if you can ask again near departure time in case something comes up and be nice. It's often up to the gate agents' discretion to grant an upgrade, so it pays to ask for one if you've been inconvenienced by the airline. If you're bumped from one flight, ask for a first-class seat on the next flight as part of your compensation.

One way to get airline miles is by using a credit card that gives miles for dollars spent. One example is the the American Express Starwood Preferred Guest card. Always compare rates and annual fees when shopping credit cards.

Most airlines are affiliated with other airlines and your frequent flyer miles and upgrades can be used between them.