How to Upgrade to Business Class: 8 Updated and Tested Tips and Tricks for a Luxurious Flight

Flying business class is a dream for many travelers, offering an oasis of comfort and luxury high above the clouds. From gourmet meals to lie-flat seats, the perks of business class are frequently seen on social media. But how can you snag an upgrade without breaking the bank?

For years now, social media and online blogging platforms have been circulating the suggestions to upgrade with miles, dress the part and politely inquire whether an upgrade is available. But, how many of these strategies still work? And, are there any new and actionable ways to secure a flight upgrade?

Here are some tested ways to help you elevate your flying experience to business class, all based on personal experience.

1. Leverage Frequent Flyer Programs

Loyalty pays off when it comes to airline upgrades. Being a member of an airline’s frequent flyer program is the first step toward getting upgraded. The higher your status within the program, the more likely you are to be considered for an upgrade. Accumulate miles or points by flying with the airline or using their branded credit card for purchases. Opt for programs that combine several airlines under the same umbrella. Some best examples include:

This table is not exhaustive but highlights some of the major players and their partnerships, which are subject to change. Each airline’s loyalty program offers unique benefits and partnership configurations, often reflecting the strategic priorities and route networks of the respective airline. For the most current information on partnerships and to sign up for a program, it is best to visit the provided websites directly.

Remember, that it is important to be strategic when choosing an airline loyalty program. From personal experience, Miles & More includes a long list of partners, which makes it convenient. However, depending on your preferred travel geographies, it might make sense to accumulate separate miles accounts with the airlines that are already part of Miles & More. Turkish Airlines, for example, offers much better miles conversions when flights are claimed through their own Miles & Smiles program, even though the airline is also one of the Miles & More partners.

Here are some key strategies to help you achieve status:

1. Join Frequent Flyer Programs: Sign up for the frequent flyer programs of the airlines you fly most often. Enrollment is usually free and can be done online.
2. Understand the Program Tiers: Familiarize yourself with the different status tiers within the program and the requirements for each, such as the number of miles, segments, or spending thresholds needed for each level.
3. Consolidate Your Travel: Stick to one airline or its alliance partners to accumulate miles more quickly. Flying with partner airlines can also earn you points towards your frequent flyer status.
4. Use Co-Branded Credit Cards: Sign up for credit cards co-branded with the airline. These cards often offer bonus miles for signing up and additional miles for purchases, sometimes with accelerated earnings for airline-related expenses.
5. Take Advantage of Promotions: Airlines often run promotions offering extra miles or status points. Subscribe to the airline’s newsletters and marketing communications to stay informed about these opportunities.
6. Stay Informed: Keep track of your miles and status level. Regularly check your account and be aware of when miles might expire.
7. Participate in Partner Programs: Use the airline’s hotel, rental car, and other business partners to earn additional miles.
8. Buy Miles: Some airlines allow you to buy miles to maintain or upgrade your status, especially if you are close to reaching the next tier.
9. Take Advantage of Status Matches/Challenges: Some airlines offer status matches or challenges to attract frequent flyers from competitors. These can be a fast track to gaining status.
10. Consider How to Incorporate Your Business Travel: If you travel for business, make sure any flights are booked in a way that the miles accrue to your personal frequent flyer account.
11. Engage in Online Shopping Portals: Many airlines have online shopping portals where you can earn extra miles for purchases made through the portal.
12. Fly Often and Strategically: Plan your trips and flight segments to maximize mile accumulation, considering routes and connections that might offer extra miles.

2. Use Miles or Points to Upgrade

If you’ve been hoarding miles or points, upgrading to business class could be the best use of your stash. Many airlines offer the option to upgrade with points or miles, either at booking or check-in. Keep an eye on your mileage program’s website for upgrade availability and requirements, as these can offer great value.

Make a habit of calling your frequent flyer program directly with requests to upgrade on flights that you have purchased. Remember, however, that not all the ticket classes are eligible to upgrades with miles. This is something to consider when initially booking the fares. The cheapest fares will often not qualify for upgrades with miles.

Upgrade policies and partnerships can change, so it’s always best to check the airline’s official website for the most current information. However, here’s an overview based on common practices:

3. Check Online for Upgrade Offers

Airlines often send out upgrade offers to passengers via email, or you might find them available when you check in online. These offers can be significantly cheaper than booking a business class ticket outright and are worth considering if you’re after a more comfortable journey.

For some airlines, it makes sense to sign into the Manage my Booking page (or equivalent) early on and several times prior to your trip, as the airline might be posting various upgrade options at different times prior to the flight.

For some airlines, see Turkish Airlines below, there might be a separate option to book un upgrade online prior to your flight.

4. Bid in an Upgrade Auction

Some airlines have introduced bidding systems where passengers can bid on available upgrades to business class. You’ll typically receive an email invitation to bid if you’re eligible. While there’s no guarantee your bid will be successful, it’s a potential way to upgrade for less.

Below are some airlines which offer bidding opportunities for upgrades:

1. Aer Lingus allows passengers to bid on select transatlantic flights, available only to customers who receive an invitation by email.
2. Aeromexico offers passengers the opportunity to bid on an upgrade to its ‘Clase Premier’ cabin, which features lie-flat seats on long-haul routes and the Boeing 787.
3. Copa Airlines has a bidding scheme alongside an “instant upgrade” option and a payable upgrade if you show up at the airport two hours before departure with seats available.
4. Cathay Pacific, based in Hong Kong, allows passengers to bid one class up on select flights, including options for premium economy, business, and first class.
5. Finnair sends out email and SMS notifications to a select number of passengers with an offer to upgrade from Economy to Business Class, often depending on seat availability and season.
6. Ethiopian Airlines frequently offers the chance to bid for an upgrade to Cloud Nine (business class), providing passengers with an opportunity to enjoy enhanced comfort and service.
7. Etihad Airways invites passengers to make an offer for a chance to upgrade to Business or First Class through their ‘Upgrade Anytime’ feature, enhancing the travel experience with luxury amenities.
8. SriLankan Airlines enables passengers to bid for an upgrade to Business Class, offering superior comfort, priority services, and access to lounges.

Here are some strategies that can increase your chances of winning an upgrade bidding auction on airlines:

1. Start with a Reasonable Bid: Research the usual cost of a business class ticket on your route and base your bid accordingly. Airlines often provide a bidding range; starting at the lower end of the “fair” or “good” offer range can sometimes secure an upgrade.
2. Bid on Less Popular Flights: Your chances of winning an upgrade are higher on flights that are less likely to be full. Consider bidding on off-peak times, mid-week flights, or during non-holiday periods.
3. Check the Load Factor: Try to gauge how full your flight is a few days before departure. A less crowded flight might increase your chances of success with a lower bid.
4. Leverage Elite Status: If you have elite status with the airline or its partners, mention it in your bidding account profile (if possible). Airlines may prioritize frequent flyers or those with loyalty program status.
5. Bid for Long-Haul Flights: Your bid might have more value on long-haul flights where the difference between economy and business class is more significant, making the upgrade more desirable for both you and the airline.
6. Use a Bidding Strategy Tool: Some websites and tools can provide advice on how much to bid based on past successful bids. Doing a little research might give you an edge.
7. Be Flexible with Your Seat Preference: If you’re not particular about having a specific seat, you may have a better chance of winning your bid, as flexibility allows the airline more room to accommodate you in business class.
8. Bid on Last-Minute Upgrades: Some airlines allow passengers to bid for upgrades up to a few hours before departure. Last-minute bids might be successful, especially if the business class cabin isn’t full.
9. Watch for Special Promotions: Occasionally, airlines run promotions that may increase your chances of winning an upgrade at a lower cost. Keep an eye on your email and the airline’s official site for any such offers.
10. Bid Strategically on Return Flights: If you’re booking a round trip, consider that the return flight might have different demand dynamics, possibly increasing your chances of winning a bid on one leg of the journey.

Remember, while these strategies can improve your odds, there’s no guaranteed method to win an upgrade bidding auction. Each bid is a combination of timing, demand, and sometimes a bit of luck.

5. Travel During Off-Peak Times

Flying during less busy periods, such as mid-week or outside of holidays and school vacations, can increase your chances of an upgrade. With fewer business travelers and premium passengers, airlines might have more space in business class to accommodate upgrades.

Consider the timeframes provided in the table below. These examples apply to many destinations, though specific off-peak times can vary based on location and local events.

6. Inquire about an Upgrade at the Ticket Desk

Upgrading to a higher class, such as business class, by approaching the ticket desk at the airport and offering to pay for the upgrade can be a straightforward process, but it requires understanding the best practices and timing. Here’s how to navigate this scenario:

Research in Advance

• Check Availability: Before heading to the airport, check the airline’s website or call customer service to inquire about the availability of business class seats on your flight.
• Understand Costs: Familiarize yourself with the potential cost of an upgrade. Some airlines may list upgrade prices online or you can get an idea by calling ahead.

At the Airport

• Timing Is Key: Arrive at the airport early. The best time to inquire about paid upgrades is often when you first arrive at the ticket counter to check in for your flight.
• Be Informed: Know your flight number and have your booking details handy to expedite the process.
• Approach Politely: Approach the ticket desk or check-in counter with a polite and friendly demeanor. Politely ask if any business class upgrades are available for purchase.
• Express Flexibility: If you’re flexible with your seating arrangements or even your departure time, let the agent know. There may be more options available for travelers with flexible plans.
• Loyalty Status: If you are a member of the airline’s frequent flyer program, especially if you hold status, mention it. Loyalty status can sometimes influence availability or pricing of upgrades.
• Inquire About Specials: Sometimes airlines offer last-minute upgrade specials that are not advertised online. Always ask if there are any special upgrade rates available.
• Payment Options: Be prepared to pay for the upgrade on the spot. Most airlines will accept credit cards, and some may allow you to use frequent flyer miles in combination with cash.

If Unsuccessful, Consider the Following

• Gate Inquiry (see Point 7 below for more detail): If the ticket desk can’t offer an upgrade, you might try again at the boarding gate. Sometimes, upgrades become available closer to the flight’s departure time.

A Note on Hub Airports:

Upgrading at hub airports of a specific airline can sometimes be easier, as well as more challenging, depending on various factors. Here are some considerations:

Advantages of Upgrading at Hub Airports

• More Flights and Seats: Hub airports typically have a higher volume of flights operated by the airline, potentially increasing the number of available seats for upgrades.
• Greater Staff Discretion: Staff at a hub may have more experience and discretion to manage upgrades, especially for frequent flyers or those with status in the airline’s loyalty program.
• Dedicated Lounges and Service Desks: Larger hubs often feature dedicated airline lounges and service desks that can handle upgrade requests more efficiently than at smaller, non-hub airports.

Challenges of Upgrading at Hub Airports

• Higher Demand for Upgrades: Hub airports also mean more elite frequent flyers and business travelers, which can increase competition for available upgrades.
• More Stringent Operational Controls: At hubs, the airline’s operational teams might have stricter controls over upgrades to optimize revenue management and seat allocation.

Whether upgrading at a hub airport is easier can depend on the day, flight, and even the season. High-status frequent flyers might find more success at hub airports due to the larger operational focus of the airline. However, the increased competition from other travelers seeking upgrades can make it more challenging. Being informed, flexible, and polite, as well as leveraging any loyalty status you have, are key strategies regardless of where you’re trying to upgrade.

7. Inquire about an Upgrade at Check-In and Gate

Politely asking about the possibility of an upgrade at check-in or the boarding gate can sometimes yield positive results. If you don’t ask, you won’t know—just remember to be courteous and understanding, regardless of the outcome.

Consider the following tips:

1. Approach with a Positive Attitude: Start the conversation with a smile and a positive demeanor. A friendly approach can set a positive tone for the interaction.
2. Be Courteous and Respectful: Always use polite language and maintain respect throughout the conversation, regardless of the answer you receive.
3. Mention Any Special Occasions: If you’re celebrating a special occasion like an anniversary, birthday, or honeymoon, mention it. Some airlines may consider this for complimentary upgrades if available.
4. Inquire Gently About Availability: Instead of directly asking for a free upgrade, you might start by asking about the availability of business class seats on your flight.
5. Express Your Loyalty: If you’re a member of the airline’s loyalty program, especially if you have status, mention it. Airlines are more likely to upgrade loyal customers.
6. Be Concise and Direct: While being polite, also be concise in your request. Avoid taking up too much time, especially if there are other passengers waiting.
7. Understand Timing: Asking at a less busy time can be more effective. If the check-in counter or boarding gate looks overwhelmed, consider waiting for a quieter moment.
8. Acknowledge Their Authority: Recognize that the staff have the authority to grant or deny your request. Phrases like “I understand it’s at your discretion” can show respect for their decision-making.
9. Be Prepared for Any Outcome: Go into the conversation knowing that an upgrade may not be possible. Prepare to graciously accept whatever answer you receive.
10. Thank Them Regardless: Whether you receive an upgrade or not, thank the staff for their time and assistance. Showing appreciation can leave a positive impression.

Remember, while asking for an upgrade doesn’t guarantee success, approaching the situation with kindness and understanding can sometimes lead to a pleasant surprise.

8. Be Flexible

Flexibility can be your best friend when looking to upgrade. Be open to changing flights or routes if it means a higher chance of an upgrade. Sometimes, airlines might offer discounted upgrades on less popular flights or routes.

Conclusion

Upgrading to business class doesn’t always require a hefty price tag. With a combination of loyalty, strategy, and a little bit of luck, you can enjoy the luxuries of business class and transform your travel experience. Start by joining frequent flyer programs, keep an eye out for special offers, and don’t hesitate to inquire politely about upgrade opportunities. Happy and luxurious travels await!

Flying business class offers a significantly enhanced travel experience, but it’s important to approach the upgrade process with realistic expectations and a strategic mindset. By leveraging loyalty programs, being flexible with your travel plans, and keeping an eye out for upgrade opportunities, you might just find yourself enjoying the unparalleled comfort and service of business class on your next flight.