Mileage Pro The Insider's Guide to Frequent Flyer Programs

REPEAT AFTER US: HE WHO hesitates sits in coach. He who fails to rack up miles sits in coach. He who fails to follow the rules sits in coach.

Now repeat after us: He who pays attention and follows the “code” will (usually) get to sit up front.
Actually, it might be said that some frequent flyers develop the dreaded “FOC” (fear of coach) syndrome after years of travel in the sky. Basically, it is a play on the idea that a REAL frequent flyer never sits in coach because he or she always has the miles and the knowledge of the system to sit up front.

But let’s face it: Domestic first class, if there even is one, is slowly becoming worthless whereas internationally the frequent traveler will find it is worth every effort to get an upgrade. It is not just about free drinks and slightly bigger seats; it is more about finer wines, a choice of something more than beef or chicken and seats that convert into beds. If you strive for an upgrade, do it on an international flight.

There are generally four types of upgrades: the complimentary ones you receive as a member of an airline’s highest elite level; those you “purchase” in exchange for miles; those you buy from an airline for about $25 to $75 for 500- to 1,000-mile segments (segments being actual miles flown); and those you grovel for.

Note: Upgrade awards using miles are not based on distance, so it would probably be a poor use of miles to upgrade to first class on a short flight from Chicago to Milwaukee. It would be a good use of miles to upgrade from Boston to San Diego. Both examples require the same number of miles if you are a Northwest WorldPerks member—5,000 miles each way when upgrading from full-fare coach to first class, or 15,000 miles each way when upgrading from select coach fares.

A number of frequent flyers believe the only way they can upgrade is by using miles. Other options are available but you should consider the real cost before purchasing. For example, it often takes at least $250 to earn 1,000 miles from flying. It costs $1,000 to earn 1,000 miles with an airline credit card. That is why we suggest purchasing segment upgrades (often $100 will get you 1,000 miles of upgrade) rather than cashing in your miles. Segment upgrades are upgrades based on distances flown, unlike mileage upgrades that are simply an award from any city to another within a particular zone; for instance, North America to Hawaii.

Many major airlines will offer a complimentary upgrade to members when they fly on a full-fare coach ticket. This is a hot topic because it is an area where airlines can leverage against most low cost carriers, but at the expense of elite members who no longer can upgrade as often as in years past. This is because by giving away upgrades based on fare cost, there is more demand for the upgrades, thus taking away first class seats from the highest level elite members who have earned the privilege of free upgrades.

Is a free upgrade still possible? Rarely. Because of the way the airline industry has changed the type of aircraft they fly, you are more likely to find yourself on an RJ (regional jet) without any first class cabin.

Finally, what about that groveling? Most airlines state, in no uncertain terms, that their policies prohibit arbitrary upgrading, both at check-in and onboard. This is a firm rule, with no room for negotiation or interpretation. This becomes understandable when you consider that upgrading is now often done electronically, rather than by queuing up at the check-in counter.

While it seems this is the general policy of most airlines, there is a mysteriously privileged group who repeatedly (and smugly) report after traveling they were “bumped up.” We suspect some of this is bradaggio but nonetheless, here are reasons to keep the faith.

If the flight is relatively empty your chances are slim.
Even though seats in business class may also be empty, the airlines usually do not upgrade people for no reason because doing so will set a precedent the frequent flyer will expect every time. As well, gate attendants and flight attendants are employed for other reasons than trying to decide who gets the next upgrade.

If the flight is full, your chances are better. Airlines carefully plan how much they oversell flights, and their inventory departments are not upset if people need to be upgraded to accommodate everybody on the flight. Therefore, on a full flight the airlines sometimes are forced to upgrade people. In this scenario, if you have a good story, you may be lucky. Remember of course that business or first class may already be full from pre-booked, elite-level upgrades.

Volunteer to give up your seat if the flight is oversold in coach. Tell the agent that if the airline needs your seat for people flying on standby you will gladly give up your seat and upgrade to first class. These are called operational upgrades, and while it would seem logical that the most senior elite member who is still sitting in coach would be upgraded, there is very little time for the gate agent to check the manifest. Your gesture may make it easier for the airline to make an on-time departure. Also, the airline is less likely to upgrade someone flying standby than you as those on standby most likely purchased very cheap tickets. Small chance, but worth a try. If the airline ends up needing your seat for someone else, ask if you can be upgraded on the next flight.

If you have been inconvenienced by the airline do not hesitate to ask for an upgrade. Again, airlines do not generally upgrade people for no reason, but if they have caused you a problem, that may be reason enough.
Do not wait until you are onboard. The flight attendants usually do not have the authority to upgrade people because they do not know the details of your ticket.

It is highly unlikely that you will be upgraded if you are traveling on a free frequent flyer reward ticket in coach. The airlines do not like it when people try to redeem only enough points for a coach ticket and then try to sweet talk their way to an upgrade. If you try this approach, you will often be the last person considered for an upgrade.
Some other considerations:

Timing
One major secret to getting an upgrade is in knowing when you can secure an upgrade. For most members, it is either 24, 48 or 72 hours in advance for a confirmed upgrade.

Simple enough? Not quite.
Airlines differ in when they begin the actual countdown. For some, you count backward from the day of departure, which starts at 12:00 a.m. (often EST). For others, you start counting the hours from the time of your flight’s scheduled departure. Work the time differential to your advantage.
If you really want to get a jump on the competition, time your call to capitalize on any time zone differentials. Find out the service center’s location and place your call to coincide with the earliest possible time to call in.

Eligibility
Some people love to brag about all the tricks and ploys they use to snow ticket agents and airline counter personnel into parting with unearned upgrades. The system works best for those travelers who have actually earned the right to sit up front through their elite status or through a purchased upgrade.

Show Some Class
In our experiences, sincerity and a reasonable attitude are the best routes to getting a better seat. Leave the groveling, grandstanding and theatrics to those who enjoy publicly embarrassing themselves. It is a small world after all, and the employee you bullied, badgered or battered into handing over today’s upgrade may yet have the last laugh.
The key to asking for an upgrade is to request in a polite and non-offensive manner. Never demand. Gate agents say they are more likely to respond to a polite and direct request along the lines of, “If you are upgrading passengers on this flight, I would like to be considered.”

When looking for that upgrade, dress your best. If you show up in nice clothes you are more likely to be upgraded than if you show up in ripped jeans (unless you are famous!).

Timing/Behavior
Know when to hang in (for example, if there is still a first class seat available) and when to graciously walk away. Sometimes the way you handle an initial rejection can actually up your chances at a later date.

Although carriers maintain a list of upgrade wannabes based on time of check-in, other factors come into play when the upgrades are actually allocated. Technically, the early bird may have first dibs on the worm, but a more senior member of a program can move up the list if he or she has professionally brought this factor to the attention of the list holder. Remember: When all else is equal, most folks opt to help the person who has made it easier—not harder—for them to do so.

Other Sources
Lacking the miles necessary for an upgrade? Look no further than your favorite hotel program. All major hotel programs offer members an option to redeem their points for miles. And since we have identified miles used for upgrade purposes often have a greater value than miles used for free flights, your hotel points just got more valuable.

Just Pay for the Darn Thing
Many times, tricks and tips simply are not worth the effort. If you absolutely, positively need more room, consider these options.

1. Buy a business or first class ticket.
   Because of the way the airline industry is repricing tickets, you might find that first class is within your reach. Whether booking through a travel agent, online or directly with the airline itself, it is strongly recommended to ask what the current fare for first class is. You might be surprised to hear what the cost is. Domestically, first class fares can be only $30 above that of discounted coach fares. Spend the money. And do not think the major airlines are the only ones with first class seating. Low cost carriers such as AirTran, America West, ATA and Sun Country offer alternatives to coach class with some of the very same services and space the large airlines offer. For example, upgrades to business class on AirTran are available in advance at the airport on the day of your flight, from just $35 to $75 over full coach fare (Y class) or from $70 to $120 on connecting flights. They are unfortunately not available for use with discounted fares. As well, ATA offers business class upgrades only at the gate and only payable by credit card. Prices vary by market and capacity on international routes.
   Be sure to also watch for business class sales. Both British Airways and Continental are famous for springing for two day sales on business class tickets to Europe at or near $1,000 prices.
2. Buy a premium economy ticket.
   A number of international airlines offer what is called “premium” economy seats. While not as good as business class (and the seats do not lower into beds), this section is good enough to qualify as comfortable even on a full flight. British Airways, bmi and Virgin Atlantic are among those that offer these seats from the United States to Europe; China Southern, EVA Air and Singapore Airlines all offer similar seating on flights to Asia. Pricing of these “upgrade” options vary from a few hundred dollars more than discounted coach to nearly another $1,000. On the low cost side this alternative is highly recommended. A few other airlines also claim premium economy seats but our experience has been that you need to ask around first because unless the seat is wider than the norm it is not going to be comfortable.
3. Buy a ticket for a good coach seat.
   No, the term “good coach seat” is not an oxymoron. One small domestic line, Midwest, offers them on flights designated “Signature Service.” Seating on DC9s and 717s is four abreast, and legroom, while still a bit tight, is better than what you will find on most other coach cabins. While prices are competitive with relatively unrestricted coach fares on major airlines, you are not likely to find any really low “sale” prices. The biggest problem is that Midwest is a very small airline serving about two dozen major U.S. cities from a primary hub in Milwaukee and a mini hub in Kansas City, thus flying Midwest Airlines might not be an option for you.
4. Buy a higher-priced coach ticket with an automatic upgrade.
   Some major airlines offer no-cost, confirmed upgrades on higher-priced domestic coach tickets. In most cases, these upgrades are confined to connecting routes through the airlines’ major hubs. If you need to buy an expensive coach ticket, it is a no-brainer. But if you had otherwise bought a much lower coach fare, the price premium to qualify for the upgrade could be substantial.
5. Buy two coach tickets.
   Often, the cheapest way to assure lots of room is to buy two coach tickets. If your itinerary qualifies for a very low “sale” fare, two tickets at that price may well cost far less than any other upgrade approach. The numbers work out even better for two travelers on the same itinerary who can share one empty seat between them. However, you do not get extra legroom and you do not get any sort of premium cabin service. Most airlines allow you to buy two seats in a row, or three seats for two people, but you have to do it by phone to ensure seat assignments together. Note: When you buy two tickets most airlines will only give you frequent flyer miles for one of the seats. In their way of thinking, the other seat is not occupied and thus not eligible to earn miles.
6. Buy “twofer” business or first class tickets.
   You can often get a “free” second (companion) ticket when you buy one business or first class ticket at full price. Various airlines often offer such twofers as short-term promotions. For year-round use, the Platinum American Express card provides twofers for intercontinental trips in business, first class or both on 20 airlines—Continental Airlines plus 19 foreign carriers. Carte Blanche (the premium option from Diners Club) provides twofers in premium economy, business and first class on British Airways. United’s new Avanti membership program provides twofers for business and first class flights from the United States to overseas destinations. Provided their itineraries are identical, twofers are great for two colleagues traveling together. They are obviously useless for individual travelers. If you are normally a coach traveler, keep in mind that even at half price, international business and first class bookings are far more expensive.

REMEMBER THIS:

• There are generally four types of upgrades: those comped to the highest elite members, those you redeem miles for, those you purchase as segment upgrades, and those you grovel for.
• If you have been inconvenienced by an airline do not hesitate to ask
• for an upgrade. It may be reason enough to upgrade you.
• When lacking miles for an upgrade, consider tapping your hotel points
• for the extra miles you may need.