How to get a airlines seat upgrade the easiest way?

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By Elena Porter
Published January 03, 2020 12:00 AM EST

If you are a frequent flyer then you must know how easy it was to notch up enhanced flying experience in the comforts of first class or business class cabins on your economy class tickets. It has rather become difficult nowadays to upgrade your economy or coach seat because of the strict rules being implemented by the airlines. This exclusive right is preserved for elite flyers. No worries, if you aren’t the one. There are many ways on how to travel luxuriously on your next flight with a seat upgrade.

Here are some of the easiest ways in which getting your airlines seat upgrade is always possible.

Airlines Seat Upgrade Fee

You can always choose to snatch extra legroom for a comfortable journey after paying for a seat upgrade in first class, business class or premium economy. There are many airlines offering more legroom if you are ready to pay extra for a premium economy or economy plus ticket instead of economy class.

You also have the option for online upgrades in first class or business class flights before check-in or even at the boarding gate. Moreover, upgrade possibilities can also be checked at the airport. The paid upgrades policy however varies from airline to airline.

Use Award Miles for seat upgrades

The frequent flyers are allowed by most airlines to use their award miles to upgrade economy class ticket to first class or business class. All tickets can’t be upgraded and generally depends on the fare class. For example, United Airlines has a policy to charge a cash co-pay in addition to the award miles.

Tip: Collect enough miles in your account for redeeming a ticket instead of seat upgrades.

Airline Operational Upgrades

There are occasions when the economy class cabins are oversold by the airline, and some customers are to be upgraded to business class or first class so that all passengers are accommodated on the aircraft. In such cases, you stand a good chance to get a free upgrade. For this you need to contact the gate agent showing your desire for an upgrade and requesting for it. Be polite and friendly, and just see how the luck might be in your favour.

Seat Upgrades Policies of Popular Airlines

Delta Air Lines: Elite status can be earned on Delta Air Lines after you successfully reach a minimum number of Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs), Medallion Qualification Segments (MQSs), or Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs). Seat upgrades are offered to Diamond Medallion, Platinum Medallion, Gold Medallion and Silver Medallion elite members with many perks and privileges.  

American Airlines: American Airlines’ frequent flyers can earn elite status either by reaching a certain number of Elite Qualifying Segments (EQSs) on eligible fares on American Airlines, its subsidiary American Eagle, Horizon Air, Alaska Airlines, OneWorld member airlines, and other codeshare flights with an American Airlines flight number, or by gaining a certain number of Elite Qualifying Miles (EQMs). Seat upgrades with privileges are offered to Gold, Platinum and Executive Platinum elite members. 

United Airlines: United Airlines’ frequent flyers can earn elite status by gaining a certain number of Premier Qualifying Segments (PQS) or Premier Qualifying Miles (PQM). Seat Upgrades for elite members holding Premier Silver, Premier Gold, Premier Platinum and Premier 1K status are offered by the airline with various benefits.

Alaska Airlines: The frequent flyers holding elite status, including MVP, MVP Gold and MVP Gold 75K earning award miles at different levels are eligible for seat upgrades, which come with lots of amenities and perks.

JetBlue Airways: The frequent flyer are eligible to earn elite status on JetBlue Airways flights by reaching a certain number of points based on every dollar spent on each purchased ticket. Seat upgrades are essentially offered to TrueBlue Mosaic elite members.

Getting a seat upgrade with  FlyOfinder is as easy as a pie. So, do you need an upgrade? We are just a call away to solving your travel need or issue. Dial Call +1-571-378-7016 to talk to one of our travel experts who toil endlessly to offer their best services.

Also, read our blog Guide to Middle Seat Policy of Different Airlines.

About the author

Elena Porter

Experiences life to the fullest through travel; Elena Porter has been a travel author at FlyOfinder since 2019. She has extensively explored the best of over ten countries, offering unique skills to guide readers in discovering the most remarkable places in each city. Ensuring to provide the best of each destination and make your travel unforgettable.