Upgraded travel credit card benefits offer many perks that enhance your flight experience, from lie-flat seats and complimentary refreshments, to extra legroom. It may take work to secure an upgrade, but it can give peace of mind knowing your trip is covered if anything unexpected arises on your trip.
Upgrades to first class
Many airline credit cards provide complimentary upgrades in first class, making the experience of traveling much more pleasurable. Depending on the card, you could also earn airline fee credits or travel benefits such as lounge access and free checked bags. There are multiple strategies you can employ to increase your chances of securing upgrades, such as opening an airline credit card account, working towards elite status status or traveling during off-peak periods.
United Airlines allows all AAdvantage status members to purchase upgrades based on availability; you can view your upgrade options from your MileagePlus account’s ‘Manage Trips’ page.
Some cards allow you to transfer points directly to airline partners, enabling you to book first-class flights on international routes more cost effectively than bidding for upgrades which may or may not come through. Furthermore, some airlines offer sponsorship upgrade programs where elite members can sponsor non-elite travelers; American Airlines elite members may use systemwide upgrade certificates on any seat on any aircraft (provided there is space available); however the sponsored traveler must travel with this elite member in order to be eligible.
Upgrades to business class
If you want to upgrade from economy class, try using your airline’s frequent flyer miles or a credit card offering high levels of elite status. United allows its elite members to sponsor upgrades for friends or family; for instance, United Elite Plus members receive four one-way guest upgrades every time they earn or retain status, plus they can use Plus Points from partner airlines such as ANA, Lufthansa and Copa Airlines.
Travel during off-peak dates for optimal upgrade chances and budget considerations, increasing both chances and likelihood of getting upgraded seats. Peak travel periods tend to make upgrades harder as you will likely compete against numerous travelers with higher elite status than you. AAdvantage elite status allows users to search systemwide upgrades within flight search results on its website.
Upgrades to economy class
Upgrade to economy class using credit card travel upgrades is often not worth it, since airlines only have limited spots available. Paying directly or gaining elite status often results in complimentary upgrades being available – using points doesn’t increase your odds of receiving one and may actually hurt them by drawing more attention to how points were being spent on your flight.
If you’re a frequent flyer on an airline offering paid upgrades, try setting fare alerts with websites dedicated to finding discounted business and first class tickets. In addition, travel during off-peak periods to reduce competition for those few seats available for upgrades. Furthermore, cards like American Express Platinum card or Citi Prestige cards with travel fee rebates or bonus points on airfare could help offset some of your ticket costs and fees by offering rebates or bonuses that offset them – further saving on fees!
Upgrades to premium economy
Most airlines provide premium economy seats on long haul flights as an economical yet stress-free solution, a service which lies between regular economy and business class. Premium economy seating provides passengers with additional comfort without incurring the full fare of either first class or business class seating options.
Though airline elite members can receive upgrades to premium economy for free, credit card rewards points offer an easy and cost-effective way to upgrade yourself – usually at much less than cash price, and often earning you valuable travel statement credits!
American Airlines allows their top-tier elite members to “sponsor” upgrades by using upgrade certificates on any other passenger travelling on the same flight, which allows them to maximize the value of their frequent flyer miles by giving away upgrades as gifts to family or friends who travel alongside them. Meanwhile, Delta Air Lines requires that both parties travel on board together if sponsoring someone for whom you’re sponsoring an upgrade certificate is being used as well as be traveling on board themselves for this arrangement to work effectively.
