Evaluating the comfort options for competing airlines becomes a top priority for long-distance frequent-flyer travelers. Legroom becomes one of the most important factors when deciding where to sit. Being able ride in luxury is one of the perks of flying first class. Quality service and priority treatment make first class a coveted location on a plane. US Airways provides viable options for passengers to upgrade. The following tips can help.
Study your options. Search the US Airways website for any new programs that may qualify you for upgrades.
Check your US Airways credit-card mileage program. This allows you to use the company's mileage program to add earned miles onto your airline ticket purchase. If you have enough miles on your card, you may be able to redeem them and file for an upgrade. Verify the rules and read the fine print for any restrictions or blackout dates.
Join the US Airways Dividend Mile Program. This frequent-flyer program allows you to redeem the miles you’ve accumulated for a first-class ticket. The upgrade requires that you have at least 15,000 miles in your account. You need this many miles to upgrade a one-way fair, and double that for a round trip. If you do not use your miles within an 18-month period, they expire. Upgrades, of course, are subject to availability.
Become a preferred member. In addition to other amenities, this elite group--ranging from Chairman’s, Platinum, Gold or Silver members--has an unlimited amount of upgrade opportunities.
Purchase a Y or B-class economy fare. If you are a preferred member, this can make you eligible for an instant upgrade to first class. After you’ve completed your reservation, US Airways Preferred Reservations will automatically search for a first-class upgrade until one becomes available. If you purchased another type of economy fair, the timeframe for the upgrade depends on the preferred status of the member.
For example if you are a Chairman’s Member, your search for an upgrade to a first-class ticket can happen as early as seven days prior to your departure. If you are a Platinum Member it begins four days before departure, and so on.
Purchase the upgrade. If you do not belong to any of these programs, US Airways allows you to purchase the upgrade. You do have to purchase it within 24 hours of departure, and the ticket is subject to availability.
