An airline upgrade can be accomplished by simply purchasing the upgrade at the available price. However, there are ways to get that airline seat upgrade for free. A free upgrade depends a great deal on availability as well as your status as a flier. It is certainly worth a shot for saving money and flying a bit more comfortably. You can often earn reward upgrades or access upgrades through the memberships you hold. Credit card companies, such as American Express, offer card-holders the opportunity to upgrade their flying status through their customer incentive programs.
Purchase your airline ticket using your American Express card.
Check the availability of upgrade status on your flight. You can check availability on line or by calling the airline directly.
Decide which class you would like to upgrade to based on availability. Your choices in order of lowest to highest cost include economy, premium, business and first class. Contact American Express customer service department directly and request that they look into a free upgrade on your flight.
Prepare for the possibility the upgrade will not be honored prior to your flight. Check in early for your flight and request the upgrade again at check-in or after you have boarded the plane.
