With more room and luxury amenities, business class seats allow travelers to arrive at their destination sharp and focused. When business class fares go unsold, airlines open them up to customers in the form of an upgrade.
Most airlines present several opportunities to upgrade your ticket to business class during the departure process at the airport. Use the electronic check-in kiosk to upgrade your fare. Slide a credit card into the machine, find your reservation and check in for your flight. If your airline allows upgrades and one is available, you will be given the option to upgrade for a fee. Or you can upgrade with a representative at the airline's counter. Present your I.D., check in for you flight and ask about available upgrades. Or ask a representative about a business class upgrade at the desk in your flight's boarding area after you've gone through security.
Airlines make upgrades available if there are unsold seats in the business class section. You can increase your odds of scoring an upgrade by travelling during times when most business travelers don't travel, such as holidays. Beat the crowd and get an available business seat by checking in up to 11 hours early for your flight. And loyal customers are routinely treated to upgrades before other passengers have a chance to buy them, so increase your chances by traveling frequently with the same airline.
