Review fare rules before purchasing your coach ticket. Almost all airlines exclude business and first class upgrades from their discounted and sale fares. Once you have purchased a discounted coach ticket, you cannot upgrade it.
Check blackout dates and exceptions for full fare coach tickets. On heavily traveled routes and routes with seasonal fare fluctuations, you may not be able to upgrade to business class on certain dates, such as major holidays.
Review your selected airline’s business class upgrade policies. Some limit upgrades to member of their frequent flier club, even if passengers are buying the upgrade instead of using accumulated miles. One of the rewards for mileage club members is upgrade priority.
Check the business class capacity of the scheduled equipment on your preferred flight against the seats sold. Larger aircraft often have more seats available. Less popular flight times may offer greater opportunities.
Arrive at the airport early. Check in at the counter for most airlines to get on the upgrade standby list. You will not pay for your business class upgrade until your airline confirms the seat at the gate.
Request upgrade at the check-in kiosks for several airline. United's kiosks randomly offer upgrades to business class to passengers using their check-in kiosks. However, you can also request the upgrade.
Buy a business class upgrade with frequent flier miles or with a credit card. The airline will tell you at the time of request, how many miles they require from you or how much your upgrade will cost. Delta uses a mileage formula for upgrades, $50 per 500 miles increments. AirTran's fees vary according to distance traveled as well.
Proceed to the gate for last minute upgrades. Wait until departure gate personnel confirm your seat change. Pay for your upgraded seat at the departure gate.
