Where to Go For Cheap Seat Upgrades by:Steve Robinson
In the good old days frequent fliers having purchased cheap fares
, be they cheap airplane tickets or cheap vacation packages, could often simply ask the airlines for free upgrades when they checked in at the gate. Now airlines are starting to award upgrades more often based on customers who are the first to express a willingness to pay for the upgrades.Purchasing an upgrade is usually simple, but finding out the availability of upgrades is often difficult. Often upgrades have disappeared except for savvy travelers who know how to book them in advance.
For example, if you want to purchase an upgrade from US Airways, you should call 800-428-4322 exactly 24 hours prior to your scheduled departure time.
Virgin American offers transcontinental economy seats for as little as $89 to $119 each way vs. paying over ten times as much for their first class seats. If you contact Virgin precisely six hours prior to takeoff (by calling 877-359-8474, or going online) you may be able to snag a upgrade on a coast to coast flight for $270.
The following are examples of airlines who offer discounted upgrades:
- AirTran: Business Class seat, pay $49 to $129 per leg of your trip, can be purchased at time of check-in.
- Midwest Airlines: Stretch Seat, pay $25 to $75, available when purchasing ticket.
- Spirit: Big front seat, pay $25 and up, available when purchasing ticket or at gate.
- US Airways: First Class or Envoy seat, pay $50 to $700 on international fares, can be purchased 24 hours before departure.
- Virgin America: First Class seat, pay $70 to $270, 6 hours prior to departure.
Many airlines have started offering upgrades when passengers check in at airport kiosks. Travelers are far more likely to be offered such upgrades during non peak travel days and times.
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Cheapfares employees enjoy sharing the current news and information about travel news and tips to improve their clients travel experience. We have been in the travel industry over 10 years online. Chichicastenango - World Famous Markets and Riotous Festivals in Guatemala by:Gary Sargent Relish North India Tours visiting Delhi, Agra and Rajasthan by:Rajesh Kumar Nightclubs And Nightlife In Montreal, Canada by:Fred Anderson Vacation And Holiday Home Rental - 4 Things You Must Know! by:Georgie Poulariani Europe's Bad News is Good for U.S. Tourists by:Steve Robinson Gulf Shore Rental by:Sea Chase Australian Travel Agents by:Tal Gur Top Rated Mexico Beach Resorts by:Isabella Olsen Make Your Trip Memorable With Car Hire Gold Coast by:Dev Mishra I Love Touring Rome, Italy - Spanish Steps District Hotels by:Levi Reiss Let Off Some Steam in the Miami Heat by:Barbara Wade How to Find Cheap Vegas Hotel Deals by:Natalie Brient How to Get a Free Vegas Hotel Room Upgrade by:Natalie Brient