How to upgrade to first class without spending a ton of money

For many travelers, flying in a first-class seat may seem like an unachievable dream reserved for the ultra-wealthy or business travelers who spare no expense. But in reality, there are many other ways to score a seat at the front of the plane without paying an exorbitant amount.

In many cases, there are even ways to upgrade to first class (or business class) without having elite status in an airline’s frequent flyer program or paying the full cash or award retail price.

Admittedly, in these days of high travel demand, it’s hard to guarantee a first-class seat without directly paying for it. However, with some luck, tips and strategy, there are options out there.

How to upgrade to first class without elite status

One of the easiest ways to score a first-class upgrade is to have elite status. Many airlines offer complimentary upgrades as a loyalty perk.

However, it’s possible to snag an upgrade without paying full price, even if you don’t have status.

Here are some strategies to consider.

Use miles to upgrade your economy ticket

One of the easiest ways for travelers without elite status to upgrade their seats to first or business class without paying the full cash price is by paying for the upgrade with miles.

This won’t require elite status, but it does require you to have a decent stash of frequent flyer miles with an airline or credit card rewards points you’ve earned through your everyday spending.

Even casual flyers might be surprised at how many points and miles they can earn by charging their daily expenses to the right credit card; many of these points and miles can be transferred to airline frequent flyer programs and redeemed for travel, including upgrades.

For example, American Airlines will allow American AAdvantage members to use miles to upgrade tickets. You’ll generally pay some miles and a fee for an upgrade.

Related: Best airline credit cards

As you might expect, upgrading to first class on a short domestic flight is much less pricey than moving to a lie-flat business-class seat on an overseas flight. The latter costs 25,000 miles plus $350 per traveler for upgrades to business class from standard economy seats.

You’ll want to consider your miles’ value before making the splurge. Per TPG’s June 2024 valuations, 25,000 AAdvantage miles are worth $425. But remember, in this scenario, you’ll need to also pay $350 in addition to redeeming miles.

That said, if you prioritize having a comfortable seat to sleep in during your overnight flight to Europe, using your miles for an upgrade can be a far better option than paying for a business-class ticket outright.

For example, a round-trip economy ticket from New York to Rome costs $1,171 versus $6,564 for a Flagship business-class seat.

An award ticket on the same round-trip itinerary costs a whopping 592,000 miles for business class.

Not many people have more than $6,500 to spend on one flight to Europe, and 592,000 miles is a hefty price to pay.

On the other hand, after purchasing an economy ticket, you may be able to upgrade it for 25,000 miles plus $350, one-way, if available. Regardless of the airline, before you wade too deeply into upgrade pricing, make sure the ticket you purchased is eligible for upgrades. On many airlines, restrictive basic economy tickets are not eligible for changes, including upgrades.

If you don’t have 25,000 AAdvantage miles at the ready, a credit card welcome bonus could help get you there. Right now, the Citi®/AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees) is offering new members an impressive 100,000 bonus miles for cardholders who spend $10,000 in their first three months with the card. The card carries a $595 annual fee but includes sizeable perks like an Admirals Club membership and a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application statement fee credit.

Related: The best ways to travel to Europe using points and miles

Upgrade through your credit card travel portal

There are credit card rewards programs that will help members upgrade their flights. Some American Express cardholders can use their American Express Membership Rewards points (or pay) to upgrade a flight on an airline with which Amex partners.

To look into an upgrade, you’ll need to make the request through your Amex Travel account.

Airlines that partner with Amex include Air Canada (Star Alliance), Qantas (Oneworld), Aeromexico (SkyTeam) and Etihad, among others.

Get help from a friend or family member with elite status

You can still receive some airline elite perks without personally having elite status. Some airline programs like Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan will allow their members to spread the wealth of their elite status to family and friends.

Those with Alaska MVP Gold status or higher receive four one-way guest upgrades for every year they gain or maintain their status. They can spend the upgrades on their travel companions or when their guest travels without them.

There are some rules around space availability and other factors to consider. Still, if your friend or a family member has status with an airline such as Alaska Airlines or United Airlines, they may be able to help you get upgraded without spending any money.

Bid for an upgrade

Even if you don’t have any miles saved up or have never been a frequent flyer, you may still be able to fly in first class without breaking the bank.

Some airlines will send out an invitation to bid for an upgrade if they expect some empty premium seats on a flight. These invitation texts or emails allow you to bid for a seat in the next available cabin. If you have some miles stashed, some airlines, like Australian carrier Qantas, will also allow you to submit a bid composed of miles and cash.

Not all routes are eligible for upgrades, and other restrictions may apply. Rules will vary by airline, but most will have a suggested bid and a minimum amount you’ll need to offer. Keep in mind that many airlines restrict you to bidding for one class of an upgrade, so you may need to be booked in premium economy (if it’s available on your flight) in order to score a business-class seat via a winning bid.

Buy a discounted upgrade

The cash price to upgrade to first class can decrease if the airline doesn’t expect to sell all seats at the full fare. Many airlines would rather get some revenue for the seat than none at all.

If you notice low demand for your desired seat as the travel date approaches, see if you can scoop up an upgrade at a discounted cash rate.

While the price will vary, it never hurts to check. Look at your upcoming flight reservations every now to see what the airline is listing as the cost to upgrade your seat with cash.

Ask about first-class upgrades at the check-in counter

Unfortunately, the price for a first-class seat often doesn’t drop. However, it never hurts to ask about a last-minute upgrade.

Airlines make more money from filling their first-class seats, so next time you’re feeling a little spendy, you can ask at the ticket or boarding counter if there is any availability at the front of the plane. You may even find the extra cost is lower than expected, especially when factoring in any fees you’d otherwise have to pay for add-ons like checked bags.

How to upgrade to first class with elite status

Unsurprisingly, getting upgraded to first class with elite status is much easier. Many airlines offer complimentary upgrades as a perk of elite status. The exact process differs from one airline to the next, but often, the higher-tier status you have, the more luck you’ll have.

That means that unless you’re a higher-level elite member, you may be low on the waiting list for an upgrade.

However, you can try additional tricks to position yourself in a premium seat.

Purchase instant First Class Upgrade tickets with Alaska Airlines

While many airlines will upgrade elite status members one, two or a few days before departure, Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan’s elite members can buy certain fares that qualify them for an immediate upgrade.

When booking a trip like the one pictured below, you will see four fare options instead of the typical two Main and first-class fares after checking your elite status in the fare type column to the left.

The Premium Class Upgrade option is for an extra legroom seat, whereas the First Class Upgrade option is for the airline’s first-class cabin.

By purchasing an upgrade fare, you’ll be eligible — pending availability — for an immediate upgrade instead of waiting until the days before your flight for your upgrade to clear.

How do you know if there’s availability? Look for the “F” symbols by the flight details. A navy blue “F” square means there is availability on that particular flight; a white “F” square means there isn’t.

You’ll be placed on the upgrade waitlist if you don’t buy an immediate upgrade-eligible fare.

Use your upgrade certificates with Delta Air Lines

Delta SkyMiles, Delta Air Lines’ frequent flyer program, features four published Delta Medallion elite tiers: Silver, Gold, Platinum and Diamond Medallion. All come with perks, including the chance to receive complimentary upgrades to first-class seats.

Access to unlimited, free upgrades to first class comes standard with Delta Medallion elite status, but Delta’s upgrade process is still complex. You can increase your chances of being upgraded on Delta by being a higher-tier Platinum or Diamond Medallion member.

Members in these two elite tiers receive upgrade certificates known as Global Upgrade Certificates and Regional Upgrade Certificates. If upgrade space is available, these certificates can be cleared as soon as you book your ticket.

Like many airlines, Delta has certain fares that are not eligible for complimentary upgrades through Medallion status.

Use PlusPoints for priority upgrades with United Airlines

United has a complicated revenue, award and upgrade class system that can be confusing for even experienced flyers.

Luckily, TPG has made it easier to understand United’s system with this comprehensive guide to United fare classes.

All United MileagePlus Premier members are eligible for complimentary Premier upgrades on eligible fares and routes, but only Premier Platinum and Premier 1K members receive PlusPoints.

Using PlusPoints, high-tier Premier members can confirm their upgrades long before their flight. Premier Platinum members receive 40 PlusPoints when reaching status, and Premier 1K members receive 280 PlusPoints when they earn or retain their status.

The screenshot below shows United’s PlusPoints pricing breakdown for upgrades. For instance, it takes 40 PlusPoints to move from economy to Polaris business class on a long-haul flight.

Generally, you should reserve PlusPoints for long-haul Polaris flights to get the best value for your points. However, sitting up front is always better than in the back, regardless of the route. This is especially true if you have points set to expire soon, as it’s best to use them for any first-class option rather than let them go to waste.

Instead, whether you are on a business-class cash fare or a redemption, look out for upgrade offers in your inbox before the flight during online check-in, or ask at the check-in desk at the airport.

While the upgrade cost is likely four figures, it could be worth it to experience some of the best products in commercial aviation.

Related: Swiss first class review: Is it worth paying $1,000 to $2,000 to upgrade?

Bottom line

Whether you want to treat yourself once or increase the number of times you sit up front, getting upgraded to first class is possible and feasible.

From cashing in miles for an upgrade to winning the upgrade lottery with a cash bid, there are several ways to snag an upgraded seat without spending much money, including with elite status or the right credit card. Even those without elite status can score a prime seat in the front of the plane with careful planning.