Insider Hacks: Upgrade Into Business for Cheap

Hate the dreaded economy-class middle seat? There is no need to spend an abhorrent amount of money to relax in a business-class seat. Using some insider tricks, flying business class can be cheap or even for free.

There are multiple different approaches to receiving an upgrade in class on your next flight. Here are the methods that work most often and are the easiest to pull off for the average flyer. 
 

Status, status, and more status

The “average Joe” can secure a business class seat on their next flight by having status with the airline they are flying with. In airline mileage and rewards programs, "status" refers to one's rank within an airline rewards plan. 

Typically, status is not earned through airline points, but through a different system of "qualifying points" that can only be earned by flying a specific airline and using that airline's mileage program for flights. For example, on United Airlines, this system is referred to as "Premier Qualifying Points", and on Delta Airlines they are known as "Medallions" (MQDs). The only way to earn status is by flying on flights that earn qualifying points. 

If on an upgrade list, having a rewards card with a specific airline will be extremely beneficial to the chances of a free upgrade. Holding an airline rewards credit card (such as the United Explorer Card) shows an airline loyalty, thus giving preferred status on upgrade lists. 

Take Advantage of Airlines Sales and Points 

It is important to note that airlines will occasionally hold sales on tickets purchased with airline miles or points. Sometimes during these sales, business class miles tickets can sometimes be up to half off. For example, a United Airlines flight that normally costs 120,000 miles will cost 75,000 miles during a sale period. 

Online Check-In 

It is highly recommended to check in online for a traveler's next flight if flying economy. Some airlines such as Lufthansa and United Airlines will offer upgrades to business class for a small fee. This fee can be anywhere between $100 (100 USD) for short-haul flights and $400 to $1,200 (400-1200 USD) for international, long-haul flights. 

For those willing to fork out some extra cash to get that sweet sweet champagne in business class, this is another method to get that lie-flat business class seat on your next transatlantic flight. 

If online check-in is not available, focus on a free or paid upgrade at the airport check-in desk. Often times, all one needs to do is ask if there are any free or paid upgrades available during check-in at the airport. From here, the agent could make a traveler's day.

Sometimes, airlines will automatically upgrade passengers at check-in to a higher class without asking them if that passenger is flying on an oversold ("overbooked") flight. 

With a combination of these tips, travelers can dramatically increase their chances of receiving a free, or (relatively) cheap business class upgrade from that pesky economy class middle seat to that cushiony, lie-flat business class seat.