Mileless at the time and but booked a USair to AMS (I know, I had to actually pay for a dump of a seat!) and read I could "buy up to Envoy". Pretty new at this sort of thing,so what does that mean - pay the difference between Biz and Coach or is it better deal that is offered once you have purchased a ticket?

I'm hoping you air experts could explain this process to me. I got a pretty good deal on economy but my partner is now stressing it and I though I could get back in good graces by buying "up" if it doesnt break my bank..

Any help here is appreciated.. Not going til late 2010 so may have time to squirrel it away!
FP

Find out what the price is? Then make the decision. We flew into Amsterdam this past September. We were unable to secure business class seats so had to settle for coach. For $99 we were offered upgrade to Economy Plus and that was worth it. The extra space was worth it. Still a long way from business class but a definite improvement over standard coach.

Thanks fmpden; did you call the airline or go through a t/a?
and how far in advance could you upgrade.
Thanks for the help!
FP

I didn't view it as an up grade. It was an option available when the ticket was purchased. Call find out what "Envoy" is. I have never heard or seen that term but that does not mean anything.

The buy up offer, if available, usually represents the difference between what you paid and the lowest Biz class (Envoy) fare. Best bet is to call the airline and ask if available and what it would cost. Only you can decide if it is worth it.
I believe US has only coach and Envoy, no Economy Plus (that's a United product.) USAir does sell "Choice seats" in coach which are aisle and windows toward the front, and you get to board with zone 2. You can purchase this at online check in but the seats and service are standard coach.

thanks Seamus; funny thing-- when I booked I was automatically given choice seats (yea, big deal) but then when I was double checking some times I noticed a "buy envoy" option (fancy word for biz I guess) and wondered if I had to be a platinum or something to get it; will call....after the snowstorm we are in; I guess they are not in a great mood at the moment!
Appreciate the help,
fP

I could be wrong and you should check the USAirways site, but Buy Up to Envoy used to be $500 per seat per direction. Upgrading to Envoy is $300 plus 30K miles. Also, as Seamus mentioned, Envoy = international business. US has no international first service. Also, once you are in Envoy, you can "buy up" to Envoy Sleeper (full recline seats in row 1) for $300.

Before doing any of these things, you need to carefully consider the type of aircraft you are flying. There's a good thread on FT right now about the differences in Envoy seats across different aircraft.