Upgrade Coupons - How do you buy them?
Apr 8th, 2001 | 08:24 AM
#2
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I only know about American Airlines, I think this is how it works, but better check with them at www.aa.com, because they do change their upgrade policies (I know buying upgrades used to be cheaper). If you are a Gold or Platinum member, you can purchase upgrades for $45 for each 500 miles (or $31 for each if you buy at least 8) and can upgrade from any fare. You can request an upgrade when you make your reservation, but the upgrade will only be processed 24-72 hours before the flight, and they give prioirity to their Executive Platinum, then their Executive, and finally their Gold members. <BR><BR>If you are not a Gold or Platinum member, you can still purchase upgrades for $55 for each 500-mile segment, or $50 per segment if you buy at least 8, but I think, you can only upgrade from a full-coach fare. I think they can confirm for you when you arrive at the airport. You can also use miles to buy upgrades, but I think if you are going to use miles it's better to get a business (or first class) ticket, instead of upgrades, because you will be confirmed in business class, as opposed to waiting to see if there's space.
Apr 8th, 2001 | 09:02 AM
#3
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On Northwest, one does not buy upgrades. One gets them automatically in the US, providing space is available and you have an Elite card earned by flying 25,000+ miles the preceding year. Upgrade coupons can not be purchased for overseas flights. However, I sometimes get a free upgrade depending on the whims of the agent at the moment, I guess.
Apr 8th, 2001 | 03:07 PM
#4
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On United, you can buy a book of 4 500 tickets for $125 if you're Premier or above. $250 if you're not. There are only certain fares that allow you to upgrade (if you're not Premier or above, you have to be on a full coach fare supposedly). Not all fares are upgradeable EVEN if you are Premier. Also, when you fly 10K miles (actual) then you receive 2 free upgrades from UAL into your account.
