Is it cheaper to upgrade at check in?

It depends on the airline you're flying with, but it is generally cheaper to upgrade to business class at the airport than it is to book a business class ticket from the outset. To upgrade at the airport, you will need to ask about availability and then pay the difference in fare.



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If luxury and extra legroom is really important to you, book it in advance. However, if you're perfectly willing to fly economy class, and willing to roll the dice, a last-minute upgrade can be the cheapest option. You may even get lucky and score a free upgrade.

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Be early. Many airlines establish an upgrade wait list based on check-in times, with priority given to those who checked in first. The option to check-in online is usually available at least 24 hours before departure for most airlines, so the earlier you can get yourself checked in, the better.

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On almost every flight, the passengers who get upgrades are either the ones who pay for them (whether in dollars or miles) in advance or frequent fliers with elite status who receive complimentary upgrades as part of their perks. There are very few exceptions, so don't expect to score a free upgrade by just asking.

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Ask at check-in. Airlines may sell upgrades at a discount when you check-in, either online or at the airport. The closer to the flight departing, the less likely the airline is to sell a cash fare in the upgraded cabin. Thus, they may be open to the idea of offering it to an existing passenger for a discounted price.

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Delta – Lots of Skymiles, or Money
Hot tip: Consider booking your Delta flight using Virgin Atlantic miles for amazing value. When it comes to ease, Delta is now one of the easiest airlines for using miles to upgrade, but that doesn't mean they're one of the best.

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If the seat is available, the passenger pays for the upgrade on the flight. So while you shouldn't expect a free upgrade on a flight, you can still ask for upgrades from booking till boarding — and you may be able to pay your way to a much more comfortable seat.

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Coming in first as the U.S. airline most likely to bump you is Envoy Air (a subsidiary of American Airlines), bumping an average of 6.88 passengers per 100,000 between the start of 2020 to September of 2021.

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Upgrade Your Air Travel: 10 Tips to Score a First-Class Seat
  1. Join airline loyalty programs.
  2. Volunteer to be bumped.
  3. Use offers from your credit cards.
  4. Book flights during off-peak times.
  5. Check for available upgrades online.
  6. Consider late flight offers.
  7. Arrive early for check-in.
  8. Bid for an upgrade.


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Ask nicely You won't know unless you ask, and that can also apply to scoring an upgrade. Some seasoned travelers have gotten upgraded during check-in at the airport or at their gate. There's no easy way to do this and no guarantee it'll work.

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It depends on the airline you're flying with, but it is generally cheaper to upgrade to business class at the airport than it is to book a business class ticket from the outset. To upgrade at the airport, you will need to ask about availability and then pay the difference in fare.

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These tricks and ground rules are worth keeping in mind as you try to land that elusive free upgrade.
  1. Be a seriously loyal customer. ...
  2. Get an airline credit card. ...
  3. Dress neatly. ...
  4. Check in online at the earliest possible time. ...
  5. Be on time, and have good timing. ...
  6. Ask politely and directly. ...
  7. Be reasonable.


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Quick tips:
  1. Simply asking the hotel concierge can grant you a free hotel room upgrade.
  2. Joining a hotel loyalty program can win you an upgrade.
  3. Signing up for a co-branded credit card can earn you an upgrade.
  4. Increase your chances of an upgrade by traveling during the off-season.


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The cheapest way to get a business or first-class ticket is to buy an economy ticket then buy an upgrade.

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If the flight is relatively empty, your chances are slim. Even though seats in business class may also be empty, the airlines don't usually upgrade people for no reason. If the flight is full, your chances are better.

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No jeans or trainers — so I always go for tight black trousers and a blazer or a dress. For men, chinos or trousers and a shirt are worn, one flight attendant told Who What Wear. Another flight attendant elaborated that you don't have to be on trend or wearing designer clothes.

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Airlines that offer upgrade auctions
  • AeroMexico.
  • Air Canada.
  • Air New Zealand.
  • Avianca.
  • Cathay.
  • Copa.
  • Czech Airlines.
  • Ethiopian.


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Most upgrades from economy or premium economy to business start around $400 and often venture up to $1000. For flights over 7 hours that include fast track, a VIP lounge and a proper bed- $500 seems like a reasonable offer- if the number is comfortable to you.

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All you need to do is take a credit card to the check-in agent or the gate agent and let them know you are willing to pay the fare difference between your ticket and the last seat in first. The agent will charge your card and give you a new boarding pass to a seat in the pointy end of the plane.

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Airlines say it's strictly by the book: Loyal customers are rewarded based on their status in frequent flyer programs. But some flyers insist that once in a while, they get upgraded even when they've bought the cheapest seat.

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