What is the difference between EarlyBird check-in and upgraded boarding?

Customers can add EarlyBird Check-In to their reservation up to 36 hours prior to a flight's scheduled departure, when it is available. Upgraded Boarding guarantees an A1-A15 boarding position and, when available, can be added to a reservation up to 30 minutes before a flight's scheduled departure.



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EarlyBird does not guarantee a boarding position, but it does increase your odds of getting in a better boarding position. Often, you'll find yourself in A20 or better with EarlyBird check-in.

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Earn airline elite status
The most reliable way of getting upgraded for free is to have elite status on the airline you're flying. Most airlines reward their most frequent flyers with complimentary upgrades on domestic routes.

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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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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. The prices vary depending on the airline and route.

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Standard procedure is to wait until the door closes to see if everybody shows up for the flight. If the seat is available, the passenger pays for the upgrade on the flight.

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If you're able to choose your seat for free at check-in, the earlier, the better is usually the advice, especially if you want to be seated together with your family. Similarly, for first- and business-class passengers, all of the seats are great, so why wait?

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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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NEW YORK (AP) — Ever wonder how airlines decide who gets a seat upgrade on flights? 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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10 Legal Tips to Get Upgraded to First Class
  1. Earn Airline Elite Status.
  2. Redeem Miles and Points.
  3. Volunteer to be bumped on overbooked flights.
  4. Use an airline-branded credit card.
  5. Buy a last-minute upgrade.
  6. Follow The Crowds.
  7. Fly With a Generous Elite Friend.
  8. Travel Alone.


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Fly in a premium cabin
All passengers flying in a premium cabin get priority boarding. But the group you'll be assigned to depends on which class of service you're flying. Passengers in the front cabin board with Group 1.

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Gates close promptly 30 minutes before your departure. At the gate we use a queuing system to board customers. Customers who have requested Special Assistance in advance and are present at the gate will be boarded first.

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