Airtran Upgrade to Business Class

[ariel7303]

Hey Everyone!!
I am thinking about upgrading to Business Class. Has anyone done this? Is it worth the extra money for the upgrade? Are the seats really that much wider than in coach that it would make a huge difference in the comfort level?

Thanks all!!!

 

[cmcvean]

When I am travelling by myself I ALWAYS upgrade! I think is is SO worth the money!

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

Business Class is so much more comfy than coach. I always upgrade when I'm flying alone.

 

[halld6479]

it's nice to walk on the plane and he ask what you would like to drink while others load. I use my a+ awards to upgrade after 4 flights. the seats are larger on airtran and it is quick off the plane, I upgraded twice at gate and it cost me I think $69 or $89 I really have to get a good price to do those but if I have the free upgrade for 4 flights I grab it.

 

[Minniekins]

^^ Is this four one way flights or four round trip flights?
Sounds like a great thing otoh, but, if I have to pay more money for the two of us I feel like I lost the good fare deal I had in the first place, lol!

 

[kaytieeldr]

Any upgrade charge would be one way. Passengers who want to upgrade in both directions can reasonably expect to pay to upgrade in each direction. Passengers who feel any upgrade cost would negate their low airfare bargain would reasonably be advised to not upgrade.

 

[Minniekins]

Any upgrade charge would be one way. Passengers who want to upgrade in both directions can reasonably expect to pay to upgrade in each direction. Passengers who feel any upgrade cost would negate their low airfare bargain would reasonably be advised to not upgrade.

Yes, I realize that the upgrade charge would be per person each way, obviously each way is a trip itself that would be charged each way. I was just wondering about the PP who was talking about using a+ awards to upgrade after 4 flights for free. I was wondering if each trip you take one way counts. So that if the two of us went down and back last year, so two A+ awards for each of us from that trip, and then after we go down and back this next time, we each get two more, so we'd each have 4 A+ awards. Would that be right? It's not a round trip needed, right? So, the next time we go on AT, after our upcoming trip, we could get a free upgrade one way? Just wanting to be clear so I don't misunderstand! Unless I was really 'in the money' at the time I doubt I'd pay for an upgrade unless it was fabulously cheap, like $20 but I don't think that's ever likely. But, being in that section does sound really great!

 

[FINFAN]

I have not used A+ yet to upgrade, but don't the credits have to be earned in 1 years time? I have taken 7 total AT /one way flights since 8/08...but 2 of those were in 8/08. Don't those expire at the end of this month leaving me only with 5 to work with? Also, if you are upgraded I thought I read somewhere that the luggage fee is waived for your first bag...anyone know? DH was also charged $20 per bag just last weekend...up from the $15..

 

[dioxide45]

^^ Is this four one way flights or four round trip flights?
Sounds like a great thing otoh, but, if I have to pay more money for the two of us I feel like I lost the good fare deal I had in the first place, lol!

You upgrade using four A+ credits. You earn one credit for each one way flight. So it would be for four one way flights.

 

[Minniekins]

Cool, that sounds great, thank you! Do you know if accumulating them to use has to be done in a certain amount of time, or just whenever you have four, you can use them? If they need to be gotten in say, a years' time, I guess that won't work for me as we really only fly once a year!

 

[kaytieeldr]

I wouldn't be surprised if that (accumulating A+ credits) information is available at airtran.com

 

[dioxide45]

Cool, that sounds great, thank you! Do you know if accumulating them to use has to be done in a certain amount of time, or just whenever you have four, you can use them? If they need to be gotten in say, a years' time, I guess that won't work for me as we really only fly once a year!

Credits expire one year from when they are accrued. You have to book your reservation or upgrade before they expire, but the actual date you use them can be after they expire. Check out the AirTran website for more details on the A+ rewards program.

 

[Minniekins]

Credits expire one year from when they are accrued. You have to book your reservation or upgrade before they expire, but the actual date you use them can be after they expire. Check out the AirTran website for more details on the A+ rewards program.

Thanks for your helpful info! I guess this probably won't work for me as we each only get 2 in twelve or more months. Oh well. Thanks again for your response!

 

[Traveliz]

I have not used A+ yet to upgrade, but don't the credits have to be earned in 1 years time? I have taken 7 total AT /one way flights since 8/08...but 2 of those were in 8/08. Don't those expire at the end of this month leaving me only with 5 to work with? Also, if you are upgraded I thought I read somewhere that the luggage fee is waived for your first bag...anyone know? DH was also charged $20 per bag just last weekend...up from the $15..

If you upgrade to business class you get two free bags - if you all ready paid for your bags or seats they credit your card back. I did this four times this summer and each time had a credit.

You can also pay to extend your credits - in some instances it is worth it.

Liz

 

[aubriee]

So glad I saw this thread. I know I don't fly enough to earn free flights, so have never really paid attention to my A+ reward credits. I know I've seen them go up and down and just assumed there was nothing to do about losing the credits. I just went to Air Tran's site and used four credits to get a one way business class upgrade. However, when I tried to apply it for my upcoming Sept 26th flight I couldn't see anywhere to do so, so called the 1- 888 A+ Rewards number. The rep told me I had just got myself a voucher that would expire in one year and that A+ reward members couldn't redeem the voucher until 24 hours prior to check in. She told me to call back after midnight on 9/24 and they'd assign me a seat then. What are the chances of there being a business class seat available that late?

 

[Traveliz]

So glad I saw this thread. I know I don't fly enough to earn free flights, so have never really paid attention to my A+ reward credits. I know I've seen them go up and down and just assumed there was nothing to do about losing the credits. I just went to Air Tran's site and used four credits to get a one way business class upgrade. However, when I tried to apply it for my upcoming Sept 26th flight I couldn't see anywhere to do so, so called the 1- 888 A+ Rewards number. The rep told me I had just got myself a voucher that would expire in one year and that A+ reward members couldn't redeem the voucher until 24 hours prior to check in. She told me to call back after midnight on 9/24 and they'd assign me a seat then. What are the chances of there being a business class seat available that late?

I have never been checking in for a flight 24 hours in advance when I have not seen available business class seats. I upgrade all the time at the 24 hour mark.

Liz

 

[halld6479]

first time I used my a+ I was standing at the airport oon my cell calling a+ to see if they would upgrade me for an emergency I was taking right then, They did but it scared me cause after I did it and the plane landed I was called to the counter before anyone boarded they handed me new tickets and said to board now. the next time I waited till less then 24 hour check in and web page showed all booked but I called a+ number and they had seats open so I upgraded then. It is nice to get on first and off first lol

 

[FINFAN]

If you upgrade to business class you get two free bags - if you all ready paid for your bags or seats they credit your card back. I did this four times this summer and each time had a credit.

You can also pay to extend your credits - in some instances it is worth it.

Liz

Thank you!

 

[aubriee]

I have never been checking in for a flight 24 hours in advance when I have not seen available business class seats. I upgrade all the time at the 24 hour mark.

Liz

first time I used my a+ I was standing at the airport oon my cell calling a+ to see if they would upgrade me for an emergency I was taking right then, They did but it scared me cause after I did it and the plane landed I was called to the counter before anyone boarded they handed me new tickets and said to board now. the next time I waited till less then 24 hour check in and web page showed all booked but I called a+ number and they had seats open so I upgraded then. It is nice to get on first and off first lol

Thanks to both of you! Good information to know.

 

[DVCBELLE]

If you have an Airtran Visa card - your credits last for two years instead of one. We got the plus one for my husband. It has a small fee - I think $59 but we got 10 bonus credits when he first used it - double miles for Airtran purchases and a free companion ticket on the anniversary date each year. I am planning on getting the free version right before my credits expire so my miles won't expire.

You can also pay to extend your credits or transfer them into another account.