Any tips for getting a good deal on a first class flight?

[mrsklamc]

I've heard that the cheapest way to fly first class is to try to upgrade at the gate for a flat fee. Anyone done this? Or, does anyone have any other tips on flying first class?
We want to go to Hawaii but because of the length my DH would prefer first class, but the prices are

 

[SuzanneSLO]

The least expensive option for FC on UA or AA is to buy a coach ticket and upgrade using FF miles. On UA, you need 30,000 miles per ticket RT. On AA, you need the same number of miles plus you will have to pay a co-pay of $300 per ticket RT. While you can buy miles if you need them, the most cost effective way to get a substantial number of miles relatively quickly is usually to sign up for a credit card affliated with the airline. You may not be able to upgrade using miles on all flights, but you do not need to be an elite level flyer on UA or AA to upgrade using miles.

Another option is to purchase restricted FC tickets, also known as Y-Up fares. They are not as flexible as standard first class tickets, but may be significantly cheaper. If you can fly out of more than one airport, price them from each because the cost is not logical. For example, flying out of our local airport with a connection thru LAX was more than $500 per ticket cheaper than flying our of LAX directly.

Another option to get more legroom for the flight to Hawaii is to fly on UA and purchase Economy Plus Access (assuming you don't already have eltie status with UA). This will allow you to book your seats in the Economy Plus section, which has about 5" more legroom than standard coach. The cost for E+ Access (for a non UA elite) is $349 per year and it allows you to book you and a guest into E+ on each flight.

Best of luck -- Suzanne

 

[CarolA]

I've heard that the cheapest way to fly first class is to try to upgrade at the gate for a flat fee. Anyone done this? Or, does anyone have any other tips on flying first class?
We want to go to Hawaii but because of the length my DH would prefer first class, but the prices are

THis is going to be VERY hard. You aren't alone in wanting to fly First Class on this flight.

The previous post on using miles was great except that it failed to point out a few things. Even if you have the miles you are NOT guaranteed the upgrade and often the "priority" on being allowed to do this is based on a combination of your fare class and your status with the airline. (In other words the more you pay and the more you fly) So a person who gets all thier miles via a credit card and pays the cheapest possible fare is last on the list..... (And generally there is more demand then supply)

The flat fee upgrade option MIGHT work, but once again there are considerations. On Delta for example, if you have the lowest fare class no upgrade. AND... the "fee" upgrades are sold AFTER the frequent flyers get their upgrades. I have seen them on Atlanta to Raleigh but never on Atlanta to Los Angeles for example

 

[JoiseyMom]

The least expensive option for FC on UA or AA is to buy a coach ticket and upgrade using FF miles. On UA, you need 30,000 miles per ticket RT. On AA, you need the same number of miles plus you will have to pay a co-pay of $300 per ticket RT. While you can buy miles if you need them, the most cost effective way to get a substantial number of miles relatively quickly is usually to sign up for a credit card affliated with the airline. You may not be able to upgrade using miles on all flights, but you do not need to be an elite level flyer on UA or AA to upgrade using miles.

Another option is to purchase restricted FC tickets, also known as Y-Up fares. They are not as flexible as standard first class tickets, but may be significantly cheaper. If you can fly out of more than one airport, price them from each because the cost is not logical. For example, flying out of our local airport with a connection thru LAX was more than $500 per ticket cheaper than flying our of LAX directly.

Another option to get more legroom for the flight to Hawaii is to fly on UA and purchase Economy Plus Access (assuming you don't already have eltie status with UA). This will allow you to book your seats in the Economy Plus section, which has about 5" more legroom than standard coach. The cost for E+ Access (for a non UA elite) is $349 per year and it allows you to book you and a guest into E+ on each flight.

Best of luck -- Suzanne

How do you find Y-up fares?

Tx

 

[kaytieeldr]

Another, more reasonably-priced option - if the 'length' refers to your flight from point A to point B, and not to your DH's height - might be to purchase an extra seat in coach.

 

[SuzanneSLO]

How do you find Y-up fares?

Tx

You can search on AA using the price & schedule option and they will show as "Instant Upgrade" fares. On UA, search for restricted first class or business class.

There is a good explanation on farecompare.com and you can also search for them on that site.

Best of luck -- Suzanne

 

[dismiss]

The American Express card used to have a buy one get one free First Class ticket Once a year with their Gold Card. Even though the card cost you a good deal of money , It is still much less than a First Class Tkt. So it is worth investigating