Upgrading Archives

Maui Condo for miles, Answered by The Penny Pincher on April 19, 2007
Joel, We have a condo on Maui, and want to trade time in the condo for Mileage Plus miles, so we can fly over for free. Do you know how we could go about making this happen - where to... [Read on]

Helpful hints on FFP's, Answered by The Penny Pincher on April 19, 2007
Hi there.... You wrote a nice article about the frequent flyer programs and how accessibility may become easier. I hope so. I have been trying to get 2 first class seats from Ft Lauderdale, FL to Australia using Continental/Qantas for... [Read on]

Miles for Thailand, Answered by The Penny Pincher on April 19, 2007
I'm planning a trip to Thailand and would love to fly there direct with Thai Air. I have 60k miles with AA and my boyfriend has 200k miles with Delta. Is there any way I can use Delta miles for... [Read on]

Travel to Europe, Answered by The Penny Pincher on April 19, 2007
I usually travel to Europe every year, or at least once every two years, and I am finding it impossible to obtain frequent flyer upgrades this year. I am wiling to pay the "full cost coach" to upgrade and haven't... [Read on]

Using partner airlines, Answered by The Penny Pincher on December 13, 2006
I recently booked a 6,000 mile multicity trip through Orbitz - of the seven segments, six are on Delta. My primary loyalty program is with Alaska, a Delta partner. What (if anything) can I do to have the miles I... [Read on]

Loyalty counts, Answered by The Penny Pincher on December 13, 2006
I am travelling to Istanbul with my wife from Toronto with Lufthansa. Any possibilities they could upgrade me to business class?... [Read on]

South African Honeymoon, Answered by The Penny Pincher on January 03, 2006
Hi Joel, I really enjoy your articles and commentary, and your book is top of my reading list for an upcoming trip to Africa, which is the subject of my question. My fiance and I are traveling to South Africa... [Read on]

Round Trip to Istanbul, Answered by The Penny Pincher on January 03, 2006
I have over 80,000 sky miles with Delta. My husband and I will be flying from LAX to Istanbul, Turkey. We wanted to fly business class for the 20-hour trip. Delta informs us we barely have enough miles for one... [Read on]

Australia in the Spring, Answered by The Penny Pincher on January 03, 2006
I will be traveling to Australia this spring with a companion. Between us, we have tons of miles on American, United, and US Air. Can any of these be used to upgrade on Qantas to business class? Or, failing that... [Read on]

Contact the Manager, Answered by The Penny Pincher on October 27, 2005
Hello, Is it ever advisable to contact the hotel in advance either via email or by phone to request an upgrade or is it best to do it upon arrival and what is the best way to handle it? By... [Read on]

Elite Upgrade, Answered by The Penny Pincher on October 23, 2005
Hi Joel, I just started reading your Penny Pincher's book and decided I'd give some of the techniques a try since they sounded so great. I have 17,666 FF miles on NWA (accumulated over the last 2 years). I don't... [Read on]

Upgrading Traveling Companions, Answered by The Penny Pincher on October 23, 2005
First of all, I want to say how fascinating I have found your articles. I hopped online today intending to be here for a few minutes, and have been here a few hours, mostly because you reminded me that I... [Read on]

A Seat Next to Husband, Answered by The Penny Pincher on October 23, 2005
I just started reading your column and am quite excited about the tips you have to offer. I also have a question with which you may be able to help me out. I recently decided to tag along with my... [Read on]

AA Lifetime Membership, Answered by The Penny Pincher on October 23, 2005
AA is offering senior lifetime membership in their club for $2500. Would you comment on the airline clubs and their amenities, etc. Thanks. John... [Read on]

From Iraq to Hawaii, Answered by The Penny Pincher on October 20, 2005
Sir, I am a service member who has just returned from a tour in Iraq. I am trying to plan a 7-day vacation with my wife in Oahu, Hawaii (I thought we would go to Oahu because of the social... [Read on]

Mock-Booking, Answered by The Penny Pincher on July 27, 2005
I read your article about mock-booking first to see if you have a chance at getting the upgrade, why not book a full fare, fully refundable seat in first class, then just let it expire? I know this does not... [Read on]

Eye-Opening, Answered by The Penny Pincher on June 18, 2005
Mr. Widzer, I just wanted to take a moment to let you know that your Passport to Luxury Travel book has completely changed my outlook on travel. Thanks to your advice, I will be earning Platinum level status in just... [Read on]

The Right Start, Answered by The Penny Pincher on May 30, 2005
Hi Joel! I just discovered you and your column, "Five Contrarian Travel Tactics" for MSNBC, and I appreciate your travel savvy. I am going to be traveling more and more these days and I realize I need a strategy. I... [Read on]

Any Upgrade Strategies?, Answered by The Penny Pincher on May 28, 2005
I read your book "Penny Pinchers Passport" and need your help on an upcoming trip. I understand that it is important to build up loyalty and a track record before I request favors but I am scheduled to fly Cathay... [Read on]

Las Vegas Hotels, Answered by The Penny Pincher on May 28, 2005
My husband and I recently stayed at the Venetian in Las Vegas. I was really excited to be staying there because it looked wonderful. We couldn't check in right away, so we went to the concierge to book dinner reservations... [Read on]

On the Right Track, Answered by The Penny Pincher on May 28, 2005
Joel, I saw your post on a forum website. I also recently purchased your book as I will be doing quite a bit of travel in my new job. I have been loyal to AA since 1995 and have accumulated... [Read on]

Package Pricing, Answered by The Penny Pincher on May 28, 2005
Joel, I recently finished your book and am looking forward to trying the strategies on an upcoming trip to Portugal, but I had two questions that I was hoping you would be willing to shed some light on. First, I've... [Read on]

Upgrade Coaching, Answered by The Penny Pincher on May 28, 2005
Hi Joel, I just finished reading your article about getting upgrades and I am in awe of you and very skeptical. I fly Delta simply because they are a primary travel partner for AMEX and I have a ton of... [Read on]

Flights to Tel Aviv on Continenta, Answered by The Penny Pincher on May 28, 2005
Any hints on getting upgradeable coach tickets on this nonstop, Newark to Tel Aviv, flight? We use our NWA mileage for upgrades. Plan to travel next in Oct/Nov 2005. Thanks, Carolyn... [Read on]

Upgrade Low-Down, Answered by The Penny Pincher on March 05, 2005
Hello, I liked your article on Elite status, but I have a question or two. With elite status with Delta, do you get free upgrades, or do you just get the right to get an upgrade? And if you pay... [Read on]

Contrarian Thinking, Answered by The Penny Pincher on February 20, 2005
Hi Joel, I enjoy the way you present things in travel and have learned a lot from you, even though I myself have been a United 1K for about ten years. The one area worth stressing when you talk about... [Read on]

Bulkhead Blues, Answered by The Penny Pincher on February 20, 2005
Joel, We have faithfully and LOYALLY flown Continental for years, and though my husband usually easily makes platinum elite and I do all I can to see that I make gold elite, they still give the bulkhead seats to parents... [Read on]

Strategic Planning, Answered by The Penny Pincher on January 17, 2005
Enjoyed your latest book. Yours truly is an extremely INFREQUENT flyer who enjoys top drawer accommodations, and I intend to visit Florida next spring—I usually make my reservations WELL in advance. For air, will be utilizing my A/A air miles.... [Read on]

Confusing Mileage Rule, Answered by The Penny Pincher on November 29, 2004
I am a member of Aer Lingus gold circle club. Probably the worst frequent flyer program in the world but as I live in Ireland I have little choice. My wife is booked on an Aer Lingus operated flight from... [Read on]

First-Class Planning, Answered by The Penny Pincher on November 19, 2004
Hi, I will be travelling to Sri Lanka next September with Sri Lankan airlines for my honeymoon and wondered what the chances are of an upgrade to business class. What is the best approach to obtain upgrades? Regards, Steve... [Read on]

Who Will Give Me an Upgrade, Answered by The Penny Pincher on October 28, 2004
Joel, Great site. I had a question. I will be traveling to South Africa via Paris with Air France in December over Christmas. I was obviously looking to try to get an upgrade. Would it be worth contacting Air France... [Read on]

Credit Card Miles, Answered by The Penny Pincher on October 28, 2004
Dear Joel, I read about your "conquests" of the airline industry with great admiration. I am stuck in a rather uncommon spot, and would truly value your advice. I am a member of Singapore Airlines' Krisflyer FFP, and have around... [Read on]

Deep Discounts, Answered by The Penny Pincher on October 28, 2004
Can you tell me which FF programs credit 100% of miles flown on the deep discount tickets (U, V, etc.) towards elite status? Skymiles, my present program, only credited 50% of my miles flown, so although I flew over 25,000... [Read on]

A Good Deed, Answered by The Penny Pincher on October 05, 2004
My husband and I are traveling from Seattle to Accra, Ghana this week on reduced economy seats from British Airways. We are making this trip to visit African missionaries in an official capacity for our church (obviously, a non-profit institution.)... [Read on]

Seven to South America, Answered by The Penny Pincher on October 05, 2004
Although I have not read your book, I do know many people who have and have given me advice about having a better flying experience. However, I do have a question. In a few weeks I will be traveling with... [Read on]

Prognostic Good, Answered by The Penny Pincher on September 18, 2004
My wife and I and our two young kids (4 months and 23 months) are traveling to Manila via Dubai on Emirates. We are members of SKYWARDS (frequent fliers programme), as we had about 60,000 air miles we upgraded myself,... [Read on]

50th Upgrade, Answered by The Penny Pincher on September 18, 2004
We are flying to Bali from Scotland on the 26th of this month with a 6 day stopover in Singapore, we are flying BA, Qantas and were wondering if there is any way of getting free or very cheap upgrades.... [Read on]

Credit Card Choice, Answered by The Penny Pincher on August 27, 2004
Do you know a credit card with no annual fee or any other fees that will reward miles? If there are none that exist, how about a credit card with a really low annual fee? Thanks. Jessica... [Read on]

Getting Your Miles, Answered by The Penny Pincher on August 27, 2004
As we are travelling to Thailand and Australia at Christmas on Thai Airlines/ Business class our Travel rep said we should join Thai's frequent flyer program. We joined online however we were unable to print out the membership cards (you... [Read on]

Upgrading Hong Kong, Answered by The Penny Pincher on August 27, 2004
Hi there, really like your site by the way. I am travelling to Hong Kong from London with British Airways on a reduced economy ticket and I was wondering what was the best way to get an upgrade. I have... [Read on]

Frustrated In Israel, Answered by The Penny Pincher on August 27, 2004
Dear Joel, First of all I would like to praise your second book, which I recently finished reading. Although I have some experience as a flight attendant with an American carrier and as a traveling junky, I was overwhelmed from... [Read on]

Losing Miles, Answered by The Penny Pincher on August 27, 2004
I traveled to China on Northwest in mid-May of this year (started and returned from Cincinnati), but I only got credit for my outbound flight when I registered for my frequent flier miles. I have tried to call Northwest's frequent... [Read on]

Companion Ticket, Answered by The Penny Pincher on August 27, 2004
My partner will be flying from Singapore to London on a business trip, on BA business class. We will be purchasing an economy class ticket for myself. I do not belong to a frequent flier program, but hold a visa... [Read on]

Charging It, Answered by The Penny Pincher on July 11, 2004
I have several hundred thousand American Express points that I would like to turn into two non-stop first class tickets to France, Italy, Switzerland, or Germany from San Francisco. My Rewards guidebook only lists economy or business class packages. Can... [Read on]

Elite Qualifying Miles, Answered by The Penny Pincher on July 11, 2004
Hello Joel, Thank you for replying so quickly to my email. I appreciate the advice. I have one question regarding what you wrote above: What exactly are "elite Qualifying miles"? I assumed that all miles I get are going to... [Read on]

Bi-Coastal Commute, Answered by The Penny Pincher on July 11, 2004
I have been flying Delta's shuttle for the last five months, sometimes four times per week. I have just become a gold level member of their frequent flyer club. Starting in August, my weekly commute will change from the shuttle-based... [Read on]

Ticket to Upgrade, Answered by The Penny Pincher on July 01, 2004
Hiya, I was reading your answers about free upgrading economy tickets. I am not a frequent flyer member of any airline, although I am training to be a pilot. I have never had an upgrade in my life, and I... [Read on]

A Helping Hand, Answered by The Penny Pincher on July 01, 2004
My father, my son, and I are flying from Boston to Cairo on Swiss this August. My son, who is 12, founded a small charity to help a child that we already sponsor through Childreach. This boy and his family... [Read on]

AAdvantage-Qantas Upgrade, Answered by The Penny Pincher on July 01, 2004
I would like to travel business class to Australia in August to visit my family. I have 140,000 miles on American Airlines, transferable to Qantas, but there are no seats available that month. Is it possible to purchase a discount... [Read on]

Australia Flight, Answered by The Penny Pincher on June 07, 2004
Dear Joel, I am taking my husband and children to Australia—a long flight and I want to travel in comfort, especially for kids! How can I upgrade to business class and what will I get? Thanks. Suzanne... [Read on]

Cheap First Class Flights, Answered by The Penny Pincher on June 07, 2004
How can I get a cheap first class flight one way? Martin... [Read on]

Mastering the Art of Upgrades, Answered by The Penny Pincher on May 24, 2004
Hi there, I'm traveling on Lufthansa next week from Los Angeles to Frankfurt. The ticket I have is some sort of reduced fare ticket, do I have any hope of somehow getting an upgrade? Is it worthwhile to dress up... [Read on]

Searching For Luxury, Answered by The Penny Pincher on May 19, 2004
Hi Joel, For the past 15 years, my family and I have gone to an ultra luxurious Alaskan fishing lodge. Much to our dismay, we are not sure if the lodge is going to open this summer, and are looking... [Read on]

Upgrading the Non-Upgradeable, Answered by The Penny Pincher on May 19, 2004
Dear Penny Pincher, I have a very cheap discount class ticket on Virgin Atlantic for a late summer flight. I am a silver club member. Any recommendations for possibilities of upgrading this "non-upgradeable" ticket? My flight record has a lot... [Read on]

Upgrading Low-Fares, Answered by The Penny Pincher on May 19, 2004
Hi Joel, A friend and I will be traveling to the UK this summer (July) and are approximately in our early twenties. Thus we could only afford coach when purchasing tickets with American Airlines through StudentUniverse.com, a discount travel site... [Read on]

Mastering Upgrades, Answered by The Penny Pincher on April 30, 2004
Dear Joel, First of all my compliments on an excellent book, just finished reading it and it's great. As a matter of fact there only seemed to be two copies left in the entire Greater London, at least according to... [Read on]

Delta vs. Northwest, Answered by The Penny Pincher on April 22, 2004
Dear Joel, I know you are partial to Delta's First Class (read your book), but just thought I'd ask...for a long haul flight on 767 to HNL, who, in your opinion, has the better first class, Delta or NWA? Thanks... [Read on]

Using Your Age for an Upgrade, Answered by The Penny Pincher on April 22, 2004
Hi Joel, I am an exchange student from Austria and I spent the last ten months in Australia. My flight back home goes in June and I was wondering if there is any chance that I could get an upgrade... [Read on]

Flying after 50 Years, Answered by The Penny Pincher on April 06, 2004
Dear Penny Pincher, My husband, sister, and I are all traveling to the US from Britain in July (to JFK and then across to the West Coast). The trip is to celebrate my sister's and husband's 50th birthdays, and it's... [Read on]

Upgrading a Mini World Tour, Answered by The Penny Pincher on April 06, 2004
Dear Penny Pincher, I have been doing a mini world tour using Star Alliance flights, and I am now on the last leg, back home to good old England and was wondering how after four months of constant traveling and... [Read on]

Getting the Upgrade, Answered by The Penny Pincher on April 06, 2004
Dear Joel, Just thought I would let you know that I received a free upgrade from Amsterdam to New York. I just went up to the lady at the gate after I saw someone else receive an upgrade and I... [Read on]

Upgrade Commitment, Answered by The Penny Pincher on April 06, 2004
Dear Joel, Thank you so much for your advice. I just returned from my trip to London and wanted to give you an update. It seemed that all of my calls and emails to American were falling on deaf ears.... [Read on]

Flying Non-Stop or Getting Upgraded, Answered by The Penny Pincher on March 10, 2004
Hi Joel, I'm planning to travel solo from JFK to Beijing in late April and am leaning toward taking Air China International's direct flight, whose current fare is very good. Is there anything short of selling my soul that could... [Read on]

Upgrading Whiz Kid, Answered by The Penny Pincher on March 10, 2004
I'm only 20, but because of my dad's job I've traveled all around the world. I only recently (last year) joined BA's executive club and have already been upgraded twice on transatlantic flights. The way I did it was simply... [Read on]

Is 9,000 miles enough?, Answered by The Penny Pincher on March 03, 2004
Late last year I had a trouble-filled flight in business class to Tokyo. American Airlines automatically awarded me 9,000 Advantage Miles as compensation. I'll be traveling overseas again later this month, again on American, but this time with a companion.... [Read on]

Leveraging your way to first class, Answered by The Penny Pincher on March 03, 2004
Hi Penny Pincher, We are a family of four traveling economy class (First Choice Airlines) to Florida this year and wondering what the chances are of getting free upgrades on the plane. I very much doubt we will have much... [Read on]

Ritz-Carlton Upgrade, Answered by The Penny Pincher on February 07, 2004
I found your answer to the gentleman who expected an upgrade at the Ritz-Carlton interesting. I have not noticed the decline in service that you commented upon. While a guest should always be treated with courtesy and respect, I am... [Read on]

A Maui Valentine's, Answered by The Penny Pincher on February 05, 2004
Dear Joel, My girlfriend and I are going to spend a week at the Ritz-Carlton in Maui on Feb. 14th. We spent 8 days there early last year. I was hoping you might have some tips for getting upgraded to... [Read on]

Leveraging a Premium Ticket for an Upgrade, Answered by The Penny Pincher on January 29, 2004
Dear Joel, My spouse and I will be traveling to LHR in May 2004. We're both FF members with Hawaiian Air who is a partner with Virgin. We have only one roundtrip from LAX to OGG on our record. We... [Read on]

Upgrades to Israel, Answered by The Penny Pincher on January 26, 2004
My family will be traveling to Israel this summer. Two of us will go early and we will be met by the other three. We would like to upgrade two of the seats to business class. We have American Express... [Read on]

Upgrading Techniques, Answered by The Penny Pincher on January 26, 2004
What a great web site!!! Such a lot of great advice!!! I have booked a flight with Continental from Birmingham, England to Newark, New Jersey in Feb 2004. My friend and I were trying to get an upgrade on our... [Read on]

Becoming a First Class Flier, Answered by The Penny Pincher on January 19, 2004
Hiya, I will be traveling from Amsterdam to NYC in February with Delta Airlines. I have become a member of the Sky Miles program but will not receive the membership kit until I have returned from the States, though I... [Read on]

Honeymoon in Vegas, Montréal, & NYC, Answered by The Penny Pincher on January 19, 2004
Hi! My partner and I are flying American Airlines to Las vegas 21 Feb, staying in the Monte Carlo, Getting married(!) then flying AA to Montreal and then NYC. Given that it's such a special trip for us I was... [Read on]

Upgrading at the Ritz, Answered by The Penny Pincher on January 09, 2004
Dear Joel, After reading your book The Penny Pincher’s Passport to Luxury Travel and trying some of your advice for getting room upgrades it seems to me that these days it is very hard to get an upgrade. I have... [Read on]

Upgrading an Award Ticket, Answered by The Penny Pincher on January 05, 2004
I have purchased two tickets to Hawaii using my American Airlines miles. I had hoped to upgrade to first class paying cash or using additional miles, at least for one leg, at check-in, but was told they no longer allow... [Read on]

Star Alliance, Answered by The Penny Pincher on December 16, 2003
Dear Joel. I am an officer in the military and currently stationed in Italy. I am a member of Lufthansa's frequent flyer program, a Star Alliance partner. I will move to Japan in August 2004. I am all about the... [Read on]

Airline Upgrade, Answered by The Penny Pincher on December 15, 2003
I have made several flights on Spirit Air, that I booked through Travelocity. Does Spirit Air have a frequent flyer program that I could sign up for, or is there some way I can sign up through Travelocity? Thanks. Janice... [Read on]

Disney Resort Upgrade, Answered by The Penny Pincher on December 15, 2003
Mr. Widzer, Just finished your book…… Love it! Got some great tips to use but my question is this…I’m taking my family "we are driving" to Disney World in mid February "off peak season." We are staying at the Disney... [Read on]

Upgrade on SUN-PRG, Answered by The Penny Pincher on November 11, 2003
Hi, I'm traveling from SUN to PRG next week on Delta, although my first leg (SUN-SLC) is operated by Skywest, second leg SLC-JFK by Delta and third leg JFK-PRG is operated by Czech airlines. I travel a lot and I'm... [Read on]

Airline Employees and Upgrades, Answered by The Penny Pincher on November 10, 2003
Dear Joel, I plan to go to Las Vegas in a couple of months on United Airlines and I will hope to get an upgrade. I was wondering would it improve my odds to get an upgrade if along with... [Read on]

Upgrading, Answered by The Penny Pincher on November 06, 2003
Dear Joel, I just bought your book on Amazon.com and live in the Netherlands, so I’ll have to wait about two weeks before receiving it. I was wondering if you know anything about KLM's upgrade policies? I'm planning to go... [Read on]

Business Class Upgrade, Answered by The Penny Pincher on July 23, 2003
I am flying on Air France to Paris from NYC roundtrip on a discounted economy fare ticket. Any suggestions for being upgraded to business class? I understand that Air France is a frequent flyer partner of Delta and I am... [Read on]