Upgrade to 1st class on an aeroplane

[SurreyGuy]

Is it cheaper/better to book 1st class when you book your travel or try for an upgrade at the airport?

T.I.A.

[NORMANTHEDOG]

you can upgrade on certain airlines,even at check in and it is cheaper,but still quite expensive,we did this on our way to cyprus in may and paid �75 each,but i wxpect it was low as the plane was not full up.

[spudqueen]

If the plane is full then you will not get an upgrade at the airport even by paying for it. The chances of getting a free upgrade are minimal. If you really, really want to travel first class then book it when you book your travel.

[BenDToy]

It is highly unlikely (for that read no chance) that you will get upgraded from economy to first class - ever! I am a regular traveller, and have only once been upgraded to first class. Very occasionally I get business class, or premium economy, but normally only if the flight is full, or other things have happened (not prepared to discuss!). As an "ordinary" traveller, which I am guessing you are, if you want to travel first class, book the ticket. And if you haven't looked at the prices yet, be prepared for a major shock - it will be way more than you imagine. In terms of priority for upgrades, you will be a long way down the list!

[sense4all]

If you are travelling on yer own dosh, and not working at the other end,First class is probably a bit of an indulgence and not the best vfm .Whilst I do go on two long hauls -first- a year if it was my money I would be happy with business. The food and the use of proper cutlery is not worth the over the top price. You can buy a really good travel kit for ten to twenty quid yourself .Also you will be with people who always get what they ask for and that means some of them have social skill deficits.
Mr S is a high mileage traveller ( millions of miles under his belt ) and he might get an upgrade less than twenty five per cent of the time.

[SurreyGuy]

Thanks folks.

Zacsmaster - you CAN pay for an upgrade.

sense4all - I agree with yr "vfm" remark :o)

I have only been interested in upgrades on my last two trips to the USA. Last year, I got a free upgrade to United Airlines Business Class from Cattle Class going out. Coming back (and having paid at the gate for an upgrade to Business Class), I got a free upgrade to 1st Class. I was told the latter was a very, very rare thing.

I have just come back from the USA (two days ago) and was un-successful getting an upgrade with American Airlines in either direction - apparently, you can't pay for upgrades with them!