A flight upgrade is one of those joys that every economy passenger wishes to experience at some point in their lives. Although receiving a flight upgrade these days may appear challenging, there are several ways to boost one's chances. Paying upfront is one option, and another is redeeming points for a seat in a more premium cabin.
This choice is typically at the top of the list, as frequent fliers with the most significant number of miles/points are usually selected first for upgrades. Numerous airlines with luxury cabins provide enticing promotions, so let's explore these ten airline upgrades that every traveler should consider.
10 Air France
Air France is a great place to start collecting upgrades. The airline offers excellent incentives for upgrading from economy to business class thanks to their monthly promotional rewards that allow clients to redeem points for business class flights for as little as 26,000 miles one-way. The cost of an upgrade on an Air France economy ticket between the United States and Europe is only 15,000 points, whereas an inexpensive one-way ticket is roughly 45,000 points.
9 Virgin Atlantic
Late in 2019, Virgin Atlantic refurbished the upper-class cabins on its A350s by installing 18.5-inch television screens and 82-inch-long flat beds. The airline is renowned for its upper-class cabin bars, and beginning in early 2022, these cabins on the A350s became more opulent with the addition of The Booth, an intimate, lounge-style space. Therefore, customers seeking an upgrade to the best upper-class cabin should select Virgin Atlantic.
8 Emirates
Although it costs many miles, Emirates allows customers to upgrade practically any ticket to business class, which can be an excellent way to save money. The new Premium Economy service offered by Emirates provides a Premium Economy cabin on daily flights between Heathrow and Dubai. A 19.5-inch-wide Premium economy seat, a 13.3-inch television which is one of the largest in any premium class cabin, and expansive dining and cocktail tables are among the perks.
7 Air Asia
Air Asia, a reputable low-cost airline, has been innovative for quite some time, as proven by their premium flatbed seat in the world's cheapest luxury cabin. The chair turns into a flatbed, making it a good option for people seeking solitude due to the bed's privacy screen and additional space. However, do not anticipate four-course meals even though premium flatbed passengers get complimentary meals, unlike economy passengers.
6 Etihad Airways
Etihad, the second flag carrier of the United Arab Emirates, got its first A350s aircraft in 2019, with the first one flying to the skies in March 2022. The plane debuted on medium-haul routes in the spring, while long-haul routes will begin at the end of the summer with the highest aircraft ceilings (almost eight feet/2.4 meters). The chairs are 20 inches wide and convert into 79-inch-long flatbeds. There is also an 18.5-inch television screen, a wireless charging pad, and Bluetooth connectivity.
5 Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways is one of the most notable Oneworld alliance members. They are well-known for their first- and business-class offerings on international flights and operate out of Hamad International Airport. They fly to more than 150 destinations globally. When one upgrades from Economy Class to Premium on Qatar Airways, the experience becomes truly remarkable. Business or First Class on Qatar Airways offers a fully flat bed, award-winning service, gourmet cuisine on demand, and an enormous selection of entertainment options.
4 Finnair
Finnair is currently the airline to watch, thanks to their March introduction of what are arguably the most comfortable premium economy seats in the sky. With just 26 seats in the premium economy cabin, an upgrade now comes with 50 percent more capacity than the airline's economy seats, memory foam cushions, an eight-inch recline, and a six-way headrest. In addition, by the end of 2022, the airline will serve more than 100 locations in Asia, Europe, and the United States.
3 Delta
Delta undoubtedly delivers one of the most cost-effective upgrades. As a result of the debut of the airline's new routes in 2022, there will be more premium seats than in 2021, making it easier to obtain a better seat. The five available alternatives, Delta One, Delta One Suites, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort+, and Main Cabin, provide passengers with more opportunities to enjoy a touch of luxury. Available upgrades offer passengers larger, more reclinable seats, adjustable foot and leg rest, premium amenity kits, noise-canceling headphones, and memory-foam cushions.
2 ANA
ANA boasts some of the most advanced business class cabins and is one of the few airlines that offer fully enclosed private suites. The suites feature full-height sliding doors, large 24-inch 4K displays, and extra-wide seats that convert into flatbeds complete with Nishikawa mattresses and beddings. The suites, known as The Room, were introduced at the end of 2019 and are available on long-haul flights like Europe to Tokyo. ANA was the first airline in the world to install TV panels with 4K resolution aboard commercial aircraft.
1 Turkish Airlines
Members of Miles&Smiles can upgrade their Economy Class ticket to Business Class on Turkish Airlines. Customers must hold a valid, paid Economy Class or Business Class ticket that accumulates Miles and is for a confirmed reservation to upgrade to the following flight class. Business-class upgrades on Turkish Airlines include check-in privileges, lounge access, maximum comfort, and award-winning meals.