How to get a First Class Upgrade can be done in different ways. These methods may include the use frequent flier miles, finding fares that have Y-up or Q-up, purchasing an upgrade at the gate, or by being considerate and offering your seat on an overbooked flight. It's not impossible to fly first class and avoid paying for the cost of the upgrade. However, you need to know the options available and perhaps be willing to compromise on specific flight times. For example, if the flight is overbooked, you can volunteer to give up your seat in exchange for compensation and a place on a later flight. Depending upon the graciousness of the airline, you may be upgraded to first class on that later flight.

Airlines are making cutbacks everywhere and for some his includes first class travel. Air New Zealand, for example, has done away with first class, and only has business and economy class. Airlines that offer first class flights include Air China, American Airlines, British Airways, Air France, Air India and ANA, All Nippon Airways to name a few.

Airlines have special fares that are called "Y-Up" and "Q-Up" fares. These are associated with frequent flyer miles and can be a great way for those who can only afford coach tickets, to have a chance to enjoy a first class seat.http://online.wsj.com/article/SB114653336888641120.html Technically, this isn't an upgrade; it's a way to get first-class tickets at midrange coach prices. Currently, these are only searchable for North American flights. http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2006/08/06/updatecorrection-re-discounted-first-class-fares-y-up-q-up-etc/

1. Go to FareCompare.
2. Click on the orange "First Class Search" button in the center of the page.
3. If the information presented is not for your airport of choice, type in the name or airport code of your airport of choice in the "From" window.
4. Compare the cost of the round-trip price of the Y-Up ticket to the walk-up coach price to see if you're getting a good deal.
5. Click on your destination city.
6. In the column for the month you wish to travel, click on the total price in the row for first class. This can be pretty difficult to find; consult the illustration below for guidance.
7. Click on the day you wish to depart.
8. Click on the blue "Select Return Day" button.
9. Click on the date you wish to return.
10. Click on the blue "Find Flights" button.
11. Click the "Select" button for the flight you are interested in.
12. You will be brought to a website that will allow you to book your flight.
13. These fares are not currently searchable via the Internet.
14. Ask a travel agent to look for A, D, I or Z fare codes.

Some airlines will allow you to purchase an upgrade at the gate, or as you check in. This is done on a space-available basis. If they have several seats free in first class, the airline will make more money by selling upgrades than they will by leaving the seats empty. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/three-ways-to-score-a-first-class-upgrade.html?id=2356107&page=2

1. When you are buying your coach ticket, make sure it is a type that allows an upgrade. Not all tickets on all airlines can be upgraded.
2. If the flight has three classes (economy, business, and first), you will probably only be able to upgrade to business class.
3. Ask at the check-in counter if you can purchase an upgrade. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/better-seat-Upgrade-from.html?id=13366

If you have enough frequent flyer miles, you can use them to upgrade a coach ticket to first class. Check with your airline; many have specials throughout the year that make these upgrades easier and more enticing. Each airline may have varying requirements or limitations for the use of frequent flyer miles to upgrade fare class.

• Elite frequent flyers are often upgraded automatically.

1. The higher your elite status, the better your chance of getting an upgrade. Platinum-level flyers are given priority over gold-level flyers, which are given priority over silver-level flyers. http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/three-ways-to-snag-a-first-class-seat.html?id=2324214&page=2
2. The earlier you check in, the more likely you are to get the upgrade. If one upgrade is available, and two people of the same elite status want it, the passenger who checks in first will get the seat.
3. Certain flights are harder to be upgraded on than others. Pick a time of day when fewer high-level business travelers are likely to be flying.
4. Though agents are not supposed to release this information, you can also inquire if upgrades may be available when you book your flight.