Getting an upgrade has become more difficult in recent years due to the airlines being busier and also through them seeing it as a revenue stream and charging miles or money.
If you do want to take a punt at an upgrade, dress neatly, ask nicely and hope that the staff likes you. Travelling on your own and being a member of the airline’s loyalty programme is also helpful. There are ways of flying at the front of the aircraft that cost a lot less.
Aer Lingus reduce their Transatlantic business class seats hugely in the summer. You can fly to New York for a third of the business class fare, from €1,490 compared to from €5,216 (aerlingus.com). All year round depending on volume of business they may offer you an opportunity to upgrade. You can make an offer for a business class seat, the higher the bid the more likely the result.
British Airways’ sale on flights and holidays until January 31st is famous. Try Barbados for a fraction of what it usually costs. Business class flights from £1,800, or make it a week’s holiday from £1,950pps with four star hotel accommodation (britishairways.com).
Emirates First Class companion offers from Dublin also include your own chauffeured car to the airport along with a private suite on board. Enjoy Dom Perignon champagne and gourmet cooking, from €3,602pps, a discount of €1,238, going to Mauritius (emirates.com).
Airlines such as KLM and Air France have a network of very exotic locations and great sale fares not just in January.
Air France’s network to the Caribbean is good. Explore Guadeloupe from €2,040, full fare €5,184.
Specialist travel agents are trailfinders.ie with branches in Dublin, Cork and Limerick, Usit.ie, Worldtravel.ie, Clubtravel.ie Flightcentre.ie, and e-travel.ie.
jscales@irishtimes.com
