When it comes to airline miles not all flyers or airline programs are created equal. Although the travel ads will never tell you this, frequent flyers can manipulate the system to secure the upgrades that seem so elusive for the rest of us.
One of the best techniques is to use two different Elite Status Mileage cards – say one on American and one on United. You can try to get an electronic upgrade, the kind that can be purchased for $40.00 currently. Then, 72 hours prior to your flight, your upgrade status will be confirmed in First or Business.
The secret is to use two cards and to make two reservations on two different carriers. If they both clear you can pay a change fee and still use it later on. But by using two cards you have increased your upgrade opportunities by 100%.
