Getting Cheap First Class Upgrades using the Y-Up Method
The not very publicly known way of getting a first class ticket for the cost of flying is coach is known as Y-Up. A Y-Up is the term used for airfare that is deeply discounted. The tickets are only available for domestic flights and flights to Canada. As of this time, there are no Y-Up fares being offered for international flights. While Y-Up fares tend to be cheaper than first class tickets, usually running around the price of coach fares but can be as low as $280.00 for a round trip ticket, they are not perfect for every flying occasion. The Y-Up tickets are affected by the supply and demand of the airline and competition can drive up the cost of the Y-Up. Prices can also differ depending up the destination of choice. Whenever contacting a travel agent or an airline directly always ask if there are Y-Up seats available. Y-Up seats are often available right before the final boarding call of the flight. Its great to check with the airline at the last minute or even if you have arrived late and missed your original flight. For those enrolled in the airlines frequent flyer programs, it would also be a good idea to check for Y-Up seats. Sometimes these tickets are available at a cheaper rate and easier to obtain than if you were to enter the first class upgrade lottery. Tips for Finding Y-Up Seats "Do not be afraid to search airline sites and talk to your travel agent anytime of the year. Y-Up seats are almost always available regardless the time of year or week. Although, there may be less competition on the days that are not as popular for business travel. "Since the Y-Ups are not commonly known, there are many self service ticket sites that do not offer Y-Up ticket searches. The best way to gain information on the tickets is to contact the airlines directly. "While Y-Up tickets can be found for round trip tickets, they are more commonly found on one way flights. If at all possible, book two one way trips with Y-Up tickets instead of searching for a round trip ticket. "To search for Y-Up tickets, the travel agents or the airlines must enter the code to find the tickets. The tickets will not display without entering the code. Make sure you ask for the Y-Up tickets by name. "Y-Up tickets are available to anyone, but especially to those who are celebrating birthdays or anniversaries. Always carry documentation and proof of the special events in case the flight has one or two Y-Up tickets available. "If you are a member of the frequent flyer program, it would be especially beneficial to get a Y-Up ticket. Since Y-Up tickets are available for first class that would be up to double the frequent flyer miles! There are many benefits for asking about Y-Up tickets. The main benefit is the cheap or free upgrade to first class. While the price tends to be a great motivator, so can the flexibility of the tickets. Y-Up tickets are refundable and/ or exchangeable, which is not common with other airline tickets. Jonathan Kittley is the airline employee, and wasinterviewed on: http://www. free-flight-upgrades.com where you can learn all about cheap flights and free flight upgrades. Jonathan Kittley is the airline employee, and wasinterviewed on: http://www.free-flight-upgrades.com where you can learn all about cheap flights and free flight upgrades.
