I am able to offer what is technically a Paid Upgrade with the Airlines below. I am not allowed to call these Discounted Business Class or Discounted First Class… though technically that is what this is. And there may be a few additional restrictions for flights not originating out of the USA.
Essentially you are paying a high price for the lower class of service and you get an automatic upgrade to the next class of service. In all cases, these special Fare Class will have limited availability and after the upgrade, you may not get all the benefits of the class you are upgraded into, mostly the mileage award points and chauffeur service, etc. But when available, you can get a 15% to 25% savings on a Business Class Ticket, and on occasion even more on First Class booking.
This does take a bit of time to locate the availability, and the more segments, the more difficult in confirming an upgradable Fare Class. Generally, this does not apply to code shares… it must be all with the same airline or a direct partner. May be a few additional restrictions for flights not originating out of the USA. And what is presented here is not with all the details, these can be covered once we get closer to making a booking.
EMIRATES
includes travel on flyDubai
Effective until 5/31/2019
Economy to Business:
Pay an Economy Y Class Fare, and get upgraded to Business Z Class
Business to First:
Pay a Business J Class Fare, and get upgraded to First A Class
Example Fare:
LAX Los Angeles Roundtrip DXB Dubai (non-stop / B777-300 / EK 216 & EK 215)
Depart: Aug 12, 2018
Return: Aug 22, 2018
Economy to Business
Published Business Fare: $13,279.41
Discounted Y Class: $9,916.41
Business to First
Published First Class Fare: $31,810.34
Discounted J Class: $17,556.41
SPECIAL NOTE: J to A Upgrade Type (Business to First) is not available from JFK New York or EWR Newark.
ETIHAD
Effective until Dec 31, 2018
Economy to Business:
Pay an Economy Y Class Fare, and get upgraded to Business Z Class
Business to First:
Pay a Business J Class Fare, and get upgraded to First A Class
Example Fare:
CDG Paris Roundtrip AUH Abu Dhabi (non-stop / A380 / EY 32 & EY 31)
Depart: Aug 12, 2018
Return: Aug 22, 2018
Economy to Business
Published Business Fare: $3,378.30
Discounted Y Class: $2,640.30
SPECIAL NOTE: Economy to Business Upgrade has the following penalties:
• Changes before / after departure – Permitted with $400 charge
• Cancellation at anytime – Permitted with $900 charge
• No show fee $400
The Business to First Class Upgrade has no penalties for changes/refunds but they do have the No Show fee of $400
LUFTHANSA / AIR CANADA
This must be booked through Lufthansa or Air Canada, but can include flights on Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian, United, Air Canada.
Effective until Dec 31, 2018
Economy to Business:
Pay an Economy Y Class Fare, and get upgraded to Business Z Class
Business to First:
Pay a Business J Class Fare, and get upgraded to First A Class
Example Fare:
LAX Los Angeles Roundtrip MUC Munich (non-stop / A380 / LH 453 & LH 452)
Depart: Aug 12, 2018
Return: Aug 22, 2018
Economy to Business
Published Fare: $10,421
Discounted Y CLASS: $5,683.11
Business to First
Published Fare: $31,810.34
Discounted J CLASS: $16,923.11
SPECIAL NOTE:
• Upgrades To/From or VIA SFO or IAD Are Not Eligible For Business Or First Class.
• Westbound Originating Itineraries Are Only Valid For One-Way Itineraries.
• In the event of a flight cancellation and/or irregularity, if previously confirmed upgrade is not available, passenger will be booked in applicable cabin as per fare paid. In cases where a protection booking is on a non-participating carrier, only original class paid will be considered. A cabin downgrade will not result in a refund.
Note: there are additional restrictions that apply.
LATAM
Effective until Dec 31, 2018
Pay an Economy Class Fare, and get upgraded to Business
TAM (JJ) Operated Flights
from MIA Miami: GRU / GIG
from JFK New York: GRU / GIG / MVD / EZE
LAN (LA/4M/XL) Operated Flights
from MIA Miami: SCL / LIM / EZE / BOG / MVD / COR / MDZ / GRU
from JFK New York: EZE / MVD / GYE
ALITALIA
Effective until Dec 31, 2018
Pay an Economy Class Fare, and get upgraded to Business
This is only on Alitalia Flights, and very limited availability.
And quite honestly the pricing I saw was not all that favorable.
If you find yourself in need of purchasing a Business or First Class ticket, and have a bit of time… this may be worth your while to have me check out a few pricing options. But again, these are subject to availability of Fare Class and may have a few other restrictions not covered on this page.
Ready to send me hunting for a great price ?
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