Flying first class may seem like a luxury reserved for a few people, but according to travel industry experts interviewed by Southern Living, this experience is more accessible than many travelers imagine.
+ 4 luxury cars that could get cheaper in 2026 — is it worth waiting?
With the right combination of planning, flexibility, and strategic information, it is possible to swap the tight confines of economy class for first class, with more spacious seats, refined meals, and even a glass of champagne at 10,000 meters above sea level — sometimes without spending more than originally planned.
Upgrade expert Jennifer Yellin, founder of Points Path, explains to Southern Living that understanding how airlines operate today is the first step to increasing your chances of success.
Why first-class tickets are not always out of reach
In the past, stories of upgrades secured with a simple blazer, charm, or even a honeymoon were common. While courtesy toward the crew remains essential, upgrades today follow far more technical criteria.
According to Southern Living, airlines use strictly controlled systems to determine who receives an upgrade, based mainly on loyalty status, the number of available miles, and objective data — not appearance or charisma.
Even so, Yellin emphasizes that “getting a first-class ticket is not as difficult as it seems, but it requires effort and flexibility.” One of the main reasons is that airlines try to avoid leaving premium seats empty. As the flight date approaches, it is common for unsold seats in business class or first class to be released as award tickets, creating valuable opportunities for those who collect miles.
Even outside peak season, Southern Living notes that there are still good chances of securing a seat at the front of the plane, as long as the traveler knows where to look.
Use the right tools
Anyone who has spent hours switching between airline websites knows how exhausting the search can be. According to Yellin, specialized tools help simplify this process.
“Platforms like Points Path allow you to view multiple flight options in one place, without having to visit several websites,” she explains in an interview with Southern Living. These search engines aggregate award ticket availability from different airlines, making it easier to identify premium seats before they disappear.
In practice, this means less time refreshing pages and more chances of finding a good upgrade.
Be flexible with schedules and routes
Flexibility is considered the golden rule when it comes to upgrades. Being willing to travel a day earlier or later, or even make extra connections, can significantly increase your chances of getting a premium seat.
As Southern Living highlights, a direct flight may not have availability, but a route with a layover — for example, changing the connecting city — can be the key to flying first class.
Book through partner airlines
One of Yellin’s favorite strategies, according to Southern Living, is using partner airlines to book award tickets. The same seat can have different costs depending on the loyalty program used.
She shares a real example: a direct flight from Chicago to Dublin in business class may cost 75,000 miles through American Airlines, but only 55,000 miles when booked through partner Alaska Airlines — a significant saving per ticket.
Start with shorter flights
For those who have never received an upgrade, starting with shorter domestic flights can be a great strategy. These routes often have more availability and still offer a taste of the premium experience.
Southern Living recommends looking for flights at less competitive times, such as during the week or outside peak hours, when premium cabins tend to be less crowded.
Do not ignore last-minute opportunities
Last-minute upgrades can appear days — or even hours — before boarding. While this tactic is not ideal for every traveler, solo travelers or flexible couples can benefit greatly.
“Many airlines release more award tickets as the flight date approaches,” Yellin explains to Southern Living. For this reason, it is worth checking availability again even if there were no options at the time of the initial booking.
Summary
Traveling first class does not have to be exclusive to a select few. With research, flexibility, and smart strategies, it is possible to enjoy seats that turn into beds and comfortable cabins on domestic or international flights without spending a fortune.
As Yellin reinforces in a statement to Southern Living, the key is knowing how to use the system to your advantage: “There are still great opportunities to fly business class or first class — you just need to know where to look.”
Source: Southern Living. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
