Travel Dispatch: How to Score a First-Class Upgrade
From a frequent flier who has never paid full price for a first-class ticket.
Travel Dispatch
September 17, 2025

Airlines are offering more ways than ever to get a taste of the champagne skies, but how do you get past the curtain, and when is it worth the cost? Here are some tips.

An illustration of a passenger with long brown hair boarding a crowded jet. She is holding a passport and boarding pass in her left hand. In front of her, there is an open first-class seat with pillows, a plaid blanket and a card with the words “For you” written on it in cursive.

Weston Wei

How to score a first-class upgrade →

A fanciful illustration depicts a person with a long curly pony tail and wearing shorts and sandals climbing stairs made out of clouds to an airplane in the sky. The person has a carry-on bag and an auction paddle with number signs on it.

Miriam Martincic

Going once, going twice: Bidding on a better seat →

Make a friend’s day: Forward this email.

Did you get this from a friend? Sign up for the Travel Dispatch here. You can always find our latest stories here. See all newsletters here.

If you received this newsletter from someone else, subscribe here.

Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance.

You received this email because you signed up for Travel Dispatch from The New York Times.

To stop receiving Travel Dispatch, unsubscribe. To opt out of other promotional emails from The Times, including those regarding The Athletic, manage your email settings.

Subscribe to The Times

Connect with us on:

facebookxinstagramwhatsapp

Change Your EmailPrivacy PolicyContact UsCalifornia Notices

LiveIntent LogoAdChoices Logo

The New York Times Company. 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018