FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - How to get first/business for my business trip when company only pays economy?
Old Apr 9, 2012 | 8:25 am
  #5  
avidflyer
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Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: LAX/BOS/HKG/AMS/SFO...hmm, I need a life.
Programs: United1K, AA ExPlAAt, DL MM/Gold, Hilton Diamond, Avis First
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Originally Posted by MrAAUGA
Hi all,
long time reader, first time poster.

I could not find a thread about this so I decided to ask: How can I get my seats upgraded when booking when my company only pays the lowest fare (typically economy)?

I know it seems redundant as one would think only medallion status would offer this (I am DL Gold btw) but when I booked a prior trip to Taiwan, it auto upgraded me for a portion (TPE-NRT) and I am trying to figure out if that same logic can be applied to my whole trip.

I need to book a flight from either from SFO or SJC to SYD and then to SIN and back to either SFO or SJC. I usually have to book it through the Amex Business Travel center, but they are great about working with me to get certain fare classes or segments.

I do not care about length of trip (if I am in first lol) but I prefer to stay away from China Airlines (horrible trip with them before).

Any advice would help and I am 15k MQM away from Platinum

Thank you
Fly another carrier. Delta requires very expensive YBM fares and a $250 change fee (I have got around this before but have also been told no way). No matter how you cut it, you will have to pay about $4000 for a shot at an upgrade on DL. You can straight up but Biz class on other carriers (and even DL) for that much if you hit a sale.

Bottom line: Delta is not a good airline for international upgrades (cheap).
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