With Alaska for north/south flights, it is no problem at all because they send their MVP Gold members more upgrade-anytime-on-any-fare coupons than they will probably ever use. My east/west flights are usually Northwest and that is where I need tricks.

My choice is to just use mileage. I have a ton of it and it is the surest way to guarantee you get first class. Folks who own their own business or can control substantial credit card expenses within their company have it pretty easy, just rack up the miles and use them to upgrade. We, for instance, are in the trade show business and I know a lot of folks who put all their show expenses (up to $60,000.00 a show or more) on their personal credit cards and then get reimbursed by their company. Of course, you have to have adequate limits and no mileage cap on your credit card.

Our company almost always purchases the lowest available fare that pops up so if I am using Northwest Elite or partner certificates, they usually have 24 or 48 hours time limitations. When using them, I call at just a few minutes before midnight on the appropriate day and am usually able to snag a first class seat. This is easier for those of us on the west coast because of the time differences but I know they have alarm clocks in New York.

Beyond that, if you had a truly amazing original trick that always worked and nobody else knew and the airlines hadn't caught on too, would you put it on the internet? Or would you save it and just share it with one or two of your closest friends to protect it as long as possible?