Decoding Air Travel
 

I just listened to a podcast - "On Point" on WBUR - on the topic, "The State of Air Travel". They had several guests, including Nicholas Kralev, author of "Decoding Air Travel: A Guide to Saving on Airfare and Flying in Luxury". I considered purchasing this book, but after going online to read some reviews, I was not sure if all the info on deciphering airline codes would be helpful to getting more upgrades and spending less money. Has anyone read this book, and do you feel it is worth purchasing? Or does anyone have any suggestions for using miles to upgrade, particularly on international flights, without spending thousands of dollars?!

On DL you are not able to use miles to upgrade to business class (DL does not offer IFC) on international long haul routes without spending thousands of additional dollars. The requirement is an M fare to even wait list for the upgrade and these tend to cost $3-6K RT for most routes. No book will change this rule if you wish to use DL miles or DL aircraft.

I think the book is alittle out dated. It has some good tips but nothing that anyone that flys more then a few times a year don't already know. If you are new help yourself but a few hours on FT will serve you better IMO

I love researching travel and am a fairly experienced flyer. I've spent the thousands of dollars to purchase an upgradeable international ticket - last summer to Beijing (it was worth it) and this summer to London (the flat bed seats were nice). It seems that other airlines (i.e. United) don't charge nearly the amount that Delta charges. However, I've remained loyal to Delta. I've done pretty well with getting upgrades on domestic flights. It's the international flights where I REALLY want the upgrades.

DL is, IMO, the best US airline for domestic upgrades.

International.... errr, not so much! :)

You can get some cheap-o upgradeable fares on CO/UA. Even AA isn't bad on that department.

If by international you really mean intercontinental, unless you have some firm buying you YBM fares you have simply chosen the wrong airline. No book changes this.

If you can fly 100K miles/EQP on AA, the SWUs allow upgrades from any fare, but only on AA metal. If you don't make EXP status you're looking at very hefty co-pays to upgrade long-haul flights with miles (but perhaps less than Delta YBM).

^

DL is a poor choice if sitting up front on TATL/TPAC is important to you... whether it comes to award tickets or mileage upgrades on revenue tickets, DL is often priced substantially higher and offers limited availability relative to other carriers.

Try your local library?