I’ve debated whether or not to write about upgrading to my first ever flight in Business Class. Am I shooting myself in the foot sharing this tip?
Understand, my M.O. is to get where I’m going at the lowest reasonable cost so I have the best budget possible to use after I get there. So, upgrading seats has never even been a temptation – until my most recent international flight.
Keeping the upgrades secret finally gave Bill answers to his, “why did my seat number change” question. I just kept mumbling about your know how airlines are . . . As we boarded and got to our seats, he turned and said, “Laura, what did you do?” Best reaction!
Overall Take
What a relaxed, lovely way to travel, especially on long flights. The very good food and drinks never stopped! Well, maybe for an hour or so out of seven? Service was exceptional. Didn’t realize the equivalent of a mattress pad to put over the seat was included to use with the pillow and blanket until the flight was over. The complimentary bag of accoutrements was nice, but I didn’t end up using any of them.
The Tip
This may or may not work, but I looked to upgrade on the day before and day of our flight. On the day of, I was able to upgrade to Business Class the day before for $500 per person rather than the up to $3,600 offered well before the flight.
The Downside
There might not be any seats available, or seats next to each other.
Surprise Ending
After we landed, one of the two flight attendants that serviced our seats came over to me and said most people flying Business Class tend to do so regularly and become jaded, hardly noticing or appreciating the elevated service in this class.
Then she said that my reactions and thankful attitude, actually complimenting them on their service, reminded them both of why they do the job they do. Totally made my day that she took the time to share that with me.
Future Flights
I’ll be upgrading on every international/long flight from now on – if I can sneak in at a discount. We arrived rested, happy, and ready to go.
