If you fly a lot, you've probably been offered a business or first class upgrade for surprisingly little extra when you check in at the airport. But some airlines sell upgraded seats for fixed prices when you book your ticket, even on the lowest fares available. The chart below shows what's available on five US domestic airlines.
Airline |
Price, short haul |
Price, medium haul |
Price, long haul |
Extra leg room |
How far ahead to book? |
Extra perks you get |
Airtran |
$49 per segment over Y class fares only |
$69 per segment over Y class fares |
$99-$129 per segment over Y class fares |
37 inches, 2 by 2 seating |
At time of check in (web or at airport) |
1st and 2nd checked bag fees waived, priority boarding, complimentary cocktails |
Spirit (Big Front Seat) |
Depends on route and time of purchase, but starts at approx. $25 over any fare |
Depends on route and time of purchase |
Depends on route and time of purchase |
36 inches, 2 by 2 seating |
At time of booking or at gate |
Priority boarding |
US Airways (first class or Envoy [international business] Class) |
Varies depending on route but can range from as little as $50 each way for a first class upgrade on short domestic routes to $500 on international fares; offered on any fare |
Varies depending on route but can range from as little as $50 for a first class upgrade on short domestic routes to $500 on international fares |
Varies depending on route but can range from as little as $50 for a first class upgrade on short domestic routes to $500 on international fares |
Depends on aircraft |
24 hours before departure |
Full first class service (meals, extra room, free drinks, priority boarding) |
Virgin America (first class) |
$70 on any fare |
$110 |
$270 |
55 inches |
6 hours before departure (used to be 24 hours) |
Full first class service |