Find Cheap Airfares - Tips and information on discount travel

Passing those first few rows when boarding a plane generally include the looks of longing for the ample legroom, seat room and first class treatment by the host/hostesses. The best most of us can hope for is to have an empty seat next to us in our section of the bowels of the plane.

Some ingenious people have discovered a few tricks, however, to elevate their position from the back of the plane to the front of the airplane. The truly astonishing thing is that they have found a way to do that without paying that hefty price we know to be associated with those premium seats.

It seems fantastic: how can one fly first class, yet not pay first class prices? Especially when taking a long trip involving a lengthy air flight, that extra room plus actual meals served right to your seat can make a huge difference in the experience. The ability to truly stretch out and relax during the flight seems to lessen any jet lag and make a long trip easier to endure. So how can the typical traveler, normally packed into the standard alphabetic seats, travel in comfort and enjoyment? The answer is in upgrades, and there are a few tips to keep in mind that can help you move forward in the schematics of the airplane.

Frequent Flyer Miles. Most people are under the misconception that you need to fly continuously in order to accumulate frequent flyer miles. Actually, there are many ways to watch them add up. Depending on the type of frequent flyer program, miles can accrue by booking stays in specific hotel chains, using certain car rental agencies, using a credit card for normal day to day purchases and, of course, booking flights. These opportunities enable those miles to mount at double the rate than by flying alone. Now that you’ve accumulated miles, cash them in to use them for an upgrade! Although airlines have reduced the number of economy seats due to the economic crisis that is not the case with business and first class seats. An upgrade may actually end up having more value, and easier to get, than a free seat in coach!

[smartads]Airline Promotions. Keeping an eye out for airline promotions could get you to the front of the plane as well. Many major airlines have the equivalent of silver, gold and platinum traveler levels, and higher levels give preference to upgrade considerations when available.

Consumer Tips for Upgrades People in the know have tried and true methods of obtaining upgrades to first or business class.

• Volunteer to get bumped from an overbooked flight
• The squeaky wheel gets the grease; some have noted that being a chronic complainer can get you sent to the front in an attempt to cause less commotion (not the recommended method!)
• Treat airline personnel with cheer and respect. The people at the check-in desk are often the deciding factors of who is able to be upgraded, so treat them well and you may end up as the lucky recipient of a first class seat.

Being an informed consumer can reward you with first class flying at less than first class prices. Soon, you could be settling back into large, comfy first class seats as other passengers look longingly before moving on to the back of the plane.