Flying First Class: Can it be Affordable?

Feb. 9, 2011 — -- That vast and oh-so-squishy leather seat. The musical pop of a reluctant cork. The shock to the system as a flight attendant deigns to smile. Where are you? First class, of course, or maybe in business.

Actually, you're probably not there (which is why you're reading this in the first place). More and more companies have banned luxury travel, once de rigueur for road warriors but now available only to the biggest of cheeses.

But getting an upgrade remains the holy grail of air travel. Is there anything you can do to make it happen? Forget sweet talking gate agents; the overworked men and women of today's streamlined airlines are immune to your flirtations, and they've heard every possible story. But maybe if you limp a little…oh, we'll get to that.

First, my new strategies to get you back into first (or something like it) for less.

For more travel news and insights view Rick's blog at farecompare.com

Let me start out with a couple of do's and don'ts:

Don't: Do not pay for first class that does not exist! Yes, it can happen. More than half of all flights today are on regional jets and some of them -- typically, the 50-seaters -- do not have premium seating in the cabin. When making your reservation, be sure to click on the seat map and check; don't pay for something that doesn't exist.

Do: If you are not a member of the miles programs for any and every airline you fly, sign up today. And start being loyal to one carrier in particular. It will pay off.