I travel frequently between Miami and San Francisco. American Airlines services this route with three non-stop flights daily. One of the non-stop flights uses a Boeing 767-300, an aircraft configured with three distinct cabins – coach, Business and First Class. But for some reason (and I'm not asking why), on this flight, American sells inventory for coach and First Class seating only. Therefore, the airline's computer reservation system views rows 7 through 10 (configured with Business Class seats) as coach-class inventory.

WHO SITS IN ROWS 7 THROUGH 10? Along with the usual block of premium seats the airline provides its Elite frequent flyers and full-fare coach class passengers, rows 7 through 10 on B-767 aircraft from Miami to San Francisco are available to qualifying COACH travelers, eligible for Priority Seating.

Therefore, since I am an Elite member of American's AAdvantage frequent-flyer program, I can request a seat in rows 7 through 10 ANYTIME! I get an upgrade – without getting an upgrade!

What’s More?

Determined to take AAdvantage of all I can, I often use American's "Special Mileage Award," which consists of redeeming a reduced number of miles along with a cash copayment. (I like to hang on to miles as long as possible – so I'm never caught short when I really need them.)

With the Special Mileage Award, I can fly on a moments notice, with or without a Saturday-night stay, change my dates 20 times if I want (I've been known to do that) all in Business Class for 10,000 miles and the $275 co-payment! United Airlines will charge you $3,792 for a Business Class ticket from Miami to San Francisco, making the value of my miles almost 35¢ each!

Or, if I have the advance-purchase requirement for a low-cost coach fare and my dates are firm, I can buy a coach ticket for about $400 and, at the same time, confirm a seat in the Business Class cabin.

Why does American allow such a thing? I'm not sure and I'm not asking. Maybe it has to do with the fact that in markets where we found this peculiarity, American competes head-to-head with United, so American might want to offer something special to important "high yield" travelers. (Just another reason to hope the air transportation industry doesn't become more of a monopoly than it already is.)

The same strategy can be used in other domestic markets where the airline offers a three-class cabin, but sells only two classes of service.

AA Flights to Upgrade, Without an Upgrade
(Upcoming issue of First Class Flyer will list fights offering this unbelievable opportunity.)

Learn about similar strategies with many other carriers - domestic and international - in every issue of FIRST CLASS FLYER.

If you want to know how to find the best seats, click here.

Source for further information:
Matthew J. Bennett, CEO
FirstClassFlyer.com
mr.upgrade@firstclassflyer.com
Tel (831) 644-7777