Matthew Bennett: Hi, it's Matthew Bennett here. Thanks for joining me. There are a lot of questions here so I'll try to keep my responses brief to cover as many questions as possible.

_______________________

Salt Lake City, Utah: What's a methodical way to research how to get first class tickets? It's incredibly daunting for a beginner to the upgrade game, since the best way to get from A to Z isn't necessarily a straight line. I am planning a trip with my husband to Ireland in October (no exact dates yet). We have plenty of American Express Rewards points and Delta miles, but I don't want to squander them--I'm also planning a trip to New Zealand for us sometime next January or February.

Jeannie

Matthew Bennett: I'd start by learning ALL the Amex point-transfer partners. There are a number of them and I'd take whichever has the best availability of mileage seats. Check availability with the partner before you transfer your Amex points into airline miles -- as you can't transfer back. I'd even look at flying Virgin Atlantic via London, as it has the best Business Class transatlantic.

_______________________

Sydney, NSW, Australia: Hi,

I travel to the US every 12 months and to Europe occasionally and have never been able to get an upgrade. On August 28 I am flying from Sydney to London and back on September 19 - Copenhagen/London/Sydney. I have asked when I have booked, at check in and at the service desk and everyone tells me it is someone else who makes the decision. I dress neatly, only carry a large purse and sometimes a camera case and always check in as early as possible. Help?

Regards,

Robyn

Matthew Bennett: Without a confirmed Business Class ticket in hand before you're off to the airport, you're really leaving it up to (not good) chances. Nowadays, the flight must be oversold before gate agents are interested in moving passengers to Business Class. You might ask a travel agent to look at the seat map to find a full row of empty coach seats, which might allow for some decent sleep.

_______________________