Trip Coach: March 27, 2006

Granville, Ohio: My sister and I are traveling from Columbus, Ohio to Amsterdam. What is the best strategy to try and get upgraded without paying an arm and leg? My sister is not a very good flyer and gets nervous, this is her longest trip yet!

Matthew Bennett: If you're willing to pay a little more, and you don't have the miles to upgrade, you might consider United's "Economy Plus Access." For $299/year, it upgrades you to coach seats with five inched more legroom, for you and a companion, for a full year's worth of travel. The five inches of extra legroom may not sound like a lot, but it can indeed make you feel much less like a sardine.

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LAS VEGAS, NV: My parents are going to fly out to visit me in May. They usually fly Delta airlines from Sarasota. They do have frequent flyer miles, however, I do not think they will be using them for this trip. They are both in their 80"s and they have problems with the cramped seats. Is there any way that I can upgrade them after they purchase their tickets. They have limited money and I would like to make their trip more relaxing.

Matthew Bennett: You can always pay the "fare difference," after you've already purchased a coach ticket to upgrade, which isn't always as bad as you may think. It's always worth asking what the difference in fares is as you may occasionally be surprised.

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Los Gatos , California: We frequently fly between San Jose, CA ans Maui, Hawaii on a variety of airlines. How do you get an upgrade? I have lots of frequent flyer miles on United and American. Nancy

Matthew Bennett: Great question. I'd try upgrading on United first, as it doesn't have the "upgrade surcharge" American just instituted on this route. Try to book as far in advance as possible for the best availability of seats, and just call the airline direct.

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Savannah, GA: In September my husband and I are flying to Barcelona for a Mediterranean cruise. I have about 60,000 Skymiles and will have more by then. If we get cheap tickets now, will we be able to upgrade to Business Class? Is it possible to upgrade at least one way? Thank you.

Jeanne

Matthew Bennett: Delta has the worst upgradeable fares of any airline I know. You have buy a fare booked in "M" class, which can be double the normal fare, if not triple. What's worse is if you buy the M fare now, you might not even be able to upgrade! Stay away from Delta miles/upgrades as much as possible.