Trip Coach: March 27, 2006

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DENVER CO: My question is not so much about upgrade but about how does one go about getting moved to one of the 5 or 6 first rows that the airlines hold until day of flight and say that they can only be released on that day? When you book on line the rows always start with 10 or 11.

Matthew Bennett: These seats are usually reserved for elite status mileage club members. If they don't fill up, they can be given away just before departure. Try boarding just before departure and asking an agent just before you do.

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Queens, NY: I've been a silver medallion member with Dleta for 3 years, and have well over 200,000 frequent flyer miles with them, but I have never once been upgraded by Delta. Is there something that I should be doing?

Matthew Bennett: I hear this from elite members of airlines that give away "free" upgrades all the time. The promise is alluring, but, with so many looking for the freebies, there are simple not enough to go around. Try another program if you can.

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New York, NY: If I purchase coach tickets to a destionation and a friend wants to give me reward miles to upgrade to first or business class, will most airlines allow this?

Matthew Bennett: Yes. The rules allow one person to redeem their miles for another person's travel, no problem.

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Sarasota, Florida: I visit Ireland annually July thru Sept. Since flying business on several occasions I am spoiled, however, always thru upgrades with mileage. What is the best way to attain upgrade seats. I paid $1,825 for the upgradable ticket plus 50,000 miles. Any suggestions to improve the process will be greatly appreciated.

Matthew Bennett: This sounds like a Delta fare as it's quite high. If you're considering paying this much, I'd either ask what a Business Class fare is to purchase outright, and save your miles -- or, use another 30,000 or 40,000 miles for a free Business Class ticket, and save the money.