We Asked 4 Travel Experts the Best Way to Get a Flight Upgrade-Here Are Their Top Tips for Success

""Reaching airline elite status definitely bumps you ahead in the upgrade queue. But for an average traveler, buying smart trumps collecting miles.""

""The ideal moment to snag an upgrade is two to three weeks before your flight; that's when airlines sneak out noticeably cheaper premium tickets.""

""If you're going to fly at least one week later, you can often book the flight and then, after you buy it, go back into the reservation in your app and see if it offers you an upgrade.""

Travelers can increase their chances of receiving flight upgrades by reaching elite status and making strategic purchases. Buying tickets two to three weeks before departure often yields cheaper premium options. Waiting to upgrade until closer to the flight can also result in lower prices. For those in hub cities, checking for upgrades after booking can provide significant savings compared to purchasing first-class tickets outright. Frequent flyer status may be less important than smart buying strategies.

Read at Travel + Leisure